MUST VISIT: Rose Season at Mottisfont, until Sat 29 June, Romsey

Mottisfont-roses-National-Trust-Images-Steve-Sayers

Blooming lovely and celebrating 50 years, the National Trust big hitter is extending its opening times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29 June. The gardens open until 8pm with off-peak admission. Special Celebration Evenings are Friday 7, 14, and 21 June from 5 – 8pm. Listen to live jazz from the FB Pocket Orchestra and try and buy English wines from award-winning Hampshire vineyard, Black Chalk.

THEATRE: Wicked, until Sun 16 June, The Mayflower, Southampton

Wicked musical at Mayflower Southampton June 2024 — Pic: Danny Kaan

One of the most successful musicals of all time, the smash show Wicked has flown in again at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre. Hop on your broomstick and join Elphaba (Laura Pick) here as she becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.

KIDS: Fairytales at Furzey, until Sun 1 September, Furzey Gardens, Minstead, New Forest

Fairies in the gardens? Spark their imagination with this beautiful new interactive story trail just launched for the summer at Furzey Gardens. Discover original works of art across 15 fairytale lands.

D-DAY: D-Day 80, Sat 1 – Sun 9 June, Portsmouth

The Red Arrows D-Day events Portsmouth Hampshire 2024

There are plenty of events on this June to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944. Tens of thousands of soldiers crossed the channel from Hampshire in a daring and dangerous operation to liberate occupied France.

D-Day 80: Firepower Weekend at the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson in Fareham (Sat 1 – Sun 2 June) combines a weekend of big gun firings, Second World War artillery displays, re-enactors and military vehicles with contemporary music from singing duo Perfect Vintage.

Presented by Vernon Kay, the BBC Radio 2 D-Day Concert is at Portsmouth Guildhall on Mon 3 June. It’ll feature the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Big Band performing enduring music of the era.

Broadcast live on the BBC, the large-scale event on Southsea Common on Weds 5 June is sold out. However, visitors can attend the memorial service on Thurs 6 June and Armed Forces Day on Saturday 8 June. Here, there’ll be parades, music, military vehicles, parachute jumps and a chance to see the amazing Red Arrows flying over the Solent.

The Silhouettes Portsmouth and Hampshire Lindy Hoppers D-Day 80 June 2024

At the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, see The Silhouettes on Thurs 6 June. The trio of vintage loving songstresses will pay musical tribute to the entertainers who helped maintain morale throughout the 1940s. Portsmouth and Hampshire Lindy Hoppers are also invited to join in flash mob swing dancing in Guildhall Walk (5.30pm – 7.30pm).

Proms at the Kings (Sun 9 June) will feature music performed live by the 40-piece Kings Theatre Orchestra, rounded off with an uplifting ‘Last Night at The Proms’ style sing-a-long. Profits from the event will be donated to local charities that support veterans and their families.

Head for the D-Day Story on Southsea Common and look at its special D-Day in 80 Objects exhibit online. There’s also a D-Day in 80 Objects Evening Talk by the curator at the museum on Weds 12 June.

Open throughout, while in town, stay or eat at the Queens on Southsea Common. The historic hotel played host to wartime figures including Sir Winston Churchill, General Dwight D Eisenhower and General Charles de Gaulle.

FESTIVAL: Dogstival, Sat 1 – Sun 2 June, Burley Park, New Forest

Dogstival, Sat 1 – Sun 2 June, Burley Park, New Forest — Pic: Luke MacGregor

The brilliantly barking event returns, this year at the Burley Estate. Active pups will love doggie sports like flyball and agility, the giant adventure playground, diving and splash pools. If they’d rather hang out, there’s a double decker Boogie Bus Bar independent stalls selling doggy delicacies and kit, plus plenty of food and drink for hungry hoomans.

FOOD & DRINK: Moro & Candover Brook at The Yard, Wed 5 June, The Yard, Chilton Candover, Alresford

Now, here’s a foodie pairing not to miss! Sam Clark of top North African and Spanish restaurant Moro in London and Mark Sainsbury of Hampshire’s Candover Brook Vineyard will come together at The Yard this month. The friends will talk about their love of food and wine while cooking and serving up selection of canapés, paired with a glass of Candover Brook fizz. After, Sam Clark will sign copies of his new cookbook, Easy.

