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 Unexpected find in an 18th century garden |
Downton Moot Moot Lane, Downton Southampton, Wiltshire SP5 United Kingdom http://www.downtown.org.uk |
This historic amphitheatre is delightfully set in an 18th century ornamental garden at Downton Moot. Although there are no facilities and no regular programme of events, it is a fascinating landmark to visit. The village sometimes uses the venue to put on events, such as plays and summer jazz concerts. At such times, people take picnics and it can be quite a family affair. These events are usually advertised locally, so if you are in Downton look at the village notice boards and you may just be lucky. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Victorian farmyard and gardens |
Lymore Lane Milford on Sea Southampton, Hampshire SO41 0TX United Kingdom +44 1590 64 2008 |
This walled garden and courtyard surrounds the red brick barns of an original Victorian farmyard. There is a pool and a fountain, plus a very attractive knot garden with a design inspired by an old manuscript. It is planted with traditional varieties of lavender, while the plant centre is stocked with herbs, alpines and shrubs, most of which are propagated from stock grown in the gardens. The farm shop offers visitors gift ideas, from foods to gardening books. Traditional goose fayre is provided at Christmas and there is also a coarse fishing season, plus gooselings and ducklings at Easter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Five city centre parks |
City Centre Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom |
The Central Parks are the five parks located behind the Above Bar Street shopping area in Southampton. These are East, West (or Watts), Houndwell, Palmerston and Hoglands. They are home to notable monuments like the Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial and the Cenotaph, which was designed by Lutyens and later used by him as the basis for the design of the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Facilities include tennis, bowls and putting. Rare and old trees can also be viewed on special Tree Walks. Leaflets and further information may be obtained from the Leisure and Visitor Centre (The). The parks are included in English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest and were developed during the 19th century from common land previously farmed by medieval citizens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The lungs of the city |
The Avenue Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom |
Known as the lungs of the city, Southampton Common is a site of special scientific interest. It is home to the great crested newt and species of orchid and also houses the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre. Here you can learn more about the abundant wildlife in this area. The whole family will enjoy a trip to the Common, with children's play areas and a fun pool, as well as beautiful countryside with lakes, woods and heathland. Approximately 325 acres in area, it is connected to the city centre by The Avenue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben O'Neill  |
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Educational walk on Southampton Common |
The Hawthorns The Common Southampton, Hampshire SO15 7NN United Kingdom +44 2380 671921 |
Learn more about Southampton's beautiful countryside, as well about how to protect the environment we live in, by taking part in a conservation walk on Southampton Common. The walks are free and you will be guided and advised by an expert officer from Southampton's Parks and Commons Team. Walks are held at least once a month, usually on a Tuesday afternoon, and take two hours. They depart from the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient meeting place |
Moot Lane Downton Southampton, Wiltshire SP5 3JP United Kingdom |
The Moot, in the beautiful village of Downton, is a Grade 1 listed 18th century ornamental garden reputed to have been a Saxon meeting place. Left for many years to its own devices, it became overgrown and unrecognisable until a group of volunteers decided to do something about it. Now, it is possible to walk through the gardens down to the River Avon or visit the lake and amphitheatre, which in the summer is often used for open-air plays and concerts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garden in the New Forest |
School Lane Minstead, Lyndhurst Southampton, Hampshire SO43 7GL United Kingdom +44 2380 81 2464 |
This informal garden features a lake, sensory and heather gardens and trees and shrubs of botanical interest, including extensive collections of azaleas and rhododendrons. Younger visitors can explore secret paths and play log cabins. A restored forest cottage, thought to date back to 1560, houses an original fireback with bread oven. There is also an art and crafts gallery, a plant shop and refreshments. Established in 1922, the garden is set in the heart of the New Forest. All the buildings are thatched including Furzey House, which is said to be the largest thatched cottage in the forest. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Scenic country park |
Allington Lane Eastleigh Southampton, Hampshire SO30 3HQ United Kingdom +44 2380 46 6091 |
Enjoy 440 acres of unspoiled countryside along the River Itchen at this scenic country park. There are a variety of habitats to savor, from wetland to woodland, hedgerows to hay meadow. There are trails for walkers and cyclists, plus guided walks, interactive exhibits and barbecue and informal recreation areas. There is also a children's play area, a picnic site, a visitor centre and a gift shop. Part of the forest trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and has a tapping rail for the visually impaired. Special events are held at the park throughout the year including Marvelous Mushrooms, herbal workshops and Halloween Hi-Jinks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Ball |
 Photo: Charlotte Thompson |
 Photo: Paul Paxford |
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Restored park |
Above Bar St In the heart of the city centre Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom |
Once an ancient field, today home to West (Watts) Park, East (Andrews) Park, Palmerston Park, Houndwell Park and Hoglands Park. These lovely old parks are full of great places to sit, think, watch and rest. You can enjoy colourful flowers from spring to autumn, and free guided tours are offered throughout the year, including walks like Central Parks, Summer Trees, Summer Bedding and Autumn Walk. The park is currently being refurbished, thanks to a £4.5m scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Southampton City Council. The money is going towards features like a Victorian bandstand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Admired for its colourful herbaceous borders |
