Action Stations is a high-tech, interactive indoor attraction housed in Boathouse 6. The boathouse itself was built between 1845 and 1848, and like the technology it now features inside, it was once at the forefront of design and innovation in the Victorian era.

Action Stations was officially opened by the Duke of York in 2001, and features a unique series of physical challenges, simulators and technological experiments, which put visitors at the heart of the modern naval experience.

At Action Stations visitors can reach dizzy heights when they attempt to scale the tallest indoor climbing tower in the UK. Soaring to a height of 8.4 metres (over 27 feet), a built-in LCD timer and differing degrees of difficulty are available, assess your own speed and agility, as well as compete against friends and family.

Action Stations has worked closely with the UK’s number 1 laser tag brand to create an exhilarating experience for players of all ages. Set over 2 floors which represent the bridge of a hijacked container ship and a pirate stronghold, Laser Quest provides challenges inspired by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, with lighting effects, billowing smoke and a heart-pounding atmosphere.

Take your seats for Command Approved, our state of the art large-screen film and projection technology bring you 25 minutes of heart-pumping action fit for James Bond himself, as the fictional HMS Monarch combats gold bullion pirates in the South Seas. This is the Royal Navy at its best in an action-packed drama combining excitement, danger and intrigue. Command Approved was specially made on location in the Bahamas aboard HMS Montrose and HMS Marlborough, two of the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates.

Then ride the movie in the 19-seat, 6-axis motion simulator where visitors can take a white-knuckle trip in a rigid raider boat with the Royal Marines, defy gravity in a Sea Harrier, or let Helen, the Lynx helicopter pilot in Command Approved, take you on a hair-raising escape from those rebel pirates.

MOORS VALLEY

DORSET/HAMPSHIRE

Situated ten miles north of Bournemouth, our leafy hideout at Moors Valley Country Park is famous for its adventurous woodland play and cycling trails meaning plenty of adventures in a whole day out. Our Dorset adventure not only boasts a double Tarzan Swing it also features a Skateboard Zip for visitors to jump onboard. Go Ape Forest Segway and Tree Top Junior are also available for all to enjoy!

Dorset’s multi award-winning family theme park, Adventure Wonderland, with its great range of rides and attractions is the perfect spot for an unforgettable day out.

The park, opposite Bournemouth Airport, takes its inspiration from Lewis Carol’s timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland and children love getting to know the resident characters Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Mr Rabbit, and the cheeky Cheshire Cat.

Throughout the year the park welcomes a number of fabulous visiting characters for the day. The park also welcome characters from holiday parks, like Shorefield and our friends at Wave and Heart drop-in too.

Easter, Halloween, Christmas and all the school holidays are always extra special times at Adventure Wonderland, so follow the park on Facebook @adventurewonderland or checkout the website to keep bang up-to-date with the latest events.

The park is set within wonderful parkland with the largest natural hedge maze on the South Coast with 1 ½ miles of pathways – perfect for an adventure. There is also the new Shetland World where you can pat and stroke the pint-sized bundles of fun.

And that’s just outside. There’s also the vast indoor Aztec adventure play centre, Wild Thing! with even more activities including the new interactive game, Jungle Zap Zone.

Plus, new live shows in the weather beating Happydrome Theatre.

The park celebrated great success in the 2018 prestigious Primary Times Reader Star Awards, after local families gave the attraction a huge vote of approval in an online vote. It was voted Best Overall Attraction, Best Family Attraction and Best Children’s Party Venue by Primary Times readers. The family-friendly magazine, which has a distribution of more than 50,000, reaches 198 primary schools in Dorset, and is aimed at parents of children aged 4 to 11.

2019 Character Days

31 July Bing & Flop

14  August Paw Patrol’s Skye & Marshall

28 August  Peppa Pig

30th October Shaun the Sheep

Events

26 Oct - 3 Nov The Home of Halloween

31 Oct - 1 Nov Monster Bash

23 Nov - 23 Dec Step Into Christmas

Visit adventurewonderland.co.uk or call 01202 483444 for further details opening times and tickets. Get a 10% discount for booking online.

Prices

Adults £14.99; Child (3+) £14.99; Child (2 yrs) £7.99; Child (under 2) FREE; Disabled (inc. carer) £9.99; Seniors £11.99; Family of 4 £54; Additional family member £13.50

Additional Information

When the full park is open, Wild Thing is included as an attraction and cannot be accessed separately.

Children under one go free.

Nestled in the trees at our 150-acre Outdoor Sports Centre, the Alpine Snowsports Centre caters for all your winter sport needs all year round. Many a fine skier and snowboarder has graced our slope over the years, including Billy Morgan, who recently became one of the few boarders to land a triple rodeo. Look it up, it’s pretty spectacular!

You don’t need to be able to accomplish tricks like that to enjoy the facilities here though. Being set within the trees, the 110-metre slope makes for a close-knit atmosphere that brings people of all ages and abilities together through snowsports. You don’t even need to ski or board down it – be sure to make the most of our donuts, which are large inflatable rubber rings that absolutely fly downhill!

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or learning from our supportive staff, you’ll love the friendly atmosphere here at the Alpine Snowsports Centre. Do pay us a visit and come and try out some of the most exhilarating sports going.

Set in the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is an award-winning family day out where one great value ticket grants you access to all these attractions:

The National Motor Museum has a stunning collection of over 280 vehicles. From Formula 1 racers to vintage classics, the museum captures the wonderful history of motoring. 

Ever wondered what happened to the amphibious Toyota or the Saab stretch limo from Top Gear? The World of Top Gear features the actual cars from some of the TV show's most ambitious challenges, such as the Lotus Excel submarine car from the Top Gear Bond special. Attraction highlights include the Top Gear 'Enormodrome' which recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio.

Visit the beautiful Palace House & Gardens to discover the history of this Victorian styled country house and explore the tranquil Beaulieu Abbey to learn about the inhabitants of this once-bustling complex.

Let your imagination run wild in Little Beaulieu, the enchanting new adventure play area.