OUTDOORS: The Garden Show, Fri 7 – Sun 9 June, Stansted Park, Rowland’s Castle

A blooming marvellous day out in the grounds of the magnificent Stansted House. The Garden Show combines specialist growers with garden gear, artisan designs, homewares, fashion and foods with talks, demos, family activities, music and entertainment.

FESTIVAL: Victoria Day, Sat 8 June, Aldershot

A fun family festival celebrating Aldershot’s close ties with Queen Victoria. This year’s carnival of the animals-themed festival will have family activities, live music, dance wild stilt walkers, giant animals performers, the Bubble Man, face painters. There’ll also be Lego building and of course, a special appearance by Aldershot’s Betty Bryce as the great lady herself.

OUTDOORS: Festival of Flowers, Sat 8 – Sun 30 June, Hinton Ampner, nr. Alresford

Big fan of bright summer blooms? Then you’ve something in common with the last owner of the National Trust’s floral haven, Hinton Ampner. Ralph Dutton loved cut flowers and grew them in his garden here. Carrying on his legacy, the Festival of Flowers event brings beautiful floral arrangements throughout the house.

FOOD & DRINK: British Street Food Awards, Sat 8 – Sun 9 June, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

The region’s best street food vendors will converge on The Plaza at Gunwharf Quays this June (Sat 8 June, 12 – 8pm and Sun 9 June), battling to win the public vote. New finalists this year include Neapolitan pizza-makers Sourdoughlicious, Dirty Boy Burgers, and Flats who make Canadian-inspired vegan doughnuts. Other finalists in the Southern heat include Portsmouth’s own Justasia, who make Filipino cuisine. Make a day of it with a spot of shopping then settle in for cocktails and live DJ performances at the event’s Bone Bar.

THEATRE: Unwrapped Festival, Sat 8 – Sun 9 June, Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh & Greta Park, Hedge End

Cool for kooky cats, the Point Theatre Eastleigh and The Berry Theatre, Hedge End have their annual free Unwrapped festival. Held over two days and in two locations, there’ll be dance, bubble play and disco, a unicycling juggler and an, err, quirky 7ft Swan Pedalo walkabout and photo op (above). There’s also an arts and crafts market and festi-food from local vendors.

KIDS: LEAF Open Farm Sundays, Sun 9 June, various locations, Hampshire & Isle of Wight

Cows in a field at sunset Open Farm Sundays Hampshire Isle of Wight June 2024

LEAF’s annual farm tours always make for a fun day out with the kids and a chance to learn more about those working in the beautiful Hampshire and Isle of Wight countryside.

This year, events include Open Farm Sunday at the Leckford Estate (aka the Waitrose Farm). Meet the animals and take a tour and tractor ride at the Matterley Estate near Winchester. Dairy Farm tours, tractor and trailer rides, a woodland walk and more at Brixeys Dairy Farm near Ringwood.

On the Island, tour the eco-minded Nunwell Farm at Sandown, see the beautiful Belted Galloway Cattle with face painting and a hay bale fort for the kids and a horse box cafe serving tea and homemade cakes.

COMEDY: Julian Clary: A Fistful of Clary, Wed 12 June, The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Julian Clary Wed 12 June, The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth Hampshire

‘Renowned homosexual and national trinket’ Julian Clary is saddling up and heading back to Hampshire. The Western-themed show will be filled with his trademark camp and hilarious double entendre. Yee haw, haw!

THEATRE: The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Fri 14 – Sun 16 June, The Haymarket, Basingstoke

tiger-who-came-to-tea-pamela-raith The Haymarket Basingstoke — Pic: Pamela Raith

Direct from the West End, this Olivier Award-nominated musical play is based on the classic book by Judith Kerr. Join Sophie, her mum and a tea-guzzling tiger for a chaotic, fun filled-family show full of magic, songs and entertainment.

MUSIC: Southampton Summer Sessions, 15 – 30 June, Southampton

Coming to Guildhall Square for the first time this year, Madness, Kaiser Chefs, Paloma Faith, Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Air, Loyle Carner and Placebo will all perform in a series of outdoor summer music concerts.

FOOD & DRINK: Gin & Steam, Sat 15 – Sun 16 June, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet

All aboard the Gin Train! A new event for 2024, taste craft gins, rums and vodkas then board one of the heritage railway’s historic steam locomotives as it travels through the Island’s countryside.

