Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Loch Fyne — the home of the seafood restaurant with over 46 restaurants in the UK. Each place is very different but you are still assured of the same warm welcome and superb food.
Treat yourself to a truly memorable culinary experience at one of the city's newest and largest restaurants, serving authentic and original Indian Cuisine in a modern setting.
Tucked away on Wharf Hill, The Black Boy is still faithful to its origins as a traditional local pub. They offer a good selection of home cooked favourites.
Sourcing produce from top of the range suppliers is very important here. The food is traditional English with a dash of international, classic favourites — they will, if they can, even create something which isn't on the menu to meet any special needs.
Fun Days Out
Big rides, little rides, massive play areas and beautiful gardens — this is a theme park for all the family. Over 50 different rides and attractions including the awesome Cobra family rollercoaster.
Itchen Valley Country Park is a large expanse of unspoilt countryside located next to the River Itchen, it covers 440 acres. This lovely park can be enjoyed regardless of the time of year, it comprises of woodland, water meadows, pasture and hay fields, with lots of wildlife. There are paths and trails that go through the park and allow you to access and enjoy the peace and beauty of the area, they are well marked however, you can obtain a trail guide from the visitor centre at a cost of 60p or download a copy from the website. The Meadows Nature Trail is about two miles long and encompasses the historic SSSI Water Meadow. The Play Trail is a short walk where you will find the play equipment, wooden structures and climbing frames or you can take the Totem Trail, that is a little longer and you have to try and locate the four carved wooden totem poles. In the summer children can engage in pond dipping. Or just have fun exploring, climbing trees or making dens. There is a forest trail that offers access for those with special needs. Also found here are picnic areas, barbecue sites, orienteering and Ollie Owl trail. High Wood Barn is home to the Visitor Centre with interactive displays, a gift shop and cafe. The Cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold beverages and snacks, that are reasonably priced. They organise a number of events and activities during the year many aimed at families and young children so it is worth keeping an eye out for these. Itchen Valley Country Park offers a fantastic day out for all, it is inexpensive, you only have to pay for parking, and there is lots to see and do for everyone, a real gem of a park.
You can spend the day and experience the woodland railway, adventure land, play trails, heritage centre and toddler undercover play area.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
A circular route beginning and ending at the Iron Age Hill. Ride through the pretty villages and up through the Broughton Downs, admiring the beautiful landscape.
Alresford Millennium Trail - 20.1 Miles (32.2 KM)
The trail starts in the beautiful Georgian town of Alresford, one of the prettiest in Hampshire. A very easy walk using roads and public byways, it takes you all around this lovely town.
Golf & Sports
The club is open 7 days a week for trial flights over the countryside which can count towards your full pilot licence. Flying in a 2 or 4 seat light aircraft.
With a multitude of jumps and tuition available, it's never been easier to book your skydiving experience. The School is located on the airfield so it won't be long before you're freefalling from the plane.
The Rapids - 17.4 Miles (27.8 KM)
Three pools including 75 metre flume, water cannons, bubble seats, tipping bucket pirate ship promise lots of fun. Archie's World adventure play area is for the younger ones.
Nature Reserves
No recommended Nature Reserves found within 30 miles of this property.
Gardens & Woodlands
This is a family run children's farm with all the character of a traditional farm but in a safe, secure, friendly environment. An exciting day out for everyone.
Palmerston Park is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Southampton. This Green Flag award-winning park contains dense foliage that is well-maintained throughout. Observe the Viscount Palmerston Memorial while exploring the lush garden surrounding it. Spring and summer bring vibrant blossoms to Palmerston, however the area is gorgeous all year round!
Mayfield Park welcomes visitors with 17 hectares of beautiful natural landscape. This award-winning attraction includes historic features, recreation areas, sports grounds, wooded walking trails and a children's play area. Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy a refreshing excursion through this gorgeous stretch of green. Look for special events and gatherings sometimes held in the park throughout the year.