Uncover the truth behind Beaulieu's covert wartime role in the Secret Army Exhibition.

Plus see sweeping views of the park from the high-level Monorail.

Flooded gravel pits and their surrounding habitats host a range of wildlife. An on-site Education Centre is managed by the Wildlife Trust in partnership with Wessex Water, Bournemouth Water and New Forest District Council.

Boathouse 4 was built in 1939 in response to the need for a rapid rearmament programme prior to the start of World War II. This vast building, incorporating its own dock and locks, is typical of 1930s military industrial architecture. Access to Boathouse 4 is free. 

Boathouse 4 is a great new family attraction within the Historic Dockyard, with exhibitions, hands-on children’s activities and a brand new indoor mast climbing experience.

The building was constructed in the rearmament period before the Second World War and has also been restored and converted into a Boatbuilding Skills Training Centre and will soon be home to the International Boatbuilding College Portsmouth and Highbury College. These two colleges will be training a new generation of students in the techniques of traditional boatbuilding and other related skills that are still very much required today to build and conserve wooden boats.

Built within this magnificent historic building, overlooking the Boatbuilding Skills Training Centre is a new exciting exhibition “The Forgotten Craft” which tells the heroic stories of the small boats which were the backbone of the Royal Navy. From the wooden cutters that ferried Lord Nelson to and from his flagship, to the Cockleshell Heroes in their canoes and the powerful motorboats that helped to win the Second World War.

Spotting deer in the New Forest isn't always easy, but at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary there is a purpose built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather.

Deer viewing at Bolderwood isn't guaranteed but the herd are fed daily by the local New Forest keeper, between the months of April and September, so the deer are more than happy to remain in the main meadow and are very accustomed to human presence. Feeding time can be between noon and 3pm.

Several of the animals are white, which is quite an uncommon colour for fallow deer to be. The platform provides an excellent photo opportunity although a zoom or telephoto lens is a very good idea, if you want close-up shots.

The large grass lawn at Bolderwood car parkThe wooden viewing platform is just a short distance from the main Bolderwood car park. Adjacent to the car park is a large flat grassy Forest lawn, perfect for kicking a football around or grouping up for a game of rounders! In fact, Bolderwood is one of the most popular spots in the New Forest for spending a sunny day and the area can become a bit congested during the better weather and holiday times.

While the deer sanctuary is the main attraction at Bolderwood, there are also graded walks and a large picnic area amongst the tall trees, alongside which is a New Forest information cabin (not always open) manned by a Forest Ranger. The picnic area also has decent toilet facilities.

If you don't want to stray too far from your vehicle, it's an ideal place to take a packed lunch and just enjoy the forest atmosphere.

Of course, if you want to see more of Bolderwood the graded walks take you through the surrounding woodland. Each one starts and ends at the picnic area and follow gravel tracks. There are three walks of 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 2 miles and all are very easy going.

Escape to the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard, where history and stunning scenery come together for an unforgettable trip out in the New Forest countryside.

Once a bustling shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, this charming village is now a peaceful haven. Relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake, take a ramble beside the Beaulieu River, or delve into the village’s history in the Maritime Museum.

In the Buckler's Hard Museum you will discover the fascinating story of the village and the ships it built. Listen in on conversations between villagers of the past in the 18th century New Inn and follow the stories of the 19th and 20th century residents in an exhibition about village life.

Between Easter and October, take a cruise on the Beaulieu River. This 30 minute voyage gives a close-up view of the wildlife along the banks of the river and tells rich tales of its past. If you’re lucky you might even spot a seal!

For visitors who are yearning for even more history, you can take a trip back in time at the Shipwright’s Cottage, or explore the Chapel of St Mary’s, with its smugglers’ cellar beside the altar.

After working up an appetite, there are plenty of places to stop for that long-awaited coffee with a friend. Tuck into an afternoon tea or a light lunch from the Captain’s Table, or enjoy a pint and a meal at The Master Builder’s House Hotel.

Entry to the village is free (a parking charge applies). A small admission charge applies for the Museum and River Cruise.

Located in the heart of The New Forest in Hampshire, at Burley Fudge we are fudge experts and pride ourselves on producing delicious, handmade confectionery of the highest quality.

From our much loved clotted cream fudge to our spicy chilli chocolate fudges, there are so many flavours to try... so what are you waiting for?...

If you are in the area, why not visit our shop today or visit our on line shop at www.burleyfudge.co.uk

The Burley Village Hall is a popular hall in Burley.

Situated a short distance to the south-west of the village centre, on Pound Lane, it hosts a number of events throughout the year, including antique fairs, art exhibitions, parties, concerts talks and plays staged by local groups. 

The Museum prides itself on providing a really good visit for everyone - whatever age! We have an interesting tale to tell all about the history of brick making. Bricks are such small insignificant items - but they have built much of Britain.

Find out how they were made, try making one yourself, see how the brickworks at Bursledon geared up to making 20 million bricks a year.

Lots of hands-on activities throughout the museum.....no chance of getting bored!

Calshot Activities Centre in Hampshire is one of the largest Outdoor Adventure Centres in Britain. We have a reputation for excellence and professionalism and operate to the highest standards. Offering residential and non-residential courses in an unrivalled number of exciting water and land based activities.

Situated in a unique position on the shores of the Solent, its magnificent setting gives immediate access to the country’s most popular Watersports location. Ashore, historic Hangars accommodate a state of the art climbing complex, the only indoor Velodrome in Southern England and a dry Ski Slope.

Coaching is to a high standard and our highly experienced instructors will provide helpful advice on all aspects of your chosen activity / sport. 

Whether you’re a family looking to do some activities together, a group of friends wanting a fun day out, organising a celebration with a difference or a club wanting a social event - Calshot has it all. From half day to week long residential visits, with every programme tailored for the individual group.With onsite accommodation and meals for residential courses/activities, a cafe/bar and our facilities are accessible to all. 

With onsite accommodation and meals for residential courses/activities, a cafe/bar and our facilities are accessible to all. Calshot Castle is also on site with magnificent views and maybe visited as an attraction or hired for events.

