Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Rare breeds |
Amesbury Road Cholderton Southampton, Wiltshire SP4 0EW United Kingdom +44 1980 62 9438 |
This farm is a living museum of farm animals and poultry, some now close to extinction. You can touch and feed pigs, sheep, goats, ponies and cattle. There is also a nature trail and badger setts in ancient woodland. Features include Rabbit World, which has nearly fifty breeds on show, some quite rare. Picnic and play areas, a tearoom and a souvenir shop are all to hand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Shires, clydesdales and miniatures |
Verwood New Forest Southampton, Dorset BH21 5RJ United Kingdom +44 1202 82 4040 |
Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, on the edge of the New Forest, this centre was set up to preserve and breed different types of heavy horses, including Clydesdale, Percheron, Suffolk and Ardenne. You can visit them in their stables and see them on parade with commentary three times daily. There is also a display of harnesses, plus plenty of information on heavy horses. Special features at the centre include miniature ponies, a miniature donkey, trailer rides, aviaries and a play area with trampoline. A gift shop and cafe are to hand and there is also the chance to ride in Verwood Forest on an Icelandic Horse, the ultimate all-terrain vehicle! Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Flamingos, peacocks and other types of waterfowl |
Oakhill Road Seaview Southampton, Hampshire PO34 5AP United Kingdom +44 1983 61 2153 http://www.iowight.com |
Witness flamingos, peacocks and other waterfowl wandering freely over green lawns at this famous park on the Isle of Wight. A popular attraction, it attracts hundreds of waterfowl, particularly flamingo, and includes a watergarden, waterfalls and water displays. Refreshments are available and you can pick up souvenirs and mementoes at the gift shop. There is also an aquarium nearby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amanda |
 Photo: Amanda |
 Photo: Nick Connor |
 Photo: Dave Garrett |
 Photo: dunnr66 |
 Photo: John English  |
 Photo: Eileen Haynes |
 Photo: Hugh Ware |
|
Birds of prey |
Sarson Lane Weyhill Southampton, Hampshire SP11 8DY United Kingdom +44 1264 77 3850 http://www.hawk-conservancy.org |
Witness birds of prey like hawks, falcons and eagles getting trained by traditional methods and flying free at regular intervals every day, at this conservancy. Demonstrations include the opportunity to hold one of the birds. The conservancy is licensed to care for and rehabilitate injured birds of prey, while breeding birds such as owls and kestrels are housed in aviaries, with the intention of future release. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Hawkins |
 Photo: scoops2008 |
 Photo: Paul C Jones |
 Photo: Les Langley |
 Photo: Martin Swatton |
 Photo: david hall |
 Photo: Hamerton DCL |
 Photo: Michael |
 Photo: Byron Bentley |
 Study centre for urban wildlife and ecology |
The Common Southampton, Hampshire SO15 7NN United Kingdom +44 2380 67 1921 |
Situated on the site of the old zoo, this is a small but sweet centre for the study of ecology and local wildlife. Inside are a range of exploratory activities, such as worksheets to fill out, puzzles to do and things to marvel at through microscopes. There is also a display of native animals and a tiny gift shop to soak up any spare pocket money. Outside there are a series of nature reserves. You have to stick to the paths so that the wildlife is not disturbed, so it is not a good place for rampaging toddlers, but 5-11 year olds will enjoy it and it may even help with those homework projects. Closed on bank holidays. Admission: free. 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 |
|
View wildlife by car |
Longleat Southampton, Wiltshire BA12 7NW United Kingdom +44 1985 84 4400 http://www.longleat.co.uk/ |
View wildlife roaming in spacious surroundings from the comfort of your own car, at this safari park. It is part of the estate belonging to the Marquess of Bath. Features include Adventure Castle, which is Longleat's two-acre play park, a Dr Who exhibition, train and safari boat rides, the Butterfly Garden and Pet's Corner. Recent additions include the world's largest hedge maze and the Simulator, a realistic hi-tech reproduction of some of the world's most dangerous ways to travel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: pineapplebun |
|
Woodland walks, farm animals and wildfowl |
Pylands Lane Bursledon Southampton, Hampshire SO31 1BH United Kingdom +44 1489 78 7055 |
Enjoy 400 acres of countryside at this farm set in times gone by, on the banks of the River Hamble in Bursledon. It has an olde worlde look and feel and its attractions include woodland walks, farm animals and wildfowl. There is a special programme of events according to the season and full refreshments are available. Before you leave, call in at the nearby Jolly Sailor for a swift drink. Open daily during February half-term. Call in advance for admission rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark |
|
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 |
 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 |
|
Sea creatures from around the world |
Pier Approach West Beach Southampton, Dorset BH2 5AA United Kingdom +44 1202 31 1993 |
Experience an amazing voyage around the world's oceans and rivers at this fascinating Oceanarium on the beach at Bournemouth. It features sea creatures from over four continents, including the deadly, flesh-eating piranha from the Amazon and sharks and turtles from the Great Barrier Reef. There is also an interactive Caribbean zone and a beachside cafe offering spectacular views of the sea. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ted Weiland |
 Photo: Ted Weiland |
 Photo: JonCombe |
 Photo: www.felipeurquijo.com |
 Photo: Hollie V Robson |
|
Close-up encounters with marine life |
Clarence Esplanade Southsea Southampton, Hampshire PO5 3PB United Kingdom +44 2392 875222 |
Get an intimate view of ocean creatures at this fascinating sea life centre. Over 30 displays use the latest in technology to provide close-up encounters with marine life such as sharks, stingrays, sunfish, wolf-fish, octopus and eels. Attractions include a 14-foot sunken wreck, a tropical reef observatory, a touch pool, a splash and play area and a mini tidal zone in which waves crash against a realistic shoreline. The interior of the centre has a nautical theme - there is a ship's bridge, lifeboats, masts, rigging, fishing nets and a coastal restaurant. There are regular feeding demonstrations, talks and special presentations, while views across the Solent are offered from a picnic area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Animal sanctuary |
Yaverland's Seafront Sandown Southampton, Hampshire PO36 8QB United Kingdom +44 1983 40 3883 |
This animal sanctuary on the Isle of Wight specialises in breeding and caring for some of the world's most severely threatened creatures, including Royal and White Bengal tigers, Chinese and Siberian tigers, leopards, jaguar and black panthers. You will also find many other exotic species at the sanctuary, including lemurs, reptiles, birds, insects and giant spiders. Last admissions are at 5pm and there is a gift shop and snack bar available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Potter |
 Photo: Andrew Potter |