Summer sorted with the National Trust in and around Hampshire

Discover great places for family days out this summer, with the National Trust in and around Hampshire.

Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find acres of space, and lots of activities to keep you and the kids entertained, so you don’t need to do all the hard work yourself.

Give classic family games like hula hooping and sack races a try, keep children enthralled with matinee outdoor theatre, and step into imagination-busting exhibitions.

When you need a break between activities you’re never far from a restful picnic spot with a beautiful view. Or grab some food and drink at the café – look out for the extra pop-up refreshment points over the summer.

Check out the highlights below and find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hampshire.

ABOVE

Children playing with hula hoops | National Trust Images, Paul Harris

LEFT

Children sack racing | National Trust Images, Arnhel de Serra

Extraordinary Exhibitions

MOTTISFONT, NEAR ROMSEY

Happy Families: Adventures with the Ahlbergs exhibition and outdoor trail, 22 July to 3 September, trail £3 (trail aimed at 3 to 12 yrs but fun for everyone)

Step into the hilarious worlds of Burglar Bill, Mrs Wobble, The Jolly Postman and other much-loved Ahlberg storybook characters, in this exciting exhibition and outdoor trail. Mottisfont’s gallery rooms have been transformed into imaginative, playful spaces, with over 150 original artworks, comfy reading zones, interactive experiences, and blown-up backdrops for family photos. Outside, a colourful trail introduces active games and challenges inspired by the Ahlberg characters, and a cosy space where kids can create and tell stories.

SANDHAM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, BURGHCLERE, NEAR NEWBURY

Life on Watership Down, 27 July to 12 November, 11am –3pm, normal admission only

Adults and children alike will enjoy this colourful display of oil paintings by Aldo Galli for the 40th anniversary edition of Richard Adams’ famous novel about the rabbits of Watership Down. Adams lived not far from Sandham, and the Down can be seen from the chapel’s orchard.

Traditional Games And Nature Trails

THE VYNE, NEAR BASINGSTOKE

Summer of Play, 22 July to 3 September, activities free, suitable for all ages

Come to The Vyne for a summer of traditional games that the whole family can join in with. On the large lakeside lawn you’ll find all the classics, from sack races and ring toss, to pin the tail on the donkey. New wildlife spotter sheets will take little ones on a hunt for swooping birds, fluttering butterflies and dancing dragonflies.

HINTON AMPNER, NEAR ALRESFORD

Tree-mendous Tree Trail, 15 July to 3 September, trail £2

Take up the challenge of our Tree-mendous Adventure trail to become a ‘Hinton dendrologist’. Track down tree-themed activities including games and design challenges on this multi-sensory trail through the gardens, leading to a prize. Don’t forget to pop into the kitchen garden to say hello to the resident scarecrow who looks after the garden produce.

UPPARK, NEAR PETERSFIELD

Nature Explorer Adventure, 15 July to 29 October, trail £1

Uppark’s gardens and little woodland are great places for early adventures into our amazing natural world. Kids can grab a Nature Explorer activity sheet to find fun challenges all about the animals and nature at Uppark. When you fancy a break, there are snacks and lunches on offer, and a pretty wildflower meadow that’s perfect for picnics.

SANDHAM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, BURGHCLERE, NEAR NEWBURY

Morse code trail, 22 July to 4 September, 50p. Follow this new garden trail which has a secret wartime code to crack.

Spot the Soldier, 22 July to 4 September, 50p. Hunt out the little green soldiers hidden around Sandham’s exhibition space.

Family Theatre

UPPARK, NEAR PETERSFIELD

Alice in Wonderland by Dot Productions theatre, 8 & 9 August, 2 – 3.30pm, single tickets £11 or £40 up to four people including one adult. Book at https://www. nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark.

In this fun new production you’ll join Alice as she explores Wonderland and meets fantastical characters. Follow the White Rabbit, have tea with the Mad Hatter, and watch out for the dreaded Queen of Hearts! Set against the backdrop of Uppark’s Palladian mansion and surrounded by wildflowers, this is a perfect afternoon out for adults and children alike.

Harvest Fun

WINCHESTER CITY MILL, WINCHESTER

Farm Fest – Summer Celebration, 14 June to 27 August

Celebrate the lead up to harvest at Winchester City Mill and find out about harvest time in England through the centuries. You can be crowned King of the Harvest toosit on the Mill’s beautifully decorated harvest throne for a fab photo opportunity.