EXHIBITION: Peggy Guggenheim: Petersfield to Palazzo, Sat 15 June – Sat 5 October, Petersfield Museum

Peggy Guggenheim Petersfield to Palazzo, Sat 15 June - Sat 5 October, Petersfield Museum Hampshire

The Guggenheim name is synonymous with the great cities of New York, Bilbao and Venice. But less so with the Hampshire market town of Petersfield. Celebrating the connection, this new exhibition at the Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery provides a window into extraordinary life of Peggy Guggenheim, the self-proclaimed ‘art addict’. Before buying the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal in Venice, the world-famous art patron lived close to the town.

SAILING: Round the Island, Sat 15 June, Cowes

Round the Island Race sailing Isle of Wight Cowes June 2024 — Pic: Paul Wyeth / @roundtheisland

A firm fixture in the sailing calendar, the annual Round the Island Race sees more than 1,200 boats and their crews circumnavigate the Isle of Wight, starting on the Royal Yacht Squadron line just off Cowes. This year, a new Official Hospitality Venue, located on The Parade in Cowes will be open throughout the race weekend. It’s open to competitors, race supporters and spectators with food and drinks in the bar and Mermaid Garden, a stage and big screen, live music, Helly Hansen and RNLI stands.

FOOD & DRINK: Father’s Day at Lainston House, Sun 16 June, Winchester

Treat dad with a foodie Father’s Day lineup at the luxe country house hotel. Choose between a sophisticated afternoon tea, a Sunday Feast with Crumbs Brewery or a summery hog roast, along with clay pigeon shooting in the hotel’s 63-acre parklands.

ACTIVITIES: Papa’s Paddle to the Pub, Sun 16 June, New Forest Activities, Beaulieu

Want to up your Father’s Day game from smellies and socks to a special family outing? Treat dad to a relaxing paddle through the beautiful Beaulieu River Nature Reserve. Then clamber out at the Master Builder’s pub on the riverside where a cold beer awaits. Scenic.

OUTDOORS: The Good Festival, Whitchurch, Sun 16 June

A family affair in the rolling Test Valley countryside in the scenic fields of Dummer Down Farm just outside Basingstoke. Giddy up for pony rides, yoga, glitter tattoos, a dog show, flower weaving and, err, crocodile encounters? All profits are donated to the Hampshire Medical Fund, supporting local hospitals and patients.

FOOD & DRINK: Father’s Day Fayre Ft. ‘Doing Elton’, Sun 16 June, Hambledon Vineyard, Hambledon

An entertaining day for dad at Hambledon Vineyard, watch top tribute act ‘Doing Elton’ performing on a grand white piano, magic shows, balloon artists, while tucking into food and (of course) a glass of tasty English Sparkling Wine. Sounds like a vine day out to us.

FOOD & DRINK: Father’s Day Sunday BBQ, Sun 16 June, Rhinefield House, New Forest

Man at BBQ Hand Picked Hotels Rhinefileld House Fathers Day June 2024 Hampshire

Dad more of a BBQ man? Give him the afternoon off and let him choose from juicy burgers and steaks straight from the grill, all expertly prepared by Rhinefield House chefs with live acoustic music and a gin tasting experience.

ART: Beautiful Blooms Watercolour Workshop, 19 June, Lower Norton Flower Farm, near Winchester

A colourful, creative session with local artist Jo Richards. Wander the blooming beautiful flower fields at Lower Norton Flower Farm. Pick a few stems for inspiration and get guidance on using water colour and botanical painting techniques to help you create your masterpiece.

OUTDOORS: Summer Solstice Dusk-till-Dawn Walk, Thurs 20 – Fri 21 June, Queen Elizabeth Country Park

One for the night owls, this six-hour moonlit trek will cover 18km of the South Downs Way. It finishes at Butser Hill, the highest point in Hampshire, to welcome in the sunrise on the longest day.

MUSIC: Isle of Wight Festival, Newport, Thurs 20 – Sun 23 June

Tents at the ready – the Isle of Wight Festival is one of the original and best. Rock out to the sounds of The Prodigy, Green Day, The Pet Shop Boys, Simple Minds, Suede, and more.