Products include-

Sailing, Climbing, Windsurfing, Skiing, Track Cycling, Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Powerboating, High + Low Ropes, Archery, Abseiling, Team Building, Children's Club, School Groups and Corporate Groups.

Charles Dickens – Portsmouth’s most famous son..

Portsmouth, the Home of Great Writing, has touched the lives and works of Britain’s most famous writers - from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Michelle Magorian, from H.G. Wells to Neil Gaiman. But the city’s most famous son is Charles Dickens – novelist, journalist, and social commentator. Although homes in London and Chatham would later claim him, Dickens’ early life was spent in Portsmouth.

Charles Dickens was born at 1 Mile End Terrace (now re-named 393 Old Commercial Road) on 7th February 1812 - the first married home of his parents, John and Elizabeth Dickens. Here you can experience the authentic atmosphere of the comfortable Regency home which would have greeted the new-born Dickens. Much of Victorian Portsmouth still remains in the city’s streets and heritage, drawn upon by Dickens himself in Nicholas Nickleby. The Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is the perfect place to start exploring and experiencing the work of one of England’s most famous and best-loved writers.

The displays bring the birthplace to life, perfectly presenting the furnishings and style of the Dickens family. A fully-furnished parlour, dining room and bedroom feature genuine Regency furniture and household items, allowing you to step into the world of the 19th century Dickens family. See exhibits belonging to the man himself, including personal possessions such as his snuff box and even the very couch on which he died.

Cyclexperience started life in a shed in 1993. The shed has become somewhat bigger now with a retail store for leisure and family cyclists upstairs and our bike hire warehouse downstairs. Our village bikeshop is now a specialist cycling store designed and rebranded for the enthusiast. We have called it Boost Bike Hub since everyone’s life could do with a boost of some kind! We also have our little sister bike hire cabin in the beautiful Dorset countryside near Corfe Castle which opens on a seasonal basis.

Our core values are Honesty, Helpfulness & Inclusive service to all. We employ over 20 local people so you can guarantee when you buy from us, you are contributing to the local economy!

The varied terrain of The New Forest makes it a cycling destination for all ages and abilities but it is most suited to recreational riders, couples and family groups.

Prices start from £18.50 per day for an adult's bike, or from £9 per day for a child's bike.  Latest models Electric Bikes can also be hired from £30.00 per day.

Included in the daily hire, along with the bike are: safety helmets, a route map, rucksack (with tool-kit), spare tube & pump and an all-forest back-up service. The price you pay also offers a mechanical back-up service if you have a technical problem which cannot be solved with the tools supplied. Cyclexperience provide a free GPS map app which you can easily download on your smartphone and use it to guide you through some of the best New Forest routes.

In Cyclexperience Hire Centre you will be able to use free Wi-Fi and chill-out zone with refreshments. Shower and baby change are also available.

Experience the south coast’s most spectacular view. Emirates Spinnaker Tower stands at 170 metres tall, offering breath-taking 23 mile views over Portsmouth Harbour, the city, the Solent, the South Downs and the Isle of Wight. The iconic building boasts a high speed lift and three sky-high viewing decks. Venture across the thrilling glass ‘Sky Walk’ at 100 metres above sea level; discover stories behind the surrounding sites with informative touch screen displays; try vertigo-inducing virtual reality, breath in the view from the open air ‘Sky Garden’; relax in The Clouds with a coffee, a glass of bubbly or a decadent High Tea; and enjoy delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients in the Waterfront Café. Thrill seekers can book on to one of the Tower’s popular 100 metre abseil days or Altitude, a bespoke virtual reality experience. Emirates Spinnaker Tower also makes a stunning venue for private events, corporate functions and weddings. 

Luxury Sailing Experience Days and Skippered Yacht Charter..

Hello. We’re Escape Yachting, a skippered yacht charter company.

We offer you a relaxing sailing experience. See the English coast and the Isle of Wight on a day out or weekend on the Solent, from Lymington in the New Forest. Discover new destinations abroad with our family-friendly, full-service worldwide charter. Sailing is wonderfully clean and quiet, the perfect antidote to the rush of daily life.

Our aim is to provide you with a fun and stress-free trip!

The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (80 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. 

This earthly paradise offers a riot of colour in spring, an oasis of tranquillity in summer followed by a splendid show as the leaves change in the autumn. 

Capture Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways. A 20 minute trip aboard the 12 ¼ inch gauge Steam Railway is sure to delight visitors of all ages. 

Explosion! is an award winning museum of naval warfare created within 18th century buildings at the Royal Navy's former armaments depot of Priddy's Hard, in Gosport, Hampshire.

The museum is housed in a group of listed buildings which centre around the original powder magazine of 1771. These sit on the edge of a delightful camber basin on the western shore of Portsmouth Harbour, with views across to Portchester Castle, Whale Island and the Naval Base. Explosion! traces the development of naval armaments from gunpowder to the Exocet missile...but the museum is not just about big bangs!

New Forest Cycle Sales, Cycle Hire and Repairs.

Welcome to the home of cycling in the New Forest! We are the acclaimed New Forest Cycle Hire, Cycle & Accessory Sales and Cycle Repairs Centre, based in the traditional and unspoilt village of Burley and located close to the trails. Come and enjoy a healthy, active day out on one of our New Forest cycle routes, with rides for all ages and abilities and free parking nearby.

• Hiring your cycles from our central forest location will always be the best way to enjoy one of the most popular New Forest activities. By coming to us you will benefit from expert advice on our New Forest cycle routes as well as finding the right bikes and equipment for you. You can book your cycle hire in advance online.
  

From our picturesque village location in Burley you’ll be able to cycle along our famous Old Railway, visit the Deer Sanctuary, enjoy the Woodland Trail and relax at a real forest inn, or indulge in a sumptuous cream tea in one of the many welcoming tea rooms, all in the most stunning New Forest scenery. In particular our choice of 9 cycle rides, with distances from 5 miles up to 32 miles, provide the very best cycling conditions for families, inexperienced and ‘born again’ cyclists! All our routes can be extended to provide a challenge for the more adventurous cyclists

OPEN 7 DAYS - 100's BIKES FOR SALE - FREE PARKING NEARBY

National Park

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.

