You know how it gets with trying to keep the kids busy and happy on weekends and during the holidays, especially when you're watching the budget? Well, I found a bit of a lifesaver - the Blue Peter badge. It’s like this magic key that gets the kids into many attractions in Hampshire, plus over 200 spots across the UK.
Read on to discover the Hampshire gems you can explore for free and learn how to snag a Blue Peter badge.
Disclaimer: Terms and conditions can change, so it’s always best to check with the venue before visiting.
![Text saying "Get one of these" with an arrow pointing to a Blue Peter Badge](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613f653f791ffbb8f3da06f_Blue%20Peter%20Badge%20%20(2).jpg)
1. Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Beaulieu National Motor Museum is a treasure trove of automotive history, boasting a stunning collection of over 250 automobiles and motorcycles. This incredible museum chronicles the journey of motoring in Britain, from the earliest days of transportation to the cutting-edge vehicles of today.
Visitors can marvel at the range of exhibits, including world land speed record breakers and beloved film and TV vehicles like the enchanting Flying Ford Anglia from the Harry Potter series.
To take advantage of this opportunity, each child must present a badge and a valid badge card and be accompanied by a full-paying adult or a concessionary ticket holder. Even better, if one adult brings two badge-holding children, both kids gain free entry.
![Cars at Beaulieu Motor Museum in the New Forest](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613fd9a0037838395890b6d_Beaulieu%20Motor%20Museum.jpg)
2. Buckler's Hard
Buckler’s Hard, located by the Beaulieu River, looks at 18th-century British shipbuilding history. This maritime village reveals its shipbuilding legacy and the lives of its people through Buckler's Hard Story, featuring restored cottages along the village street. A walk by the river provides beautiful views and opportunities to see wildlife.
To enjoy this privilege, each child must be accompanied by a full-paying adult. Note that this offer is exclusive and cannot be combined with other discounts, including educational and group rates. A maximum of two badge holders per adult or senior can take advantage of this offer, ensuring a day of educational fun for the whole family. Please remember river cruises require a separate fee and are not included in this offer.
![View overlooking Bucklers Hard](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613fad7e0579234687063fb_Bucklers%20Hard.jpg)
3. Butser Ancient Farm
Butser Ancient Farm in the South Downs National Park is a journey back in time, exploring British homes from the Stone Age to the Saxon period through hands-on activities. It's an ideal spot for families and history enthusiasts to learn by doing. Beyond its historical insights, Butser hosts events, festivals, and workshops, making it a cultural hub all year round. It's dog-friendly, has free parking, and accessible facilities, plus indoor and outdoor picnic spots for a comfortable visit.
Great news for Blue Peter badge holders – you get in free! Just bring a valid badge card and an adult with a regular ticket. If one adult brings two badged kids, both get free entry. Disabled badge holders with a carer also get in free, with proper documentation.
Remember, this offer is for standard entry days and school holidays, not for special ticketed events.
![A photo of Butser Ancient Farm](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613f9aed0695b597ed247f7_Butser%20Farm.jpg)
4. Gilbert White's House and The Oates Museum
Gilbert White's House and The Oates Museum offer a deep dive into history within 30 acres of beautiful parkland. Here, you can wander through lovely gardens and explore the home of the White family, vividly described in Gilbert White's letters. It's a chance to see history and nature intertwined, highlighting the life of one of Britain's famed naturalists.
The journey continues with the Oates Collection, spotlighting Captain Lawrence Oates of the 1911 South Pole expedition. The museum pays tribute to the Oates family's spirit of adventure.
Just show your Blue Peter badge and come with an adult paying full price. If one adult brings two badged kids, both get in free.
![.Gilbert White's House and The Oates Museum](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613f9f73b4e4830a10fdb1f_Gilbert%20White%27s%20House%20and%20The%20Oates%20Museum.jpg)
5. Hawk Conservancy Trust
Explore The Hawk Conservancy Trust, set across 22 acres of stunning woodland and meadow landscapes, where you're invited to witness some of the world’s most thrilling bird of prey displays.
This sanctuary doesn't just cater to bird enthusiasts; it's an enriching experience for all, emphasising the importance of conservation on a global scale. Visitors support the trust's efforts to safeguard these magnificent birds for the future.
