Itchen Valley Country Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a popular attraction near to Southampton, perfect for a day out with the kids. The railway runs from its main station, Eastleigh Parkway, to Monks Brook Halt and then back to Eastleigh Parkway. Trains are usually steam hauled and the journey of 1¼ miles takes about 15-20 minutes. Monks Brook Halt gives an opportunity to visit the lakes, children’s playground or use the adjacent picnic tables.

Lakeside Country Park is made up of 22 hectares of lakes, wet meadow and woodland situated along Wide Lane between Eastleigh and Southampton. The park is situated between Eastleigh and Southampton and has easy access. The restored gravel workings and modern facilities provide opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Manor Farm is a sequel to the widely acclaimed Animal Farm by George Orwell that covered tumultuous events during the early twentieth century. It is part of Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site and Special Protection Area, and of Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation. Part of it is in Upper Hamble Estuary and Woods, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Marwell zoo is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals all within a beautiful, landscaped 140-acre park. The zoo is home to 1,208 animals of 149 species. It was one of the earliest zoos in Europe to place an emphasis on animal conservation.

The Brickworks Museum is a volunteer-run museum based in Swanwick, Hampshire, England. It is thought to be the last Victorian steam-driven brickworks left in the UK. It’s a really hands-on museum with lots of interactive things for kids to do. You can see bricks being made and even have a try yourselves.

Netley Abbey is the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in southern England. After the Suppression of the Monasteries the buildings were converted into a mansion for Sir William Paulet. The ruins now reflect over 800 years of change, during which the abbey was transformed from a monastic house to a mansion house, and later to a romantic ruin.