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.

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 250 vehicles. From Formula 1 racers to vintage classics, the museum captures the wonderful history of motoring. Visit Jack Tucker's Garage, which recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a typical 1930s country garage.

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.

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 or climb aboard to enjoy the sights from the replica 1912 open-topped London Bus.

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.

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.

Discover the habitats of Portsmouth!

Portsmouth is a very special place for wildlife in Britain. It has many different habitats in a very small area, and at Portsmouth Natural History Museum you can explore them all.

The A to Z of Natural History- This display features a selection of them. From tiny insects, to fossils which are millions of years old, you will be amazed at the variety in the city's collections! 

Observational Beehive - There's a buzz around Cumberland House Natural History Museum as visitors flock to see the new observational beehive. Up to 9000 European Honey Bees live in a colony in the hive, producing honey combs and raising their young. 

Discover the habitats of Portsmouth. See butterflies from May to September and look out for other live specimens. See how artists are inspired by nature. Touch some fossils. Examine the teeth of predators and prey. It can link to topics like plants and animals, classification, adaptation, life cycles, earth, sun and moon. Key stage 1 children especially enjoy seeing Emily the dinosaur!

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. 

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!

In a striking waterfront location, Gunwharf Quays is the place to go when shopping in Portsmouth. With over 120 well known and designer brands, outlet stores, restaurants and leisure facilities, there is something to suit every taste.

First opened in February 2001 as part of the redevelopment of the harbour, Gunwharf Quays often plays host to a variety of local and international events.

From high-end jewellery stores to women's designer accessories, sports stores to brand-name sweet outlets, there is something to tempt everyone. Offering a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars, you can grab just about anything; from a quick sandwich or coffee, familiar fast food, a leisurely three course meal with wine or an exotic menu with choices from around the world.

Home to a 14 screen cinema, 26 lane bowling alley, a swimming pool, amusement arcade and fitness centre all on site, there is so much more to do than just shop.

HMS M.33 is not only the sole remaining British veteran of the bloody Dardanelles Campaign of 1915-1916, but also of the Russian Civil War which followed. The ship is one of just three British warships from World War I still in existence.

HMS M.33 was built in 1915 on the orders of the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill. She was a floating gun platform designed to bombard coastal positions from the sea. Her first active operation was the support of the British landings at Suvla during the Battle of Gallipoli in August 1915. She remained stationed at Gallipoli until the evacuation in January 1916. She served in the Mediterranean for the remainder of the War and was involved in the seizure of the Greek fleet at Salamis Bay in 1916.

After the War, M.33 was sent to Murmansk in Russia to relieve the North Russian Expeditionary Force before returning to Portsmouth to become a mine-laying training ship. She was renamed HMS Minerva.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy and Hampshire County Council have partnered to develop an exciting project to conserve, restore and interpret M.33 in time for her centenary in 2015. With Heritage Lottery Fund support this has allowed the public onboard for the very first time, making HMS M.33 the only warship from World War I open to visitors.

HMS Victory is the Royal Navy's most famous warship. Best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar, the Victory currently has a dual role as the Flagship of the First Sea Lord and as a living museum to the Georgian Navy.

There have been many celebrated warships in Britain’s naval history but HMS Victory can justifiably claim to be the most famous of them all. Having served as Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, she has become one of the UK’s most-loved visitor attractions.

The death of Nelson onboard HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar is an iconic moment in world history and 400,000 people visit the warship each year to see spot on the quarter deck where Nelson fell, which is marked by a brass plaque. Victory suffered the highest casualties of the British ships at Trafalgar, 51 of the servicemen onboard were killed, 11 died of their wounds and 91 were wounded and survived.

HMS Victory was permanently saved for posterity in 1922 following a national appeal, and placed into dry dock at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where she remains today. Visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard can now trace the development of Britain’s technical maritime advancements. Maintaining a ship like Victory out of water presents huge challenges, but you can be sure that Victory will never lose her original charm and appeal.

The fastest, largest and most powerful warship in the world when she was launched. Such was her reputation that enemy fleets were intimidated by her obvious supremacy and deterred from attacking Britain at sea - yet she never fired a shot in anger.