Come and discover this artillery fortress built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a spit. Commanding the entrance to the Solent, it offers one of the best views in England.

It played a part in the imprisonment of Charles I in the 17th century and defended England from invasion threats in the 19th and 20th centuries. Exhibitions around the castle provide you with a chance to piece together Hurst Castle's history.

With an audio tour to help you navigate, fantastic views of the Isle of Wight from the top of the Tudor keep and plenty of open spaces for the children to explore, it's a great day out for the whole family. There's also a cafe offering homemade food.

Access to the castle is a leisurely ferry ride from Keyhaven (charges apply) or a 1.5 mile walk along Hurst Spit (please note this is a shingle spit). Cafe is open daily and dogs on leads welcome.

Open weekends only during winter months, weather permitting, 10.30am - 4.00pm. The Castle will not be open for Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Tel: 01590 642344

For the ideal location to view the majestic cruise ships in Southampton Port, simply hop aboard the Hythe Ferry for a fifteen minute trip, landing at Hythe’s historic pier with the world’s oldest electric pier train. Shop, eat, walk, cycle, enjoy; Hythe is the gateway to the New Forest.

Villages of Dibden Purlieu, Fawley, Marchwood and Eling are in easy reach. Calshot beach with Tudor castle and Flying Boat Hangars on Calshot Spit, and Lepe Country Park’s fascinating history of the D-Day Preparations and underground Cold War monitoring post. Both offer stunning views of the Isle of Wight across the Solent.

Lepe Country Park is a coastal site in the New Forest National Park. There are stunning views across the Solent from Hurst Castle to Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower and even the Isle of Wight.

With attractive beaches, coastal walks and unique heritage, the park is a firm favourite with its visitors. Lepe is popular for walking, swimming, fishing, windsurfing, and bird or boat watching. There is a children’s play area, picnic areas, barbecues for hire, toilets, ample parking, and a café.

Make sure you keep up to date with all the events and activities we offer throughout the year. As well as our permanent trails, we have fabulous seasonal events.

We are open every day, from 7.30am until 8pm or dusk (whichever is earliest). Check closing times on entry to the park.

Parking charges apply.

Up to one hour £2
Up to two hours £2.50
Up to three hours £4
Full day £6
Blue Badge holders and motorbikes – free
Coaches - £6 per day

An annual parking pass is available for £45.

The café is open seven days a week (except Christmas Day). We are open between 10am and 5pm (April to October), and 10am until 4pm (November to March).

Dogs are welcome in the country park. Please follow onsite signage and make use of dog waste bins provided. Dogs are not permitted on the family friendly beach between April and September. There is an alternative route available along our clifftop path.

The park has an onsite accessible toilet. Additionally, there is an accessible pathway and wheelchair accessible platforms, and ramp access to the café and beach.

Lepe is currently undergoing some extremely exciting improvements to the visitor experience. We’re got a new visitor information centre and café facility underway as well as new trails and walking destinations. Plus, there will be a fully accessible boardwalk at the end of the works.

Please excuse any disruption at this time; we’ll do our best to keep inconvenience to a minimum. We’re currently getting ready for our move. There will be around three weeks (we hope less!) in which the café will be closed, though we’ll have temporary catering on site. The park office will also be unavailable for a short time and the outdoor toilets will be shut. Temporary toilets will be located at beach level.

The park will remain open as usual during this time so please keep popping by to enjoy everything Lepe has to offer! Thank you for your continued support – we’re hope you’re as excited as we are for Lepe’s future. 

Come along and enjoy a fantastic family day for everyone. Join in with our daily schedule of activities, which run throughout the day. You can bottle-feed the kid goats and the calves, feed the ducks, meet the pigs, donkeys and ponies... and cuddle the baby rabbits, chicks or maybe even a piglet! PLUS lots more friendly animals to see.

Lots of brilliant farmyard buildings to explore and loads of fabulous indoor and outdoor play areas including the trampoline barn, a soft play area and The Farmer's Straw Den.

Don't miss the Longdown Farm Shop for a large range of delicious locally sourced produce. We also provide a tearoom, gift shop and picnic areas. (Farm Shop open daily 10am - 5pm (4pm when farm attraction is closed))

Open from Saturday 13th Feb 2016 until Sunday 30th Oct 2016

Open daily - 10am to 5pm February to September

Open daily - 10am to 4.30pm October

Last admissions - 1 hour before closing.

Christmas attraction open 3rd to 24th December 2016.

PLEASE NOTE: CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT. THANK YOU.

2016 Admission Prices: SAME PRICES AS 2015!

• Under 3s are FREE!
  
• Adult - £9.00. Buy online for 10% savings
  
• Senior - £7.50. Buy online for 10% savings
  
• Child (3-14 years) - £8.00. Buy online for 10% savings
  
• Family Saver: (2 Adults & 2 Children) - £30.00. Buy online for 10% savings
  
• Serving military personnel - £6.50 (please show military ID card)
  

Set within the popular Georgian market town of Lymington you will find the oldest open air sea water baths in the UK.

Dating back to 1833 the baths have historically gained national interest for their health giving waters and natural mud minerals. Today, young and old still swim in the waters and enjoy the stunning location with views over to the Isle of Wight.

With growing interest in preserving these historical sites for future generations the Baths have gained Grade 2 listed status in 2012. Now under new management the site is set to increase its range of activities focusing on enriching the experience for the local community and tourists alike.

The 2015 season promises to be an exciting one! As well as kayaks, paddle boards, and water rollers we are installing the South Coast’s biggest inflatable obstacle course (see image).

We can accommodate private parties and groups up to 400 people so if you are planning a private party, corporate day or charity event please get in touch with us so we can try to help!

Get closer to nature at Marwell Zoo! The beautiful 140-acre outdoor attraction is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species such as Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, clouded leopards, snow leopards and all three species of zebra (to name a few)!

