20 Attractions to Explore Near Lakeside Country Park

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.

Itchen Valley's 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland, and meadows been recognized by the award of a Green Flag for the past four years. The rural beauty of the park through the seasons can be enjoyed along the paths and trails taking you through woodland, water meadows, pasture, and hayfields. There are a number of facilities for children, including a play area and a play trail. The Itchen Way footpath borders the park.

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.

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.

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.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is world famous for its arboretum and gardens – set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside; this garden is stunning whatever the season. The Gardens are a wonderful place for children to play and explore. Experience nature at its finest whilst exploring the 180 acres of gardens, wildlife and play areas for children. Run as a charity its aim is to conserve, develop and exhibit these world-renowned Gardens and plant collection.

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.

The Grade II* listed Eling Tide Mill, which has stood at the center of life in Eling for centuries, is one of only a handful of working tide mills left in the UK. The mill's fascinating story and history continue in the Discovery Room where interactive displays include opportunities for visitors of all ages to get hands-on with quern stones and a working model of a tide mill.You can learn about the workings of the newly restored mill and discover how the tide is harnessed to power the centuries-

A beautiful manor set in the rural town of Romsey remains a family home. It stands serenely in a unique place in British history, having had several distinguished owners and many of its important visitors have helped to shape the course of history. The formal gardens and historic landscape of Broadlands are Grade II* listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The Royal Victoria Country Park is a country park in Netley, Hampshire, England, by the shores of Southampton Water. It comprises 200 acres of mature woodland and grassy parkland, as well as a small shingle beach. The park’s ancient woodlands, large open spaces, boardwalks, and ponds offer something for everyone. There are a number of picnic areas throughout the site and family BBQ areas can be hired.

St Catherine's Hill is a remnant of traditional downland, once widespread along the South Downs, but now rare. This 58 hectare flower-rich chalk grassland nature reserve is home to some stunning wild flowers, and over 25 different species of butterflies including the marbled white, chalkhill blue and brown argus. The top of the hill is ringed by the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort. It is one of the iconic attractions in this area.

The New Forest became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror.It covers an area of 566 square kilometres and is made up of vast tracts of unspoilt woodland, heathland and river valleys. Today deer, ponies and cattle continue to roam free in its ancient heaths and woodland. Clear rivers and shady groves provide tranquillity and a car-free haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.

Wolvesey Castle was an extensive keep and bailey castle built about 1100 on a site in use during the Anglo-Saxon period. The first building on the site, an eyot in the River Itchen known as Wulveseye or Wulf's island, was constructed around 970 by Æthelwold of Winchester, the Bishop of Winchester from 963 to 984, as his official residence or palace.

Winchester Cathedral is a medieval Anglican church in Winchester, Hampshire. once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, this magnificent Cathedral is the resting place of Saxon royalty, bishops and Jane Austen, the much-loved English. The cathedral has the longest nave and overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. By contrast, the interior height of the nave vault at 78 feet is about half that of Beauvais Cathedral in France.

The Royal Green Jackets Museum is located in Winchester, Hampshire showcasing an outstanding collection of uniforms, weapons, medals and much more. It tells the history of three famous Regiments, The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps and The Rifle Brigade that came together in 1966 to form The Royal Green Jackets.

The Gurkha Museum located in Peninsula Barracks in Winchester will takes you on a journey through Gurkha history, beginning with their origins in Nepal and the moment in 1815 when Gurkhas were first enlisted to fight for Britain. Besides tableaux, dioramas, showcases and panels, it has visual and voice descriptions of the history of Gurkha Regiments, recruiting of soldiers in Nepal as well as the culture of the Gurkha in his homeland.

The New Forest Wildlife Park, a collection of indigenous species in their natural surroundings and a great day out for all the family. Stroll round the wooded grounds to discover 4 species of otters including the Giant Otters for the Amazon, owls, wolves, lynx, Eurasian bison, mouflon, pine marten, deer and so much more.

Winchester, City Museum tells the story of England’s ancient capital, the seat of Alfred the Great. From its origins as an Iron Age trading centre to Anglo Saxon glory, the last journey of Jane Austen to the hunt for King Alfred’s remains, explore the sights and sounds of Winchester past and present in the museum’s three galleries.

Winchester City Mill is one of the oldest working watermills in the country, with over a thousand years of milling history behind it. Its history goes back over a thousands of years and in the Domesday survey of 1086 a Mill was recorded to be in its exact location. The building you see today was rebuilt and extended in the late 13 Century and again by its tenant James Cooke in 1743.

Home of the UK's only Peppa Pig World with 9 fun Peppa-themed rides, great for an amazing day out with the kids. It has over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park. You can enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, water splash parks, entertainments and an astonishing collection of birds and animals at our amusement park.