Attractions
Basing House
Basing House was once the country's largest private home to the powerful courtier William Paulet, Marquess of Winchester.
It was the scene of many royal visits, by Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and others. The earthwork banks and ditches of an earlier medieval castle still dominate the ruins. After long sieges and bombardments the house fell to Oliver Cromwell.
The site has a recently refurbished visitor centre entrance, gift shop, museum, cafe, plus an audio/ visual show in the Great Barn.
There is a delightful short walk along the River Loddon from the free car park to the new visitor centre.
It was the scene of many royal visits, by Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and others. The earthwork banks and ditches of an earlier medieval castle still dominate the ruins. After long sieges and bombardments the house fell to Oliver Cromwell.
The site has a recently refurbished visitor centre entrance, gift shop, museum, cafe, plus an audio/ visual show in the Great Barn.
There is a delightful short walk along the River Loddon from the free car park to the new visitor centre.
Address
Barton's Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8AE
Telephone 01256 463965
Email basinghouse@hants.gov.uk
Website www.basinghouse.org.uk
Birdworld
Set in 26 acres of landscaped gardens, Birdworld is one of the largest bird parks in the UK. In addition to birds from around the world, Birdworld also has an aquarium, Underwater World and the Jenny Wren farm featuring creatures great and small.
During a visit there are lots of daily events including penguin feeding, animal encounters and the amazing Outdoor Flying Display. Not to be missed is Penguin Beach, a fantastic new walk through exhibit featuring a colony of African Penguins and new aviaries for 2012 include’ Wings of Love’ the Lovebird aviary and ‘Outback Landing’ a walk through Budgie feeding exhibit.
Birdworld has numerous catering outlets but also plenty of space for picnics and with two well-stocked gift shops you will find everything you need for a great day out.
Please see the special offers page for a discount voucher to this attraction.
During a visit there are lots of daily events including penguin feeding, animal encounters and the amazing Outdoor Flying Display. Not to be missed is Penguin Beach, a fantastic new walk through exhibit featuring a colony of African Penguins and new aviaries for 2012 include’ Wings of Love’ the Lovebird aviary and ‘Outback Landing’ a walk through Budgie feeding exhibit.
Birdworld has numerous catering outlets but also plenty of space for picnics and with two well-stocked gift shops you will find everything you need for a great day out.
Please see the special offers page for a discount voucher to this attraction.
Address
Holt Pound, Farnham, Hampshire, GU10 4LD
Telephone 01420 22992
Email bookings@birdworld.co.uk
Website www.birdworld.co.uk
Buckler's Hard
Situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest, you‚‚ ll find the unique and picturesque village of Buckler‚‚ s Hard where warships for Nelson‚‚ s navy were built.
The Buckler‚‚ s Hard story tells the fascinating history of this unique village from its origins as a port for importing sugar cane from the West Indies in the 18th century to its ship building heritage in the 19th century and the role of the Beaulieu River during the Second World War.
There are also historic cottage displays to explore, and a river bank walk and river cruise to enjoy.
The Buckler‚‚ s Hard story tells the fascinating history of this unique village from its origins as a port for importing sugar cane from the West Indies in the 18th century to its ship building heritage in the 19th century and the role of the Beaulieu River during the Second World War.
There are also historic cottage displays to explore, and a river bank walk and river cruise to enjoy.
Open every day from 10am-5pm March to June, 10am-5.30pm July to August, 10am-5pm September to October, 10am-4.30pm November to February (closed Christmas Day).
Last admission to the museum 30 minutes prior to closing.
Last admission to the museum 30 minutes prior to closing.
Address
Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7XB
Telephone 01590 616203
Email info@bucklershard.co.uk
Website www.bucklershard.co.uk
Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower
Explosion! the Museum of Naval Firepower, is a hands on, interactive Museum set in the historic setting of a former gunpowder and munitions depot at Priddy‚‚ s Hard, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour. Priddy‚‚ s Hard was once a busy Naval Armament supply depot that provided the Royal Navy with its ammunition for over two hundred years.
Telling the story of naval warfare from the days of gunpowder to modern missiles, the two hour tour of the museum includes a stunning multi media film show set in the original 18th century gunpowder vault.
There's a fascinating social history too, including the story of how 2,500 women worked on the site during its peak in World War II. It describes the role that Priddy's Hard played in naval operations worldwide for over 200 years, as well as its importance to the local Gosport community, which not only armed the Navy but also fed and watered it.