Marwell Wildlife is a conservation charity established in 1972 which owns and operates Marwell Zoo. The organisation has been given the royal seal of approval for their environmental commitments with a coveted award; The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development.

Step into paradise at the ‘Energy for Life’ Tropical House. This innovative and sustainable exhibit shows off a stunning environment where summer is eternal, and colourful birds are free to fly overhead. Peer through lush foliage and get face-to-face with a Linne’s two-toed sloth by the cascading waterfall. As you walk through this immersive exhibit, enjoy the vibrant colours of hundreds of exotic plants, and learn all about the flow of energy through life. Did you know? This building is sustainably powered by zoo poo!

Get up close to the wallabies as you wander through wallaby walkthrough. With an idyllic dwell area, water feature and natural seating, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and listen to the natural sounds of the park. You may even catch the wallabies having their dinner.

Explore Marwell’s charming formal garden which includes a representation of three garden styles of the 16th and 17th centuries, located behind the historic Marwell Hall.

There are multiple catering outlets across the zoo open for meals, light bites and snacks – all freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients and available to take away. Perfect for a picnic on the back lawn or next to the rhinos!

Go wild in their many adventure playgrounds! The bespoke okapi playground was designed to be inclusive and provides accessible equipment, so all children can safely play.

Pop into the gift shop for fun, ethically sources gifts suitable for all ages! It’s a must-see final stop before you leave. You can even get them delivered straight to your door by giving our team a call.

Upgrade your day ticket to an annual membership whilst at the park and enjoy unlimited entry to the zoo for one year, plus even more exclusive perks.

Download Marwell Zoo’s app to make the most out of your visit. Get up-to-date information such as opening times, feeds, exclusive offers, a detailed park map and more!

Keep an eye out for new arrivals around the zoo throughout the year! Marwell Zoo is open daily from 10am, 363 days a year. Closing times and admissions prices vary. Please check the Marwell website for full ticket prices and other details.

By visiting you’ll be contributing towards their incredible projects to conserve species and habitats, both in Hampshire and around the world. By choosing to donate and Gift Aid your tickets when purchasing, you’ll be supporting the zoo even further! 

Let the train take the strain as you sit back, relax and travel through the heart of the English countryside. Whether you are taking a trip down memory lane or creating new ones, it’s the perfect way to unwind and experience the nostalgic sights, sounds and smells of steam travel from a bygone age.

We are open every weekend from mid-February to the end of October, daily during school holidays and midweek from May until September. 

The Mid Hants Railway was saved from closure in the 1970s and the line re-opened to visitors in 1977. As a charity, our mission is to preserve part of the country’s railway heritage for generations to come, and any profit generated from your visit enables us to do so.

Did you know?

• Virtually everyone you meet during your visit is a volunteer; from station staff and guards, to signalmen and loco crews.

• We have four period stations along a ten mile route between Alresford and Alton
(NB Steam trains will not be operating to or from Alton station until the end of July 2019.)

• Your ticket gives you all day unlimited travel so you can hop on and off as you wish, exploring both the stations and surrounding area

• We welcome group visits and offer special tours and discounts rates for 15+

• One free adult carer per full fare paying disable child or adult

• Dogs and bicycles travel free

• Check out our events we have throughout the year

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth brings history to life. It showcases treasures from the past 350 years and examines the common threads which link the sailor of England’s ‘Wooden Walls’ to the professional crews of today.

The Royal Navy has helped to shape the world. It made Britain a dominant sea power, protected its trade in troubled times and defended Britain from invasion or carried the attack overseas. The Royal Navy has touched the lives of millions of people worldwide, affected servicemen and women and the families of those who built, serviced and supplied its ships and influenced the lives of communities overseas.

The museum’s major gallery Hear My Story opened in 2014 and tells the undiscovered stories from the ordinary men and women of the ships which have shaped the Navy’s amazing history over the last 100 years, the century of greatest change. Hear My Story brings you closer than ever before to the real Royal Navy; cutting edge interpretation lets you see and hear the stories of the Navy in war and during peacetime.

The Sailing Gallery shows the realities of fighting at sea in the age of sail, the Nelson Gallery examines Nelson’s colourful, crowded and short life and the Sir Donald Gosling Victory Gallery explores the history of Britain’s most famous warship from the laying of her keel to her significant battles. Visitors can walk through the multi-media show the ‘Trafalgar Experience’, meeting Nelson and his great foe Napoleon, feeling the blast on the main gun deck during the Battle.

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!

Drive into Burley, one of the prettiest villages in the New Forest. Look for the cider barrel by the post office, follow the directions and you will find the home of New Forest Cider.

Free Cider Tasting, Handmade stone flagons, local preserves and cheese, country wines, plus brunch, lunch, cream teas or slice of home-made cake in our rustic tea rooms. Our products are made in the traditional way using English apples from our own orchards. You can try the unpasteurised, real cider straight from the barrels, there is usually dry, medium, sweet, Kingston Black and Perry as well as a selection of bottled ciders including our handcrafted Cider Bouche and our very popular Champagne method Cider.

We press during October and November using our own orchard apples together with true Cider fruit from traditional Cider orchards.

Our aim is to produce an interesting, full juice, draught Cider that is free from artificial colouring and flavouring.

Cosy up to our open fire and treat yourself to a traditional Sunday Roast. Serving Brunch, Lunch and afternoon teas every day. Enjoy a glass of scrumpy with your meal straight from the farm where it is produced, we also serve English beer and lager and a range of wines.

5 PYLON CABLE

Ride the UK's newest 5 pylon wake park! We are equipped with the latest equipment and quality features.

SYSTEM 2.0 CABLE

Just starting out? Trying to master your latest trick? Get ahead with coaching on our system 2.0 cable.

QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Our coaches are some of the best in the industry and will guide you from beginner to advanced. Book in now!

WIBIT SPORTS AQUA PARK

Splash out and jump onto our aqua park! Exhilarating fun for family and friends! Book your session today!

SINGLE/DOUBLE KAYAKING

Whatever the weather, you're sure to enjoy the tranquility of a leisurely paddle on our lake.

