Autumn Adventures in Hampshire

The changing colours of the trees, the crisp countryside walks and not forgetting the cosy pub lunches – autumn is a wonderful time of year to discover Hampshire. From fantastic firework displays and haunting Halloween half-term events to the best places to go to kick up the leaves – you will find plenty of things to experience in Hampshire in Autumn.  

Autumn is an exciting time to take a trip to Hampshire as it is a little quieter than the summer months but as you will see from our guide below, there is still so much to see and do! 

• Pannage in the New Forest 

• Halloween in Hampshire 

• October Half Term Events 

• The best places to go Pumpkin Picking 

• The best places to see Autumnal Colour 

• The best pubs and restaurants to visit   

• Cosy Autumn Accommodation 

• Bonfire night and Firework Displays 

• Autumn Photography Competition 2021

• Hampshire's Best Attractions to visit in Autumn  

• Dog-Friendly places to visit

• Autumn Spa Breaks 

• Getting to Hampshire 

Hampshire comes alive with colour during the autumn months, and it is the perfect time to explore our two National Parks and countryside. Here is our guide to beautiful autumnal walks, scenic bike routes, cosy country pubs, luxury places to stay and top attractions to explore in Hampshire this Autumn.  

Pannage in the New Forest  

Something spectacular happens in the New Forest every September that few people know of. As you are probably already aware, the New Forest is well known for its roaming cattle and of course the iconic New Forest ponies, but in September another animal is permitted to discover the beauty and tasty treasures of the Forest, the humble pig!  

 Pannage, also known as Common Mast, is the practice of allowing Commoners to free their domestic pigs and piglets to roam the Forest floors to eat the acorns and nuts that have fallen from the trees. Pannage season beings on Monday 13th September until Sunday 14th November. Want to know where the best place to see Pannage in the New Forest? Click on the link below to find out more!  

Pannage in the New Forest 
Discover more about The New Forest in Autumn 
 

Halloween Events in Hampshire 

Spooky things are haunting Hampshire this Halloween and October Half Term...Only the brave can face these ghostly walks, scary activities, and frightful Halloween events that some of our attractions have planned. From candy hunts in illuminated canoes and pumpking picking and calving - there's so much for all ages to enjoy this Halloween. 

See our full guide to what’s on this Halloween and October Half Term in Hampshire using the link below.  

See what’s on this Halloween in Hampshire 
 

October Half-Term Events in Hampshire 

There are plenty of Halloween events and activities in Hampshire this October Half Term to keep your children entertained. Below you will find a full guide to what’s on this Halloween and October Half Term in Hampshire. If the British weather lives up to its name, do not fear as we have put together the top 10 rainy days out in Hampshire. 

See what's on this October Half Term 
 

The best places to go Pumpkin Picking in Hampshire 

On the hunt to find the best-looking pumpkin to carve for Halloween? Or looking to cook up a storm with some pumpkin-themed dishes? Hampshire has a number of pumpkin picking farms open this autumn for you and your family to pick your own pumpkins straight from the field! 

See our 2021 guide to the best places to pick your own pumpkin in Hampshire

The best places in Hampshire to see Autumnal colour 

Hampshire is one of the best destinations in the UK to see the seasonal changes to the flora and fauna of the county. Autumn is a magical time of year to explore our two National Parks, quaint villages and colourful cities. Here are just a few suggestions for the best places to see the earthy tones of Autumn in Hampshire;  

• The New Forest National Park – the Forest is undoubtedly one of our prime locations to full immerse yourself in Autumn. With the changing of the leaves on the tall trees walk to the forest floor covered with crispy crunchy leaves it is a wonderful time to be in and reconnect nature.  

• South Downs National Park - take in the stunning views of Autumb from the top of the highest point in Hampshire, Butser Hill. At 270 metres high, you can sit with your flask and take in the vistas of the surrounding hills, valleys and farmland as the colours of Autumn take over. 

• Mottisfont National Park - this national trust park is another wonderful place to enjoy the colours of autumn as the gardens are vibrant with colours of oranges and yellows. It's the perfect place to kick up the leaves and take a slow stroll along the river. 

• Explore the city of Winchester on Keat's walk  The English Romantic poet, John Keats, stayed in Winchester during the late summer and early autumn of 1819. He was so inspired by the natural beauty of Winchester that, on Sunday 19 September 1819, he penned his ode To Autumn on his return. 

The best pubs and restaurants to visit in Hampshire this Autumn  

Hampshire is a county well known for its excellent selection of local produce, fine-dining restaurants, friendly cafes, and cosy pubs for you to experience this autumn.  

Discover delicious food and drink 

Cosy Autumn Accommodation in Hampshire 

Why not make your October half term trip to Hampshire extra special by extending your stay for a few days! Hampshire is home to a whole host of hotels, B&Bs, cottages and self catering accommodation to suit all budgets.  

See all accommodation in Hampshire 
See hotels in Hampshire
See self-catering accommodation in Hampshire 
See B&B in Hampshire 

Visit Hampshire's Autumn Photography Competition 2021

Our Autumn photography competition is a fantastic opportunity for photographers of all ages and capabilities to show off their talent. We are looking for the best photographs that capture autumn time in Hampshire. From the changing of the trees in the New Forest and kicking up the leaves to pumpkin picking patches and crisp coastal walks. The theme is open to your personal interpretation but we’re looking for beautiful photographs that together will show off Hampshire and those perfect autumn moments. 

Find out how to enter your photos here

See our previous competition entries and winners here  
 

Bonfire Night and Fireworks Displays in Hampshire

Hampshire has some of the best fireworks displays on the South Coast. Discover our ultimate guide to Bonfire Night and fireworks displays across Hampshire and plan which displays you and your friends and family will be attending. Don't forget to wrap up warm! 

See our ultimate guide to Bonfire and Fireworks displays  in Hampshire 
 

Hampshire’s Best Attractions in Autumnn

There’s plenty of moments to be created at Hampshire’s attractions. Dare to walk across the glass floor suspended 100m up from sea level at Emirates Spinnaker Tower, a great attraction whatever the weather.

See our Top 10 Guide to Rainy Days

Discover Family Attractions in Hampshire

Dog-Friendly places to visit in Hampshire 

Autumn moments wouldn’t be the same without your four legged friend so don’t leave them at home. Hampshire is home to a number of dog friendly attractions, accommodation and places to eat. Man’s best friend will love the open space of the two National Parks. 

Find out more about dog friendly places in Hampshire

See all dog friendly accommodation in Hampshire

Spa Breaks

Take a moment for yourself and head to Hampshire for a spa break. With spas scattered across the county in both city, coast and countryside locations you will be sure to unwind from everyday life.

See our Spa break Ideas
 

Getting to Hampshire

By Road
Hampshire is the perfect place for an autumn break, plus its easy to get here by road with quick access to the M3, M27 and A3.

New Forest: 1hr 45 from London
South Downs: 1hr from London

By Rail
With an extensive rail network across Hampshire getting here by train couldn't be easier. 

Best trains stations for New Forest
Brockenhurst: 1hr 30 from London Waterloo
New Milton: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo
Beaulieu Road: 1hr 40 from London Waterloo

Best train stations for South Downs
Winchester: 1hr from London Waterloo
Alton: 1hr 10 from London Waterloo
Petersfield: 1 hr from London
 

Don’t forget to tag us in your autumn snaps of Hampshire on Instagram by using #VisitHampshire for a chance to be featured!