Things to Do in Southampton

Visiting Westquay is a must for all shopping fanatics. Designer shops such as Karen Millen and Abercrombie & Fitch sit alongside department stores such as John Lewis as well as many more shops all under one roof. The top level is dedicated to a wide range of dining choices.

Located in the Old Town of Southampton, The Mayflower Theatre offers plays, musical theatre and dance troupe entertainment. A fully serviced restaurant offering 3 course dinners pre-or post theatre are available. There is also a fully licescened bar. Shows include many top London Musicals and original cast.

Beaulieu is the old ancestorial home of the Mountbatten Family, grandson of the last Queen Victoria. Set in 150 acres of landscaped gardens, the house offers many historic treasures to view, with a overland railway to view and marvel at the beautiful gardens.

Beaulieu Motor Museum is home ot the famous James Bond 007 cars and the 'Trotter Mobile' from the TV series 'Only Fools and Horses'. With cars and taxis, dating back to the early 19th Century it offers a fantastic historic peek into the world of motor cars from its humble beginnings of Ford.

A family packed day for the children set in 45 acres of adventure wonderland. With over 36 exciting rides for children of all ages as well as a UK first and exclusive - Peppa Pig World. There are several snack bars around the park,selling ice cream and soft drinks. There is also a fully serviced restaurant.

Marwell Zoo is a fantastic zoo for both children and adults to enjoy. Giraffes, penguins, lions, zebras, falcons and the reptile house are a must. A variety of monkeys are also some of the residents within the 12 acre site. There are plenty of ice cream and soft drinks areas and also a play area for the children. There is a restaurant offering snack type meals.

Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a dual gauge 10¼" / 7¼" miniature railway running from its main station, Eastleigh Parkway, to Monks Brook Halt. Trains are normally steam hauled except the last trains of the day. The return journey of just under 1¼ miles, takes about 15 - 20 minutes. Monks Brook Halt gives an opportunity to visit the lakes, children's playground or use the picnic tables adjacent to the Halt.

Bucklers Hard, is one of the original shipbuilder's yard of the 19th Century. In Nelson's time, the yard built many Naval vessels, there is a museum that you can go and walk around to see how the shipbuilding art was created out of wood and copper bottoms.

Take the Mill Tour of the ground floor or operations control room, and look up at the machinery above. You must be 1.2m tall or over to climb to the stones floor above the machinery. Once on the stones floor you can walk out onto the reefing stage and have a closer look at the cap turning mechanism and the sails. On returning inside you can stand in the stairwell and look up and see the vertical shaft rising through the bin floor and dust floor to its linkage with the windshaft in the cap.

At Whiteley Village, outlet shopping means up to 60% off famous named brands all year round. With only a 25 minute drive from Portsmouth and Southampton, Whiteley Village is easily accessible just 2 minutes from junction 9 of the M27. Parking is FREE. After all that shopping, enjoy a drink or a bite to eat to celebrate all your bargains!

The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. This earthly paradise offers a riot of colour in spring, an oasis of tranquility in summer followed by a splendid show as the leaves change in the autumn. Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways. Let the train take the strain on a journey or ride a chauffeur driven buggy to tour the Gardens.

The history of the Royal Navy dates back over a thousand years to King Alfred's first battle at sea in 882. The Navy has defended Britain from invasion, attacked enemies and eventually established Britain as the dominant world sea power in the 19th century. Today's role involves peacekeeping, fighting piracy and the prevention of drug trafficking. The museum tells us of this hostory

Soaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the Spinnaker Tower is taller than the London Eye and has established itself as a national icon for Britain. A world class visitor attraction, it is much admired. Situated on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, it offers amazing 350º panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour, the South coast and the Isle of Wight, with views stretching out for up to 23 miles breathtaking by day and a glittering sea of lights by night.

Designer Outlet Shops and Restaurants with panoramic views over Portsmouth harbour. Also home to the Spinnaker Tower.

Shop at over 95 designer outlets, eat at one of 30 cosmopolitan bars & restaurants, work it off at the health & fitness centre, catch a film at the 14 screen Vue cinema, bowl at the 26 lane Bowlplex, laugh with Highlights comedy club, dance the night away at Tiger Tiger. Landscaped in a historic setting, with the famous Dockyard and Old Portsmouth only a short walk away, Gunwharf Quays is where old and new come together.