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

Stand up paddle whatever the weather in our stunning new forest scenery. No experience needed.

CAMPING

Pitch up, relax and unwind for a day or two while enjoying our facilities and the great atmosphere.

CAMP FIRES PERMITTED

Sit back and enjoy your evening with melted marshmallows and camp fire songs under the starry skies.

SMALL CAMPERS WELCOME

Park up for the weekend or all week long, you are very welcome here with your trusty home on wheels!

We’re passionate about wildlife and conservation at New Forest Wildlife Park and we want to encourage our visitors to learn more about conservation too.

Many of our animals, such as the giant otter, are on the IUCN endangered species Red List and we’re doing our best to help breed and conserve them for the future.

We were the first park in the UK to send a captive-bred giant otter to an international breeding programme abroad. Katuma, a young giant otter born at our sister park the Chestnut Centre in Derbyshire, was sent to Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain, Trinidad in 2013 to meet his specially chosen mate, Suzie.

At New Forest Wildlife Park we work closely with all the regulatory authorities to make sure our animals receive the best care. Some of our animals, such as our European bison, may also be included in international captive breeding programmes in the future. These programmes are strictly controlled to ensure good breeding stocks are available for species under threat.

Other conservation projects include:

• Rehabilitation of injured and orphaned native species - otters, owls, and deer Scottish wildcat captive breeding programme
• Harvest mouse captive breeding programme
• Pine marten captive breeding programme and studbook management European polecat captive breeding programme
• Water vole captive breeding programme
• Supporting Diane McTurk’s Giant Otter rehabilitation programme at Karanambu Ranch, Rupununi, Guyana
• European bison captive breeding programme
• Eurasian otter captive breeding programme
• Managing a European studbook for the Asian short-clawed otter and pine marten
• Donations to Nick Marx in Cambodia to help with his Wildlife Rescue Alliance and work with endangered hairy nosed otter

Rescue work

Behind the scenes we also work closely with the RSPCA, vets, the police and other organisations to help rescue injured and abandoned wild animals and bring them back to good health.

We have extensive expertise in working with Eurasian otters and so much of our rescue work involves orphaned and abandoned otter cubs that have been separated from their parents due to swollen rivers, accidents or other events.

The rescued cubs stay with us at New Forest Wildlife Park until they are 15 to 18 months old and after weaning they are kept away from human contact as much as possible so they can successfully be returned to the wild.

This work is not subsidised and costs us around £3000 in food and care for each animal. So by visiting our three wildlife parks, our supporters are helping us to carry out this vital conservation and rescue work.

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.

Situated within a working Naval Base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to a collection of fantastic attractions- there's so much to see and do! Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the only place in the world to see the Royal Navy past, present and future and is a must see for anyone visiting the South of England.

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.

This imposing Victorian fort is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery – The Big Guns. Fort Nelson is one of the few places where you can experience live black-powder firings of historic artillery pieces daily at 1pm. 

Strategically positioned atop Portsdown Hill, with panoramic views across the Meon Valley and Portsmouth Harbour, Fort Nelson is a historic monument, restored to how it would have been in the 1890s. Visitors can access most areas of the fortifications and see how the Fort would have operated.

Although a cliché, the phrase ‘must see’ truly applies to Fort Nelson’s astonishing collection of different artillery and guns from different time periods. Over 700 items of artillery from many countries and spanning 600 years are brought to life whilst sensitively telling the unique stories behind them.  

Weighing the same as 17 double-decker buses, an object of great interest is the huge 18 inch, 200 tonne Railway Howitzer. Designed and built by the Elswick Ordnance company of Newcastle, in 1918, as part of a trend to build bigger calibre guns with more destructive shells, it is the world’s largest surviving military gun.

Visit Fort Nelson and experience the exhilarating bang of gun firing. Discover more about the amazing collection, explore the eerie tunnels,  and uncover the story of Fort Nelson, its intriguing shape and history. 

COVID-19

From 18 March 2020 our museums in Leeds and at Fort Nelson will be closed to visitors until further notice.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy has announced that the closure of the main galleries of the Royal Marines Museum will take place on April 1st. 

As a result, the public galleries of the museum at Eastney will close. The museum will remain open for its corporate (conferences and weddings) and curatorial functions and its associated organisations * will continue to operate from the museum. The sea front car park and the Royal Marines Memorial Gardens will remain open to the public.

The new Royal Marines Museum will open in 2020 and be a state of the art museum containing the very latest in technology and hands-on activity. It will occupy the present Action Stations building, one of the original Victorian Boathouses, close to the Victory Gate visitor entrance. The main part of the building, including the historic Mast Pond in front, will be completely refurbished to provide a new museum.

WELCOME TO SALISBURY

Known as ‘the city in the countryside’, Salisbury is surrounded by a landscape so quintessentially English it’s almost too good to be true.

If you pause on the edge of the water-meadows to take in the awesome sight of the Cathedral rising up from these lush green fields, it’s easy to understand why Salisbury was named as one of the world's Top 10 Cities to visit in 2015 by Lonely Planet.

Within the Chapter House at Salisbury Cathedral you’ll find the best preserved of the four original Magna Carta manuscripts dating from 1215AD, celebrated within an exhibition which opened in early 2015 within the Cathedral's Chapter House.

What makes Salisbury special?

With timbered buildings, an Early English Gothic Cathedral home to the famous Magna Carta, a thriving market, a buzzing arts scene, museums and some of England’s finest historic houses there are many things for you waiting to be explored…

Within the Cathedral Close you’ll find Arundells, Mompesson House, The Rifles Military Museum and the award-winning Salisbury Museum with its Wessex Gallery.

Year-round events

There are plenty of events that take place in and around the city from the world-renowned Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival through to the annual Christmas Market.

Arts venues include Salisbury Playhouse, the South West’s leading producing theatre, City Hall and Salisbury Arts Centre.

