Hamsphire Family Attractions Things to Do for Kids Hampshire Family Holidays

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The biggest attraction in Portsmouth is the Historic Dockyard complex. Based on the Royal Navy Dockyard are a collection of museums and interactive attractions. These include the Mary Rose - the only sixteenth century warship on display in the world, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.

HMS Victory, built in the mid 1700s, was famously led by Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. It was on-board HMS Victory that Nelson's momentous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar was planned. It was on board the Victory that Nelson famously met his end when a stray bullet hit him while he walking on deck with his captain Thomas Hardy. HMS Warrior, originally built in 1860, has been fully restored and is a fantastic sight moored in the harbour. In its day it was the most armoured ship in the fleet with its iron hull and with its steam engine was the fastest warship in the world.

The site makes a fantastic family day out. You can buy a ticket that gives you access to all the attractions on the site or just buy entrance tickets to just the attractions you want to visit. Many of the ticket prices include unlimited entry to some of the attractions for up to a year from the date of purchase. There are also several watering holes and shops to keep you amused. If you want to see more of Portsmouth's busy harbour you can pick up harbour tours that take you past the Navy's current ships HMS Ark Royal, HMS Illustrious and HMS Invincible that are based here.

Check out the link right for comprehensive information on what there is to see and do at the Historic Dockyard as well as opening times and entrance fees. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ. Tel: 023 9272 8060

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Royal Armouries - Fort Nelson

With its high vantage point with views right across Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent Portsdown Hill's traditionally been an important defensive barrier. Because of this a string of fortifications were built due to worries that the French would invade and that Portsmouth was vulnerable. As a result of the 1859 Royal Commission's conclusions a series of forts were built along the south coast and Portsmouth Harbour was encircled by a series of forts. Collectively these were known as the Palmerston Forts after Lord Palmerston who instigated the Royal Commission on the Defence of the UK in 1859, with a particular concentration built to protect Portsmouth's harbour and dockyard from seaward and landward attack. The forts along Portsdown Hill were Fort Wallington, Fort Nelson, Portsmouth, Fort Southwick, Fort Widley, Fort Purbrook, Crookhorn Redoubt and Farlington Redoubt. There are also a variety of pillboxes and batteries across the hills.

Fort Nelson is open to the public and has been fully restored on a nineteen acre site. It houses a collection of 350 guns and historic canons that are part of the national collection of arms and armour. Other displays within the fort cover a variety of military stories and include Saddam Hussein's infamous "Supergun" and the trebuchet from the movie "Gladiator". Galleries in the fort trace military history and the development of artillery through thousands of years. There is a gift shop on site where you can buy toys and gifts and military related books and souvenir guides.

Fort Nelson is open: Apr-Oct daily 10am 5pm. Weds 11am 5pm. Nov-Mar daily 10.30am-4pm, Weds 11.30am-4pm. Closed 24-26 December. General museum enquiries Tel: 01329 233 734. Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk.

Royal Armouries Museum, Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham PO17 6AN.

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Clarence Pier Southsea South Parade Pier Family Attractions

Clarence Esplanade and Southsea/Eastney Esplandes run along the seafront with views out over the English Channel. There are two piers along the esplanades, Clarence Pier and South Parade Pier.

Clarence Pier was first built in 1861 when it was the boarding point for the Isle of Wight paddle steamers. It was bombed in 1941 by the Luftwaffe during the heaviest raid on Portsmouth during World War II. It took twenty years for it to be opened to the public again in the 1960s where it has housed a range of family entertainment ever since. Clarence Pier has all the traditional seaside entertainment including the largest amusement park on the south coast with arcades and fun fair rides for all the family. Entrance to the pier is free but you need to buy tokens for the rides. There is also a range of take away food and ice cream kiosks including Minghella's ice cream which started as a family business in Ryde in the Isle of Wight and whose famous son was film director, playwright and screenwriter, Anthony Minghella. Sampling their fantastic range of speciality Italian style ice creams and sorbets is well worth it!

