Looking for a fun and quirky day out in Hampshire? Whether you’re a local or visiting, the county is full of unique and offbeat events that are perfect for anyone looking to add a little extra fun to their day. From unusual festivals to hidden gems, we’ve rounded up a list of some of Hampshire’s most quirky and exciting events. Get ready to step off the beaten path and discover something truly memorable for your next adventure! ✨
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Watercress Festival
The Annual Watercress Festival in Alresford 
Held on the third Sunday of May, the event attracts thousands of visitors to New Alresford in Hampshire to celebrate all things watercress!
We’ve been quite a few times and it’s always a fun family atmosphere as food vendors and local independents line the Main Street which they close off for the day. There is also kids activities and even a watercress eating comp which is pretty hilarious to watch or even join in. The pubs are always full to the rafters with locals and visitors alike enjoying a few local Hampshire ales.
Watercress has always grown wild in the chalk streams and ditches in and around Alresford and we highly recommend you check this festival out for a family fun day out!
📍West St, Alresford SO24 9AB
Pickle night on HMS Warrior
Images from https://historicdockyard.co.uk/news-and-stories/pickle-night-on-hms-warrior/
Every November, Portsmouth’s HMS Warrior hosts Pickle Night, a fun and unique event that dives into a lesser-known bit of naval history. It’s all about celebrating HMS Pickle, the small ship that brought back the big news of the Battle of Trafalgar victory in 1805. It’s a chance to hear the incredible story of the ship’s daring dash to England and the announcement of Nelson’s death.
The night features a delicious dinner 🍽️, lively toasts 🥂, and plenty of reenactments with guests being split into gun crews and each assigned a traditional role from within the crew to bring history to life right on the ship’s gun deck. Of course each guest has to wear white trousers with the stripy top to look part of the crew too! It’s a memorable way to soak up some local maritime history and enjoy an evening on one of Britain’s most iconic warships 🚢.
This is event is definitely on our bucket list!
ℹ️ All information on tickets etc are on the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website!
📍Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ
Images from https://historicdockyard.co.uk/news-and-stories/pickle-night-on-hms-warrior/
Bramble Bank Cricket Game
Images from https://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/national/24598177.pictures-cricketers-sea-battle-sands-time/
Once a year, an unusual cricket match takes place in the middle of the Solent! The Bramble Bank Cricket Game is played on a sandbank that only appears at low tide, creating a makeshift pitch for a couple of hours before the sea swallows it back up. Teams from the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Island Sailing Club gather to play, making it a quirky and fun tradition that dates back decades. 🏏
The whole event is super informal, with players arriving by boat and spectators cheering from their boats. It’s more about the laughs than the score, as the match is often cut short by the rising tide 🌊. If you’re looking for a truly unique Hampshire experience, this pop-up cricket game is a must-see and one we are eager to see ourselves!
📍Bramble Bank, Solent
Images from https://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/national/24598177.pictures-cricketers-sea-battle-sands-time/
New Forest Fairy Festival
Image from https://newforestfairyfestival.com/
The New Forest Fairy Festival is a whimsical annual event where the woods come alive with magic and imagination. People of all ages gather in the New Forest dressed as fairies, elves, and other mystical creatures, creating a colorful and enchanting atmosphere. The festival features live music, craft stalls, face painting, and storytelling, making it a dream day out for families. Whether you’re there for the fairy costumes, the magical market, or just to soak in the fantastical vibes, it’s an event that promises a sprinkle of magic for everyone! ✨🧚
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Beltane Festival
Every year, Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire lights up for the Beltane Festival, a celebration of the arrival of spring. It’s an evening filled with ancient Celtic traditions, including the dramatic burning of a giant wicker man—a ritual symbolising the end of winter, mark the coming of summer and the welcoming of new growth. The event is a lively mix of music, dancing, and storytelling, with a real community vibe and plenty of food stalls to enjoy. ✨
As the sun sets , the place lights up with bonfires and the glow of torches, creating an incredible vibe. The big moment is when they set the giant wicker man on fire —everyone cheers as it goes up in flames! You’ll see people in flower crowns and colourful outfits, dancing to the beat of drums and enjoying the festive atmosphere. It’s a great chance to hang out with friends, soak up some ancient traditions, and just have a fun night under the stars. 🔥🌌
ℹ️ All information on the event and tickets etc here
📍Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Ln, Chalton, Waterlooville PO8 0BG
Odiham Raft Race
Images from https://www.facebook.com/odihamraftrace/
The Odiham Raft Race is one of Hampshire’s most quirky and fun annual events! Each year, teams of friends, families, and local groups come together to build their own rafts and race them down the Basingstoke Canal. The goal is simple: race as fast as possible, but the real fun lies in the creativity and chaos that comes with trying to navigate homemade rafts. Some rafts are impressive, others are hilariously unsteady, but all are part of the fun!
The event isn’t just about competition—it’s also a chance to raise awareness and funds for the canal, which is an important local heritage site. Spectators line the banks of the canal to cheer on the teams, and there’s a real sense of community as people gather to watch the action unfold. With plenty of laughter, splashes, and sometimes even a few capsized rafts, it’s an event that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re taking part or just cheering from the sidelines, the Odiham Raft Race is a fantastic way to spend a day with the family and support a great cause!
📍Colt Hill Wharf, Odiham, Hook RG29 1DH
Images from https://www.facebook.com/odihamraftrace/
