Tourist Attractions Near Southampton Netley Abbey Family Attractions

Netley Abbey - Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey

About four miles south east of Southampton is the 800 year old Netley Abbey. It's the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in the south of England. After Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 Netley Abbey was converted into a Tudor country manor house. It continued to be used as a grand private residence until the eighteenth century when it was abandoned and fell into ruin.

The Abbey has often invoked romantic inspiration amongst artists, poets and writers. John Constable painted here. It is believed that Jane Austen visited the Abbey when living in Southampton and used it as inspiration for Northanger Abbey.

Today after clearance of vegetation and restoration works Netley Abbey is open to visitors. The times it is open is limited but even when it's closed you can take a peak over the gates. There are also mp3 audio tours available to download from the English Heritage website, link right.

Netley Abbey is usually open on Saturdays and Sundays between November to March from 10am-3pm. However, it is worth checking with English Heritage first as it is sometimes closed even at these times. Tel: 02392 378291.

Eling Tide Mill North New Forest

Eling lies on the western side of Southampton Water and has it's own harbour where local sailing boats moor up.

Eling is home to the only working tide mill in the country. It was originally built to use the power of the tides to grind wheat for wholemeal flower. There has been a mill on this site for 900 years. The current mill is 230 yeas old. Eling Tide Mill was used up until the 1940s and was then restored between 1975 and 1980 as a working mill and museum. The Mill is open Weds-Sun all year round from 10am-4pm. Eling Tide Mill, The Tollbridge, Totton, Southampton SO40 9HF. Tel: 023 8086 9575. Email: info@elingtidemill.org.uk

There is a Heritage Centre and Eling Creek Cafe in Eling. The Centre traces the history of Eling and Totton from prehistoric times to the present day. On show is a Bronze Age dagger found in Testwood Lakes and a display that tells the story of the bombings of Eling Tar Works during World War II. The Centre is open Weds-Sun 10am-4.30pm in summer, 10.30am-4pm in winter. Contact the Centre on 023 8066 6339 for more information.

You can also pick up the Test Way walk. It stretches 44 miles along the course of the River Test from Inkpen in Berkshire to Eling. Along the way you'll pass water meadows, tidal marshes with riverside picnic areas and pubs to break the journey. Click on the link right for more information and a downloadable leaflet.

Hythe Tourist Information Ferry Hythe Pier Train Hampshire Markets

Hythe is a seaside town between Southampton and the New Forest. It's mostly visited via the Hythe Ferry that departs regularly from Hythe Pier to Southampton. The historic pier is also served by the Hythe Pier Railway, the oldest pier railway in the world. Hythe is a fantastic viewpoint for the huge cruise liners that often sail into Southampton Docks.

The town itself has a compact shopping centre full of independent shops. Weekly markets are held in Hythe as well as periodic Farmers Markets. There are waterfront walks to the marina and along the coast with views across to Southampton.

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.