HMS Warrior 1860 was Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship and the pride of Queen Victoria’s Fleet. On her first voyage, HMS Warrior caused a sensation; people crowded to see her and she was considered invincible. The combination of iron sides, which offered protection from the exploding shells and the ability to carry large guns, changed the nature of marine warfare.

A tour of HMS Warrior 1860 will give you a clear indication of why the warship earned its formidable reputation. She was built to protect the nation’s supremacy at sea following the launch of the iron-clad warship La Gloire by the French in 1859. The Royal Navy was determined to design a ship that would be regarded as invincible, and would deter France. She would have speed, armament and size on her side – in fact, when she was built she was 60% larger than La Gloire.

It’s ironic that having become the ultimate deterrent against attack, HMS Warrior’s life as a warship was short-lived. She was soon replaced by faster designs, with bigger guns and even thicker armour, and in 1871 was downgraded to coastguard and reserve services.

A few years later, it was decided that her rotten fore and main masts were not worth the cost of repair, and HMS Warrior was placed in the reserve. She was put up for sale as scrap in 1924, but no buyer could be found, and five years later she was converted into a floating oil pontoon at Pembroke Dock. When the oil depot closed in 1978, HMS Warrior was passed on to the Maritime Trust and was towed 800 miles to Hartlepool where the world’s largest maritime restoration project ever undertaken began.

After eight years of rebuilding, on the afternoon of Friday 12th June 1987, HMS Warrior was pulled by tugs from her moorings to begin the four-day journey back to Portsmouth, where she now provides a valuable insight into what life was like onboard an elite warship from the Victorian era.

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. 

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!

Manor Farm is a fun-filled day out for all the family! Our interactive farmyard offers the chance to meet the animals and explore a working farm, while the Victorian kitchen and schoolroom gives visitors a taste of days gone by.

Explore the historic buildings and barns, enjoy the free range and other animals, watch traditional farm machinery at work, and take a peek into our old privy!

Nearby 13th century St Bartholomew’s church is worth exploring too. All that remains today is its chancel, which overlooks the farm’s pretty duck pond.

Keep up-to-date with all our exciting events. We have daily interactive sessions, such as meet the cows, and meet the animals. Manor Farm also has plenty of exciting seasonal events so keep your eyes peeled.

Admission charges apply.

The farm is open year round (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day). Opening hours are 10am-5pm (March to October). From 1 November 2018 until 3 February 2019, the farm will be on 10am-4pm weekends only.

Ticket prices

Adult £8
Senior (60+) £7
Child (3 to 16 years) £5, children under three go FREE
Family ticket (two adults, two children) £25
Family tickets (two adults, three children) £29

Annual membership available. Concessions for large pre-booked groups.

Parking charges

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

Parking charges apply, however car parking is refunded when paying admission to the farm.

Wheelchair access into the farm is via a short slope. Once inside, the yard is mostly level. The ground floor of the farmhouse and cottage are accessible to wheelchair and pushchair users, as are most of the barns and outbuildings.

A tarmac car park about 100m from the farm entrance has parking spaces reserved for visitors with mobility difficulties. From here, the café and accessible toilet facilities are easily reached.

Embrace your wild side at Marwell Zoo! Home to hundreds of endangered and exotic species in 140 acres of beautiful parkland, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy and admire. From Amur tigers to brilliant birds, Marwell offers you the chance to get up close to the amazing members of the animal kingdom.

The zoo is owned and operated by conservation charity Marwell Wildlife, so, by visiting, you’ll be contributing to incredible projects to conserve species and habitats both in Hampshire and around the world.

Next stop: paradise. Head over to the ‘Energy for Life’ Tropical House. This innovative and sustainable exhibit shows off a stunning environment where summer is eternal, and birds are free to fly overhead. As you walk through this immersive display, peer through lush foliage and get face-to-face with a Linne’s two-toed sloth.

Delight in the daily animal talks and feeds with Rothschild’s giraffes, meerkats and Humboldt penguins. The miniature railway is great for up-close animal views and the road train makes for a fantastically fun ride!

2020 is set to be an exciting year at the zoo with the addition of their new event SUPERSIZED! The larger than life brick adventure features up to 40 models of real-life creatures with an explosion of colour and size.

Plus, from Easter 2020 enjoy a new wallaby walkthrough experience, including an idyllic dwell area and natural seating – the perfect spot for relaxation.