Shopping in Salisbury

Salisbury is great for shopping. Its historic streets are home to all your favourite stores, as well as independent retailers offering unusual items you won’t find on every high street.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays (except the third Tuesday in October) the hustle and bustle of the historic Charter Market fills the Market Place and a whole array of other interesting markets take place throughout the year.

Salisbury food and drink

Eating out in Salisbury is a pleasure thanks to an enticing range of tea and coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, clubs and bars, with plenty on offer throughout the day and on into the early hours.

As a result of this and the great array of events on offer, Salisbury has been awarded Purple Flag status – the ‘gold standard’ for a great night out.

Salisbury Cathedral is a truly remarkable building, a testimony to the faith and practical skills of the medieval craftsmen who built it but it is much more than a historical monument. It is a living church and a place of prayer. As the Cathedral Church of the Salisbury diocese it is Mother Church of several hundred parishes in Wiltshire and Dorset. It is also a centre of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

For over 750 years pilgrims have come to Salisbury to seek inspiration in the peace of the building and surrounding Cathedral Close. Whether you come to worship, marvel at or climb up to Britain's tallest spire, to be awed by the beauty and scale of the cathedral interior or to study the original Magna Carta in our Chapter House, there is a wide range of beautiful and historic features to take in.

Take a guided tour of England's finest Cathedral. Set within 8 acres of lawn, visitors can climb up to the country's tallest spire or discover the best preserved original Magna Carta.

Salisbury is unique amongst medieval English cathedrals having been built in just 38 years (1220 - 1258) in a single architectural style, early English Gothic. The tower and spire (Britain's tallest) were added around 50 years later.

The building itself is much more than a historical monument. It is a living church and a place of prayer. As the Cathedral Church of the Salisbury diocese it is Mother Church of several hundred parishes in Wiltshire and Dorset. It is also a centre of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Sammy Miller is a motorcycling legend, 11 times British Champion, winner of over 1400 events and still winning competitions more than 50 years after his first victory. 

The Museum houses one of the finest collections of fully restored motorcycles in the world, including factory racers and exotic prototypes, with the collection constantly evolving as new bikes are acquired.

This is a living museum, with almost every motorcycle in the museum in full running order. Sammy regularly demonstrates the bikes at race circuits around the world, including events throughout Europe and as far afield as New Zealand and america.

There is also a café and shop, which can be enjoyed by visitors without needing to pay for admission to the museum proper. The café is conveniently located on the ground floor.

Permanent Exhibitions at SeaCity Museum

Southampton’s Titanic Story

The main area of SeaCity Museum tells the story of the impact on Southampton of the sinking in 1912 of the White Star liner Titanic. Through a fascinating 1:25 scale, interactive model of the ship, visitorsof all ages are given an insight into the lives of the crew aboard the Titanic, many of whom were Southampton residents.

Gateway to the World

Using the city’s unique historic collections this permanent display recounts the stories of people who have departed from or arrived in the port of Southampton over the last 200,000 years, from the earliest settlers to the stories of people living in the city today.

Temporary special exhibitions

The Pavilion at SeaCity Museum is home to a rolling programme of special exhibitions so there is something new to see when you visit. See our website for more information.

Opening Hours

SeaCity Museum is open 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm including Bank Holidays.

We suggest that you allow between two and three hours to explore SeaCity Museum. We close at 5pm, so it’s best to arrive before 3pm so you can enjoy the full experience at your leisure. Unfortunately there will be no entry after 4pm.

The Gardens are a beautiful environment for families, young and old. They are set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside and are home to 14 National Plant Collections, over 450 Champion Trees and 42,000 plants.

Open throughout the year, every part of the Garden offers beauty, discovery and inspiration through the seasons.

Outstanding attractions include; a Pond and Bog Garden, a 250 metre long summer double border and one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe.

The exciting play features are suitable for all abilities and include a fabulous tree house, a Super Snake Swing and bamboo tunnels with a wobbly bridge.

With seasonal, self-guided activity trails, children’s Education Garden and much more this is a perfect day out for all the family.

Free Parking & Restaurant

Open daily from 10am (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

Tickets and prices at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Adult
£11.60 (with donation) 
£10.50 (without donation)

Concessions
£10.50 (with donation)
£9.50 (without donation)

Family (2 adults and 2 children)
£26.50 (with donation)
£24.00 (without donation)

Children (5 to 16 years)
£3.10 (with donation)
£12.75 (without donation)

Under 5 years
Free

Groups
£9.50 per person

If you're a regular visitor, you might wish to consider becoming a member. Membership prices start from £36 for a year.

See our website or current what's on guide for more events, workshops and exhibitions.

The gallery opened in April 1939 in Southampton’s Civic Centre, the art gallery attracts art-lovers, curious amateurs as well as those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a gallery. Southampton City Art Gallery offers the opportunity to enjoy high quality exhibitions ranging from painting, sculpture and drawing, to photography and film, as well as permanent collection and displays that change regularly to ensuring new experiences with each visit.

Southampton City Art Gallery is internationally renowned for its permanent collection which features around 3,700 works. These span eight centuries and tell the story of western art from the Renaissance to the present day. The core of the collection is twentieth century and contemporary British art. Strong clusters within this include Post-Impressionism (notably the Camden Town Group), Surrealism, St Ives and progressive contemporary art from the mid-1970s.

Free to enter and conveniently located right next to SeaCity Museum, the venue caters for families. You can enjoy gallery trails through the exhibitions, monthly art clubs and a fantastic range of activities for all ages.

Temporary Opening Hours

Tuesday & Thursday: 11am – 3pm

Saturday: 11am – 4pm

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Closed

Visitor Attraction

Formerly known as The Rose Bowl, the 15,000 seater stadium is home to the Hampshire County Cricket Club and the Hampshire Cricket Board. Primarily used for Hampshire's home cricket games, the stadium is also used to host Twenty20 matches, Twenty20 International Games, and One Day International Tests.

The Ageas Bowl and Hilton at the Ageas Bowl host a vast array of events and showpiece occasions throughout the year.

2016 saw England visit the picture-perfect venue twice, whilst music legend, Rod Stewart, performed in front of a sell-out crowd at the home of Hampshire Cricket in June.

