Get close to the wonders of the natural world at Marwell Zoo, home to giraffes, tigers and penguins plus a 140-acre park, five adventure playgrounds and a train. Don’t forget the gift shop. Or take a treetop challenge against a backdrop of water meadows and woodland at Go Ape Southampton.
Love riding? Take a ride on Cheryl’s calm and obedient horses at the South Downs Trekking and Riding School. Reach new heights at Rock Up Whiteley, with 26 climbing walls towering over eight metres and over 70 routes to their peaks. Or visit Staunton Farm and Country Park to meet pigs, sheep, Shetland ponies, alpacas and chickens.
Head to Paulton’s Park, the UK’s number one family theme park. Over 70 rides and attractions include Peppa Pig World, a large indoor Playzone, and the Lost Kingdom, offering plenty of Jurassic-based thrills. Or try indoor karting at Teamsport in Gosport, or indoor tennis at Portsmouth Tennis Centre.
Learn a little at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, featuring the greatest ships from maritime history. Stay in town to captain your own motorised boat at Gunwharf Quays’ Miniport. Marvel at the Mary Rose and the immersive exhibitions. Or put your batting skills to the test at 1st Base, the UK’s first baseball simulator.
English wine? Mais oui. Head over to Hambleton Vineyard, book a tour, meet the team, raid the shop, or choose a cheese (or chocolate) and wine night. Bake your own bread and croissants at Artisan Bread Making New Forest. Or head to Ringwood Brewery for free mugs of ale and an insight into what’s behind the casks of beer in your local.
There are few places more fascinating than Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Emirates Spinnaker Tower and its panoramic views, the Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose. Shop big brands at Gunwharf Quays. Or visit museums dedicated to everything from D-Day to Dickens.
Head over to Portchester Castle, one of the best-preserved Roman Saxon Shore forts, with an exhibition and finds dug up on site. Try Waltham Palace, a grand residence with much remaining of the 12th and 14th century buildings. Or Titchfield Abbey, once home to monks but now a well-preserved grand Tudor mansion.
Come back to the present with a clay-pigeon shoot at the local school, or kick back with a spa treatment on site. Indulge yourself with a bespoke service from a mobile massage or beauty therapist. Cycle 750 miles of off-road routes, walk the South Downs, or hop a boat to the Isle of Wight for Carisbrooke Castle, The Needles and Shanklin Chine.
