Whether it’s your favourite season or whether you can’t wait until next summer, there are plenty of cosy places in Hampshire that you can visit on a great autumn day out. From pumpkin picking to visiting some historical sites, we’ve put together a list of some of the best.
Here are 13 of the best places to visit this autumn in and around Portsmouth.


. Pumpkin picking
There are a number of places in - and near - Hampshire where you can get into the spooky seasonal spirit by picking your own pumpkin. One popular spot is the Rogate Pumpkin Patch in Petersfield, which will open for business on Friday, October 13. For more, visit rogatepumpkinpatch.com Photo: contrib

. Explore a National Trust property
The National Trsut is running a promotion this Autumn and offering people a free pass to use at one of their Hampshire locations. To claim your free pass visit the National Trust’s website, select the free member’s ticket option and use the code ESCAPEINTOAUTUMN2023 when asked for your membership number. Pictured are visitors exploring the garden in winter at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire. Picture by Chris Lac/National Trust Images Photo: ©National Trust Images/Chris La

. Alver Valley Country Park
Another place to take in the autumnal scenery is Alver Valley Country Park in Lee-on-the-Solent. There are plenty of woodland walks to look at the changing leaves and a park for those with children. Picture: Sarah Standing (180641-3088) Photo: Sarah Standing

. Old Portsmouth
A stroll through the streets of Old Portsmouth is scenic all year round, but it makes for a particularly cosy destination in the autumn as days get shorter. Pictured is Portsmouth Cathedral, in the centre of Old Portsmouth. Picture: Chris Moorhouse Photo: Chris Moorhouse

5. Old Portsmouth
A stroll through the streets of Old Portsmouth is scenic all year round, but it makes for a particularly cosy destination in the autumn as days get shorter. Pictured is Portsmouth Cathedral, in the centre of Old Portsmouth. Picture: Chris Moorhouse Photo: Chris Moorhouse

6. The Isle of Wight
Accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight is packed with walks and desinations to fill an autumn day out or longer. Picture: Adobe Stock Photo: chris - stock.adobe.com

7. Fort Nelson - Portchester
Fort Nelson, home to partn of the Royal Armouries collection, makes a great autumn destination as it has both indoor and outdoor displays. The victorian military relic, with its underground tunnels and secret chambers, is also hosting a free "fear at the fort" Halloween event later this month. Visit https://royalarmouries.org/fort-nelson/ for more details. Picture: Mike Cooter Photo: Mike Cooter

8. Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, offers a great family day out all year round and its 140-acres of parkland only becomes more picturesque in the autumn. Photo: Paul Collins