Fareham Farmers' Market

4 Jul 2009 (monthly)

On the first Saturday of each month, Fareham Farmers' Market in West Street offers up to 40 stalls selling local produce including organic vegetables, free-range eggs, fish, rare-breed meats, home-baked bread, cakes and honey from local bees.

Winchester Hat Fair

2 - 5 Jul 2009 (annual)

Britain's longest-running festival of street theatre, in Winchester city centre, is outlandish, entertaining and free. Spectators are asked to delve into their pockets to fill the eponymous hats that are passed around by the performers.

Middle Brook Street Farmers' Market

12 Jul 2009 (various dates)

On every second and last Sunday of the month, Winchester's Middle Brook Street is transformed into one of the largest farmers' markets in the country, selling everything from ostrich meat and home-baked bread to crabs fresh from the Solent.

Glade Festival

16 - 19 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Glade Festival outdoor dance party, from the organisers of the Glade Stage at Glastonbury, aims to return to the spirit of Glasto 1972 - with funky techno. The 2009 event takes place at the Matterley Basin near Winchester.

Hampshire Food Festival

1 - 31 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Hampshire Food Festival celebrates local goods such as trout and watercress. Expect a food court, cookery demonstrations, farm walks, talks and open days, dances and roasts, fruit and cheese tastings and traditional farmers' markets across the county.

Third One Day International: England v Australia

9 Sep 2009

England's cricketers play Australia in a day/night game at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, the third one-day international of the seven-match NatWest series.

Southampton Boat Show

11 - 20 Sep 2009 (annual)

Mayflower Park hosts the annual Southampton Boat Show, which has been going strong since 1969. It's a showcase for watersports lovers featuring marine activities, unrivalled shopping opportunities and some of the world's most luxurious yachts.

Great South Run

Oct 2009 (annual)

Portsmouth hosts the annual Great South Run, raising thousands for charity. A ten-mile road running event, it attracts both elite athletes and amateur runners and features ChampionChip timing, ensuring every runner receives a completely accurate running time.

Charles Dickens' Birthplace

1 Apr - 31 Oct 2009 (various dates)

One of Britain's most famous authors, Charles Dickens began life in Portsmouth and stayed for a short stint of three years. The interior of the house in which he was born in 1812 is now set in the Regency style of the era.

Westgate Museum

1 Feb - 31 Oct 2009 (annual)

Winchester's Westgate Museum is a former city gateway, complete with portcullis and gunports, that was built and altered between the 12th and 14th centuries. Spot prisoners' graffiti on the walls from the days when it was used as a jail.

The Great Hall & Round Table

Daily

The 13th-century Great Hall is all that remains of Winchester Castle. The Purbeck stone columns, pointed arches and plate tracery windows reflect King Henry III's sophisticated tastes. Also inside is a grand symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur's Round Table.

Gunwharf Quays

Daily

Located close to the Historic Dockyard and Old Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays has become one of the most popular areas to eat, drink and shop in the city, with wide pedestrianised avenues and views across the harbour.

Spinnaker Tower

Daily

The Spinnaker Tower rises 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and Gunwharf Quays, piercing the city's skyline and offering sensational views of the harbour, coastline and the city itself.

Roux at 27

Daily; not Sun

A smart cream-and-black corner building on Southsea's Marmion Road houses Roux at 27, retailers of fine jewellery, dealing mainly in diamonds and precious stones. Ladies who like their gems can also gaze contentedly at hand-made silver rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Nuffield Theatre

Daily

Co-funded by the University of Southampton, the Nuffield Theatre has been entertaining the city's culture vultures for more than 40 years. A fully independent producing theatre, the Nuffield has also produced award-winning plays that have toured across the UK.

INTECH

Daily

Have fun with science and technology at the INTECH family museum in Winchester. Engaging hands-on displays explore everything from tornados to recycling, while more than 100 interactive exhibits bring tricky concepts to light.

