www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/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.
www.birdworld.co.uk/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.
www.marwell.org.uk/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.
www.hawk-conservancy.orgAndover (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!
www.intech-uk.com/Winchester (20 minutes) Indoor exhibition of numerous hands-on experiences with scientific concepts! Cafe. Shop. Combine with a visit to historic city of Winchester.
www.watercressline.co.uk/Alresford/Ropley/Medstead/Alton (10 minutes) Popular steam train experience! 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. www.milestones-museum.com/info.htmlBasingstoke (40 minutes)
www.spinnakertower.co.uk/Portsmouth (45 minutes) Panoramic views of city and waterfront. Combine with visit to Blue Reef Aquarium, Historic Dockyards, discount shopping at Gunwharf Quays.
www.beaulieu.co.uk/New Forest (1 hour) Vintage car museum. Picturesque village of Beaulieu.
www.longleat.co.ukLongleat House & Safari Park, Wiltshire (1 hour 30 minutes) Ancestral home of the Marquis of Bath. Lions, giraffe, monkeys, sealions amongst others. Maze.
www.lulworthonline.co.ukDorset (1 hour 30 minutes) Lulworth cove. Popular for walking along the chalk cliffs. Spectacular scenery along the Jurassic Coast popular with geographers, geologists and paleontologists! Durdle Dor. Needles. Fossil hunting. Pebble beach. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-daysout/w-daysout-coast/w-daysout-coast-south.htmDorset (1 hour 30 minutes) Visit ancient ruins of Corfe Castle. Picturesque village. Combine with visit to interesting landscape and sandy beaches of Studland.
Historic Buildings and Gardens
www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/Chawton, Alton (10 minutes) House and pretty gardens where Jane Austen once lived. Tea rooms opposite. Base for walking.
www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/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.broadlands.net/Romsey (45 minutes) Ancestral home of the Mountbattens. Combine with visit to market town of Romsey.
www.avingtonpark.co.uk/Avington, Arlesford(15 minutes) Historic house, Avington Park. Picturesque setting. Lovely walks along River Itchen. Combine with visit to Georgian market town of Alresford.
www.exbury.co.uk/exbury/index.htmNew 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.
www.historicdockyard.co.uk/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.
