Southampton

Paultons is the UK’s number 1 family theme park — located in Hampshire with over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Paultons is also home of the UK's only Peppa Pig World with 9 fun Peppa-themed rides, great for an amazing day out with the kids. 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. A world first and UK exclusive, Peppa Pig World is an amazing land that lets youngsters discover Peppa’s World in nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun! Meet Peppa Pig along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, all in their very own land with Peppa Pig themed rides and restaurants. Enjoy The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride, Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club, Daddy Pig’s Car Ride, an indoor playzone, Muddy Puddles water splash park and much more! https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/paultons-park-home-of-peppa-pig-world-p1316893

Our museum is a truly hands-on experience. We have many interactive exhibits with most of our aircraft cockpits available for you to actually sit inside. From the famous English Electric Lightning to the mighty Westland Wessex Helicopter – all are available for you to view up close. A visit to the museum is a memorable and educational time out. You will learn about the variety of exhibits and their various operational roles as well as getting an insight into the local aviation heritage. Located adjacent to the airport and open daily you are sure to catch a glimpse of the live-action right on our doorstep. Once your visit is complete why not visit our shop where we have some exciting ideas of gifts and heaven for anyone interested in aviation. You can even visit the shop without entering the museum, just in case you fancy browsing the aviation memorabilia. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bournemouth-aviation-museum-p1156323

Come along and enjoy a unique experience visiting one of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Britain. The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park is a multi-award-winning attraction located in the heart of Dorset. Recognised as both a family attraction and conservation centre for the rare breed Heavy Horses. Whether you are a family group, grandparent, or young couple an entertaining day out awaits you offering a separate daily timetable for both adults and children! A fascinating insight into the history of the gentle giants with engaging daily demonstrations & presentations. Discover how Heavy Horses powered man for thousands of years and explore the faithful story of the War Horse. Learn how to harness a Heavy Horse into his work wagon before enjoying a Horse-drawn carriage ride! https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/dorset-heavy-horse-farm-park-p1028693

Boscombe Chine Gardens were developed originally from a ‘chine’ of heath and mire into a splendid Victorian garden, a central part of the then thriving Boscombe resort. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/boscombe-chine-gardens-p903503

Welcome to the Russell-Cotes: House Gallery Garden – One of the most fascinating historic houses in England. The Russell-Cotes was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/russell-cotes-art-gallery-and-museum-p137603

The Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom is Bournemouth's venue for year round entertainment. Built in the 1920s, this vintage theatre retains its original and elegant styling. Bournemouth's regular home for West End stage shows, Opera, Ballet, Pantomime, Comedy and concerts as well as for corporate presentations and dinner dances, product launches and small conferences. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/pavilion-theatre-p155113

Dive into a magical underwater journey and discover 1000’s of amazing creatures above and below the waves at Bournemouth Oceanarium. Submerge yourself in our newly re-themed underwater tunnel, home to stunning sharks, Carrie the loggerhead turtle and many more. Get up close to a cunning croc, mischievous otter family, mesmerizing jellyfish, colourful clownfish and not forgetting our playful colony of Humboldt penguins! Shark Wreck Reef! The newly refurbished walk through tunnel display which incorporates a shipwreck theme surrounded by stunning coral encompasses an impressive 350 thousand litres of saltwater! Visitors can get up close to over 75 creatures, including a variety of shark species, southern stingrays, moray eels and a giant turtle. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/oceanarium-the-bournemouth-aquarium-p126323