The Fleet & Flares

Daily; not Sun

A mixed crowd converges on The Fleet & Flares (pub and nightclub respectively) in Portsmouth's King Henry I Street to try their luck on the three pool tables, then head downstairs for some Seventies boogieing.

Winchester City Mill

Daily

Winchester's working City Mill, owned by the National Trust, spans the River Itchen and has a pleasant island garden. Take part in flour-milling demonstrations, wander around exhibitions on the building's history and watch video footage of local otters.

Portsmouth City Museum

Daily

At Portsmouth's City Museum visitors can learn everything they need to know about the history of the city, from the Stone Age to the present day, with audio-visual displays and life-size reconstructions. An exciting new permanent exhibition left by Richard Lancelyn Green explores Sherlock Holmes and the life of his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle.

New Forest

Daily

South England's New Forest was enclosed as royal woodland by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago. Nowadays, visitors explore the nationally protected area on horse, foot and bicycle. Spot wild deer under oak canopies and forest-bred ponies in open grassland.

Route 66

Daily; not Tue or Wed

Portsmouth's Route 66 causes a stir five nights of the week with its themed nights and dangerously cheap drinks on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Marwell Wildlife

Daily

Marwell Wildlife brings animals from all over the world to the heart of Hampshire. See wallabies bounding past eucalyptus trees in Australian Bush Walk, admire the towering giraffes of Into Africa and chuckle at inquisitive Siamang Gibbons from Southeast Asia.

The Common

Daily

The Common is an enormous park located conveniently close to Southampton city centre. Home to the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre, the town's old gallows and a lake, the area is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Museum of Archaeology

Daily; not Mon

Southampton's Museum of Archaeology gives a historical tour of the city from Prehistoric times to Roman occupation and the reign of Queen Victoria. It is housed in God's House Tower at the south-east corner of the old city walls.

Bedford Place and Carlton Place

Daily

Window shop for curios, specialist gifts or jewellery from a range of unique, independent retailers at Southampton's adjacent Bedford Place and Carlton Place shopping precincts. Rest your tired feet and choose lunch from various delis, bistros and bars.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Daily

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, just a few minutes by ferry from Portsmouth, offers the chance to step onboard a real submarine and learn what life is like stuck in cramped conditions with enemy ships nearby, as well as to hear heroic tales and learn about the lives of the crew.

The Edge

Daily

The Edge is an easy-going gay venue in Southampton which offers a range of weekly activities, from pole dancing on Mondays and karaoke on Tuesdays to party night on Saturday, when dance and chart music fill the floor. There are also frequent cabaret shows and a loft restaurant to relax in with friends.

St Barbe Museum

Daily; not Sun

St Barbe Museum in Lymington tells the special story of the coastal strip between the New Forest and The Solent, with its fascinating past and present. The area has seen a thriving salt industry as well as smugglers landing their illegal cargos and has a long tradition of innovative boat building. The museum's aim is to capture the unique flavour of life in the district and to bring first-class art exhibitions into the town.

City Museum

Daily

The City Museum in Winchester traces the story of the city through extensive archaeological exhibits and a fine local history collection.

Isle of Wight

Daily

Just 22 minutes across the Solent on the high-speed Red Jet out of Southampton harbour, the Isle of Wight is quite literally a whole new world of possibilities! Whether it's walking the multi-coloured sandy cliffs of the southwest, visiting the impressive Needles (complete with lighthouse), exploring the Victorian delights of Osborne House and the dark medieval splendour of Carisbrooke Castle or enjoying a traditional British seaside on the east coast, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

Tango Tea

Daily; not Sun

Tango Tea, on Southsea's trendy Albert Road, entices shoppers inside with its quirky window display, crammed with china and glass objects, furniture, jewellery, vintage clothing, posters, prints and contemporary art.

