Days Out in Hampshire

Portsmouth Dockyard combines history with our modern Royal Navy. On view are historic ships that have shaped British history, museums and exhibitions.  Alternatively, jump on board for a harbour tour lasting 45 minutes, and view from the water the Destroyers, Frigates and Mine Sweepers moored in the harbour.

The Mid-Hants railway operates the Watercress Railway Line across ten miles of scenic Hampshire countryside. As well as general rail journies, dining carriages run at certain times of years offering silver service dining. For the younger enthusiasts, Thomas the Tank and friends will be visiting for rides, races and entertainment at selected dates.

Sharks, sting rays, otters, seahorses, tropical fish and frogs, are just some of the displays to see at Blue Reef. Take your swimming custom, and take advantage of the giant man-made beach and the wet play area for children, with fountains, water cannons and giant showers.

There is much to do within in the 1,000 acres of Staunton. For children there is the Ornamental Farm with a range of small and medium sized animals. In the garden, one of the largest glasshouses in the country can be seen with a diversity of tropical plants. Also to be seen in the gardens are the water features, maze, walled garden and puzzle garden.

Family theme park located on the outskirts of the New Forest.  Exotic birds on display and 50 different attractions for adults and children, including rides, animated shows, museums and play areas.

Ice skating rink based within a Leisure Park on the outskirts of Basingstoke.  Also within the leisure complex is a ten pin bowling centre, indoor swimming pool and museum.

A couple of hours fun or a complete course in kayaking and canoeing, for adults and children.   For a bit of fun, after learning the basics of canoeing or kayaking you can explore the Beaulieu River by paddle power.  Alternatively, paddle to the pub at Buckler's Hard, or take a sunset paddle.  Full courses also available.

A converted Edwardian school, the Phoenix Theatre holds more than thirty professional shows a year that include drama, musicals, comedy and one-man shows.  It also hosts music, dance and film events, and for the younger enthusiast there is Kids Art and a Youth Theatre Group.

Tenpin is the biggest chain of bowling centres in the UK, with centres across the South East.  General facilities include numerous bowling lanes, American and English pool tables, amusements, Cosmic Bowling and dining. Centres in Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Kent.

Bowlplex owns 18 bowling centres in the UK.  South East centres are in Brighton, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Tunbridge Wells, Camberley and Oxford.  Facilities include numerous bowling lanes, American pool, dining, big screen TVs and video game arcades.

Three ski slopes with their own lifts and mist system and a ski shop with clothing and accessories.  Open all year offering ski and snowboard lessons for all ages, Donut sessions and holiday courses.

The Rose Bowl is home to Hampshire County Cricket Club, with capacity for 20,000 people. The cricket season runs until the end of September, with the popular T20 final taking place in August. One-to-one professional cricket coaching is available in the Indoor School, a large training facility located on the first floor of the Pavilion. Whilst cricket is the core activity at the Rose Bowl, it has also staged concerts, holding up to 35,000 people, and a 9-hole golf course was established in the grounds in 1999, open to members and visitors.

Opened in 2005, the Spinnaker Tower soars 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour.  Three viewing decks give visitors amazing views for as far as the eye can see. The high speed internal lift travels at 4 metres per second, there is a panoramic lift or there are the steps, all 570 of them.

Totally Tennis offers tennis to adults and children alike through pay & play sessions, children’s holiday programmes, adult coaching, junior programmes and league events.  Totally Tennis is based at two locations in Basingstoke with the outdoor facilities at Stratton Park and the indoor centre in the War Memorial Park.

Hacking through the New Forest or riding lessons, for adults and children (4 years +), experienced or novice, Burley Villa offers something for everyone. Forest hacks are based on riders ability, with one hour walk rides for beginners and two hour walk and trot for more experienced riders.  Join them at the Ranch and experience horse riding with a difference – Western Style!  You don’t have to have ridden before, this is an easy and relaxing way of riding.  Two hour trails or join the Sundowner & BBQ trails and enjoy the sun set on the New Forest.

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The Kings Theatre stages both professional and amateur productions covering ballet, drama, comedy, musicals and children's shows.

A multi-purpose venue with terraced seating of 595 in the main auditorium, hosting over 50 shows a year.  Past shows have included Snow White on Ice, the Moscow Ballet and Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music.

The Anvil Trust manages three of Basingstoke's arts and entertainment sites, The Anvil, The Forge and The Haymarket.  Each venue holds various shows and events throughout the year covering drama, music, dance and comedy.