Created in the 18th century to provide power for an iron mill, the pond today provides valuable habitats for wildlife as well as being a scenic backdrop for a picnic or wildlife watching.

New Forest Activities offer a variety of activities for families, couples and groups of all ages and abilities. For tours with a difference, take to the water with Canoeing and Kayaking on the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve. These guided tours are perfect for exploring this area of The New Forest and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

For the more adventurous you can take to the trees on high and low rope courses, great for the whole family to enjoy. The ever-popular BattleZone laser tag offers excitement and enjoyment using safe infra-red gaming guns. No projectiles, no lasers, no pain! There’s also the chance to learn a new skill whilst enjoying the New Forest surroundings with Bushcraft or Archery sessions.

If you’re an explorer then hire a bike from them, with a whole range of maps and guides to get you on your way.

Keep an eye out for special seasonal activities such as Paddles to the Pub, Spooky Halloween Tours and Christmas Canoe Paddles!

For further details on any of their activities and upcoming events, or to download your FREE Guide to The New Forest, visit their website.

Open all year round!

Take an open-top safari with grandstand views of the scenery, animals and villages of the New Forest National Park.

 The Tour will return on Saturday 6th July 2019 and run daily until Sunday 8th September 2019.

Hop on and off wherever you like and catch the next Tour, or switch between routes, all on the same ticket! Hear the stories of the people, places and animals of the New Forest on our audio commentary – with characters, sounds and music, bringing the view to life.

Take in a walk or cycle ride from the Tour (bikes go free*) – you’ll find easy routes in the guidebook on board, as well as tips for things to see and do along the way.

Ride open-top through the treetops and experience the New Forest as you’ve never seen it before.

*Space for up to 4 bicycles at a time.

Take an open-top safari with grandstand views of the scenery, animals and villages of the New Forest National Park.

Tours run daily, with a choice of three routes: Red (the wild northwest), Green (the beautiful southeast) and the Blue (the coastal southwest).

With a bird’s-eye view from the top deck of the park's landscape you’ll get the chance to spot some of the native animals of the New Forest such as deer, rare birds, pigs, donkeys and of course the famous ponies as well as wide, open heaths and ancient Forest.

Each route has its own unique audio commentary with characters and sounds which tell the stories of the people and places of the New Forest.

The flexible hop-on, hop-off ticket arrangement means you choose your itinerary. Stay on the entire route, switch onto another route, or stop off and spend some time at one of the attractions along the way and re-join a later Tour!

Tours

Red Route -Lyndhurst – Burley – Ringwood – Fordingbridge – Sandy Balls Holiday Centre – New Forest Wildlife Park – Ashurst

The Red Route takes you around the fragrant heaths and scattered woodland of the wild northern part of the New Forest National Park, through the storybook village of Burley and the historic towns of Ringwood and Fordingbridge.

Approximate duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

Green Route-Lyndhurst – Brockenhurst – Lymington – Beaulieu – Exbury Gardens – Hythe Ferry

The Green Route explores the charming southeast of the New Forest National Park including Beaulieu with its historic abbey, Palace House and National Motor Museum and Exbury Gardens with its Steam Railway.

Approximate duration: 2 hours

Blue Route - Lymington – Brockenhurst – Burley – New Milton – Barton-on-Sea – Milford-on-Sea

The Blue Route is your gateway to the beautiful beaches and coastal scenery in the southwest of the New Forest National Park – the museum at Sammy Miller and views across to the Needles.

Approximate duration: 2 hours 5 minutes

Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST) is one of the UK’s leading professional theatre companies creating fresh, vital experiences through theatre. NST has developed a profile and reputation for innovation and quality delivering work on a national and international scale, whilst acting as a major cultural force for good in the city of Southampton.

As well as its own produced work, NST’s programme includes the best touring theatre from local, national and international artists, children’s theatre, comedy, dance, circus, film and music.

On 16 February 2018, NST opened Southampton's new city centre performing arts venue, NST City, with Southampton Celebrates, a celebratory event in Guildhall Square featuring more than 100 performers, dance, music and fireworks, followed by the world premiere of Howard Brenton's The Shadow Factory. NST City includes a flexible 450 seat main house theatre, a 133 seat studio, screening facilities, rehearsal and workshop spaces. NST runs the new city centre venue alongside its existing theatre, NST Campus, on the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus.