And 2017 is already shaping up to be another memorable year, with Rock Legend Bryan Adams and the world's number one girl band, Little Mix, performing live in July, not forgetting three highly-anticipated England Internationals; South Africa and the West Indies are the chosen opposition.

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.

Westquay is home to over 100 brands, including major department stores, John Lewis & Partners and Marks & Spencer as well as iconic stores Victoria's Secret, Zara, Schuh, Apple, Hollister, Lego and Tommy Hilfiger. 

Westquay also offers a fantastic dining experience with a wide choice of restaurants to cater to all tastes, whether you fancy authentic Japanese at Wagamama, classical pizzas at Franco Manca or fresh, juicy burgers at Byron Burger. 

Westquay's dining and leisure development has brought an array of fantastic restaurants to the city, alongside a 10-screen luxury Showcase cinema de Lux and 12-lane Hollywood Bowling alley.

COVID.

Following the latest update from the Government, from Saturday 26th December, only essential retail stores and services will be open at Westquay. 

The following stores are open as essential retail and services:

• Marks & Spencer - https://www.west-quay.co.uk/shop/marksand-spencer
• Metrobank - https://www.west-quay.co.uk/shop/metro-bank
• Vision Express - https://www.west-quay.co.uk/shop/vision-express
• Restaurants & cafés open for takeaway/delivery please  go to - https://www.west-quay.co.uk/news/welcome-food
• Click & Collect Service - https://www.west-quay.co.uk/news/click-and-collect. 

The opening hours for these retailers may be different to normal, so please visit the retailer’s individual page on this website before travelling to Westquay. 

Useful Services:

A range of handy services and facilities are available within Westquay Shopping Centre. From an extensive underground parking garage with around 4,000 spaces, to shop mobility with hireable electric scooters to help you get around. Restrooms can be found on the upper parking level as well as in the dining terrace. Handy information points can be found on the Lower and Upper shopping levels, as well as cash points on every floor. Westquay customers can now access Ikea from level 7 of the Multi-Storey Car Park.

Westquay North

Westquay South

Please do check with individual restaurants and Showcase Cinema de Lux for individual opening hours.

Winchester, the perfect English city, is a vibrant heritage destination just an hour south west of London.

A city steeped in history, Winchester is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great.

Today Winchester combines the best of city life with the freshness of the surrounding countryside. One hour from London, this is England as it used to be.

With world class attractions and architecture including a magnificent Cathedral, award-winning pubs and restaurants and a tempting array of independent shops. This culturally rich medieval city is surrounded by idyllic Hampshire villages and the fabulous rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park.

Explore more than 1000 years of history in Europe’s longest medieval Cathedral. Discover the beautiful illuminated Winchester Bible, 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings, contemporary art and the awe and wonder of this magnificent building.

A free children’s trail, written by a professional children’s writer, offers families a fun and informative look at the Cathedral and introduces them to some of the characters associated with its colourful past and present.

Cathedral Guides offer tours of the Cathedral each hour from 10 am – 3 pm and tours of the crypt at 10.30 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm from Monday to Saturday.

A wide range of events take place throughout the year. From classical concerts, open-air theatre and themed lunches to children’s holiday activities, exhibitions and a major Christmas Market and real Ice Rink.

The Cathedral Café, with its pretty garden and open-air terrace, is the perfect place to stop for mid-morning coffee and pastry, delicious homemade lunch or Hampshire cream tea. The Cathedral Shop sells a wide range of unique gifts, souvenirs and CDs of the famous Cathedral Choir.

For Covid restrictions when in place please refer to our website for further details

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!

Are you ready for an action-packed family adventure? Set off on an exciting journey through the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) at Winchester Science Centre.

You can climb into a massive guitar and feel it vibrate when people pluck the strings. Blast off on an out-of-this-world journey through Explorer:Space. See science come to life with big explosions and huge wow moments. Get up close to the weird and wonderful nature of the South Downs National Park. And fly through the Solar System in an experience you’ll never forget in the Planetarium.

The Planetarium

Whoooosh! Come fly through the stars in the Planetarium. A massive screen is all around you to make you feel like you’re flying through space. Watch fun characters head off on exciting adventures in a subtitled film show. Or in a live show, you can listen to the space hero Inspirers telling amazing stories about the Solar System. Whatever you pick, you’ll find out fantastic space facts. Shows change throughout the year so make sure you check out what’s on when you visit.

Awesome hands-on fun

Are you ready to go on an adventure through sound? Who wants to be an astronaut? Let’s do it all with the interactive exhibitions. In Sound, Hearing and Vibration you can climb inside a giant ear and see how it works. Make sounds in the ginormous echo tubes. Experience the acoustics of a sonic rocket. You can even join the rescue crew to save Humphrey the Humpback Whale. Head deep inside the galaxy in Explorer:Space. Learn about robots and coding. Find out about how atmospheric pressure changes when you blast into space. You can even discover more about the gravity of different planets. What are you waiting for, let’s go!

Live science

Watch as science comes to life! Be part of the audience in a free Science Theatre show. Delve into the mysteries of STEM’s most exciting topics. Learn new fascinating facts. Be wowed by amazing demos. You could be watching dancing fire or a super cool dry ice cannon. Shows change throughout the year so make sure you check out what’s on when you visit. Want to see more explosive action? The Science Live demo area is right in the middle of the exhibition floor so you won’t miss a thing. Get set to watch the Inspirers do all the experiments you definitely can’t do at home. You’ll see massive fireballs. There’ll be smoke rings floating in the sky. You might even see an exploding bubble.

Nature adventures

Get up close to nature. In Bio:Space there’s so much fun and play. It’s full of challenges and science activities that are inspired by the South Downs National Park. There’s an outdoor adventure playground and fun nature trails. It’s an amazing place to find out about nature and how we can all keep it safe and special for everyone to enjoy.

So much more…

At Winchester Science Centre, science is for everyone. You’ll find lots to do that will make everyone’s day out fun and magical. So why wait? Book your tickets now!

Visit winchestersciencecentre.org