The Southampton Common is a gorgeous stretch of green beauty that provides the perfect setting for strolls, picnics and quality time. This location is also considered a "Site of Scientific Interest" because of the biodiversity it contains. Visitors can observe captivating flora and fauna while getting plenty of fresh air.
Andrews East Park in Southampton is a beautiful place to spend any afternoon. This lush setting includes the highest concentration of rose beds, shrubs, trees, bulbs, ferns, grasses, bamboo, herbaceous plants and bedding of all the area's central parks. The site of a historic fountain is identified by a circular mosaic. A cafe is available in the park.
Enjoy a stroll along the water at the Riverside Park! This spacious 32 hectare attraction is positioned right along the River Itchen. Sports players can use one of two cricket pitches, six football pitches, a tennis court or the 18 hole pitch and putt. The grounds also include a skate park and three children's play areas.
Queens Park - 24.3 Miles (38.9 KM)
Escape the bustle of the city by exploring the beautiful greenery of Queens Park. This convenient attraction can be found at the city centre. A smaller formal park is lined in mature London Plane trees to create a more intimate, natural atmosphere. Take an invigorating afternoon stroll or have a seat on a park bench and people watch while enjoying the fresh air!
Here there is space to run and play with beautiful parkland and a waterfall to enjoy. Kids love coming here time after time is because its home to one of the best adventure playgrounds in the country.
The park has a visitor centre that houses countryside displays and a café. There are also exciting adventure playgrounds for toddlers and older children, including an aerial runaway.
The Furzey Gardens provide a lush green space that is perfect for tranquil afternoon strolls and quiet reflection. Observe vibrant blossoms and stunning landscape while rejuvenating the mind and body. This interesting area welcomes volunteers who want to help grow. Plants are also available for sale in the on-site nursery.
Local Attractions
This theatre presents a wide range of work, from stand-up comedy to children's theatre as well as music, dance and classical plays.
Situated in the heart of the historic city of Winchester, a fully enclosed mall consisting of many of your favourite high street shops.
Improve your skills on the ice by spending the afternoon at Southampton ice skating! This cool local attraction offers fun and excitement for the whole family. Each session runs 45 minutes. Lockers can be rented on-site and refreshments are available so you can relax after completing a session on the ice!
Showing a full programme of up to date films (check website for times). Free and disabled parking available and the centre is wheelchair friendly.
The Watercress Line heritage railway, so called because of the vast quantities of watercress it used to transport up to Covent Garden Market, makes for a charming day out in its own right.
The Point - 20.2 Miles (32.3 KM)
The Point Eastleigh is a theatre and dance studios dedicated to contemporary productions. It is located in the former Town Hall a charming historic building and still retains its quaint charm, and was made possible by a Lottery grant. It comprises of a 312 seat theatre, rehearsal studio, dance studio, dance garden, cafe and creation space studio. It has state of the art facilities, the lighting and acoustics are excellent. This intimate theatre is welcoming and comfortable, the seating affords enough room and the views of the stage are uninterrupted. The ticket prices are excellent, so reasonable. The staff are friendly and very accommodating. They attract a diverse range of productions from national touring productions to local productions, all are of the highest quality, and there is something to appeal to everyone. The bar area is relaxed and casual and the perfect place to enjoy pre-show drinks. The Point is a delightful local theatre, it is a real hub of the community and offers so much in terms of productions, cinema screening workshops and much more, a real gem, something all towns should have.
The BBC called The Nuffield Theatre company "one of the most innovative" in the south. This exciting entertainment venue hosts a wide range of interesting programmes. Light snacks are sold at the on-site Green Room cafe. The venue also offers a children's theatre lunch club which includes a kid-friendly meal and a show!
LA Fitness - 22.7 Miles (36.3 KM)
Stay trim and energised during your visit to Southampton by spending some time at LA Fitness! Work on endurance and build muscle by moving through the various equipment found inside the gym. Free wights are also available. The facility also offers fitness-related classes as well as swimming lessons for adults and children.