Laboratory is the creative development programme for new work and new talent; through which NST collaborate with artists at all stages in their careers to experiment with new ideas. All of NST’s produced work is developed alongside Laboratory, which also provides a programme of talent development opportunities such as creative residencies, scratch nights, networking opportunities and skills development workshops.

NST Connect aims to enrich the experience of NST and its work for all, through a vibrant programme of engagement. NST Connect reaches over 17,000 people through a programme of creative activities, Youth Theatre and Drama Club, and adult workshops and outreach projects, including RSC Open Stages.

NST is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and a registered charity, receiving additional core funding from the University of Southampton and Southampton City Council.

Ocean Cruise Terminal 

(Berth 46/47)

Ocean Cruise Terminal has a host of amenities to make your time here as straightforward and comfortable as possible.

Getting here

Just off the A33, Platform Road, head for Dock Gate 4. Make sure to allow plenty of time, as traffic can get heavy during peak times.

By rail - Southampton Central is the closest train station, approximately two miles from Ocean Terminal. Fully licensed taxi ranks are available either side of the station, with plenty of clearly designated areas for pre-booked taxis to wait. Private hire taxis can be booked with a number of local providers. Click here for details of private hire taxis. 

The nearest airport is Southampton. Taxis are the quickest route to the Port if you are flying in, however trains are also frequent.

Please be aware that the ABP Southampton Marathon takes place in April each year. Full details of the event can be found https://www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk/

Access to the port is unrestricted, however certain roads within the area will be a closed for a period of time.

Dropping off your luggage

There's no need to worry if you're unsure; with clear signage and staff on hand, every step of the way has been thoroughly thought out. As you approach the terminal, to your left is the baggage handling area. Drop-off is located adjacent, with porters available to help you with your luggage.

Where to park

Short stay parking is located just behind the coach bays, to your right as you face the terminal. There is also long stay parking available on the port, this will need to be booked prior to your arrival. For further information on car parking please select the following: https://www.abparking.co.uk/

Heading Into the Terminal

Things can look a little busy when you first arrive. Two large doors frame the front of the building. Seating for 100-150 is located downstairs. If you are waiting for a family member or friend to park, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to wait and relax down here.

What to do whilst waiting

A large magazine stand can be found on the ground and first floors. Filled with a wide range of high-quality glossy magazines, these are free for you to take. A map & guide to the city is also available from here. It is located just before you exit through the door on the left. Café Ceanos offer a range of refreshments in the Departure Lounge, with a good selection of food and drink available. For those wishing to start their holidays early, alcoholic beverages are also available. Comfortable seating, along with standard and disabled access toilets, is also located on both the ground and first floor.

Check-in

Check-in is located upstairs. An escalator, stairs and lift are available. Check-in staff will be on hand to guide you to where you need to go.

Waiting to Board

Seating for approximately 1,000 fills the majority of the first floor. Windows line the left-hand wall, allowing a glimpse of your ship as luggage is loaded and passengers already on-board enjoy their balconies. 

A Green Flag award winning park, Palmerston is possibly the most seen of the central parks, being the only point where the parks actually meet the busy Above Bar Street. A densley planted park, it looks beautiful in the spring and summer.

The Viscount Palmerston Memorial sits within the park; statue of former Prime Minster the 3rd Viscount Palmerston. Standing over seven feet high on a marble and granite plinth, it had remained in Palmerston park since its erection in June 1869.

The Bandstand - built as a result of public demand - was completed in 1999. The original cast iron bandstand, erected in 1885, was sited further to the north of the park and was removed in 1940 as a result of bomb damage was.

Paultons Park and the UK's only Peppa Pig World are now even bigger and better than ever!

There is an amazing variety of things to see and do at Paultons including; big rides, small rides, play areas, entertainments and an astonishing collection of exotic birds and animals, all set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland.