Drift Bar

Daily; not Sun

Relax in the stylish surroundings of Southsea's Drift Bar. Things heat up at the weekend when Portsmouth's beautiful people throw their groovy moves on the dance floor, and Wednesday's cocktail night is a popular choice for margarita mayhem.

WestQuay

Daily

WestQuay is Southampton's multi-million pound leisure development, with around 100 shops and outlet stores selling everything from lifestyle, sport and fashion to toys and games, electrical and media. There are plenty of eateries and cafés on the WestQuay Food Terrace.

Portsmouth Blue Reef Aquarium

Daily

Frogs from South America and Northern Australia, freshwater otters, tropical angel fish and puffer fish are just some of the extraordinary and colourful creatures to be discovered at Portsmouth's Blue Reef Aquarium.

Winchester Cathedral

Daily

Winchester Cathedral, built by Saxon King Alfred the Great, is the city's focal attraction. The grand Romanesque landmark boasts the longest medieval nave in Europe and houses chantries and monuments built in Norman, late Gothic and Continental Renaissance styles.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Daily

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard houses some of the city's principal attractions, including the Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, the Royal Naval Museum, Action Stations and Dockyard Apprentice. Visit individual attractions or take a guided tour round the dockland.

Beaulieu - Abbey, Palace and National Motor Museum

Daily

The beautiful Abbey of Beaulieu is situated at the heart of the New Forest and was founded back in 1204 by a grant from King John to an Order of Cistercian monks. It grew to wield huge power and influence until Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. Today, it is open to the public, along with Beaulieu's Palace House and Gardens and the renowned National Motor Museum.

Solent Sky

Daily

Discover Southampton's rich history of aviation at Solent Sky. The vintage aircraft on display encompass Flying Boats, jet fighters, helicopters and the famous S6 racing seaplane. Taking pride of place is the legendary Supermarine Spitfire, designed by RJ Mitchell.

Mid Hants Railway - Watercress Line

Daily

The Mid Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line, is a preserved steam railway line that runs between Alresford and Alton. Operated by a team of volunteers, the line is open to passengers who want to take a trip back in time.

City Art Gallery

Daily; not Mon

The collections at Southampton's City Art Gallery date back as far as Renaissance times. Among the 3500 works are pieces by Camden Town Group artists Sir Stanley Spencer, Matthew Smith and Philip Wilson Steer and an impressive display of ceramics.

Maritime Museum

Daily; not Mon

Southampton's Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's nautical history since the first docks were built in the early-19th century. There's a special exhibition on the Titanic, which set sail on its fateful maiden voyage from Southampton in 1912.

Fareham Farmers' Market

4 Jul 2009 (monthly)

On the first Saturday of each month, Fareham Farmers' Market in West Street offers up to 40 stalls selling local produce including organic vegetables, free-range eggs, fish, rare-breed meats, home-baked bread, cakes and honey from local bees.

Winchester Mayfest

May 2010 (annual)

Winchester's annual Mayfest brings traditional music, dance and arts to the town's streets, pubs and concert venues. Live music ranges from folk, roots and blues to jazz. You can also get involved in some workshops and ceilidhs.

Winchester Hat Fair

2 - 5 Jul 2009 (annual)

Britain's longest-running festival of street theatre, in Winchester city centre, is outlandish, entertaining and free. Spectators are asked to delve into their pockets to fill the eponymous hats that are passed around by the performers.

Winchester Festival

10 - 19 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Winchester Festival brings together a richly varied group of performers and artists in venues across the city. The musical offerings range from jazz to classical and an open-air fireworks concert. A rich literary and children's programme also feature.

Winchester Chamber Music Festival

Apr 2010 (annual)

The Winchester Chamber Music Festival features four concerts and a masterclass by the London Bridge Ensemble in the intimate setting of Milner Hall at the Winchester Discovery Centre. For full programme details, please visit the festival website.

Westgate Museum

1 Feb - 31 Oct 2009 (annual)

Winchester's Westgate Museum is a former city gateway, complete with portcullis and gunports, that was built and altered between the 12th and 14th centuries. Spot prisoners' graffiti on the walls from the days when it was used as a jail.