Look 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.

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.

This elegant country manor and tranquil garden sit so harmoniously within the landscape that one cannot exist without the other.
The house was lovingly rebuilt by its last owner, Ralph Dutton, after a catastrophic fire in 1960. Enjoy the beautifully proportioned rooms which house his exquisite collection of ceramics and art, each window offering undisturbed views to the tranquil countryside beyond.

Perched on its vantage point high on the South Downs ridge, Uppark commands views as far south as the English Channel. Outside, the intimate gardens are being gradually restored to their original 18th-century design, with plenty of space in the adjacent meadow to play and relax with a picnic. The nearby woodland is great for exploring and den-building.
Uppark's Georgian interiors illustrate the comfort of life ‘upstairs’, in contrast with the ‘downstairs’ world of the servants. A highlight of our collection is one of the best examples of a 17th century doll's house in the country.

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.

The Portsmouth Museum explores different aspects of Portsmouth's rich and varied history. The birthplace of novelist Charles Dickens and fictional detective Sherlock Holmes (conceived of here in Portsmouth by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) each have been featured in exhibits within the museum. 

No Place Like Pompey is a more permanent exhibition, focusing on the idea of what makes Portsmouth unique. This exhibition looks at the city's geography, its past and its people, in the UK's only island city. Ringed by forts on both land and sea, its history had been shaped by its relationship with the Royal Navy and Dockyard. This fascinating exhibit takes a broad view over what has shaped and changed Portsmouth as a city. 

Portsmouth at Play and Living in Portsmouth are exhibits showing the story of Portsmouth, from the 16th century through to modern living. 

Picture Gallery highlights the world of the Public Catalogue Foundation's work in cataloguing all of the oil paintings held in public collections in the UK. A selection of paintings from Portsmouth's collection is on display. 

With free parking (on non event days) available on site and free admission, Portsmouth City Museum provides insight into the history of Portsmouth and its people at rates affordable for all.

Portsmouth is still the home of the modern Royal Navy and taking the Harbour Tour offers unrivalled views of Britain’s modern frigates, destroyers and helicopter carriers, as well as historic buildings and the dramatic skyline.

The history of the British Navy at Portsmouth dates back 1,200 years to its earliest days under King Alfred the Great in the 860s. This wide natural inlet in the coastline is a flooded river valley protected by a deep narrow entrance on two sides of the dockyard, here and at Gosport, which makes an ideal natural harbour.

On the 45 minute Harbour Tour you will see many of the fortifications that were built to protect Portsmouth over the centuries, in particular the Round Tower at the harbour entrance and the Solent forts which formed the centre of a string of fortifications along the coast during the Napoleonic Wars.

Please note that Harbour Tours may not operate every day during the winter months. Navy ships in port will vary daily.

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.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is the ideal destination for family fun in the great outdoors. From the top of Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs, down to the visitor centre, shop, and café, the park makes for a great day out.

Situated in the beautiful South Downs National Park, the park has extensive woodland and dramatic downland scenery. There’s plenty to do, including orienteering, walks and dog walks, play areas, cycling, BBQs to hire, a shop and café and Butser Hill nature reserve. Phew!

We also have a term time nature club for children aged two and a half and up. Plus, Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers a relaxed and beautiful setting for all kinds of events. We have seven event sites perfect for small gatherings, large celebration and even weddings with a difference.

We are open every day. The main parking area is open 24/7.

Both Forest and Butser car parks are open 8am-8pm (March to October) and 8am-6pm (November to February).

Entry to the park is free.

Parking charges

Up to one hour £2
Up to three hours £3
Full day £5
16+ seats £12.50 per day

There is an annual parking pass available for £50.

We also offer joint membership with Staunton Country Park, which covers parking at both sites and entry to Staunton.

Dogs are welcome in the country park. Stock sometimes graze Butser Hill; please follow site signage accordingly.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is partially accessible for wheelchair users and prams. The area around the visitor centre is flat but other areas of the sites are hilly with some steep gradients. People with mobility issues will need to drive or be driven to the park’s highest areas including Butser Hill and some of the BBQ sites. A mobility scooter can be borrowed from the visitor centre. Booking is essential.

There are two accessible toilets: one adjacent to the visitor centre and one near Juniper BBQ site. The visitor centre, shop and café are accessible.

