Exploring Hampshire This Half Term
We are now entering the midst of Autumn, which means that Halloween and half term are both on the horizon, so it's a good time to start planning some fun activities to round up October.
Hampshire has a great range of family friendly events and attractions to entertain the children over the school break. Check out some of the locations below for activities that both adults and children alike can enjoy.
Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth
The Blue Reef Aquarium has more than 40 displays and throughout the year hosts a number of events, including educational talks and animal feeding sessions.
Here you can come and see a whole range of sea creatures including otters, spider crabs, rays, black tip reef sharks, zebra sharks, terrapins and much more. Located in the aquarium there is a giant tropical reef tank which has brightly coloured reef fish and a tropical coral reef to marvel at.
You can also find an onsite café on the premises which includes a menu of hot dishes, so that you and the family can grab a bite to eat. The aquarium is open all year round however opening times may vary.
Halloween Pumpkin Trail at The Vyne, Basingstoke
For a truly seasonal event, visit the Halloween Pumpkin Trail at The Vyne in Basingstoke. Here you can collect an activity sheet for £2 from reception and go on the hunt for pumpkins. There are two spooky trails planned for both 0-7's and 8 years+.
Hosted within the grounds of a former Tudor palace, the pumpkin trail is open from 20th October until 4th November.
Jane Austen's House Museum, Chawton
Visit the house where Jane Austen wrote her famous works, such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park. Jane lived here for the last eight years of her life and the museum is now dedicated to her work and life. The House Museum attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and is considered to be one of the most important literary sites in the world.
At the Jane Austen House Museum, you can find some of her personal possessions such as handwritten letters and her own jewellery collection. Activities for all ages can be found here, as well as a range of other exhibitions and beautiful gardens to explore.
Between September and December, the museum is open between 10.30am and 4.30pm.
Halloween October Half Term at Hurst Castle, Keyhaven
Hurst Castle is set by the coast in Milford on Sea, during October this year the castle is hosting a week of arts and crafts featuring a Trick or Treat trail at Hurst Castle, running from Saturday 20th to Sunday 28th October. On the 23rd and 24th October, Hurst Castle will also be hosting 'Creepy Castle Ghost Stories' with the Treehouse Theatre Productions.
If you want to find out more about our new homes in Hampshire then you can visit the website here.