Some Nearby Visits & Great Days Out...
just off exit 2 of the M27, postcode: SO51 6AL
Paulton’s Family Theme Park Home of Peppa Pig World offers a great family day out with over 50 different attractions and rides. Peppa Pig World is part of the theme park and is included in the entry ticket.
The park also features thrilling and gentle rides, dinosaurs, museums, animated shows, play areas, exotic birds and other fun activities for all ages in a garden setting. There are plenty of places to eat serving hot and cold snacks and drinks, ice creams etc plus picnic areas.
90,000 acres of heathland, bogs, woodlands and streams make up the New Forest National Park. William the Conqueror set aside the Forest for hunting more than 900 years ago and centuries of grazing deer, ponies and cattle have shaped the landscape.
William would still recognise much of the Forest as the same place he hunted the “beasts of the chase” wild deer and boar. Today it is a wonderful area to explore by walking, cycling or on horseback. Amidst the network of small and attractive towns and villages, the New Forest area offers the perfect opportunity to explore some of the richest and most extensive wildlife habitats in Europe.
Delight in watching the New Forest ponies, cattle and deer wandering through the open expanse of semi-natural vegetation and forest.
School Lane, Minstead, Tel: 02380 812464
This delightful informal garden was established in 1922 and is renowned for its all year round beauty. Tree houses, picnic and childrens area with coffee shop and gallery.
Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1AZ, Tel: 02380 891203
The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. Gardens open 19 March until 6 November, 10.00am – 5.00pm last admission, car park gates close at 6.00pm.
Exbury also offers Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, tea rooms, picnic area, gift shop and plant centre.
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZN
Gen Enquiries: 01590 612345
Event Information: 01590 614614
You will have a great day out whether your interest is in motoring, stately homes, historic buildings or beautiful gardens – The museum has on offer 250 historic vehicles plus motoring memorabilia, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey ruins, plus various rides and drives for all the family to enjoy.
The Brabazon restaurant is open every day serving hot freshly made main course dishes which include Beaulieu estate garden produce, freshly made sandwiches and salads plus home baked cakes and pastries. All food is cooked on the day and none of the menu is microwavable.
The Bucklers Hard Story reflects the history of the picturesque 18th century shipbuilding village where Nelson’s fleet was built. There are cottage displays to view giving an insight into life in the village in bygone days. Ramble along the Riverside Walk and enjoy the pretty sights of the Beaulieu River.
Where to eat: Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms offering morning coffee, light lunches, all day snacks and clotted cream teas. The Master Builder’s House Hotel serves lunch and dinner in the bar or restaurant which overlooks the Beaulieu River.
Open all year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day and offers 180 acres of beauty, inspiration and discovery.
Shop at over 95 designer outlets, eat at one of 30 cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, 14 screen Vue cinema, bowl at the 26 lane Bowlplex, laugh with Highlights comedy club, dance the night away at Tiger Tiger etc.
Royal Naval Museum, HMS Victory, Mary Rose, Spinnaker Tower
An acclaimed New Forest cycle hire centre, based in the traditional and unspoilt village of Burley. Enjoy an active day out on one of many New Forest cycle routes, with rides for all ages and abilities – free parking nearby.
Hurn, near Christchurch, Tel: 01202 483444
Adventure Wonderland is an all-inclusive Children’s Theme Park which combines the timeless fun and games of the Alice in Wonderland story.
Conveniently located in Lyndhurst, the heart of the National Park, here you will discover everything you need to know to help you enjoy your trip to the Forest.