Over the next few weeks, Visit Hampshire will be sharing images and videos, as well as fun facts about the county, offering an opportunity for people to enjoy Hampshire without leaving their own home.
The destination is also encouraging people to join in by sending in their own favourite photos of Hampshire taken in the last year. Tag @VisitHampshire or use #VisitHampshire.
Here’s a round-up of other opportunities to keep-up with news from Hampshire for the time being…
Watch Hampshire’s otter antics
Although Winchester City Mill is in the centre of the city, it’s a location alive with wildlife, including otters, now thriving after being re-introduced to the River Itchen in 1994. For a bit of calm reflection, how about watching these rare and elusive creatures? Catch a glimpse @WCMOtters and discover more about their story at https://bit.ly/3dG5taq
Science inspiration – virtually
Hampshire’s Winchester Science Centre, with the UK’s largest standalone planetarium, may be temporarily closed, but its talented team of experts isn’t letting that stop them from sparking curiosity in science. The Centre has come-up with some fun ways to keep families entertained and informed. Keep an eye on @WinSciCentre for more details.
Buy now, adventure later in Hampshire
New Forest Activities – providing everything from river adventures in a Canadian canoe, to archery and forest bushcraft – is offering 25% off its gift vouchers to use once we are all able to travel again. Vouchers are valid until the end of August 2021; but the offer is available only for the first 100 vouchers sold. https://bit.ly/2xsHJWn
Hampshire kitesurfing festival will return in September
Voted Best UK Kitesurfing event for three years in a row, raising over £200,000 for charity, 2020’s Kitesurfing Armada Festival has now been rescheduled to September 18-20, with all bookings automatically transferred. Staged on Hayling Island Beach, it’s a weekend filled with kitesurfing, live music, entertainment, family activities, fundraising, camping and more. https://bit.ly/2Ugy91L
Victorious Festival
“We hope to see you in sunny Southsea, in August”. That’s the message from Hampshire’s Victorious Festival, a family friendly festival for music lovers, a stone’s throw from the sea. The hope is that with the event still five months away, it will still be able to go ahead as planned on Southsea Seafront, Portsmouth, August 28-30. https://bit.ly/2QzSMno
Cultural comfort from Hampshire
Encompassing 23 venues, including museums and art galleries, Hampshire Cultural Trust is working on plans to bring the best of Hampshire arts and culture to those in self-isolation, working at home, caring for loved ones or just bored beyond belief! Recognising the arts and museums can lift spirits, they hope to deliver new cultural activity over virtual platforms, including social media channels live streaming exhibitions. https://bit.ly/2WFrfVq
Take a ride on the Watercress Line
Here’s a treat for railway enthusiasts, take a trip on the fabulously named Watercress Line heritage railway from the comfort of your sofa. Rekindle the golden age of steam and take a virtual ride through the Hampshire countryside. The Mid Hants Railway is known as the Watercress Line thanks to its history of transporting watercress to London’s markets in the industry’s Victorian heyday. Hop aboard at https://bit.ly/3bjtaU1
Animal magic at Hampshire’s Marwell Zoo
Hampshire’s Marwell Zoo – a140-acre wildlife park that is home to animals from endangered Amur tigers and white rhinos to giraffes and hippos – has created some fun online treats to keep the kids happy while they are at home. From ‘how to draw a snow leopard’ to colour-in tropical birds and Red Panda ‘spot the difference’, animal themed activity sheets can be downloaded on its website for all ages https://bit.ly/3dvwXPR – plus check out the zoo’s video feeds, from its flamingo cam to a giraffe cam https://bit.ly/3dIYjSI. You can also help support Marwell Zoo’s animals in this time of need.
Further information about Hampshire can be found at http://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk.