Come and take in a good show at the "South's Premiere Theatre", the Mayflower! Make your visit memorable by starting on the top floor for a bite to eat at the Ovation Restaurant. The theatre puts on a number of enticing programmes, including musicals, dance, ballet, opera, drama, comedy, family and children's performances.
Nestled in the dock area within Southampton's centre is St. Mary's Stadium. Travellers can spectate as athletes prove their prowess on the field of competition. Parking is available but limited, so make sure you arrive early or plan to take the train. Visitors should contact the facility for game times and admission rates.
Step into a world of maritime culture and history at Oceans! This Southampton visitor's centre is conveniently located in the shopping district. Learn more about life on the high seas and browse the unique souvenir and gift shop. An exhibition gallery is also available complete with artefacts, documents and memorabilia.
Forest Leisure Cycling offers a fun way to explore the gorgeous New Forest. This local business provides bikes and accessories for sale and hire. Travel one of the cycle routes, which provide a challenge for cyclists of all ages! Visitors can contact Forest Leisure Cycling for current rates and availability.
Historical & Heritage Sites
One of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals: it was built within one century with no substantial later additions. The building itself is remarkable, a testimony to the faith and practical skills of those who erected it.
An open air museum inside a massive modern building, a network of streets with shops, a village green and even a pub dating back to Victorian times — a surprise around every corner.
Eastleigh Museum is an intriguing museum that recounts the life of a typical railway engineer. The museum is located along the High Street and is located in a charming building. During your visit you will meet Mr and Mrs Brown, the local locomotive engine driver and his wife and see how they lived in their 1930's house, that has been carefully reconstructed. There is lots of information on the local area from past to present, as well as history on the railroads including maps, photos and mementos. This hands on museum has a programme of events and exhibitions that frequently alter, so there is always something new to see here. In addition they operate a range of workshops, talks, events and family friendly activities. There is a small cafe that serves a selection of beverages and refreshments, taht are well priced. The small shop sells a selection of gifts, souvenirs and items relating to the history of the Eastleigh area, as well as locally produced crafts and food items. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm and on a Saturday from 10.00am to 2.00pm, there is no admittance charge. The staff are lovely, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. Eastleigh Museum has lots packed into its small space, it is informative and has lots of family activities to entertain younger visitors, worth a visit if you are in the area won't take long but very enjoyable.
Immerse yourself in the diversity of contemporary art! The John Hansard Gallery is one of the leading public galleries of its kind. Each year sees five exciting exhibitions at the main location. Off-site projects are also hosted throughout the city. Orientation and educational tours are offered and must be booked in advance.
New Forest Museum is dedicated to the history, wildlife and conservation of the national park. It is an intriguing museum and you are welcomed with a short film about the park, there are many displays and exhibits covering geology, history, wildlife and conservation, forestry and commoning, see the unique work of the New Forest Embroidery made to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the New Forest, a detailed and clever piece of embroidery. The centre piece of the museum is an enormous oak tree so large that you can walk through it, and offers lots to discover under the flaps that are attached to it. There are also visiting exhibitions that cover a diverse range of topics and these change frequently. The museum is open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm. There is free entry to the museum for under sixteens for everyone else there is a small charge. New Forest Museum will appeal to all ages and offers a fun and interesting learning experience for all.
Located within the Common, the Old Cemetery in Southampton is a serene location with local significance. The site is among the earliest municipal cemeteries in all of England. Along with providing tranquil scenery, the cemetery also serves as a record of people who lived in the Southampton area over the decades.
Westgate - 23.6 Miles (37.8 KM)
Westgate Hall invites visitors to enter its doors and learn about the area's rich, lengthy history. Formerly named the Tudor Merchant's Hall, this fascinating attraction is housed in a 15th century timbre-framed structure. The interior includes a main hall, refurbished reception area, kitchenette and cloak rooms. Space can be rented for weddings, private parties and other gatherings.
