Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="981" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Mottisfont-summer-National-Trust-Images-Robert-Morris-154093.jpg" alt="Mottisfont Romsey Hampshire Days out National-Trust-Images-Robert-Morris" class="wp-image-38246" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Mottisfont-summer-National-Trust-Images-Robert-Morris-154093.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Mottisfont-summer-National-Trust-Images-Robert-Morris-154093-800x523.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Mottisfont-summer-National-Trust-Images-Robert-Morris-154093-1000x654.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Mottisfont-summer-National-Trust-Images-Robert-Morris-154093-768x502.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: National Trust Images. <em>Robert-Morris</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Love a bargain? Of course you do. March brings one of the best excuses for a day out, with discounted entry to Hampshire and Isle of Wight attractions and some that won’t cost a penny. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Lottery Open Week</a> on 7–15 March sees museums, historic houses and attractions across Hampshire opening their doors for free or offering special deals to anyone with a National Lottery ticket.</p>



<p>From historic houses and working mills to family-friendly museums, here are some of the best places to head for locally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-historic-ships-at-portsmouth-historic-dockyard">Explore historic ships at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/HMS-Victory.jpg" alt="HMS Victory Portsmouth Historic Dockyard" class="wp-image-34531" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/HMS-Victory.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/HMS-Victory-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/HMS-Victory-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/07/HMS-Victory-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>At <a href="https://historicdockyard.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portsmouth Historic Dockyard</a> you can dive into centuries of naval history in one of the UK’s most impressive maritime heritage sites. Step aboard famous ships including HMS Victory and the pioneering iron warship HMS Warrior. See King Henry VIII&#8217;s Tudor flagship, the Mary Rose, displayed alongside thousands of artefacts recovered from the seabed and discover the story of her remarkable recovery. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/the-mary-rose-trust-buy-1-get-1-free" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy one get one free entry on Sunday 8 March.</a></em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-march-into-military-history-in-aldershot">March into military history in Aldershot</h2>



<p>Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in the town, <a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/aldershot-military-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aldershot Military Museum</a> tells the story of life for soldiers and civilians in the town since 1854. Visitors can explore historic displays, tanks and armoured vehicles and try hands-on activities, including a World War II-inspired assault course. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/hampshire-cultural-trust-aldershot-military-museum-half-price-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Half-price entry between 7–15 March</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-inside-historic-hampshire-houses">Step inside historic Hampshire houses</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min.jpg" alt="The Vyne National Trust Hampshire" class="wp-image-27360" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: National Trust, <em>Arnhel de Serra.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Several National Trust properties in Hampshire are also taking part, offering a rare chance to visit some of the county’s most beautiful historic estates without the usual entry fee.</p>



<p>At <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vyne</a> near Basingstoke, visitors can explore a former Tudor palace surrounded by lakes, woodland and parkland that’s perfect for a spring walk. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/national-trust-the-vyne-free-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free entry 7–14 March, excluding Mother’s Day.</a></em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Hinton-Ampner-National-Trust-Images-Chris-Lacey-1-min.jpg" alt="Hinton Ampner Hampshire days out National Lottery" class="wp-image-27416" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Hinton-Ampner-National-Trust-Images-Chris-Lacey-1-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Hinton-Ampner-National-Trust-Images-Chris-Lacey-1-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Hinton-Ampner-National-Trust-Images-Chris-Lacey-1-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Hinton-Ampner-National-Trust-Images-Chris-Lacey-1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/Hinton-Ampner-National-Trust-Images-Chris-Lacey-1-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: National Trust Images. <em>Chris Lacey.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>In the South Downs, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hinton Ampner</a> offers sweeping countryside views, elegant gardens and beautifully restored interiors. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/national-trust-hinton-ampner-free-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free entry 7–14 March, excluding Mother’s Day.</a></em></p>



<p>Meanwhile near Romsey, get free entry at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mottisfont</a>, the romantic riverside estate known for its art exhibitions, peaceful gardens and scenic walks along the River Test.<em> <a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/national-trust-mottisfont-free-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free admission 7–12 March and 14 March.</a></em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-back-to-the-iron-age">Step back to the Iron Age</h2>