EVENT: Jane Austen Regency Day, Sat 22 June, Alton High Street

A firm fixture in the market town’s calendar, the annual Jane Austen Regency Day in the market town brings music and dancing, Regency costumes, petting animals and horse and carriage rides. Over at Chawton House special events marking Regency Week include a Curator’s Tour of the summer exhibition, Chawton in Stitches and Regency Week Garden Tour, both on Fri 28 June.

FOOD & DRINK: Summer Solstice Festival, Sat 22 June, the Old Mill, Lymington

The Old Mill New Forest Hampshire pubs terrace outdoor eating

With its large terrace, three-acre gardens and menu of pub classics and summery sharers, the Old Mill is a great place to spend a sunny evening. Starting at 12pm, the Summer Solstice Festival on Sat 22 June has live local music acts until 10pm including One Man Band, Cheese and Weasels, The Wafoos and Bish Bash Bosh.

OUTDOOR MOVIES: Adventure Cinema at Somerley House, Sat 22 – Sun 23 June, New Forest

Bring a camping chair and picnic for films in the idyllic Walled Garden at the scenic 7,000 acre-estate near Ringwood. It starts with the original Top Gun on Friday 21 June. That’s followed by The Greatest Showman Singalong and all-singing and dancing Mamma Mia (Sat 22 June). Then The Gruffalo / Stick Man, Sing and Pretty Woman on Sun 23 June.

FOOD & DRINK: Fizz Fest, Sun 23 June, The Grange, Alresford

Love a drop of the local? Hampshire is an absolute hotspot for English sparkling wine, something that’s celebrated stylishly at Vineyard’s of Hampshire’s Festival of Fizz, this year coinciding with English Wine Week. Held at the Grange and its beautiful Burges Field vineyard near Alresford, it’ll feature the wares of top local producers. Head for the tasting tent to find your favourites. There’s also live music while you schlurp, Hampshire street food stalls, themed masterclasses (book ahead) and the chance to tour the winery.

THEATRE: John Lydon, Fri 28 June, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth

John Lydon Fri 28 June, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth

Controversial and always entertaining, John Lydon, aka ‘Johnny Rotten’, is touring the UK with his spoken word show, I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right. Hear his unique perspectives on life and his extraordinary career, with a chance to ask questions afterwards. Expect colourful tales – and language that’ll turn the air appropriately Pompey blue.

SHOPPING: Giovanni Pernice x Perfumery & Co Vita launch, Fri 28 June, The Furlong, Ringwood

Love Strictly – or, more specifically, the hot Italian dancer, Giovvani Pernice? Meet him at Perfumery & Co Ringwood this month as he launches his unisex new VITA perfume at 1pm on Fri 28 June. Fresh marine and bergamot top notes are ‘inspired by the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean’.

OUTDOOR MOVIES: Adventure Cinema at Stanstead Park, Fri 28 – Sun 30 June, Rowlands Castle

The grand stately estate is a great venue for a spot of alfresco film watching, with a good cafè, walks, mini railway and a play area here too if you want to make a day of it. The Adventure Cinema lineup this year starts on Friday 28 June with Grease (classic). It’s followed by Jurassic Park and an all-singing and dancing Mamma Mia showing (Sat 29 June) and The Gruffalo / Stick Man, Sing and Pretty Woman (Sun 30 June).

CARS: Wight Wheels, Sun 30 June, Chale, Isle of Wight

Formerly the Classic Car and Bike Show, this celebration of motoring will bring together a mix of vehicles of all kinds, from classic and modified cars to drag cars, hot rods, bikes and more. A family day out, there’ll be a Kids Treasure Hunt with prizes, stalls and a food court.

FURTHER AFIELD

DAYS OUT: Royal Mews, open now, City of Westminster, London

*The Gold State Coach. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024*

Love the pomp and ceremony of royal events? Head for the Royal Mews – a working royal stables responsible for the King’s road travel. A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, you can get up close to the fairytale-like Gold State Coach used in coronations since 1821 and the Rolls Royce Phantom VI used in royal weddings. Climb aboard a reproduction landau for that essential photo opp, tack up a (wooden) pony, and ‘ooh and aah’ over the other carriages and shiny bits of kit. A great day out for all ages. Tickets: adults from £17, Kids (5-17yrs) from £8.50 and under 5s free.

What’s on in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this June

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