Set in the middle of ten miles of golden sand, Bournemouth Pier is the destination of choice for thousands of families every year. As well as stunning views across the bay, framed by the Isle of Wight on one side and the Purbeck Hills on the other, Bournemouth Pier also boasts a wide and varied selection of attractions, entertainments and retail outlets to make any visit to Bournemouth memorable. At the entrance of the pier is the Pier Amusements Family Entertainment Centre. Here you will find a wide range of entertainment machines and all of the most up-to-date videos and prizes. RockReef presents the first pier to shore zip wire! Located at the very end of the Bournemouth Pier and the first of its kind in the world, the PierZip is an experience not to be missed. The RockReef Adventure Activity Centre is also located on the pier and features a wide variety of fun climbing challenges using the Clip ‘n Climb concept, the Pier Cave adventure that includes 3 different levels of challenge and the HighLine aerial obstacle course. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bournemouth-pier-p1369993

Brownsea Island is a wildlife sanctuary that’s easy to reach but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. There is wildlife to spot and woodland to explore; outdoor activities to try and beaches to picnic on; birds to watch and trails to wander. Sample the scouting life at the Outdoor Centre; spend a night under the stars on our Eco Adventure Camping experience, or learn about intriguing tales of survival and adventure at the Trading Post. Wildlife spotters can follow waymarked routes through a wealth of different habitats from the sheltered lagoon and sweeping shorelines, to woodlands and heathland. As you wander, keep an eye out for the famous red squirrel. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/brownsea-island-national-trust-p2360813

Upton Country Park in Poole has over 140 acres of beautiful award-winning gardens, open parkland, woodland and shoreline, with stunning Georgian Grade II* listed Upton House as the centrepiece. Something for everyone to enjoy, whatever the season, so come along and see what has made Upton Country Park one of Poole’s premier attractions! The Country Park is open seven days a week from 8 am – 6 pm (winter timetable) or 8 am – 9 pm (summer timetable). Winners of two Dorset Tourism Awards 2017 - Venue & Busines of the Year and Dog-Friendly Business of the Year. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/upton-country-park-p140023

Dorset Adventure Park is an outdoor, active park featuring the Waterpark and Mud Trail. 18 acres of woodland, and lakes overlooking Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking to get wet or muddy, there is something for everyone to enjoy! The Waterpark is a huge woodland aqua assault course spread over two lakes overlooking Corfe Castle. Each lake features different inflatable obstacles for you to tackle. More than 200m of wet inflatable fun for you to challenge your family and friends. The Mud Trail is an outdoor adventure trail for any age and is fantastic fun in any weather; great on a sunny day, but even more fun in the rain. Featuring 50 different muddy obstacles over a 2km trail. Mud washes off, memories last a lifetime! With free parking and the Snack Shack serving hot and cold food and drinks, come and spend an action packed family day with us! https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/dorset-adventure-park-p2212943

Come and visit the ‘Jewel’ in the crown of the Jurassic Coast, The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life situated in the village of Kimmeridge, Dorset Housing the finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils all found by just one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE - you will be mesmerised by sea monsters, prehistoric predators and the marine flora and fauna of 152-157 million years ago when Kimmeridge was but a shallow, tropical sea, during the great age of the Dinosaurs. All of the fossils in the collection were found by Steve in the Kimmeridge Bay locality, from the world-famous oil-rich Kimmeridge Clay, within 2 miles of where the Museum is located. Learn about their Stories from Deep Time interpreted with state of the art CGI imagery of Jurassic marine life swimming above the amazing fossils in the museum gallery. https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/the-etches-collection-museum-of-jurassic-marine-life-p2629493

Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide a permanent, stable home for abused Spanish beach chimpanzees. Today, his wife, Dr Alison Cronin, continues to work with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from Africa, Asia and South America. The site is now a 65-acre sanctuary for primates from across the globe. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions or experienced unbelievable cruelty, but here they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment. The primate care staff regularly develop and change the enclosures so their environment is constantly evolving on a yearly basis. With over 250 primates of more than 20 different species, Monkey World is the largest ape and monkey rescue centre in the world. In memory of Jim Cronin MBE, the Jim Cronin Memorial fund was established to continue his legacy and promote primate welfare worldwide https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/monkey-world-ape-rescue-centre-p1316523