Explosion! has a Gift Shop and Waterside Coffee Shop area that are open to non-visitors, so please stop by and enjoy the Camber Dock overlooking the stunning views of the harbour.
Opening Times:
April to October, open daily (10am until 5pm, last admission to the galleries at 4pm).
Nov ‚‚ Mar, open Saturday and Sunday only (10am until 4pm, last admission to the galleries at 3pm).
Prices
Adults - £10.00
Senior - £7.00
Children (5 ‚‚ 16 inc.) - £5.00 (children under 5 years, FREE)
Disabled - £5.00
Student - £.00
Family 1 adult + 3 children - £15.00
Family 2 adult + 3 children - £20.00
Address
Heritage Way, Priddy's Hard, Gosport, PO12 4LE
Telephone 23 9250 5600
Email
Website www.explosion.org.uk
Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection
Enjoy the tranquillity of the18th century country home of the Rev.
Gilbert White (1720-1793) which is in the heart of the picturesque
Hampshire village of Selborne. The author of the world famous ‚ Natural
History of Selborne‚‚ , an ecologist, founding father of modern
biological recording, inspiration to Darwin and a keen and
experimental gardener, his home is set in magnificent parkland, with
gardens that have been largely restored to their 18th century form with
elements he described and plants of his time displayed in ‚ Six
Quarters‚‚ .
The house is also home to The Oates Collection, which includes a permanent Antarctic exhibition commemorating Captain Lawrence Oates, who heroically lost his life on Scott‚‚ s Tera Nova expedition to the South Pole in 1912, and other notable Oates family adventurers.
See website for prices. Admission to the award winning Tea Parlour & shop are free.
The house is also home to The Oates Collection, which includes a permanent Antarctic exhibition commemorating Captain Lawrence Oates, who heroically lost his life on Scott‚‚ s Tera Nova expedition to the South Pole in 1912, and other notable Oates family adventurers.
See website for prices. Admission to the award winning Tea Parlour & shop are free.
OPENING TIMES‚‚ 2010
1st Jan ‚‚ 28th Mar and 2nd Oct ‚‚ 23rd Dec: Tues ‚‚ Sun, 11am ‚‚ 4pm
30th Mar ‚‚ 1st Oct: Tues ‚‚ Sun, 10.30am ‚‚ 5.30pm
Plus Bank Holiday Mondays & Mondays in June, July, August
1st Jan ‚‚ 28th Mar and 2nd Oct ‚‚ 23rd Dec: Tues ‚‚ Sun, 11am ‚‚ 4pm
30th Mar ‚‚ 1st Oct: Tues ‚‚ Sun, 10.30am ‚‚ 5.30pm
Plus Bank Holiday Mondays & Mondays in June, July, August
Address
High Street, Selborne, Hampshire, GU34 3JH
Telephone 01420 511275
Email info@gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
Website www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
Hamble Valley
Described as a beautiful breathing space between the cities of Southampton, Winchester and Portsmouth, the picturesque Hamble Valley is an ideal destination for discovering Hampshire‚‚ s coastline and countryside.
Stretching along the River Hamble and The Solent and including the quaint villages of Hamble, Botley, Bishop's Waltham and Wickham which are surrounded by unspoilt countryside, there is plenty to see and do and lots of places to visit in the Hamble Valley.
The Hamble Valley has plenty of attractions and free activities to keep the young and young at heart entertained. So whether you are visiting for a day, week or if you live in Hampshire, there is something waiting for you!
Address
Various Attractions, Hampshire,
Telephone 023 80 001655
Email info@hamblevalley.com
Website www.hamblevalley.com
Hampshire Food Festival July 1st -31st
July is jam-packed with around 100 delicious foodie events held at dozens of venues across the county, in celebration of the fantastic variety of food and drink grown, reared and produced in Hampshire! Join farm tours, walks, open days, cookery and producer workshops; watch cookery demonstrations by Hampshire and celebrity chefs; visit country shows and farmers‚‚ markets and indulge in Festival menus.
The free Hampshire Food Festival programme is available from May. Find out more at http://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/food-festival.asp., where you can also sign up to receive the latest Festival news, as well as competitions and offers. Gold award-winner at The Beautiful South Awards 2010
Address
numerous venues across Hampshire, see free program,
Telephone 01962 847098
Email sophie.boxall@hants.gov.uk
Website www.hampshirefare.co.uk/food-festival.asp
Hawk Conservancy Trust
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a conservation charity and award winning visitor centre that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey. Set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 150 birds of prey on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive Stellers' Sea Eagles! Many of these birds are involved in our spectacular daily flying demonstrations, whilst others are part of important breeding or environmental enrichment projects.
