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We all know how unpredictable British weather can be. In one day, you can experience blissful sunshine to turbulent storms! But that doesn’t mean that your day has to be hampered by wet days and grey skies.
Hampshire is a treasure trove of remarkable attractions. From mesmerising aquariums to big stately homes and historical wonders, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy regardless of a downpour.
Here, we’ve rounded up 7 best attractions in Hampshire where you can escape the rain and make lasting memories:
Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth
Nearly 500 years ago, Henry VIII watched from Southsea Castle as his favourite warship sunk to the bottom of the Solent. Fast forward to 1982, and the biggest maritime salvage operation of all time uncovered her well-reserved hull, artefacts and dead from her murky resting place.
Now, you can explore her eerie remains, discover fascinating stories from the 500 crew members who lost their lives on that fateful day and unearth hidden mysteries that once lay at the bottom of the Solent.
The Mary Rose experience is a profound, memorable time for people of all ages to enjoy. Kids will get a kick out of the interactive, hands-on displays where they can draw a long bow or follow the fascinating children’s trail. Grownups will be mesmerised as they walk through the upper deck airlock, and breathe in the centuries-old musk of the well-preserved hull.
Exciting Escapes, Various locations
Get lost in the decadence of the 1920s and uncover the dark deeds of an underground casino. Embrace the Victorian age and solve the mysterious Disappearing Duchess. Or travel through time to 2050 and climb aboard the SS Great Britain and uncover a dastardly saboteur!
Exciting Escapes is a thrilling combination of adventure, mystery and adrenaline-pumping fun. Each game will test your grey matter, make you push the boundaries and challenge you to solve puzzles and crack codes.
With award-winning games at their top-rated Portsmouth escape room, Basingstoke and Croydon, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime once you step through the Game Master’s door!
Are you ready to escape the rain and beat the room?
Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum
Beaulieu is one of Hampshire’s worst-kept secrets! Home to the award-winning National Motor Museum, you can find out all there is to know about motoring in Britain from its humble beginnings to the present day.
Wander through the eye-catching displays of classic cars, F1 racers, historic sporting motors and modern rally cars before stopping at the World of Top Gear. You’ll feel like you’re in the original iconic studio where you can see unique behind-the-scenes footage direct from Top Gear HQ.
Afterwards, make your way up to the enchanting Palace House – home to Lord Montagu’s family since 1538. Meet the cook, butler and housemaids to get a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a Victorian country house.
Make a stop at the vast Beaulieu Abbey. With over 8,00 years of ancient history within its ruins, including the devastating destruction at Henry VIIIs order, you can reconnect with the past through the eyes of the present.
Other highlights include Little Beaulieu – a fantastic new play area for children of all ages, a monorail ride around the grounds, and the Secret Army Exhibition!
Winchester Science Centre
Two floors of action-packed, exhilarating family fun await you at Winchester Science Centre. Blast off on an out-of-this-world adventure at Explorer Space. Feel the vibrations of a 10m long playable guitar and hear the acoustics inside a sonic rocket!
Science comes to life at this STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) centred complex. Take part in hands-on interactives, explosive demos and experiments, explore the weird and wonderful wildlife of the South Downs and feel captivated as you travel through the stars in the unforgettable Planetarium experience.
A perfect destination for mini explorers and space adventurers, Winchester Science Centre, is a great day out for the whole family, come rain or shine!
Milestones Museum, Basingstoke
See the past come to life at Milestones, Hampshire’s living museum in Basingstoke. Walk through the Victorian cobbled streets, and marvel at the 20,000 plus objects that shaped the lives of the people who lived in Hampshire over the years.
Petrol heads will get swept up in the golden age of motoring as they cast an eye over the museum’s beautifully restored collection of vintage vehicles. Those who like to get their shopping fix will enjoy looking at the familiar and bizarre items that you used to be able to buy.
Kids and grownups alike will be enchanted by the old penny arcade and the Milestone Pier. Make sure you sample a ration of 1940s-style confectionary from the sweet shop or have a cheeky pint, soft drink or tea at the Baverstock Arms.
Suitable for all ages, Milestones is a great attraction to visit to escape the rain. Younger children will love the specially created Play Space and exploring the museum’s fun I-Spy trails. Older folk will get a kick out of the dazzling gramophone shop as they listen to music from a bygone age!
With plenty to see and do all year round, Milestones is a must-visit for the day trippers to the regular explorer!
Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth
Are you ready for the ultimate undersea safari? Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium will take you on an adventure through the tropical coral reefs to the rich variety of British waters, giving you a fantastic glimpse into the hidden world beneath the waves.
You’ll discover the mesmerising giant tropical reef tank at the aquarium’s heart. Home to hundreds of vibrantly coloured fish, sharks and stingrays, you’ll quickly lose yourself in the enchanting majesty of the underwater creatures.
Walk through the glass tunnel to get up close to the creatures and see life from the seabed! When you visit, try to spot black tip reef sharks, crested horn sharks, otters, terrapins, and spider crabs!
Escape the downpour and marvel at the wonderful variety of attractions Hampshire has to offer! Where will you visit first?