#VisitHampshire

from Hampshire Guest Guide 2018

#VisitTestValley

Discover & Explore

Whether you’re visiting for a short break or enjoying a little longer, Hampshire is home to lots of great attractions, and makes the perfect gateway for reaching other top attractions in the county.

From theme parks to gardens, adventurous activities to cultural exploits, there is something to suit the whole family.

A day of exploration

Getting to and from your day out can be just as exciting as the day out itself! Take your car across to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth or Lymington with Wightlink ferries. Or, choose between the passenger Red Jet and car ferry service at Red Funnel leaving from Southampton.Sometimes there’s nothing better than packing up at picnic and heading to a picturesque country park, luckily Hampshire has some great ones to choose from including Staunton Country Park with 1,000 acres for you to explore.Explore the world of experimental archaeology at Butser Ancient Farm. Here you will find a timeline of ancient homes from times gone by, set in a beautiful tranquil location within the Southdowns National Park near Petersfield.

A whole lot of history

You can make your day out interesting and cultural with a visit to Mottisfont with its changing exhibitions, a feast for the senses all year round.

Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in England and well worth a visit, with crypt and Cathedral tours available it offers a wealth of beauty, from its outstanding architecture to the deep emotions stirred by its choral music.Manor Farm is a working historic farm with lots to see and interact with. Five centuries of history are brought to life at The Vyne - a former Tudor palace turned 17th-century family home, set in 1500 acres of gardens, woodland and wetlands and offer a truly memorable day out for families.For some more history explore historic warships including Nelson’s HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Another fascinating part of our history is that of our military. You can see over 40 historic aircraft at the Museum Army of Flying.Step back in time at Chawton House as you visit Jane Austen’s ‘Great House’, owned by her brother Edward. This romantic 400-year-old manor house is a short walk from the cottage where Jane Austen lived.

In 1545, The Mary Rose sank outside Portsmouth Harbour defending England from invasion. In 1982, The Mary Rose made a spectacular return to the surface. This year, experience The Mary Rose as never before. Explore the remains of Henry VIII’s favourite ship, recovered from the seabed in one of the most challenging archaeological excavations of all time.

A full day of adventure

If it’s adventure you’re after then a visit to Paultons Park is a must, with over 60 rides and attractions, it’s also home to the popular Peppa Pig World, which is perfect for those little ones.Fill the day with enjoyment at National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. It’s a great place to spend the day enjoying over 250 automobiles and motorcycles, as well as Palace House and gardens, the Secret Army Exhibition and the World of Top Gear.A great way to spend the day out in the open is at the picturesque gardens of Exbury Gardens & Steam railway and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway in the

New Forest is renowned for its large collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. At Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey, a 180-acre garden paradise with a magnificent collection of more than 42,000 plants and boasts one of the largest Winter Gardens of its kind in Europe.

For animal lovers get up-close to your favourite animals at Marwell Zoo. From ring-tailed coatis to majestic giraffes, endangered tigers to frilled lizards, curious meerkats to pygmy hippos – home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings.Overlooking the stunning South coast of the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine – the oldest theme park in the country and one of the most iconic attractions too – offering an enchanting experience like no other. Let your imagination run wild as you venture on a journey of discovery.

There is so much on offer in Hampshire. If you need any help planning your visit to one of Hampshire’s Top Attractions visit www.hampshireattractions.co.uk or pick up a leaflet from reception for discount vouchers and special offers.

For even more ideas on where to visit when in Hampshire visit www.visit-hampshire.co.uk or if you are exploring the Isle of Wight, please visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

An experience to remember

If you’re a bit of a monkey yourself then Go Ape (Itchen Valley Country Park, Moors Valley Country Park or Alice Holt) promises you fun and adventure in the trees, and you can dive to the depths without getting wet at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea.Enjoy hands-on, interactive science and technology at the Winchester Science Centre and learn whilst having fun. For those brave enough try walking over the glass floor platform at Emirates Spinnaker Tower!Rock Up presents a series of exhilarating indoor climbing walls towering 25ft into the air! With over 70 challenges; including scaling the Skyscraper, trying out the Twister, or creating a vortex on the Vertical Drop Slide – there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.