The café is open 10am-5:30pm (weekdays) and 9am-5:30pm (weekends) between March and October. From November through to February, the café is open 10am-4:30pm (weekdays) and 9am-4:30pm (weekends).

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is currently undergoing development as part of a £2 million investment. Improvements include expanding the visitor centre restaurant, and new outdoor adventure play facilities. There is also a community space featuring a new pizza oven, and shelters and seating for groups and families.

We are very excited about our new Forts and Fleets assault course and our dog activity course. It’s fun for everyone in the family, including the dog!

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.

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum at Gosport is a museum tracing the international history of submarine development from the age of Alexander the Great to the present day, and particularly the history of the Submarine Service from the tiny Holland 1 to the nuclear powered Vanguard class submarine.

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 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

At SWAC we’re passionate about water sports…from sailing and rowing, to powerboating and stand up paddle boarding, we’ve got it all covered. So whether you’ve never been in a boat before and can’t tell the pointy end from the flappy bit, or if you’re a seasoned sailor looking to improve, we can guarantee that we’ve got a course, experience or package that will be perfect for you.

With over 25 years of experience in operation, a talented team of instructors, and a hugely impressive array of boats and equipment, Southampton Water Activities Centre is the perfect place to indulge your passion for life on the water. So whether you want to Discover, Explore or Excel, we’d love to help.

SS Shieldhall is a heritage steamship based at Berth 48 in Southampton.

“Shieldhall” is unique as a time capsule providing a working example of steamship machinery both above and below deck, typical of the cargo and passenger ships that plied the oceans of the world from the 1870s until the mid 1960s, by which time they were all but extinct.

The ship is of special interest as she is built on the classical lines of a 1920s steamer with a traditional wheelhouse; the hull is of riveted and welded construction and this unusual feature is representative of the transitional phase in British shipbuilding when welding took over from riveted practice. The hull has a slightly raked bow and cruiser stern. The teak decks and emergency steering position aft add to the classic effect. Shieldhall was effectively obsolete mechanically at the time of her launch having steam machinery representative of the late 19th century at a time when the diesel engine was coming into its own.

Now believed to be the largest working steam ship in Northern Europe, she is owned and operated entirely by voluntary effort.

There are live music and lunch events whilst at sea, staged in a Saloon or covered awning-deck. Real ales and ice cream are available too. A commentary is offered on most trips, offering an insight into the history of the Docks, pointing out the ill-fated Titanic Berth 44, and the sights and sounds of Southampton Water. A highlight of your visit will be the chance to discover Shieldhall's Engine and Boiler Rooms under steam, and the opportunity to meet the Captain on the Bridge.  

When not cruising, Shieldhall is an ideal base for events - a popular way to celebrate birthdays and special occasions; company meetings and AGMs.

Set in a beautiful old schoolhouse in Eastleigh and neighbouring the Lakeside Country Park, The Concorde is a vibrant dining, dancing and entertainment venue with versatile indoor and outdoor event space and inviting accommodation.

Easily accessible, yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Southampton city centre, this unique, award-winning and family-run venue offers a warm welcome, an eclectic mix of styles and an electric atmosphere.

PARK AND CRUISE

Luxury touches at The Concorde in Eastleigh, Southampton

START YOUR HOLIDAY AT THE CONCORDE FROM £199

Whether you’re setting sail for 14 days or an epic 3-month voyage, start your holiday on a high note with a night at The Concorde. Before you depart from Southampton, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay in one of our comfortable rooms, complete with a delicious two-course dinner. In the morning, there’ll be a hearty breakfast to set you up for your onward journey, and we’ll even arrange a taxi to take you to the terminal. Your car will be secure in our car park while you’re away, and upon your return a taxi will be waiting to bring you back to The Concorde.

Our Park and Cruise packages include:

• Overnight accommodation in a Standard Double or Twin room
  
• Two course dinner on the evening prior to departure
  
• Breakfast the following morning in The Fig
  
• Taxi transfers to and from your terminal
  
• Parking for the duration of your cruise in our hotel car park.
  

Prices

Our Park and Cruise packages are all based on two people sharing a Standard Double or Twin Room:

• 15 day parking package: £199
  
• 30 day parking package: £210
  
• Three month parking package: £230

To book your Park and Cruise package, please call our Reservations Team on 023 8065 1478.

