The first thing to mention for all 1st – time visitors is Southampton’s Old Town, England’s 3rd longest stretch of medieval town walling, encloses numerous interesting historic buildings and museums.
Relive the Tudor Series
Encompassing a little less than a millennium of history within its walls, Southampton’s most important historic building, the Tudor House, offers visitors the chance to feel what was like to live during these fascinating times by exploring the facilities and marveling the several displays.
A families’ favorite, probably its most interesting features are its wonderful gardens and the fully reconstructed Tudor and Victorian kitchens.
The SeaCity Museum
Southampton has a long and rich history in seafaring and the fascinating exhibits of the SeaCity Museum is a great place to discover it. Most visitors are lured particularly by Titanic’s heritage and by the numerous innovative and interactive activities designed for visitors of all ages.
Exploring the Sir H. Hillier Gardens
Just a little less than 8 miles from Southampton’s centre, the award-winning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens has gained worldwide fame for its unique collection of more than 40,000 different plants almost from any corner of planet earth. Almost 200 acres of rare beauty awaits you there, that will take a few hours to explore.
Get your Family out for a Picnic
Another great option for families who need some time together just to relax is the Royal Victoria Country Park, just 4 miles for the city’s centre. With almost 200 acres of unblemished natural beauty – ideal for family picnics – the park has also a railway train and several playing grounds for children.
The Manor Farm Country Park, less than 5 miles away from centre, in Pylands Lane, Bursledon offers a totally different experience to you and your family.
Home to many farmyard animals, it is designed to get you in on the action, using interactive games such as milking a cow, taking care of your roosters and chickens or feeding a newborn lamb! Kids will love it.
A Short Visit to the Marwell “Jungle”
Just a 20 minute drive from Southampton, in Winchester, you and your family and friends will find more… adventurous options. Home to almost 200 different species of wild animals, including, cute giraffes, cunning penguins and awe – inspiring tigers, snow leopards, rhinos and cheetahs, the Marwell Zoo guarantees an unforgettable day for children and grown-ups of all ages.
The adventure playgrounds, the rail trains and the picnic areas just make things even more exciting.
The New Forest Wildlife Centre
Closer than Marwell, the New Forest Wildlife Centre may sound similar, but it’s nothing of the sort.
There you will have the chance to wander through dense forests, teaming with shot-clawed otters, wisents, red deer, menacing grey wolfs, lynxes, wild boars and much more, like the unique tropical Butterfly house.
If you want to combine your visit with action, there are some great adventure playgrounds and quiz trails that will both educate and fascinate you and your family.
Fancy a Taste of Skies?
Ever dreamt of mastering the skies of Britain during WWII? The Solent Sky Museum, right in the heart of the city, gives you the chance to board the most successful fighter in world history, the “Spitfire”, along with several other great aircrafts, including the Supermarine S6b (N248), the Sandringham Flying Boat, or the Harrier Jump Jet. Tempting, isn’t it?