subject: Things to do in Hampshire in the School Holidays [print this page] Things to do in Hampshire in the School Holidays
There's plenty to see and do right throughout Hampshire. So when the school holidays come around you shouldn't find yourself short on ideas for places the visit that will provide fun for the whole family. To give you a few pointers we've put together this quick list of fantastic destinations in Hampshire.
Paultons Park
For a fun family day out, Paultons Park is a perfect pick. Located in the New Forest (just off of junction 2 on the M27), it features a wide array of family friendly rides, an adventure playground and a small animal park. With so much to do there's no chance that your little ones will get bored at Paultons Park and admission is affordable too so it won't break the bank either.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth offers a wide array of activities and events right throughout the year. There's the D-Day Museum, Natural History Museum and Blue Reef Aquarium for starters. However, for a day full of maritime fun and history, the Historic Dockyard is a must-visit.
Housing the HMS Warrior, the first ironclad warship, Henry VIII's flagship Mary Rose and Lord Nelson's world famous HMS Victory, it is a great place to spend the day. You can enjoy guided tours around each of the ships as well as enjoy the on-site museums and gift shops.
Marwell Zoo
Kids love animals, almost as much as the parents do in fact! Marwell Zoo is set in the heart of rural Hampshire between Southampton and Winchester and has a wide variety of rare and endangered species. There are activities for children to get involved in too when not visiting the lions, meerkats and giraffes.
Explosion! Museum and Ice Skating
If you're heading to Gosport with the family then you might find yourself spoilt for choice this holiday. As part of the Submarine Museum there is now a new feature called 'Explosion!' which is a history of explosives in the Navy. After going around the exhibits and interactive activities you could then make your way to the nearby Gosport Ice Rink and enjoy an afternoon of ice skating fun.
Watercress Railway
If you've always fancied going on a genuine steam railway or meeting Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends in person, then a visit to the Watercress Railway is an absolute must. Running between Alresford and Alton, the railway offers regular trips and a number of exciting family activities right throughout the year.
New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park
If you like otters, owls and wildlife and are in the New Forest during the holidays, then you might want to consider a trip to the New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park. As well as a huge collection of otters and owls, you can walk amongst deer and wallabies as well as seeing a number of animals from the local countryside. It's a great escape for the whole family and will provide the perfect accompaniment to a day at the nearby Beaulieu Motor Museum.
So whatever your family enjoys, Hampshire really does have something for everyone during the holidays.
