The Best of Hampshire's Family Attractions
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Hampshire has some of the most interesting, family attractions and children's activities in the UK. Why not take the kids out in the summer holidays. Spend a day at Milestones, wandering round the exciting Living History Museum, or sample over 50 different rides and attractions at Paultons Park. For a more sedate outing take a look at the fascinating and unique collection of animals in Marwell's 100 acre Zoological Park, or experience adventure, fun and learning for all ages at the Family Adventure Farm. The Bluereef Aquarium with its marine creatures, tropical fish and underwater viewing tunnel, is a great day out whatever the weather. Many species of birds of prey can be seen at the Hawk Conservancy and children can feed ducks, lambs, etc., and cuddle small furry animals at Finkley Down Farm. Railway enthusiasts can ride on the Watercress Line - Steam Railway and anyone keen on vintage cars can see them all at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Have fun!! |
Below is a selection of the most popular family attractions across the county.
Milestones - Hampshire's Living History Museum
Imagine an open-air museum inside a massive modern building… a network of streets with shops, a village green and even a pub... dating from Victorian times and the 1930s… it's fun... a surprise around every corner! Milestones is packed full of the things that ordinary people used in the past. The museum is an ideal family visit with lots for adults and kids to explore in a safe, warm, child-friendly environment... all under one roof. There is always something new to see with a regularly changing programme of special exhibitions suitable for all ages and interests. See all our exhibitions in What's on in Milestones on the website. Details: 0845 603 5635
Website: www3.hants.gov.uk/milestones
Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 6PG View Map
Paultons Family Theme Park
Paultons Family Theme Park in Hampshire, on the edge of the New Forest, offers a great family day out with over 50 different attractions and rides included in the price. The variety of things for kids of all ages to see and do includes thrilling and gentle rides, dinosaurs, museums, animated shows, play areas, exotic birds and other fun activities for all ages in garden setting. Now Open - New for 2008 is the amazing Sky Swinger ride! Also we celebrate our 25th anniversary year with a brand new entrance plaza featuring an amazing 'floating' globe! Details: (023) 8081 4442
Website: www.paultonspark.co.uk
Ower, Nr. Romsey, The New Forest, Hampshire SO51 6AL View Map
Marwell Zoological Park
Marwell Zoological Park is owned and run by Marwell Preservation Trust, a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats both locally and internationally. At the centre of our charitable endeavours, the 100 acre zoological park gives children and adults alike the opportunity to view many of the planet’s most fascinating and unique animals and to learn more about some of the issues surrounding wildlife conservation. Details: 01962 777407
Website: www.marwell.org.uk
Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH View Map
Family Adventure Farm
We are about FAMILIES, ADVENTURE, FUN, LEARNING and FARMING! We guarantee ADVENTURE and FUN for anyone aged between 1yr to 99yrs old!
