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Leisure Activities and Things to Do near Southampton, Hampshire.
A useful guide to leisure activities within an hour or so of the Southampton area of Hampshire. The New Forest in Hampshire is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Horses live wild in the forest, and there's a whole host of wildlife including deer, birds, and some reptile species only found near the New Forest. There's some great days out nearby including many country parks, theme parks including Paultons Park, and much more.
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A New Forest Guide - The New Forest is an area of outstanding natural beauty in Hampshire. It now has National Park status, and covers almost 150,000 acres.
The New Forest actually isn't very new; the history of the New Forest tells us that it was called the New Forest back in William the Conqueror's day when it was declared a royal hunting ground.
The New Forest of today is a very popular tourist destination, with lots to do and see, and a warmer summer days as it's right near the South Coast. This website was created to help you get the most of your time in the New Forest, and find out more about the hotels, camp sites, holiday parks, wildlife, history, walking routes, villages and places of interest. |
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The New Forest is a living and working place where ponies and cattle freely graze the land and help to keep the patchwork of different habitats intact. Deeper in the forest, wild deer browse beneath canopies of mighty oak and beech. The open heaths of The New Forest are basking grounds for adders and grass snakes, and the many pools dotted around the area make ideal conditions for frogs, toads and lizards. The New Forest Reptile Centre also offers woodland trails.
There are dozens of events throughout the year to help you get close to nature – from Dawn Chorus Walks to Deer Watches.
Try exploring the forest at different times of year and at different times of day. The forest is most atmospheric at dusk – you also stand the best chance of seeing deer, bats and nightjars
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Within the New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park you'll see some of Europe's largest gathering of otters, owls and other indigenous wildlife all in their natural surroundings including, pine martens, badgers, polecats, mink, foxes, Scottish wildcats, deer, lynx, wallabies and wild boar.
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Hurst Castle was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses. Hurst Castle is at the end of the shingle spit that extends 1 1/2 miles from Milford-On-Sea. The end of the spit only three-quarters of a mile from the Isle of Wight, and the views from the centre keep are spectacular. Hurst Castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars, and in the 1870’s. Huge 38-ton guns were installed in the 1870’s and can be viewed today. |
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At Portsmouth Historic Dockyard you can discover world famous historic ships including HMS Victory, the Mary Rose & HMS Warrior 1860 that have shaped British history.
Attractions include The Royal Naval Museum, with a new Exhibition “Task Force South: The Royal Navy and the Falklands War” and Action Stations with a new interactive gallery InterAction explaining the science and technology used by the modern Royal Navy.
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Manor Farm Country Park combines a visit to a working farm, with access to a beautiful country park in Botley, near Southampton. It's a living history visitor attraction with a farmstead of historic buildings, together with 400 acres of countryside. It has the infrastructure to enable and encourage public access, enjoyment and understanding of this area of countryside and its links with the past. The park entrance is ½ mile from junction 8 of the M27 between Portsmouth and Southampton.
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Burley is one of the prettiest villages in the New Forest. Near the Post Office is a Cider Barrel, follow the signs from there to the New Forest Cider Shop and Gallery. (In what used to be a cow shed and the village dairy.) Sample some really tasty locally produced Cider. If you've never visited Burley, it's a really interesting day out and the New Forest Cider shop has to be part of that.
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The Lower Itchen Fishery is set amidst picturesque water meadows and has an abundance of animal, bird and insect life. Course and Fly Fishing for Trout, Salmon and Grayling. Five miles from Junction 5 off the M27,London only 77 miles away, Southampton is only a few miles away, Southampton Parkway train station only 2 miles away, London Waterloo takes just 1 hour. Southampton Airport is about a 5 minute car journey away. |
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Lakeside Country Park - 60 acres of lakes, meadow and young woodland situated between Eastleigh and Southampton. With easy access and ample free parking, these restored gravel workings and the modern facilities provide opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities. There's a fantastic Miniature Steam Railway within Lakeside Country Park, Wide lane, Eastleigh SO50 5PE 1 mile from J5 M27 in Hampshire UK. |
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There are over 250 species of animals at Marwell Zoological Park, from tiny ants to the tallest giraffe, set in 100 acres of beautiful Hampshire parkland. Discover something different, learn something amazing and help make tomorrow's world rich in animal life. |
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Elegant, sculptural and awe-inspiring, the Spinnaker Tower is a new national icon.
Soaring 170 metres (557 feet) into the sky above the historic harbour of Portsmouth, gateway to the English Channel, the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth's newest attraction is now open to view.
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Paultons Family theme park offers a family day out with over 50 attractions and rides included in the price in Hampshire, right on the edge of the New Forest. The Cobra is the Park’s largest, longest and fastest family rollercoaster yet! The Cobra is the only coaster of its type in the UK and features a crazy mix of thrilling drops, exhilarating spirals, amazing turns and breath-taking ‘camel humps’. This ‘fangtastic’ coaster is sure to be a big hit with all the family! |
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Water Cannon, Flume, Tipping Bucket, Pirate Ship, Treasure Chest and of course THE RAPIDS! This swimming centre in Romsey, near Southampton, Hampshire has everything to make swimming really good fun. The all year round summer oasis where it is always warm and never rains, a world of water fun and adventure. Swim the Rapids, a swirling canal of foaming water or zoom down the flume high above the pools. Relax in the poolside spa or invigorate in the water cannons, bubble seats and tropical rain shower. Body Plus fitness and health suite, children's parties, swimming lessons and Ripples cafeteria can make The Rapids an essential part of your lifestyle.
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Southampton Football Club play in the Championship. They play at St Mary's Stadium, which is perhaps better than many Premier League grounds. There is an excellent Family Enclosure, and a watching a high profile football game makes for a fantastic family afternoon out, whether you are a football fan or not. (Why not try Fantasy Football) |
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