South Parade Pier is a little further east. It was officially opened in 1879 and was 600 feet long before a fire in 1904 damaged it to such an extent that it needed to be completely rebuilt. The finances weren't available at the time to rebuild it to the same length but it incorporated a Pavilion that housed a 1200 seat theatre. During the Second World War the Pier was requisitioned to be used as a military depot. They breached the pier and stored gunpowder on the deck in case of invasion, although dancing still went ahead in the Pavilion at the shore end! The pier has been dogged by fires throughout its history. In 1974 it was used for Ken Russell's film "Tommy" but during the filming of the pinball wizard another fire broke out in the Gaiety Theatre.

Today the pier includes a family amusement arcade, sweet and gift shops, fishing and children's fun fair, function rooms for events such as live music concerts, karaoke, night club events, Christmas party nights and tea dances. Check out the link right for up-to-date events.

Blue Reef Aquarium Southsea

Right next to the Tourist Information Centre is the Blue Reef Aquarium where you can see a whole host of marine wildlife from local species found in the waters around Portsmouth to exotic tropical species in the gigantic ocean display and underwater tunnel.

The Aquarium is open daily from 10am-5pm (4pm Nov-Feb). Closed Christmas Day. Blue Reef Aquarium, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3PB.

Check out the link right for more information.

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South Hayling Beaches Family Attractions Beachlands

South Hayling is where you'll find Hayling Island's beaches. The vast stretch of natural shingle beach that runs along the coast for 3 miles includes two Blue Flag beaches: Central Beach and West Beach. Some areas of the beaches are backed by grassland and dunes and there are a range of facilities such as public toilets, beach huts, picnic tables and kiosks for refreshments available. The beach shelves steeply in some areas where the water can be deep, but at low tide the shallows are suitable for swimming, especially at West Beach.

The most popular part of the beach is that near the Beachlands fun fair and amusements. There is also an adventure playground, volleyball court and BMX and skateboarding park at the West Beach end. It's a handy spot for families with several refreshment kiosks and cafes nearby as well as the funfair and amusements. If you want to have a go on the skatepark you can hire skateboards as well as bikes - ideal for exploring the island - from Cycles Galore who operate from a hut near the beach. Contact tel: 077498 18222.

The beaches at Bound Lane and Chichester Avenue are quieter beaches where dog walking is permitted all year round. There are beach huts, picnic tables and places for barbecues available for public use. Contact the Beachlands Centre for booking information.

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Farnborough Air Show

Every two years Farnborough hosts the Farnborough Air Show. It is essentially an international trade fair for the aviation industry including exhibition halls and an outdoor exhibition of aircraft. It lasts for seven days and is open to the public on the last two days.

The demonstration flights and flying displays are the big draw for most people. The daily flying display showcases the world's most advanced aircraft and lasts for around four and a half hours. Check the current information on the Farnborough Air Show website, link right, but the displays usually start around midday. The display also usually includes both historic and modern aircraft as well as the world famous aerobatic displays by the Red Arrows. You can also get up close to the static aircraft for a closer look.

Check the weblink right for information on past air shows and nearer the time information on the up-and-coming show. There is also detailed information on how to get to the air show.

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Isle of Wight Zoo - Tiger Island

The Isle of Wight Zoo at Yaverland Seafront in Sandown holds the largest collection of tigers in Britain. You can also see lions, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, monkeys, snakes, spiders and lizards. The zoo is committed to further conservation of endangered animals particularly tigers and lemurs. Through the Tiger Sanctuary and Lemurland the genetic diversity of these animals is being conserved at the zoo, while funds raised from the zoo's activities go towards several projects in Madagascar and India aimed at conserving these and other animals in their native habitats.

Not only can you see the wide variety of animals at the zoo, but there are regular talks on different aspects of the zoo such as the Big Cat Tour, Lemur Feeding and Conservation Talk and Ask the Keeper. These are held at different times throughout the day. Animals are kept in naturalistic enclosures some of which are modelled on actual habitats where these animals can be found in the wild.

