Visit Portsmouth like a local and go to the resort of Southsea! It’s a fabulous seaside resort with places to stay, restaurants, beaches and shops, making it a great day out for everyone!
Southsea is known for being more independent, so you will see lots of crafty and quirky shops along the famous Palmerston Road – which you don’t normally see! It is a popular tourist destination from all over the world and has been since the Victorian era. Southsea has developed into a coastal resort unlike any other.
If it’s a nice hot and sunny day, you probably won’t want to walk far, which is ideal as the entire Southsea area is walkable for most. There’s nothing better than a walk through a coastal town, with a nice sea breeze!
If you live near, then it’s a great weekend day out, but if you live further afield why not stay for a couple of days in one of the local hotels? There are many hotels and restaurants perfect for the kids and the family!
2. Ocean Terminal
The Port of Southampton is a major passenger and cargo port, which is located in the central part of the south coast of England. It has been important from over two thousand years ago since the Roman occupation of Britain and has a lot of history.
Since the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century, it was a centre for main place for naval shipbuilding and a departure place for soldiers going to war.
The Ocean Terminal was also involved with the development of hovercraft, flying, boat services and many more. Before jet travel, Southampton was Britain’s gateway to the rest of the world.
It is one of Southampton’s busiest terminals, with many great facilities and amenities on board. So why not travel on sea with the family? It’s a great experience, no matter what age!
Opening times
Opening house vary depending on cruise schedules
Address
George Byng Way
Portsmouth
PO2 8SP
Contact details
023 9229 7391
www.cruisesouthampton.com/places/ocean-cruise-terminal
3. Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays is a popular outlet retail destination, with 90 outlet stores and 30 restaurants, pubs and cafes in the heart of Portsmouth. It was developed in the early 21st century on the same site where HM Gunwharf in Portsmouth was.
It is situated in a cultural harbour in Portsmouth and is the South’s leading designer shopping outlet, with over 90 stores to offer with up to 60% discount on retail prices. There are so many restaurants and cafés to choose from, so why not make a day of it? – It’s a shopaholics dream!
Why not meet friends for a coffee, or for lunch and then enjoy the best shopping experience? There is so much to do and see in Portsmouth.
Gunwharf Quays offers a unique shopping experience, set on the beautiful and historic waterfront. It’s the place to shop and dine and offers exciting sights of the coastal city.
Opening times
Thursday - Friday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Or by appointment.
Contact details
02392 293040
07850 131414
www.gunwharf-quays.com
4. Parmiters Antiques
Parmiters Antiques is the place to visit if you love antiques! It’s a lovely family business that has been trading in Portsmouth for almost 25 years. The shop is situated in the heart of Southsea and is very popular and well known in the antiques trade.
Parmiters Antiques offer a unique service to people, who are looking for specific items, from china to boating items. Whatever it is you’re interested in, or selling, Parmiters are more than confident they can be of service.
There are so many great antiques to browse and they specialise in old luggage with all kinds of history. If you’re out in Portsmouth, make sure to visit this unique and quirky antiques shop!
5. Romsey Abbey
Romsey Abbey is a parish church of the Church of England in Romsey. It is situated within a small market town in Hampshire.
There are many things to do and see at the Romsey Abbey, such as guided tours, concerts, educational visits and many other local attractions nearby.
Unlike many other English Norman Abbey Churches, Romsey Abbey stays in its original condition, with amazing Saxon sculpture. Romsey and the local area attracts a number of visitors, especially people who are interested in the church, architecture and history.
Opening times
Monday – Saturday: 7.30am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Address
Church Lane
Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 8EP
www.romseyabbey.org.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
Kids will love a day out at Paultons Family Theme Park, where they will meet Peppa Pig and friends!
1. Paultons Family Theme Park
Paultons Family Theme Park is famous for its award winning Peppa Pig World, which the kids will love! There are so many family friendly rides and attractions to enjoy, all set within 140 acres of stunning parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
There is a lot of laughing and fun to be had at Peppa Pig world, with 7 Peppa themed rides including Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride and George’s Dinosaur Adventure Ride and more – The kids won’t want to go home!
If you’re children aren’t Peppa Pig fans, they can enjoy Lost Kingdom, which is home to a whole host of dinosaur attractions including 2 rollercoasters and Jurassic themed family rides. Who wouldn’t want to come face to face with a dinosaur?
Children will love Paultons, with so much fun to be had! Why not finish the day off with adventure golf, or head to the water Kingdom? If you fancy something more relaxing, take a train ride around the park, where you will see all the nature amongst the countryside, as well as animals such as penguins and tortoises!