St. Michael's church has seen decades of peace and turmoil. The structure managed to escape the severe bombing which decimated much of Southampton in 1940. Today visitors and residents can attend traditional catholic services regularly at St. Michael's. The organisation also hosts personal services such as baptisms and weddings as well as a number of events throughout the year.
Come explore the most significant historic building in all of Southampton: the Tudor House and Garden! This breathtaking landmark offers more than 8 centuries of history packed into one gorgeous location. Enjoy the unique atmosphere while gaining insight into the times and lives of people who used to live in the area.
Nestled in a quiet region within Southampton, the Medieval Merchant's House offers a tranquil escape with tremendous historic value. Get a taste of an older way of life by exploring the building constructed around 1290. The landmark was restored to its former 14th century glory after later additions were removed. Replica period furnishings were installed to enhance this one-of-a-kind experience.
The Solent Sky Museum in Southampton shows some of the finest classic air craft designs to grace the pages of aviation history. The facility contains 18 actual air planes including the S6b and Spitfire. Visitors can also tour the Engine Bay which contains a number of air craft engines. Climb onto the Sandringham Flying Boat or have a seat in the cockpit of the Harrier Jump Jet!
The National Historic Ships 2009 flagship, Shieldhall, is the largest working steam ship of her kind in all of Britain. This handsome vessel is an example of the country's rich maritime heritage. Book a seat on board for a Quiz and Curry Night or reserve private hire for special occasions.
You are invited to hop on board the famous GWR locomotives and explore hands on the ways of this beautifully restored railway. Learn about the extraordinary people whose stories are embedded in the history of these fascinating trains, from their original conception, to their build and subsequent journeys. Visitors are also told of the life of the maverick genius that was Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who created the GWR.
Beaulieu Abbey Palace House is the former 13th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey. It is located in stunning grounds and gardens with pristine lawns and walkways that look onto the Beaulieu River. It is a charming historic house that dates back to the 13th century and is a prime example of a Gothic country house, it has been owned by Lord Montagu's family since 1538 and they still reside here in part of the house. The interior of the house is equally charming and has retained its Victorian style. All of the key rooms are open to visitors and therein are a number of splendid things to see from the families treasures, portraits, photographs and memorabilia, most items have information about them. The staff who are dressed in traditional costume are lovely very friendly and helpful and with lots of knowledge too, happy to answer questions. There are guided tours of the house and again the guides are fantastic, super presentation skills they pitch their talks at just the right level with lots of stories, you can also tour the private apartments when the family aren't there. Additionally, it is considered to be one of the most haunted houses in the country. Beaulieu Abbey Palace House is an elegant and distinguished house with an interesting history, what makes this house more intriguing is the fact it is still a family's home, makes for a lovely day out.
Beaulieu is a highly acclaimed visitor attraction situated in the centre of the New Forest National Park. It is home to the National Motor Museum where you will find more than two hundred and fifty vehicles, with vintage, classic, modern, motorcycles, Formula 1 and Rally cars all on show. The museum narrates the story of the growth and popularity of motoring on our roads and on racetracks. It covers motoring from its humble origins right through to present day and vehicles on show range from the earliest motor vehicles through to famous world speed breaking cars such as the Bluebird to the much loved and easily recognisable Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car to strange and unusual designs. Another aspect of the museum is Jack Tucker's Garage, a permanent feature here, this carefully and accurately restored 1930's garage gives a true reflection of this period in time, all artefacts therein are genuine. Enter a space age pod where you will be transported in time through motoring history, a fun and interesting ride. There are daily tours of the museum, they operate at 2.30pm and cover a diverse range of topics. They are open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm with the exception of Christmas Day. You have to buy a ticket to enter, they do special offers on the website so best to go there. The National Motor Museum is an interactive and interesting venue even for those who do not have an interest in cars, it is a brilliant experience, that everyone will enjoy.
