Whilst we have given you ideas on spending a full 24 hours in Southampton, the great location and accessibility of the city makes it a great base for exploring southern Hampshire where family attractions, national parks and waterside villages are waiting to be discovered. Enjoy shopping, local architecture and Romsey Abbey in the beautiful Market Town of Romsey, just ten miles north of Southampton and home to Mottisfont Abbey, Sir Harold Hiller Gardens and the family theme park, Paultons Park featuring the popular Peppa Pig Theme Park.
EXBURY GARDENS AND STEAM RAILWAY © Dave Zubraski
A base for exploration
Visit Exbury Gardens, world-famous for dazzling displays of rhododendrons and azaleas in spring, exotic herbaceous borders, tranquil ponds, shady river walks and picnic opportunities in summer,
rare trees and shrubs year round and stunning autumn colour. The Steam Train will delight visitors of all ages! Location: New Forest SO45 1AZ
Only fifteen miles west of Southampton is the New Forest, a national park of open heath, ancient woodlands and plenty of family attractions such as Exbury Gardens with its Steam Railway and the New Forest Wildlife Park Take a Red Funnel ferry or the Red Jet to the Isle of Wight for a day visit or relaxing break. The stunning island destination is a short distance from Southampton with unspoilt scenery and a wealth of family attractions To the east and approximately 25 miles from Southampton lies the historic waterside city of Portsmouth, home to the Historic Dockyard and Britain’s tallest viewing tower, the Spinnaker Tower. For an amazing experience on your radar! Go onboard the surviving WW2 era submarine, HMS Alliance at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and meet a submariner to hear his stories. Travelling up the M3 you come to the city of Winchester, voted the best place to live in Great Britain in 2006 and home to the historic Cathedral and Winchester College. Described as the ‘beautiful breathing space between the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, and less than ten miles east of Southampton, the Hamble Valley is a picturesque area of coast and countryside with waterside villages along the River Hamble.
l New Forest National Park
Set in 25 acres of beautifu
Opening hours: Daily 15th March - 2nd November 10.00am - 5.00pm last admission. Visit the Exbury website for details of flowering conditions: www.exbury.co.uk
• 4 species of otter • Lynx r • 12 species of owls • Dee on • European Wolves •Bis • Wild Boar • Wallaby • Foxes • Polecats • Scottish wildcat
RLD BUTTERFLY WO 30th SEPTEMBER OPEN EASTER TO
See our website for our Special events
www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk Open all year round • Café & gift shop • Nature trail
Longdown nr Ashurst, Southampton SO40 4UH.
Tel: 023 8029 2408
re One acre of adventu playground fun
A beautiful breathing space... Tucked between the bustling cities of Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester, the Hamble Valley has a lot to offer: Discover unique attractions | Explore over 1500 acres of beautiful countryside | Visit delightfully quaint villages Enjoy a wide range of activities for all the family! Visit our website for more information and features including: Events, recipes, competitions, interviews and plenty of places to visit.
www.hamblevalley.com 50
51