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 Large collection of teddies |
38 Dragon Street Southampton, Hampshire GU31 4JJ United Kingdom +44 1730 26 5108 |
This bear museum was the first of its kind to open in Britain. Situated in an 18th century house, it houses one of the largest and most interesting collections of teddy bears on public display in the country. The bears date from 1905 through to present day. If you bring your own teddy bear with you, the museum might tell you something of its history. Admission is free and there is a gift shop on site, mostly selling bears. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Famous amusement park |
Ventnor Southampton, Hampshire PO38 2HN United Kingdom +44 1983 73 0052 |
Set in over forty acres of spectacular cliff-top gardens, this famous amusement park is a mix of fantasy, legend and heritage. Features include Wild West Town, Dinosaurland, Maze, a Smuggler's Ship and a Pirate Adventure Fort. The heritage element is covered by St Catherine's Quay, which depicts the dramatic story of Blackgang's coast, and Blackgang Sawmill, which has working steam and oil engines. The park is floodlit on summer evenings until 10p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cheryl Sims |
 Photo: matt taor |
 Photo: neilcampbell |
 Photo: Ian Drake |
 Photo: tpwiththeqqs |
 Photo: Yve Scott |
 Amusements and panoramic views |
Southsea Southampton, Hampshire PO5 3AB United Kingdom +44 2392 82 1455 http://www.clarencepier.co.uk/ |
Clarence Pier is situated on the shoreline of the Solent and boasts splendid panoramic views. It has all the ingredients for a fun day out including the Games Wharf, a new maritime themed indoor amusement complex complete with fast food outlets and an ice-cream parlor. Another popular attraction is Pirate Pete's Adventure Playground, a young child's paradise consisting of ball ponds, bouncers, a pirate ship and a soft play area. It is also available for party hire. The rides are open between March and October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matthew Maber  |
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Miniature passenger railway |
Lakeside Country Park Wide Lane, Eastleigh Southampton, Hampshire SO18 1DP United Kingdom +44 2380 61 2020 http://www.steamtrain.co.uk |
This miniature passenger railway travels from Southampton Parkway station to Monks Brook Halt, where there is a children's playground and picnic area overlooking a scenic lake. A model railway exhibition is on display and there is also a souvenir shop. The one and a quarter mile journey takes 15 to 20 minutes and all trains return to Parkway, which is approximately eight miles from Southampton city centre. The railway is open daily during July, August, September and school holidays and on weekends only throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karen Freeman |
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Historical Portsmouth Football Spot |
Frogmore Rd Southampton PO4 8RA United Kingdom +44 0871 230 1898 http://www.pompeyfc.co.uk |
The Portsmouth Football Club call Fratton Park Stadium their home. Fratton Park has been a part of the city since the 1800s and still attracts thousands of football fans from around England and Europe. Check website for full details on the Portsmouth Football team, game schedules and results, tickets and further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Webb |
 Photo: Darren Shaw |
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Traditional steam fairground |
Iron Hill Midhurst Road Southampton, Hampshire GU30 7LR United Kingdom +44 1428 72 4900 http://www.hollycombe.co.uk/ |
Travel back to times gone by at this traditional steam fairground at Liphook in the Hampshire countryside. You can ride a narrow gauge steam railway through ancient woodland or visit a delightful steam farm, complete with farm animals that range from shire horses to bantams. Special events are arranged throughout the year, such as a Collector's Weekend, a Commercial Vehicle and Fire Engine Weekend and a Working Agricultural Weekend, while fairground parties are also regularly held. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Working dairy farm |
Ashurst Southampton, Hampshire SO40 7EH United Kingdom +44 2380 29 3326 |
This working dairy farm features a large collection of animals that can be fed and stroked. The pens are set out along a path, which makes it easy for very young or infirm feet to get around, and there is a picnic area plus a stall selling tea and coffee that is situated next to a large playground. There is also a tiny museum and a gift shop. Kids of all ages will love it, but go when the weather is good. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sam & Emer |
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Zoological park and conservation centre |
Colden Common Southampton, Hampshire SO21 1JH United Kingdom +44 1962 77 7407 http://www.marwell.org.uk |
Marwell is one of Britain's leading zoological parks. Founded in 1972, it currently has over 200 rare and endangered species in its breeding programmes. It specialises in hoofed animals, but also features a wide variety of creatures ranging from giraffe to spiders. The site is huge (around 100 acres) but there are trains to carry visitors around the enclosures. For lunch there is a choice between the restaurant and several picnic sites and there is a gift shop which includes an extensive selection of books. The zoo also prides itself on its educational activities and details of these are available on request. Last entry one hour before closing. Closed Christmas Day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beautifully restored, dating from 1290 |
58 French Street Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AT United Kingdom +44 2380 22 1503 |