There's a free car park on site and a cafe and shop for souvenirs, gifts and toys. The Isle of Wight Zoo is open from February to October and at weekends in November. Check the site link right for opening times and admission prices.

Isle of Wight Zoo, Yaverland Seafront, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 8QB. Tel: 01983 403883. Email: enquiries@isleofwightzoo.com

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Dinosaur Isle

Dinosaur Isle was purpose built in 2001 to display a collection of dinosaurs and fossils found on the island dating back to 1819. There are over 1000 fossils on display in the building that has been designed to resemble a pterodactyl! An introductory exhibition takes you through the geology and fossils that make the Isle of Wight one of the most important sites in Britain. There are life sized reconstructions of dinosaurs, animatronic exhibits with sounds and smells that really bring prehistoric times alive as well as interactive displays, artwork and entertainment.

During the school holidays and throughout the year the museum organises field trips to local beaches to look for fossils. Check the Events section on their website, link right.

There is full disabled access to the museum and a cafe next door. The shop on site has a good range of souvenirs, gifts and books on geology and prehistoric life. If you're inspired to go off exploring on your own, the geological exposures at Yaverland are nearby.

Dinosaur Isle, Culver Parade, Sandown, Isle of Wight. PO36 8QA. Tel: 01983 404344. Fax: 01983 407502. Email: dinosaur@iow.gov.uk.

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Blackgang Chine Theme Park

However, today it is more commonly known for its Theme Park - the oldest in Britain. It originated as the brainchild of Alexander Dabell who saw a business opportunity from the Victorians who'd taken to visiting the Isle of Wight for the health-giving air and temperate climate in the nineteenth century. Initially he set up a range of businesses in many of the seaside towns along the island's coast. However, it was his vision for Blackgang Chine that has been his lasting legacy.

His initial idea was to establish gardens in the chine. He bought up and leased land, apparently identified by seeing how far he could throw a stone?! He built in pathways through the ravine, put in steps to the beach and gardened areas at the top of the cliffs. Although a genteel stroll through gardens would suit the tastes of convalescing Victorians Alexander felt he needed to add a bit more spice to the chine to keep visitors attention. In 1842 a whale was beached near The Needles. Alexander jumped at the chance to buy the whale at auction, sold off the blubber and had the whale's bones bleached. He built a specially designed hut in the Chine in which to house the skeleton of the whole whale. A gift bazaar was also added to capitalize on his paying guests generosity and this amounted to the new tourist attraction of Blackgang Chine opened in 1843 that entertained the crowds with no further additions until 1933! The thirties saw the installation of electric light and the introduction of new attractions such as funny mirrors and the Charity Gnomes Garden. Since then an eclectic mix of fun has been added over the years that makes this the quintessential British theme park!

Today Blackgang Chine has themed children's areas including Dinosaurland, Nurseryland and Fantasyland. Frontierland contains a full sized Cowboy Town and a Pirate Fort has an adventure playground and smuggler's boat to explore. The Hall of Funny Mirrors is still going with newer companions like the Giant Hedge Maze, Water Gardens, a 100 metre high speed boat slide, Water Force and the Cliff Hanger roller coaster.

The park is open from March-November and you can buy individual or saver tickets for up to four people. There are concessions for disabled visitors and senior citizens. Your ticket entitles you to free re-entry within the seven days from buying the ticket. Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2HN. Email: info@blackgangchine.com

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The Needles Park Family Attraction Isle of Wight

At the top of the cliffs at Alum Bay is the popular family tourist attraction The Needles Park. It's an amusement park geared towards families with merry-go-rounds, nine hole adventure golf, electric car driving track, ice cream and games kiosks. Several shops are based on site including the sand shop where you can make your own souvenir bottles of the famous Alum Bay coloured sands, as well as Alum Bay Glass where you can watch live demonstrations of glass blowing making perfume bottles, vases, bowls and ornaments. An all time favourite is the Sweet Factory and Shop where you can watch the sweets being made then nip next door to buy them!