Peppa Pig World has over 5 acres of fully themed fun! There are 9 fabulous rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, Grandpa’s Little Train, George’s Dinosaur Adventure and you can even ride in a ‘cloud’ around Windy Castle! New for 2018 is The Queen's Flying Coach Ride and Grampy Rabbit's Sailing Club! The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride will take families on a royal tour around part of Peppa Pig World in individual coaches starting from the top of the majestic Queen’s Castle. Children and parents will also be able to hop aboard brightly coloured boats at Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club where they can join the adventure and sail around Peppa Pig World and discover Pirate Island!

Peppa Pig World features a huge indoor play area, Georges Spaceship Playzone and superb animated themed attractions including a chance to visit Peppa and her family in their house! Peppa Pig World is also home to Daddy Pig’s Big Tummy café and Peppa’s Toy Shop, the largest (and only!) dedicated Peppa Pig shop in the World!

Lost Kingdom is an amazing Dinosaur Theme Park World that features two world class family rollercoasters, life-like animatronic dinosaurs, Jurassic themed family rides, a Prehistoric adventure play park and an amazing opportunity to come face to face with ‘living’, walking Dinosaurs!

Guests can soar high into the skies upon on The Flight of the Pterosaur, a mighty and unique suspended coaster, which takes family adventurers swooping high and low around a prehistoric landscape.

The Dinosaur Tour Co. takes visitors on an exciting 4x4 jeep expedition to come face to face with some of the largest and most fearsome dinosaurs to have walked the planet.

Only the bravest explorers will take on Velociraptor. Those who dare to board this breath-taking family boomerang coaster will sense the speed and agility of the Velociraptor as drops and sweeps around tight bends and through ancient tunnels.

Everyday there is an incredible opportunity to meet ‘living’ tame (ish) walking dinosaurs at Alive – Dinosaur Encounter.

Younger explorers can enjoy iconic views across Lost Kingdom on Temple Heights, choose between riding in a huge dinosaur egg or giant stone on the swirling Boulder-Dash ride, ride the cute mini-coaster, Dino Chase and let off steam at the Little Explorers’ Play Park.

Discover Lost Kingdom and experience a journey to a lost land that will never be forgotten.

Critter Creek is a world of strange mixed-up creatures known as the ‘Curious Critters’! Meet the Fly-ger or say hello to the Horned Swamp Donkey! You can take a ride on the Cat-o-pillar rollercoaster and discover enormous colourful plants the likes of which have never been seen before. Critter Creek is also home to Professor Blast’s Discovery Express Train, a delightful journey for little ones and Beastie Burrow, a real life bug emporium complete with fascinating and unusual insects, fish and lizards!

Little Africa houses a number of animals native to the continent, including fennec fox, African crested porcupines, meerkats, Savannah monitor lizards and giant train millipedes, as well as one of the largest rodents in Africa, the Gambian pouched rat, and also the smallest, the African pygmy mouse. At the centre of Little Africa is an impressive aviary where a mix of bird species such as the trumpeter hornbills and black-crowned night herons, will share the same environment that has been designed to replicate an African waterhole

Top for thrills is the Park’s breathtaking ride, EDGE. Riders swoop and spin through the air reaching a height of 15 metres on a giant disc that travels along a 90-metre track featuring a ‘camelback’ hill to create an amazing floating sensation. EDGE was the first ride of its type in the UK and perfectly complements the Park’s other thrilling rides including The Cobra and, last year’s exhilarating new attraction Magma. The largest of Paultons three rollercoasters, The Cobra features an exciting combination of twists, drops and turns that have made it a great family favourite whilst Magma launches riders 25 metres up in to the sky only to drop them back down in to the heart of a smoking volcano!

Smaller children will love Water Kingdom! It’s a whole world of water jets, giant tipping buckets, sprays, fountains, and super soakers for the little ones to enjoy and explore. This huge 8,500ft2 kids’ splash park paradise features more than 20 different ways of getting wet and has a seated patio area nearby so parents can relax whilst watching the fun.

Younger children also adore the beautiful garden-themed Trekking Tractors ride, Seal Falls and the Digger

Daily penguin feeding sessions also take place throughout the year, featuring an entertaining keeper talk which gives visitors a chance to learn more about these unusual and often humorous birds.