Blue Peter badge holders benefit from free admission, provided they bring their badge card and are accompanied by an adult paying the full price. This makes for an educational and enjoyable family day out.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613fa56eb343fb5140a5aa2_Owl%20flying%20at%20the%20Hawk%20Conservatory.jpg)
6. New Forest Wildlife Park
Dive into the enchanting New Forest Wildlife Park, where various animals await in a woodland setting. Encounter everything from the mighty European bison to the tiny harvest mouse, and join the 'Meet the Keeper' talks for a deeper understanding of these creatures.
The park is designed for all ages, boasting playgrounds and interactive experiences that ensure a day full of learning and fun.
Bring your Blue Peter badge and card for one free child entry per paying adult, making it a cost-effective family outing.
![Wolf at the New Forest Wildlife Park](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613f9607e56a77ee72c7266_New%20Forest%20Wildlife%20Park.jpg)
7. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
With the Ultimate Explorer tickets to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, it's an ideal family day out. These tickets offer incredible value, granting year-round access to major attractions:
- HMS Victory
- The Mary Rose
- HMS Warrior
- The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth
- HMS M.33 (open limited hours)
- Harbour Tours (subject to availability)
- HMS Alliance at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum (open Wednesday to Sunday)
- Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower (weekends only)
Craft your ideal visit, whether it's exploring Tudor history at the Mary Rose, experiencing life on HMS Victory, or delving into the Cold War aboard HMS Alliance.
To get free entry, you'll need a Blue Peter badge, a valid card, and a full-priced Ultimate Explorer ticket (adult or concession). This offer excludes purchases made in person at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visitor Centre, cannot be combined with other discounts, or online purchases, and excludes special ticketed events.
![The Mary Rose in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613fc52500c8e2486efafa9_Portsmouth%20Historic%20Dockyard%20(1).jpg)
BONUS: Isle of Wight attractions…
8. Osborne House
Osborne House, Queen Victoria's former seaside retreat, is open for visitors to explore its Victorian grandeur and private beach. With over three thousand artefacts in the Swiss Cottage Museum and the chance to see the royal family's personal spaces, it offers a deep dive into 19th-century royal life.
Blue Peter badge holders enjoy free entry, needing only a valid badge card and an accompanying adult with a full-price or concession ticket.
![Osborne House in the Isle of Wight](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613fc1718ebfec676a08f00_Osborne%20House.jpg)
9. Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle, famed for imprisoning King Charles I, is a cornerstone of British history with over 800 years of stories, including battles and royal captivities. Visitors can explore the past, playing bowls on King Charles's green, dressing as Norman soldiers or Civil War troopers, and meeting the castle's donkeys.
Blue Peter badge holders get free entry, allowing young enthusiasts to explore with a valid badge card and an accompanying paying adult. A single adult with two badge-holding children gets both free badge holders, and disabled badge holders with a carer also gain free access.
![Overlooking Caribrook Castle](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6613fba842513e5edd2fbb51_Carisbrooke%20Castle.jpg)
How to Apply for a Blue Peter Badge
For many kids in the UK, getting a Blue Peter badge is a huge deal - it's like a badge of honour for being on the show or doing something cool. If your child is between 5 and 15, they can apply for one.
It’s important to know that badges can take up to 8-12 weeks to arrive, so plan!
To apply for a Blue Peter badge:
- Choose Your Badge: There are eight different badges, each requiring a unique application.
- Create a Contribution: Submit something creative related to hobbies or interests, such as a poem, story, artwork, model, recipe, or an exciting letter.
- Include Essential Information: full name, date of birth, and home postal address with postcode. Ensure you have the correct postage on your envelope.
After Receiving Your Badge
- Badge ID Card: You'll receive a letter along with your badge. If it confirms everything is in order, expect your Badge ID card soon. You'll need it along with your badge for free entry into attractions. If asked to register your details, follow the instructions provided.
- Keep It Safe: The Badge ID card is crucial for accessing badge attractions, so make sure to store it securely.
For a detailed guide on applying for the iconic Blue badge or to learn more about the other badges available, please visit the official Blue Peter Badge application page. Here, you'll find further information and terms and conditions to ensure your application meets all the necessary criteria.