Every visitor can hold a British bird of prey and there are extra activities during weekends and school holidays for our younger visitors.
Allow at least half a day for your visit as there is so much to see and do! Special events include Owls by Moonlight and Flying Experience/Photographic Days. Gift Vouchers available. Ample free parking. Coffee Shop. Gift Shop.
Every visitor can hold a British bird of prey and there are extra activities during weekends and school holidays for our younger visitors.
Allow at least half a day for your visit as there is so much to see and do! Special events include Owls by Moonlight and Flying Experience/Photographic Days. Gift Vouchers available. Ample free parking. Coffee Shop. Gift Shop.
Address
Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8DY
Telephone 01264 773850
Email info@hawkconservancy.org
Website www.hawkconservancy.org
Longdown Activity Farm
Family Fun at the Farm
Longdown Activity Farm is perfect for a family day out. The daily timetable is packed with fun activities, which run throughout the day. Have a go at bottle-feeding a kid goat or cuddle a baby rabbit. There are lots of other animals to see too. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas for the children to let off steam. A soft play area, lots of trampolines, a huge straw barn and a pre-school area means that whatever the weather, there's always something to do.
Opening times: 11th February to 4th November 2012, Daily: 10am - 5pm.
Then daily 8th to 24th December 2012 for the Grotto only.
Address
Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Nr Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 7EH
Telephone 023 8029 2837
Email enquiries@longdownfarm.co.uk
Website www.longdownfarm.co.uk/
New Forest Activities Booking Centre
New Forest Activities Booking Centre offers you a one-stop shop for booking activities and attractions in and around The New Forest.
Great activities for all ages including taster sessions in Canadian Canoes and Kayaks, offering the chance to learn basic skills and enjoy a guided tour of the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve. These trips need no experience and are unique, safe and most importantly an unforgettable experience.
Fun and games with Archery offers a new skill and a chance for the whole family to bond.
Not forgetting Bike Hire, this offers a healthy and enjoyable way to explore the New Forest
Much more available, drop into our shop in Beaulieu Village and see what we can do for you.
Open every day from 08.30-17.00 March-October. Office open 08.30-17.00 Monday-Friday November-February. Activities may be scheduled outside of office hours, please call to enquire.
Great activities for all ages including taster sessions in Canadian Canoes and Kayaks, offering the chance to learn basic skills and enjoy a guided tour of the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve. These trips need no experience and are unique, safe and most importantly an unforgettable experience.
Fun and games with Archery offers a new skill and a chance for the whole family to bond.
Not forgetting Bike Hire, this offers a healthy and enjoyable way to explore the New Forest
Much more available, drop into our shop in Beaulieu Village and see what we can do for you.
Also the new Battlefield LIVE New Forest; a live action combat simulation game using laser guns ‚‚ like paintball but without the pain!
Address
The Old Forge, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YA
Telephone 01590 612377
Email info@newforestactivities.co.uk
Website www.newforestactivities.co.uk
New Forest Centre
Set in the heart of the National Park in Lyndhurst, you‚‚ ll find the New Forest Centre. This houses a fascinating Museum, Visitor Information Centre, Gift Shop, Library and free Exhibition Gallery with an ever changing programme of Forest related exhibitions. The friendly staff can answer all your questions about the New Forest and how to best enjoy it. The place is full of information and fun activities including the giant Family Fun Tree set in the heart of the Museum.
The New Forest Centre is the perfect way to start and finish your visit to the New Forest National Park.
Address
Lyndhurst, The New Forest, Hampshire, SO43 7NY
Telephone 023 8028 3444
Email office@newforestcentre.org.uk
Website www.newforestcentre.org.uk
Royal Armouries Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson is a vast Victorian fortification (and one of the famous Palmerston Follies) built in the 1860s to defend Portsdown Hill and the landward approaches to Portsmouth Dockyard. Beautifully restored and commanding spectacular views over Portsmouth harbour to the south and the lovely Meon Valley to the north, Fort Nelson makes an idyllic picnic spot, and with 19 acres of ramparts, parade ground and outer fortifications, plus secret tunnels, a huge Artillery Hall and restored barracks and museum galleries, the Fort is an exciting day out whatever the weather!
Address
Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO17 6AN
Telephone 01329 233734
Email fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk
Website www.royalarmouries.org
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