Paultons really is way too much fun for one day!

Further information including a calendar of opening times is available from paultonspark.co.uk

COVID-19

In response to the developing situation surrounding Coronavirus and the most recent advice from the UK Government we are very sorry to say Paultons Park will close from 5.00pm on Friday 20th March until further notice.

This is not a decision that has been made easily having already implemented many additional measures to protect both our guests, staff and suppliers. However, we now feel this is the only and correct course of action available to us in order to limit social interaction in line with the clear recommendations laid out by the Prime Minister.

Booking a Red Funnel Ferry

Provides a vehicle ferry service to East Cowes and a Red Jet Hi-speed foot passenger service to West Cowes on the Isle of Wight 364 days a year. Passengers can book using the website up to 2 hours before the sailing departs or call 0844 844 998. Their cheapest fares can be found online and are shown alongside every sailing. There are no hidden extras and you'll be sent your ticket by email.

Facilities Onboard

The internal lounges offer a place to relax with a tea or coffee from The Steam Coffee Company, while watching the TV or using the FREE wi-fi. On the outer decks passengers can enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Solent as they jet across the water. The ReFuel cafe restaurant provides hot and cold food including a cooked English breakfast, sandwiches, salads, snacks, fresh baked pastries, cookies and muffins. Bar1861 offers a selection of bottled and draft beers, wines and spirits. Both can be found on board the vehicle ferries.

Travelling to the Isle of Wight

The Red Funnel Ferry terminals are located at Town Quay, between Southampton's City and Ocean cruise terminals. Depending on how much luggage you are carrying it is a short walk of about 5-10 minutes from these cruise terminals. Alternatively taxis can be ordered to collect passengers from the terminals or found waiting outside. There is a free CityLink shuttle bus that operates every 15 minutes between Southampton Central station and Red Funnel's ferry terminals. The journey will take approximately 10 minutes and stops outside West Quay Shopping Centre on the way.

Check Out Our Day Trip Offers with discounted tickets to the Attractions on the Island including Osborne House the much loved home of Queen Victoria. Osborne House is a walk from the ferry terminal of just over a mile or take a bus.

Based in Brockenhurst on the Brookley Road, our bakery and tea house remains true to the ethics at the heart of the Rosie Lea brand, using locally produced New Forest ingredients to create high quality baked produce, keeping our carbon footprint down and remaining as ecologically friendly as possible.

During a visit to the bakery you can expect to enjoy creations containing local eggs, flour, meats & cheeses, locally produced jam and locally crafted chocolates. In addition to supporting existing New Forest businesses, Rosie Lea also provides a comprehensive and varied “free from” menu aiming to give those with specific dietary requirements as good a selection as those without.

All our produce is baked on site ad can also be beautifully packaged and taken away. The Tea House runs from early morning breakfast serving a good choice from menu from the humble muffin, to the house specialty “morning Tea”, a full continental breakfast served on a three tiered china cake stand, both glamorous and satisfying for hungry tums! 

Throughout the remainder of the day Rosie Lea will be serving up light lunches, full sumptuous afternoon teas and a variety of cakes and baked goodies, and of course it wouldn’t be Rosie Lea if they didn’t serve you on their beautiful vintage china!

Also now at Setley Ridge is Rosie Leas Tearoom serving delicious homemade fayre, sumptuous afternoon teas, lunches and wine from our vineyard.

A mile or two east from the centre of Southampton is Royal Victoria Country Park. The beach at the park offers a stunning view of cruise liners before they pass Hamble Point. Covering over 200 acres, it is one of the most scenic and delightful areas of South Hampshire, providing an ideal day out for all the family.

The park is firm favourite, due to its attractive parkland and woodland, and seashore overlooking Southampton Water. There’s lots to do, including a miniature railway, story trail, play area, tearooms, BBQs for hire and plenty of walking routes. Plus there are loads of seasonal events with something bound to suit you.

Royal Vic was once the site of the world’s largest hospital, of which now only the iconic chapel remains. Due to Heritage Lottery funding, the chapel is currently undergoing restoration work. Opening in summer 2018, the plan is to uncover the history and hidden stories of this important building.

The park is open every day. Entry to the park is free.