Opening hours
School Holidays, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
Monday to Friday (Term Time) 10:30 - 17:00
Pricing
Adult/Kid (over 1m): £31.75
Under 1m: Free
Senior (60+): £29.25
Family: from £92.75
Address
Ower
Romsey
The New Forest
Hampshire
SO51 6AL
England
Contact details
023 8081 4442
www.paultonspark.co.uk
2. Marwell Zoo
Visit the wild side, with Marwell Zoo! The kids will love it, as they will get to meet their favourite animals. There are hundreds of animals to meet, in this wonderful 140 acre park.
There are also daily talks and feeding times, where your children can learn all about the animal’s habitats and more! In total, there are five fun playgrounds to play in, where children can climb, run and jump around in!
If you fancy a time to relax with yourself, visit the café nearby with your favourite warm drink. There is also a peaceful train ride which takes you around the zoo, so you won’t miss anything.
If you’re visiting Hampshire, make sure to visit Marwell Zoo!
Opening hours
April to 9 July
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
10 July to 4 September
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
5 September to 29 October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
30 October to 31 December
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Pricing
Adult (17+): £17.26
Child (3-16): £13.62
Under 2: Free
Family of 4: £57.22
Concession: £14.99
Address
Thomsons Lane
Colden Common
Winchester
Hampshire
SO21 1JH
England
Contact details
01962 777407
www.marwell.org.uk/zoo
3. The New Forest Wildlife Park
The New Forest Wildlife Park takes you on a deep journey into the woods, where you and the family can discover all of the wildlife. You will meet a range of species in their natural habitat as you walk along the trail.
The New Forest is set in 25 acres with many animals to spot, such as otters, deer and many more. Children will love this trail and will love taking pictures of all the animals they spot!
There are animal keepers who are available throughout the day, where they will tell you all information about the forest and its animals. Younger and older children will love the sand pits, diggers, slides, climbing frames and more where they can run around and have fun with their friends!
The New Forest makes the perfect adventure for all of the family!
Opening hours
Autumn/Winter
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
Spring/Summer
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
Pricing
Adult: £11.50
Child (3-16): £8.50
Family of 4: £35.00
Senior: £10.25
Disabled Adult/Child: £10.25/£6.95
Serving Military personnel (with ID): £10.25
Address
Deerleap Lane at Longdown
Ashurst
Southampton
Hampshire
SO40 4UH
England
Contact details
02380 292408
www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk
4. Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth is the perfect underwater adventure for kids and adults alike, where they can discover many species of fish and many other sea creatures
The aquarium offers a fun journey through local waters and it home to many sharks and sting rays. Don’t forget to say hello to the octopus with 3 hearts! Children will learn so much about the animals at the aquarium and it would make a great weekend trip or something to do in the school holidays.
There is so much to see and do in the aquarium, as well as in Portsmouth. So why not make a day of it?
Opening hours
April through October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission)
November through March
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00 (last admission)
Closed on Christmas Day.
Pricing
Adult: £10
Child: £7.75
Family (2 adults + 2 children): £33.50
Seniors and Students: £9
Under 3s: Free
Address
Clarence Esplanade
Southsea
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO5 3PB
England
Contact details
023 9287 5222
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/portsmouth
5. Hayling Island Beach
Hayling Island Beach is a peaceful beach in Hayling, offering a charming and relaxing atmosphere! The 4 mile beach is popular with the locals as well as visitors and is a clean beach to take a stroll on.
The beach is situated near grassy dunes, which are perfect for a dog walk or playing hide and seek! There are also many wild flowers and birds to spot in the summer evenings.
Why not take a family walk along the beach before heading out for dinner? There are many popular restaurants to choose from.
Opening hours
The Beach
Daylight access
Visitor Centre
Monday to Friday 09:30 - 17:00
Saturday* 09:30 - 13:00
*Only during August
Pricing
Free admission.
Activities may have additional charges.
Address
Hayling Island Tourist Information
Hayling Island
Hampshire
PO11 0AG
England
Contact details
023 9246 7111
www.visithavant.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Hampshire
On your visit to Hampshire, there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from.
www.enotecasouthampton.com
023 8033 3725
5 Bedford Place
Southampton
SO15 2DB
2. Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
www.verveine.co.uk
01590 642176
98 High Street
New Forest
Lymington
SO41 0QE
3. Restaurant 27
www.restaurant27.com
27A South Parade
Southsea
Portsmouth
PO5 2JF
England
023 9287 6272
4. The Elderflower Lymington
www.elderflowerrestaurant.co.uk
01590 676908
4-5 Quay Street
New Forest
Lymington
SO41 3AS
England
5. Quay Fifteen
www.quayfifteen.co.uk
023 8033 6615
William Street
Shamrock Quay
Southampton
SO14 5QL
England