This fascinating ancient house was originally built in 1290 and has been beautifully restored to its original condition. It has two first-floor bed chambers connected by a gallery and fine exposed roof timbers, reflecting the social standing of its first owner. Specially designed hangings cover the walls and replica medieval pottery adorns the rooms. The merchant in question was the very prosperous John Fortin, who imported cellar-fulls of wine from Bordeaux. The house is said to be the most haunted building in Southampton. Ask the staff about the curly wurly footprints in the cellars and the ghost of Ruth Dill. Admission: Adults £2, Children £1.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Family fun day out |
Alum Bay Southampton, Hampshire PO39 0JD United Kingdom +44 1983 75 2401 |
This pleasure park at Alum Bay on the Isle of Wight is a great place for a family day out. The attractions include pleasure boat trips, daredevil rides, a fun park and amusements. A spectacular chair lift to the beach provides fantastic views of the Needles rocks and lighthouse, or you can watch the fascinating craft of glass blowing at the glass works. Alternatively, you can enjoy a game of crazy golf or step inside the Super X Simulator. Before you leave, pick up a unique memento at the sand shop, which sells unusual gifts filled with multi-coloured Alum Bay sand. Food and refreshments are available. Open between April and October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: iamdek |
 Photo: Marks Photos3000 |
 Ancient woodland and wildlife |
Deerleap Lane Longdown Southampton, Hampshire SO40 4UH United Kingdom +44 2380 29 2408 http://www.ottersandowl.co.uk |
Having a day in the New Forest and feeling slightly disappointed that you have not spotted any local wildlife? Then this conservation park is for you. It consists of 25 acres of ancient woodland, with otter and owl enclosures on circular nature trails. Wildlife in this case means deer, badgers, wild boar, foxes, owls and otters of all shapes and sizes, but the owners are especially keen to conserve barn owls and otters because they are endangered species. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Family leisure park |
Ower Romsey Southampton, Hampshire SO51 6AL United Kingdom +44 2380 81 4442 http://www.paultonspark.co.uk |
This combined amusement park and zoo features a variety of exciting rides, ranging from a water-splash roller coaster for the big and adventurous to the Teacup Ride for the small and timid. Although there is a height restriction of one metre on most rides, there are plenty of attractions for younger children and for the grown-ups there are landscaped grounds to explore, including a zoo, farm animals and a large collection of exotic birds. If you do not want a picnic there is a restaurant serving basic, with-chips meals, plus tea rooms and several fast food kiosks. There is also a gift shop by the exit for that last minute plastic dinosaur. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Water theme park |
Southampton Road Romsey Southampton, Hampshire SO51 8AF United Kingdom +44 1794 83 0333 |
The Rapids is advertised as the complete swimming adventure and it certainly has many water features, such as bubble seats, water jets and storm showers. There is also a 75 metre flume ride, which twists around high above the pools, for those brave enough to try. There is a fitness pool for people who just want to swim and a small learner pool. All have easy access for the disabled. Although the centre focuses on splashing about, there is also a health suite with a sauna and Jacuzzi, a fitness suite and a cafe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Miniature railway ride |
Royal Victoria Country Park Netley Southampton, Hampshire SO31 5GA United Kingdom +44 2380 45 5157 |
This miniature steam railway runs for a mile around Royal Victoria Country Park, offering great views across Southampton water. It consists of a little engine that pulls two carriages and takes about ten minutes. Special events such as Treasure Hunts and Teddy Bears Specials, which involve games and activities, are often run. Birthdays are also catered for. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Donna Pearce |
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Must-see for aviation buffs |
Albert Rd S (opposite Ocean Village) Southampton, Hampshire SO14 3FR United Kingdom +44 2380 63 5830 http://www.spitfireonline.co.uk |
This museum is a must-see for aviation buffs and a great tribute to one of Southampton's heroes, R J Mitchell - the designer of the legendary Spitfire, which was built in Southampton. Exhibits at the museum include a real Sandringham flying boat, a Spitfire and 13 other aircraft, plus masses of photos, models and engines. After taking in the exhibitions, why not stroll across to Ocean Village for a look at the yachts. Check their website for admission prices and seasonal opening hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Will Prescott |
 Photo: Geoff Collins |
 Photo: Rob Pym |
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Replica cargo ship |
Western Esplanade Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1AG United Kingdom +44 2380 83 3333 |
This fascinating replica cargo boat sits by Southampton's waterfront and is a very popular tourist attraction. Although it is called the Viking ship and looks like a Viking ship, it is actually a keel. It was the main type of boat used to carry cargo in and out of Southampton between 1200 and 1400. During the 13th century alone, these keels were used to import thousands of casks of wine, by the local descendants of those who came to England with William the Conqueror. Unfortunately, because the boats were notoriously slow, they were also easy prey for pirates! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