Weston Lane Woolston Southampton, Hampshire SO19 9HL United Kingdom |
Take an enjoyable woodland walk or stroll around this delightful park, with its colorful herbaceous borders and bedding areas. You can admire Grade ll listed buildings as you go. If you feel more active or have young ones to amuse, why not try your hand at bowls, basketball or putting? Football and cricket pitches are also available. Originally bought by the old Southampton Corporation in 1937, this area was opened as a public park in June 1938. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rhys Jones |
 Photo: Rhys Jones |
 Photo: Carolyn Ireland |
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Home of the International Boat Show |
Off of West Quay Rd Opposite Southampton IOW ferry terminal Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AQ United Kingdom |
Home of the International Boat Show, the biggest boat show in Europe to take place on water, Mayflower Park has a wonderful location on the banks of the River Test. It is an ideal spot from which to watch the river and the ships coming in and going out, with great views of the wonderful New Forest as well. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the QE2 or the Arcadia. It is a great place for a picnic, with much to see and do. Facilities include a cafe, skate park, play area and paddling pool, as well as roller hockey and soccer pitches and a basketball court. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marco Venturini Autieri |
 Photo: Nick James |
 Photo: Dave Farmer |
 Photo: Bob Francis |
 Photo: JAMES |
 Photo: JAMES |
 Photo: Heather Eeles |
 Photo: Jen Lambert |
 Photo: John Zebedee |
 Photo: thegillsoniow |
 Photo: Gillian Moy |
 Photo: Gsplan |
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Forest trails and steam railway |
Horton Road Ashley Heath, Ringwood Southampton, Dorset BH24 2EJ United Kingdom +44 1425 47 0721 |
This 300 acre park has something for everyone. It is home to a great deal of wildlife, including butterflies and wildfowl, while Crane Lake attracts swans, heron and ducks. Fishing and golf are available, while a two and a half mile trail is marked out, taking you through meadows and copses. You can also take a ride on the Moors Valley Steam Railway. A 200 metre tree-top trail will give you a bird's eye view of the forest and there is also a play trail and play area. Infant and junior areas are split, with a woodchip safety surface throughout. A huge barn, dating back to the 16th century, houses tearooms, a shop and exhibitions. Free admission to the park and forest. Railway is open between May and September, 10:45a-5p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gerald Yuen |
 Photo: Gerald Yuen |
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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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An oasis of calm |
Cemetery Lane Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom |
If you find cemeteries to be either fascinating areas of historic interest or just very peaceful places for a quiet stroll or a moment's contemplation, you may wish to visit The Old Cemetery in Southampton. A lovely spot, it is perfect for walks and simple enjoyment of diverse flora and fauna. It was designed by J C Louden, who designed the famous Highgate Cemetery in London, and can be found north of the city centre at the bottom of Southampton Common. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Goskar |
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Scenic park in Eastleigh |
Eastleigh Southampton, Hampshire SO50 9FH United Kingdom |
If you are visiting Eastleigh this park is the ideal place to relax. Small and scenic, it is attractively potted with flower beds. There are regular live performances on a bandstand and there are plenty of seats or you can just graze on the grass. Adjacent to the park is a children's play area containing swings and slides, while on Saturdays there is a bouncy castle for kids and a busy street market. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Football, cricket, tennis and fishing |
Bitterne Manor Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom |
This open parkland provides plenty of space for recreational activities such as football and cricket. You can play tennis or pitch and putt between April and October and there is a cycle training track and a miniature steam railway, which pulls passengers on small open carriages for just forty pence a go. If you enjoy life at a more leisurely pace, you can take a stroll alongside the River Itchen or even engage in a spot of fishing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Porter |
 Photo: daniel0s_eos400d |
 Photo: Wei Fang |
 Photo: daniel0s_eos400d |
 Photo: Sunshine Hanan Smart |
 Photo: Matt Porter |
 Photo: Roo Reynolds |
 Photo: Steve Duncan |
 Photo: Russell Sancto |
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Ornamental farm and glasshouses |
Middle Park Way Havant Southampton, Hampshire PO9 5HB United Kingdom +44 23 9245 3405 http://www.stauntoninfo.co.uk/ |
There is something at this park for all the family. You can meet and feed farm animals such as goats, pigs and sheep and see unusual breeds like peacocks, llamas and water buffalo. You also can visit fabulous glasshouses containing banana, pineapple and coconut plants, as well as tea and coffee plants. These glasshouses date from the Regency period and have been completely restored. There is a tropical greenhouse that houses the giant amazon water lily (summer months only), together with papyrus and rice plants. All these features can be found within 1000 acres of landscaped parkland, with an ornamental lake and Victorian coach house. Call for details of special events held throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Hotel with designer gardens |
Rotherwick Southampton, Hampshire RG27 9AZ United Kingdom +44 1256 76 4881 http://www.tylneyhall.co.uk/ |
This luxury hotel is famous for its beautiful gardens, designed in the early part of this century by Gertrude Jekyll. You can stroll around Italian, rose and water gardens, which all have been lovingly restored, and the grounds include both formal and wild types of garden. Horticultural enthusiasts can enjoy special open days by arrangement, but these are limited. Hotel residents, on the other hand, get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and can indulge in indoor and outdoor swimming, tennis, croquet, horse riding, archery and clay pigeon shooting. There is also an 18-hole golf course adjacent to the hotel. It is set in 66 acres of Hampshire countryside in Rotherwick, Hook. Review © 2007, Wcities |