Victorian Festival of Christmas

Nov 2009 (annual)

The Victorian Festival of Christmas at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers the chance to browse the festive stalls in the French market, admire the beautifully lit, moving Christmas trees and enjoy a candlelit carol concert.

Twenty20 Cup: Hampshire Hawks

May - Jun 2010 (annual)

The 2009 Twenty20 Cup begins in a group format in May. Hampshire Hawks play their home games at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Quarter finals in July are followed by a Finals Day at Edgbaston in August.

The Mayor's Firework Fiesta

Nov 2009 (annual)

The Mayor of Basingstoke celebrates Guy Fawkes night at the War Memorial Park with lots of pyrotechnics and a huge bonfire. Wrap up warm!

Southsea Castle

1 Apr - 30 Sep 2009 (annual)

Built in 1544 at the behest of Henry VIII, Southsea Castle has enjoyed a long and healthy life, although it has long since retired from military service and now maintains its 19th-century appearance thanks to Portsmouth Council.

Southampton Mela Festival

18 Jul 2009 (annual)

Art Asia brings Southampton Mela Festival to Hoglands Park. A colourful event with music, arts, dance and crafts activities, there's also a funfair, clothes stalls and great food to tuck into. More than 20,000 people come to enjoy the fun.

Southampton Kite Festival

Jun 2010 (annual)

The Southampton Kite Festival is held at Lordshill Recreation Grounds. On the ground there's live music, refreshments and a market that covers the whole range of kites and spare kit for all ages and skill levels.

Southampton Boat Show

11 - 20 Sep 2009 (annual)

Mayflower Park hosts the annual Southampton Boat Show, which has been going strong since 1969. It's a showcase for watersports lovers featuring marine activities, unrivalled shopping opportunities and some of the world's most luxurious yachts.

Round Table Bonfire & Firework Display

Nov 2009 (annual)

Historic Winchester celebrates the capture of Guy Fawkes with a torchlit procession from the Broadway to North Walls, where the Round Table Bonfire is lit by the Mayor, and there's a spectacular firework display.

Portsmouth FC 2009/10

15 Aug 2009 - 1 May 2010 (annual)

Portsmouth play their home matches at Fratton Park. The Premier League fixtures for the 2009/10 season are as follows:

Paultons Park

15 Feb - 20 Dec 2009 (annual)

Paultons Park in Hampshire is a theme park, zoo and garden all in one. Check out the cute penguins, walk through the spring gardens and splash about in the Water Kingdom before braving adrenalin-busting rides like The Cobra and The Edge.

New Forest and Hampshire County Show

28 - 30 Jul 2009 (annual)

The long-standing New Forest and Hampshire County Show, held at the showground in Brockenhurst, showcases traditional country pursuits, new agricultural innovations and demonstrations. Spectators can enjoy a range of equestrian classes and livestock competitions.

New Forest Marathon

27 Sep 2009 (annual)

Scores of fit people descend on New Milton for the annual New Forest Marathon and half marathon, which follows a course through the New Forest. The organisers claim it is one of the most beautiful runs in the UK.

Hampshire Food Festival

1 - 31 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Hampshire Food Festival celebrates local goods such as trout and watercress. Expect a food court, cookery demonstrations, farm walks, talks and open days, dances and roasts, fruit and cheese tastings and traditional farmers' markets across the county.

Great South Run

Oct 2009 (annual)

Portsmouth hosts the annual Great South Run, raising thousands for charity. A ten-mile road running event, it attracts both elite athletes and amateur runners and features ChampionChip timing, ensuring every runner receives a completely accurate running time.

Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival

Apr 2010 (annual)

The Celtic spirit takes over pretty Fareham on England's south coast, as more than 300 international musicians take to the stage for the annual Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival. Expect ceilidhs, workshops, dancing, singarounds and late night parties.