<p>Run by Hampshire Cultural Trust, <a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/museum-iron-age" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Museum of the Iron Age</a> in Andover tells the story of the nearby Danebury Hillfort, one of the most important and best-studied Iron Age sites in Britain. Across two floors, displays use real artefacts and reconstructions to explore life inside it, including defence, farming, home life and religious beliefs. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/hampshire-cultural-trust-museum-of-the-iron-age-free-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free entry from 7–15 March</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-royal-day-out-at-osborne-house">A royal day out at Osborne House</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="990" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Osborne-House-Isle-of-Wight.jpg" alt="Osborne House Isle of Wight" class="wp-image-39747" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Osborne-House-Isle-of-Wight.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Osborne-House-Isle-of-Wight-800x528.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Osborne-House-Isle-of-Wight-1000x660.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Osborne-House-Isle-of-Wight-768x507.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Osborne House, Isle of Wight, <em>English Heritage.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Built as the seaside retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the grand Isle of Wight residence offers a glimpse into royal family life during the Victorian era. Visitors to <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osborne House</a> can explore lavish state rooms, stroll through the gardens and even walk down to the private beach once used by the royal family. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/osborne-free-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free entry 7–8 March and 11–15 March</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-d-day-history-in-portsmouth">Explore D-Day history in Portsmouth</h2>



<p>WW2 buff? <a href="https://theddaystory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The D-Day Story</a> in Portsmouth is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the events of 6 June 1944. The museum tells the story of the Allied invasion through personal accounts, objects and immersive displays. Outside the museum you can also see the remarkable Landing Craft Tank LCT 7074, the last surviving landing craft that carried tanks onto the beaches during D-Day. <em><a href="https://theddaystory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free entry 7–8 March and 10–15 March.</a></em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-into-living-history-in-basingstoke">Step into living history in Basingstoke</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/11/Milestones-Museum-Basingstoke.jpg" alt="Milestones Museum Basingstoke" class="wp-image-20649" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/11/Milestones-Museum-Basingstoke.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/11/Milestones-Museum-Basingstoke-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/11/Milestones-Museum-Basingstoke-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/11/Milestones-Museum-Basingstoke-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/11/Milestones-Museum-Basingstoke-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Milestones Museum. Basingstoke</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milestones</a> brilliant living history museum recreates streets and buildings from Victorian times through to the 1940s. Wander cobbled streets lined with traditional shops, pick up nostalgic treats in a 1940s sweet shop and stop for a drink in the historic pub. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/hampshire-cultural-trust-milestone-museum-half-price-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Half-price entry from 7–15 March.</a></em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-see-winchester-s-iconic-great-hall">See Winchester’s iconic Great Hall</h2>



<p>Winchester’s iconic medieval hall, famous for housing the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table in the last part of what was once the magnificent Winchester Castle. See it for yourself at <a href="https://historicwinchester.co.uk/our-attractions/the-great-hall-with-westgate-museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great Hall and Westgate Museum </a>with half-price day admission. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/hampshire-cultural-trust-the-great-hall-with-westgate-museum-half-price-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">15–23 March, one lottery ticket covers a group of up to ten people.</a></em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-a-fair-cop-in-petersfield">Get a fair cop in Petersfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum.jpg" alt="Petersfield Museum Hampshire days out" class="wp-image-39748" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Petersfield-Museum-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Petersfield Museum.</figcaption></figure>



<p>At <a href="https://www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery</a>, visitors can dive into the town’s past through art, archaeology and social history displays, all housed inside the town’s sympathetically restored Victorian former Police Station. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/petersfield-museum-and-art-gallery-free-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free entry on 7 March and 11–14 March.</a></em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-a-working-silk-mill">Explore a working silk mill</h2>



<p>For something a little different, head to <a href="https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitchurch Silk Mill</a>, the UK’s oldest working silk mill. Visitors can see Victorian looms in action and learn about centuries of textile production inside the beautifully preserved historic building. <em><a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/whitchurch-silk-mill-free-entry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free entry on 7–8 March and 10–15 March</a>.</em></p>



<p><em>For the full list of participating venues and offers, visit the <a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Lottery Open Week website.</a></em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-to-explore-some-more">Want to explore some more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-places-spring-flowers-hampshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 gorgeous gardens in Hampshire and Isle of Wight for spring flowers</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/things-to-do-march/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What&#8217;s on this March around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/local-producers/bombay-sapphire-distillery-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: The Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour, Laverstoke</a></li>
</ul>


National Lottery Open Week: Free and half-price Hampshire days out

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