During the summer The Needles Park runs a chairlift down to the beach below the multicoloured cliffs. There is also a boat trip that runs from the jetty on the beach and takes you up close to The Needles and Lighthouse. Boat trips run from Easter until late October from 10.30am every day.

It's free to enter the Park, although if you're parking the car in their car park there is a fee. Rides and attractions are on as a pay-as-you-go basis.

The Needles Park, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0JD. Hotline: 0871 720 0022

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Milestones Museum

One of the big attractions in Basingstoke is the Milestones Museum. It's a living history museum that houses a network of nineteenth and early twentieth century streets. The buildings have been recreated using authentic materials and you can see an authentic Hampshire period house and a working pub.

The museum takes everyday items from the past and recreate everyday life showing how things have changed. It's a fantastic nostalgia trip for those that can remember those days gone by and a bit of an eye-opener for the younger ones! Milestones also holds a collection from Thorneycroft that was one of the main employers in the Basingstoke and Hampshire area. They were major shipbuilding and vehicle manufacturers and you can see some of their vehicles and original factory machinery.

Milestones is open Tue-Fri and on Bank Holidays from 10am-5pm. Sat-Sun 11am-5pm. There is a range of events throughout the year and changing exhibitions in addition to the main attractions. Check the weblink right for up-to-date events.

It lies one mile from Basingstoke town centre at the Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 6PG. Tel: 0845 603 5635. Email: milestones.museum@hants.gov.uk

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Marwell Zoo near Southampton

Twelve miles north of Southampton is Marwell Zoological Park. It's run as a charity that aims to conserve wildlife both at a local and international level. Marwell Zoo covers 100 acres with themed enclosures for animals from all over the world.

Tropical World recreates a rainforest environment under glass where you can find brightly coloured tropical frogs, snakes as well as tarantulas, chameleons and piranha! The Heart of Africa area has large enclosures for a range of large mammals found in the African savannah such as giraffe, cheetah, bongo, buffalo, monkeys and warthogs. There is much more to see and you can find out more during the summer school holidays and bank holidays by meeting the keepers and asking them questions about the animals they look after. Check out the link right for more information.

The Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day from 10am. Marwell Zoological Park, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH.

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Submarine Museum Gosport

At the southern end of the waterfront you can find the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. You can find out all about the development of the submarine through this interactive museum. Not only can you have a look around a real life submarine, HMS Alliance, but you can view a whole host of submarines and torpedoes. There's loads of interactive displays and a fantastic opportunity to use a periscope to view Portsmouth Harbour.

The museum is constantly updating its collections of submarine related material and photographs that include uniforms, periscopes and models of submarines. In recent yeas it has also undergone some expansion including a new submarine-shaped building that houses the historic X-craft mini-submarine HMSX24.

There is a gift shop and cafe on the site. Admission prices apply but families will find the family ticket more cost effective which is valid for 2 adults and up to 4 children. The Museum is open all year round except over Christmas. Apr-Oct 10am-5.30pm. Nov-Mar 10am-4.30pm.

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Haslar Jetty Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 2AS. Tel: 023 9252 9217. Fax: 023 9251 1349.

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Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower

To the north of Gosport in eighteenth century buildings, Priddy's Hard, you'll find Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower. Priddy's Hard used to be the Royal Navy's armaments depot. Now a variety of the old buildings display armaments through the ages from cannons and guns through to Exocet missiles and an atom bomb! There's even an original eighteenth century gunpowder vault.

Displays also detail the history of the site that once employed 2,500 women munitions workers who worked on the site during World War II.

Explosion is continuing to develop with new additions to its collection and the restoration of the buildings at Priddy's Hard ongoing. The site geared up for a full day out with plenty of interactive displays to keep you amused. There is also a waterside coffee shop and ammunition related gift shop.

The Museum of Naval Firepower, Priddy's Hard, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 4LE. Tel: 023 9250 5600. Fax: 023 9250 5605. 24 Hour Infoline: 023 9250 5678. Email:info@explosion.org.uk

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