The car park is open 8am-9pm (March to October) and 8am-5pm (November to February).

Parking charges

Up to one hour £2
Up to three hours £3
Full day £5

We offer an annual parking pass for £60.

Dogs are welcome in the country park.

The park is largely accessible to users of wheelchairs and pushchairs. All our buildings are fully accessible and there are accessible toilets next to the café. Most of our paths are flat and smooth, and a ramp allows access to the beach. Our children’s play areas contains fully accessible equipment.

Wheelchairs are available to borrow. Guide dogs are welcome in our buildings. Some locations require access via a RADAR key, which can be obtained from the park office.

Please don’t feed bread to our ducks! We have a family of ducks who live at Sophie’s Pond and they’ve become quite fond of bread, which is bad for their health. The bread also attracts rats. Ducks love healthier alternatives like seeds, lettuce and peas instead. Thank you!

Rising high above the town walls stood Southampton Castle. Built after the Norman conquest of 1066, the King and his court would stay here on their way to France. After gradually falling into disrepair the castle was rebuilt in 1805, but demolished 10 years later.

We all need to work together to keep safe and help alleviate the spread of COVID-19.

With over 40 specialist boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafes, Marland's shopping centre offer a unique range of stores and services. Spread over 2 levels with direct access onto the main high street, Above Bar, it’s just a short walk from the train station, WestQuay and many of the city’s heritage attractions. There is also access to public toilets and parking available with a daily charge of £5 between 8 am-6 pm.

Shopping

Marlands Shopping Centre offers a great variety of shops, with stores that should appeal to most visitors. Southampton's only officially licensed Disney store can be found here, great for the kids, as is Rockbottom Toys. Those hunting for a gift may want to check out the Perfume Shop, The Market Gallery, or even the independent department store The Loft Ladder. In all, there are more than 40 shops housed in the centre, offering up a wide range of products. The best way to find out what's on offer is to simply explore - you never know what you may find.

Food & Drinks

There are a number of refreshment offerings found in the centre too. It's a great place to stop and grab a cup of coffee or a bit to eat. Visitors will find the likes of BB's Coffee & Muffins, Shakeaway, and ChariTeas awaiting. There's even Fredericks Chocolate, which is a miniature paradise for those with a sweet tooth.

The New Forest Centre is packed full of displays and activities about the New Forest National Park. There's something here for all ages and you'll find out more about how to enjoy your time in the Forest. 

The New Forest Centre comprises of:

The New Forest Museum which is packed full of displays and activities about the New Forest National Park. There's something here for all ages and you’ll find out more about how to enjoy your time in the Forest

The New Forest Gallery with an exciting programme of changing exhibitions and displays throughout the year

The Centre Gift Shop where you are sure to find something to suit your taste and pocket whether you are looking for a memento of your time in the Forest or a special gift for family or friends

The Christopher Tower Reference Library where you can develop your interest in the New Forest

The New Forest Centre is the ideal place to start any visit to the New Forest National Park.

The Winchester City Mill is an urban working watermill powered by the fast-flowing River Itchen at the bottom of High Street.

Rebuilt in 1744 on an earlier medieval site, it remained in use until the early 20th century. Following major restoration undertook by The National Trust, the mill resumed grinding flour again in early 2004. The City Mill is today a National Trust property.

The City Mill is a lively and informative place for all ages to enjoy. You can learn about the technology and history of milling with hands-on activities, working models, displays and video presentations. Flour making demonstrations take place on Saturdays and Sundays. Frequent baking/tasting days as also organised throughout the year.

All areas are accessible to disabled visitors, and guide dogs are also permitted.

For non-English speakers, French and Spanish audio guides are available on request.

The Winchester City Museum is Hampshire's oldest museum.

The Museum tells the story of the city of Winchester, from an important Roman City later principal city of King Alfred. Through galleries, discover Winchester from its origins as a prehistoric trading centre and Roman regional capital, to its pre-eminence as a principal city in the Anglo- Norman kingdom and then development and decline in the Middle Ages, through to modern times.

Winchester City Museum also includes hands-on activities and quizzes, audio guides and gift shop.

Plus - admission is free!