Following a £5 million transformation project (supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund), the D-Day Museum has re-opened as The D-Day Story. The museum tells the story of D-Day in World War Two - from the preparation and build up, to the landings on the beaches in northern France and the Battle of Normandy. This compelling story is told through the perspectives of the people involved, using authentic objects, interactives and video. Dynamic displays of the D-Day beaches and iconic landing craft will transport visitors back to the Battle of Normandy.

The Overlord Embroidery is now displayed behind new glass panels so the vibrant colours and skilful stitching can be fully appreciated. A new gallery has been created where visitors can learn about some of the people involved in creating the embroidery.

With over 40 specialist boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafes, Marlands shopping centre offers 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 8am-6pm.

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.

Opening Times:

• Monday - Wednesday 9am - 5.30pm
  
• Thursday 9am - 7pm
  
• Friday 9am - 5.30pm
  
• Saturday 9am - 6pm
  
• Sunday 11am - 5pm
  

Step back in time and explore Henry VIII’s favourite warship – raised from the depths of the Solent and painstakingly conserved for future generations. The story of the Mary Rose is one of the most fascinating in naval history. A tale of battles fought against the French for over 30 years before sinking off the coast of Portsmouth in 1545. It’s an account of her being raised from the seabed more than 470 years later and of her meticulous conservation.

The ship captured the world’s imagination when she was raised from the Solent in 1982. Her dramatic story is now revealed in full inside the purpose-built, award-winning £27million museum, which opened its doors to visitors in May 2013.

The new-look Mary Rose Museum gives you the best views of Henry VIII’s warship ever!

With the ship in its final stage of conservation, the ducting and the hotbox walls have been removed, allowing you to see the Mary Rose without obstruction.

As well as the ship, there are many of the 19,000 artefacts recovered from the seabed, which help tell the story of the men who lived, worked and died on board the Mary Rose. There are many thousands on display, including personal belongings such as wooden bowls, leather shoes, musical instruments and nit combs, and many of the ship’s weapons, from longbows to two-tonne guns.

Once inside the museum, it takes between 90 to 120 minutes to go round, but you can take as long as you like. Please be aware that during school holidays we will be very busy, so expect some queues.

• Please Note
  

The Mary Rose is not included in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Full Navy Ticket, or the one, two or three attraction day tickets.

We do however offer a 10% discount to holders of these tickets, upon presentation of the tickets at either our Visitor Centre at the Historic Dockyard entrance (Victory Gate), or at our museum. This discount also applies to holders of the NMRN National Membership Scheme. This offer is not available online.

“All Attraction” tickets purchased before 1st April 2018 will be accepted until their expiry date.

Southampton’s most important historic building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history in one fascinating location at the heart of the Old Town. The timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself. It appeals to visitors of all ages and interests, who find the family-friendly activities, interactive technology and fascinating displays a winning combination.

Café

Tudor House Café overlooks the delightful Tudor Knot Garden. It serves a delicious range of refreshments all day, from fresh coffee and biscuits to tea and fabulous cakes. Most of our range is sourced locally, using the finest ingredients. The café is a perfect location for your freshly made lunchtime sandwich, snack or that sweet treat. We offer children’s sized portions and high chairs for younger visitors.

The Café roof is of particular interest, being green … literally. It has a sedum and wildflower roof, which assists insulation and is also enjoyed by the bees. You can enjoy the Tudor House Café without needing to pay for admission to the rest of the building, so give it a try for your next lunch date or business rendezvous. The downstairs Georgian Room overlooking the garden, is available for corporate hire for meetings or training sessions on weekdays (Tues-Fri). Our cafe can also cater for working lunches.

Shop

Tudor House shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir of your visit or a special gift for family or friends. We have a lovely range of quality Tudor and Victorian inspired gifts and books as well as lots of interesting and reasonably priced souvenirs and treats suitable for children with a little pocket money to spend. You’ll love our range of tapestry items and ‘pocket’ garden herbs and flowers. You may also be tempted by our delicious range of liqueurs and preserves, or just want to pick up one of our unique postcards so you can write and tell your family and friends what a great time you had at Tudor House.

