I was born and raised in Southampton and my mum, stepdad and sister still live there. I enjoy visiting the area with my wife and two teenage boys and returning to all the attractions I enjoyed growing up. Over the years we have been to many family attractions in Hampshire. So, I thought I would include my favourite below for anyone planning on visiting the area.
Marwell Zoo
Top of the list for family days out Hampshire has to be Marwell Zoo. It has so much to offer. It’s especially a good time to visit with Glow Marwell happening shortly. It is such a magical light experience that everyone in the family will enjoy. But whenever you plan to visit you can guarantee you will have a lovely time. My boys really liked the animal walkthroughs.
If you want to make a trip to Marwell Zoo even more memorable you should book an animal experience. They offer opportunities like feeding the giraffes or penguins and other behind the scenes experiences. You really cannot beat a day out at Marwell Zoo as a family, it is a good way to educate your children about the natural world and all the fresh air walking the grounds and time spent in the play areas helps tire them out!
With 140 acres to explore you will need plenty of time here. Marwell Zoo suggest between four to five hours, but we always find we spend a full day to do it justice.
Paultons Park
Closely followed is our next favourite family attraction in Hampshire which is Paultons Park. We have been here numerous times, primarily when the boys were tiny and into Peppa Pig. But fortunately, the park had plenty to offer as they grew older too. They really seemed to enjoy the Lost Kingdom section of the Park, which had plenty of rides more suited to older children. Since our last visit they have also invested heavily in the theme park with more exciting rides like Storm Chaser! So, we now have an excuse for a return visit.
There are a total of 70 rides and attractions, so Paultons Park suggest spending two days at the park to get around everything, particularly during the busier times of the year.
Portsmouth Historic Dock
This has to be one of the most popular family attractions in Hampshire. We were glad when we finally visited. Expect to spend a very full day here as there is just so much to see, so start the day when they open at 10am. It’s very educational and a good history lesson in naval heritage for your children that is brought to life by actually walking onboard the ships.
Going onboard HMS Victory is really something else. You are transported back to a time long gone by. We enjoyed walking the decks, taking in all the details and imagining life in 1759 when it was made. This warship is a real marvel and a must see if you are in the area. We also took the water bus to go inside the HMS Alliance submarine. A visit wouldn’t be complete without also checking out HMS M.33 a British First World War Ship and HMS Warrior what was the crown jewel of the Victorian Navy. Sometimes children can get bored of educational days out, but not with Portsmouth Historic Dock. It really is a must see!
With so much to get round its no wonder Portsmouth Historic Dock actually recommend a few days to visit. Luckily when you buy a ticket you can come back as much as you like during the year!
Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Moving on from ships to automobiles, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum is another firm family favourite. The vast collection of cars and motorcycles is impressive. Our favourite was the mini outspan orange as it was such a funny little car. There is also more to see than just cars, you can wonder the grounds, hop on board the veteran bus or monorail and check out Palace House.
Beaulieu themselves recommend you leave four to five hours to get round everything, but I think you can easily spend the day here. My two teenagers really liked the Top Gear attraction and just seeing the variety of different cars in existence.
New Forest National Park
We have enjoyed walking in the New Forest National Park, seeing the wild ponies and even doing some geocaching. The little villages around it are quaint and charming so worth a look too! Naturally the boys liked the traditional sweet shop in Lyndhurst! But you don’t mind them having a little sugar after a bit of a ramble through the forest.
We have been to many other family attractions in Hampshire but these five should definitely be on everyone’s must visit list!