We want YOUR children to experience and explore - ANIMALS: Develop an understanding about the nature, history, care requirements and life cycle of a wide range of animals. PLAY: Develop basic skills such as balance, awareness, bonding and consideration of others through play on a wide age range of safe indoor and outdoor equipment. CURIOSITY: By allowing children to explore freely, as our animals do and ask us questions about ANYTHING many children get answers to many different curiosities that they may not be able to experience in lets say a large town or city. ADVENTURE: For older children we have paintballing and quad bikes. For all the family we have a meandering nature trail as well as a whole host of activities for your family to enjoy and take part in together. Details: 01635 269678
Website: www.familyadventurefarm.co.uk
Newbury Road (A339), Headley, Nr. Newbury, RG19 8JY View Map
Bluereef Aquarium - Portsmouth
Welcome to Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea, Portsmouth, voted Visitor Attraction of the Year by Tourism South East. Situated on Clarence Esplanade, between the two piers overlooking the busy Solent, Blue Reef Aquarium is a great visit whatever the weather. Be amazed by animals ranging from local marine species to the hundreds of tropical fish in the gigantic ocean display complete with underwater tunnel. Details: (023) 9287 5222
Website: www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PB View Map
The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Facilities for children: Raptor Passport Trail, adventure play area, toddlers' play area, education centre with information boards and interactive computer quizzes, hold a British bird of prey after flying demonstrations. During weekends and school holidays there are runner duck races and Raptor Safari tractor and trailer rides (weather permitting). Duffy's Coffee Shop is open all season and offers a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and filled baguettes, snacks, and ice creams. Light lunches are also available. Picnic areas are located around the Park and for special occasions you can pre-book a picnic or afternoon tea in our wildflower meadow. The Reception/Trust Shop sells a wide variety of quality gifts and souvenirs, including hand engraved crystal from a local artist, and the world famous Swarovski binoculars, as well as Trust branded clothing. There is something to suit all budgets. We also stock films, batteries, and disposable cameras. The Trust shop stocks a wide range of gifts The reception staff can also provide information on or make bookings for any of the Trust's activities. Details: 01264 773850
Website: www.hawk-conservancy.org
Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8DY View Map
Finkley Down Farm Park
A family run children’s farm with all the character of a traditional farm but in a safe, secure, friendly environment. You can spend the whole day at Finkley Down Farm Park; it’s an exciting day out that the whole family will love. At Finkley Down Farm Park, you can feed the ducks and the lambs, cuddle a rabbit, or groom a pony. You can play in the Adventure Playground, bounce all day on our colourful trampolines, or perhaps just wander around and pet the animals at your leisure. Take a well earned break in the 'Rooster's Rest' Tea Room with homemade cakes and extensive hot and cold menu. There's ample space and plenty of benches for picnics. Our facilities include a large free car park, toilets and facilities for all babies needs and don't forget the Gift Shop! You might say we've got it well covered, well of course there's that too, just in case it rains!
Website: www.finkleydownfarm.co.uk
Andover, Hampshire SP11 6NF View Map
Watercress Line - Heritage Steam Railway
Formerly part of Britain's national rail network between the towns of Alton and Alresford in Hampshire, this preserved heritage steam railway line is now operated by dedicated volunteers for the enjoyment of all. Big steam engines haul our trains on long, steep gradients through the beautiful Hampshire countryside. You can commence your journey at any of the stations on the line, but for this guided tour we will start at Alresford. We will then travel to each of the other stations in turn, taking the opportunity to see the sights at each of them. The tour finishes at Alton where the railway connects with the main line. You will see not only the original features of the line but also the later additions that could be mistaken for originals, so well do they blend in. Details: 01962 733810
Website: www.www.watercressline.co.uk
The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JG View Map
Beaulieu Motor Museum and Bucklers Hard
Few car museums in the world can match the unique collection of the world renowned National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Managed by the National Motor Museum Trust, Beaulieu is also the home of the world famous Beaulieu International Autojumble and Automart. With the Collection now comprising some 250 vehicles - from some of the earliest examples of motoring to legendary World Record Breakers like Bluebird and Golden Arrow - you are sure to find something to fascinate you. You must also see PALACE HOUSE, formerly the 14th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House is set in glorious grounds and gardens with immaculate spreading lawns and walkways overlooking the Beaulieu River. The House has been in Lord Montagu's family ownership since 1538. Whether your interest is as a private individual, group or part of an educational visit, you can still see the monastic origins of the building and talk to Victorian characters from the House as you explore one of Britain's most visited stately homes. Also, don't forget to visit BUCKLER'S HARD. Buckler's Hard is a picturesque 18th century village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the heart of the New Forest. Historically, it is famed as the place where some of the ships of Nelson's fleet were built. There is the Buckler's Hard Story and cottage displays to be seen. Visitors can stay in the village at the Master Builders House Hotel, or you can just enjoy the natural beauty of this historic village and soak up the atmosphere as the local ducks waddle past. A river cruise or a walk through the woodlands nearby can only add to your pleasure.
Website: www.beaulieu.co.uk