Glade Festival

16 - 19 Jul 2009 (annual)

The Glade Festival outdoor dance party, from the organisers of the Glade Stage at Glastonbury, aims to return to the spirit of Glasto 1972 - with funky techno. The 2009 event takes place at the Matterley Basin near Winchester.

Fine Food and Wine Show

May 2010 (annual)

The annual Fine Food and Wine Show, held in Winchester Cathedral's Outer Close, brings a taste of the country and the continent. Stallholders form around the country and abroad sell the finest quality produce.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

7 Mar - 8 Nov 2009 (annual)

The brainchild of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild, Exbury Estate was bought in 1919 from the Mitford family and transformed into an idyllic garden with ornamental pools and paths. It is particularly famous for Rothschilds' collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

Christmas Lights Switch On

Nov 2009 (annual)

Santa and his pixie helpers visit the town centre (and The Malls) in Basingstoke for the ceremonial switching-on of the town's Christmas lights. There's plenty of other entertainment to help get everyone into the festive spirit.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Jan 2010 (annual)

Southampton celebrates Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox (2009), with a traditional Dian Jin ceremony at the Civic Centre, followed by lion dancing, music and martial arts displays. The celebrations continue with a parade through the city centre.

British Pedal Car Grand Prix

Jul 2009 (annual)

Watch the chequered flag wave at the winning pedal car driver and the champagne flow freely after the eventful two-hour sprint race of the British Pedal Car Grand Prix at Ringwood's The Furlong.

Beaulieu International Autojumble

12 - 13 Sep 2009 (annual)

Thousands of visitors head to the popular Beaulieu International Autojumble each year. The two-day event claims to be the biggest outdoor sale of European car and motorcycle items in the country, and attracts the sort of people who take cars very seriously.

Basingstoke Live

11 - 12 Jul 2009 (annual)

Hundreds of party people gather in War Memorial Park for live music and performance at the annual two-day Basingstoke Live festival. Local talent is well represented and music ranges from rock to jazz. Best of all, it's free.

Basingstoke Kite Festival

Jun 2010 (annual)

Basingstoke goes kite-crazy with its two-day festival dedicated to the hobby. Taking place at the Down Grange Sports Complex, the Basingstoke Kite Festival gives kite-fliers the chance to show off their kite flying skills or even design a new one.

Basingstoke Festival of Transport

May 2010 (annual)

Over 800 vehicles are on show at Basingstoke's War Memorial Park for the annual Basingstoke Festival of Transport. Motor enthusiasts can see the colourful display of classic and vintage cars, trucks, ambulances and fire engines for free.

Balloons Over Basingstoke

31 Jul - 2 Aug 2009 (annual)

Colourful balloons of all shapes and sizes fill the sky above Basingstoke's War Memorial Park during this annual festival. More than 50,000 visitors come each year to admire the spectacle. Take part in workshops, watch performances and browse the stalls.

BUPA Great South Run

Oct 2009 (annual)

Europe's biggest and most popular ten-mile run, the BUPA Great South Run is staged annually in Southsea, Portsmouth. Run on a fast course, the event includes chip timing for all senior runners.

Art and Mind Festival

Jun 2010 (annual)

The Art and Mind Festival at the Theatre Royal in Winchester explores what the brain sciences and art can tell us about our experience of being born and our ultimate exit from life. Performances, exhibitions and talks form part of the programme.

Alresford Watercress Festival

May 2010 (annual)

The people of Alresford are so proud of their most famous export that they dedicate an annual festival to it. The Alresford Watercress Festival features cooking demonstrations, a food market and special activities for children.

Alresford Agricultural Show

5 Sep 2009 (annual)

Held in beautiful Tichborne Park, the Alresford Agricultural Show prides itself on remaining traditional. It featuring livestock competitions, trade stands, horticultural displays, rural crafts and a dog show.

No biennial events available.