Tickets

• Admission:
•  Adults - £5.00
  
• Children 5 and over - £4.00
• Children under 5 - Free
  
• Family (2 adults, 3 children) - £13.75
• Concessions: over 60s and students - £4.00

Opening Hours

• Closed Mondays
  
• Tuesday to Friday - 10am-3pm (Last entry 2.15pm) 
  
• Saturday to Sunday - 10am-5pm (Last entry 4.15pm)
  

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.

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.

All that remains of the once prominent Winchester Castle today is the Great Hall. Just a 5 minute walk from the city centre, the building is one of the finest examples of surviving 13th century architecture. The building was originally constructed by William the Conqueror in 1067, and housed important governmental offices, such as the Exchequer and the Treasurer.

Today, the Hall is in the care of Hampshire County Council and is usually open to the public. Inside, visitors will find a small museum which covers Winchester's medieval history. There are also fine examples of artwork in the building, which guests are free to examine. There's also a small garden round the back of the hall, with a number of interesting artifacts to examine. However, the real highlight of a visit to the Great Hall may have to be the Round Table.

The Round Table is taken straight from the pages of Arthurian lore, and is believed to be the very same table where King Arthur held court with his Knights.

Admission to the museum and Great Hall is complimentary, although voluntary donations are welcomed.

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 10am – 3pm and tours of the crypt at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm 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.

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!

Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, this exciting family destination is the South of England’s hands-on, interactive science and technology centre with the largest standalone planetarium in the UK. 

***A brand new visitor experience for October 2020***

From Saturday 17 October, find out how far your curiosity will take you as you embark on an exhilarating adventure around Winchester Science Centre’s brand new visitor experience!

Feel your senses come alive as you explore the sights and sounds of an exciting new interactive exhibition, all themed around sound, hearing and vibration. Put yourself in the action by venturing into an enormous 10m long guitar to feel the string vibrations or climb through a giant ear to explore its inner workings.

Get set for explosive Science LIVE demos taking place right on the exhibition floor or for something a little more tranquil, the whole family can get creative and have a go at challenges themed around nature in the inside/outside experimentation zone BIO:SPACE. And if it all gets a bit too much, take a break in the Recombobulation Room – a quiet place designed for people who need time away from the hustle and bustle.

Explorer:Space

Experience the out-of-this-world interactive exhibits of Explorer:Space, an epic journey through the Solar System. Located on the lower floor, Explorer:Space encompasses 20 fantastic modular exhibits, covering everything from meteorites to stardust, robots to coding, and atmospheric pressure to human space flight!

FREE Live Science Show

Make sure to reserve your space in a thrilling free live science show! Discover more about STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) with exciting Inspirer-led demonstrations and fun audience participation. Show themes change regularly so grab yourself a ticket each time you visit!

Planetarium

The planetarium offers an unforgettable experience. The 360° cinema screen completely surrounds the audience, placing everyone right in the action. Relax back in your seat and get sucked into a black hole, fly through the Solar System or take a flight in a cardboard rocket.

There are two different show formats – fulldome films, which are high-quality, digital pre-recorded animations, and live shows during which a presenter takes you on a tour through space.

The Science Centre also offers three different show environments to ensure that everyone can enjoy the planetarium. Most are chatterbox shows which offer a relaxed, family-friendly environment where the audience are welcome to call out, ask questions and talk to others about what they see. Quiet shows are for those who would prefer a quiet environment to enjoy the planetarium experience. There are also relaxed shows, designed to be welcoming and inviting to those with sensory sensitives and their loved ones. Adjustments include lights left on low, sound turned down and freedom to move around.

Hub Café & Science Shop

You’ll find an excellent choice of hot and cold drinks, lunch options and snacks at the Hub Café. There is indoor and outdoor seating for those purchasing refreshments as well as a picnic area if you prefer to bring your own lunch. The Science Shop offers a variety of unusual STEM gifts, from pocket-money mementos to quality books and experiments to try at home.

Woodmill has been described as Southampton’s best-kept secret, and understandably so. To those who drive past it probably just looks like any other brick building, but step inside this converted former mill and it’s like walking through the wardrobe into Narnia: an unexpected tranquil haven full of wonder and surprise (and no lions or witches, thankfully). And it’s barely three miles outside the city centre.