Clay Shooting, Medstead www.chalkyhill.co.uk (5 minutes)
Gliding, Lasham www.lasham.org.uk (15 minutes)
Steam Engine driving experience, Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk (15 minutes)
Blue Reef Aquarium, Portsmouth (45 minutes) Located on the sea front. Aquariums contain a variety of sea and tropical fish including rays and shark. Shop. Cafe. Combine with a visit to the Historic Dockyards, Spinnaker Tower and shopping outlet at Gunwharf Quays.
Birdworld, Farnham (30 minutes) Extensive grounds contain aviaries of exotic birds. Feed the penguins. Picnic areas. Play areas. Hands-on experience at Jenny Wren Farm - guineapigs, rabbits, chickens, pigs etc.
Marwell Wildlife, Winchester (30 minutes) Well known for its work with conservation of endangered species eg snow leopared. Walk or take the miniature train around extensive grounds to see large number of wild animals eg giraffes, lions, tigers, rhino, zebra. Indoor exhibits. Picnic areas. Play areas. Cafe.
Hawk Conservancy, Weyhill, Andover (50 minutes) Well worth the day out! Extensive grounds containing aviaries of owls, falcons, condors, eagles and many other species. Known for its conservation work with endangered birds. Wildflower meadows. Several flying displays throughout the day and hands-on experiences for younger and older visitors. Picnic areas. Cafe. Shop. Not so good if raining!
The Watercress Line (10 minutes) www.watercressline.co.uk Alresford/Ropley/Medstead/Alton. Popular steam train experience! Ivor the Engine and Thomas the Tank Engine Special Days, Santa Specials, Victorian Experience Days. Learn to drive an engine or to signal trains in and out of the station. Engine sheds, cafe at Ropley. Combine with a visit to the market town of Alton or Alresford.
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth (45 minutes) Panoramic views of city and waterfront. Combine with visit to Blue Reef Aquarium, Historic Dockyards, discount shopping at Gunwharf Quays.
Beaulieu, New Forest (1 hour) Vintage car museum and theme park. Picturesque village of Beaulieu.
Milestones Museum, Basingstoke (30 minutes). Milestones Museum, Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke. RG22 6PG
Paulton's Park, Ower near Romsey (45 minutes) Popular theme park including Peppa Pig attraction.
Legoland, Windsor (1 hour) Popular theme park.
Historic Buildings and Gardens:
Avington Park, Avington, Arlesford (15 minutes) Historic house, Avington Park. Picturesque setting. Lovely walks along River Itchen. Combine with visit to Georgian market town of Alresford.
Broadlands, Romsey (45 minutes) Ancestral home of the Mountbattens. Combine with visit to market town of Romsey. Check website for opening details.
Chawton House Library, Alton (15 minutes) With over four hundred years of history, Chawton House is a fascinating blend of architectural styles and features. Among the many owners to have made their mark is Jane Austen's brother. Guided tours of the house and library can be organized and visitors can explore the gardens on a self guided tour from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Chawton, Hampshire. GU34 1SJ www.chawton.org.uk
Gilbert White's House, Selborne, Alton (15 minutes) House and gardens once belonged to naturalist Gilbert White. Tea rooms. Shop. Selborne is picturesque with lovely walks eg. The Hangers. www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
Jane Austen's House, Chawton, Alton (10 minutes) House and pretty gardens where Jane Austen once lived. Tea rooms opposite. Base for walking. www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk
Highclere Castle (1 hour) www.highclerecastle.co.uk Known as being film set for popular Downton Abbey. To visit the Castle, grounds, gardens and Egyptology Exhibition please check website for details.
National Trust Properties:
Hinton Ampner, Bramdean (20 minutes) National Trust property, Hinton Ampner House occasionally open to the public. Lovely gardens. Tea Room.
The Vyne, Basingstoke (40 minutes) National Trust property, The Vyne.
Uppark, Petersfield (40 minutes) National Trust property, Uppark. Combine with visit to market town of Petersfield.
Mottisfont, Romsey (50 minutes) National Trust property, Mottisfont. House and gardens. well known for its Rose Garden. Combine with visit to market town of Romsey.
Exbury Gardens, New Forest (1 hour) Extensive grounds and gardens planted by the Rothschilds. Famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas. Tea rooms. Shop. Combine with visit to the New Forest.
Stonehenge, Salisbury (1 hour) World Heritage Site. Combine with visit to Salisbury Cathedral.
Historic Dockyards, Portsmouth (50 minutes) Visit Nelson's Victory and Henry V111th's flagship, the Mary Rose. Combine with visit to Blue Reef Aquarium, the Spinnaker Tower and discount shopping at Gunwharf Quays.
Windsor Castle, Windsor (55 minutes)
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (75 minutes)
RHS Gardens Wisley (50 minutes)
Fly Fishing
River Itchen, Avington www.avingtontrout.com (15 minutes)
Walking Excellent network of local footpaths and access to national trails including those on the South Downs.
Cycling Excellent network of local cycle routes (Route 23) and access to national trails including those on the South Downs.
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