Executed for arson. Transported for asking for fair pay. Given six months hard labour for stealing clothes. 200 years of justice, injustice, crime and punishment are brought to life at Dorchester’s Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum. The new immersive museum enables visitors of all ages to explore the history of law and order, as well as past and present efforts to achieve justice for all people. Walk in the footsteps of everyday people who were tried and sentenced in the court. Use the interactive multi-media guides to find out what happened to them. Discover the depths of the cold, dark cells, and stand in the dock of the historic courtroom, where famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy was a magistrate. Dress up in wigs, gowns and hats to play the part and uncover the remarkable stories of those who passed through the building. Learn what it means when we say “crime,” what we want when we demand punishment for those crimes and how we can all make the present-day world https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/shire-hall-historic-courthouse-museum-p2468793

Although now far inland, Bramber Castle was originally situated on the coast where the River Adur meets the sea. Built by the de Braose family it was confiscated by King John whose harsh treatment of Lady de Braose and her two sons led to the rebellion that culminated in Magna Carta. http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co.uk/south_east/bramber_castle.html

The striking chequerboard flint and Caen limestone facade is part of one of the oldest Norman buildings in Sussex. The museum tells the story of Shoreham’s maritime and local history from prehistoric to medieval times. https://sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/marlipins-museum

Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, parts of which are open to the public. Its present area was determined in the 1360s and was popular with Saxon kings as a hunting forest. The park is shrouded in mystery and legend and for over 1,000 years the story of Herne the Hunter has been told. His ghost still appears wearing the antlers of a stag, riding a phantom black stallion at the head of a pack of black hounds. He appears to warn of times of trouble and gallops through Windsor Great Park only to disappear into thin air. The park today is the perfect place for picnics, eating, shopping, running, walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. Families will love the children's play area near The Savill Garden. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-great-park-p236491

The Savill Garden is one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens. It never fails to charm visitors who come to explore its 35 acres of contemporary and classically designed gardens and exotic woodland. Developed under the patronage of Kings and Queens, The Savill Garden was created in the 1930s by Sir Eric Savill. The Savill Garden is a place of constant discovery, and of interlocking gardens, containing distinctive areas such as Spring Wood, The Summer Wood, The Hidden Gardens, The Summer Gardens, The Glades, Autumn Wood, The Azalea Walks and The New Zealand Garden. The Savill Garden mixes native and exotic species and has bred many important garden hybrids. Each ‘garden within a garden’ has its own attractions, and the gardens are ever-changing with every season bringing new colour and interest to delight the visitor. The Rose Garden takes a fresh and contemporary approach to display roses. The design creates an intense sensory experience with roses especially chosen for their scent, strong colours and repeats flowering. Visitors enjoy the perfume at its best, together with stunning views, from a walkway which appears to ‘float’ above the Rose Garden. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/the-savill-garden-p276241

Based at Braywick Nature Centre, the Royal Borough's Countryside Service promotes awareness of the natural environment through our programme of events, walks and talks, and providing education sessions and advice to schools and other groups. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/braywick-nature-centre-p281691

Take part in a variety of water sports at Bray Lake! Enjoy Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Dinghy Sailing and Open Water Swimming. The Centre is open 7 days a week and offers equipment hire, holiday courses and private tuition. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/bray-lake-watersports-p281701

No trip to Windsor could possibly be complete without a visit to amazing Windsor Castle, the family home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years. The size of the Castle (5.3 hectares/13 acres) is breathtaking, in fact, it is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and it’s where Her Majesty The Queen chooses to spend most of her private weekends. You might even time your visit when she is in residence! Look at the flag flying from the Castle’s Round Tower; if it’s the Royal Standard The Queen will be there too. Over the past few years, the Royal Collection Trust has been busy transforming the experience of visiting Windsor Castle, and visitors are already enjoying many improvements to the visitor experience. The Moat Room, a new introductory space, now tells the story of the Castle’s 1,000 years of history. Windsor Castle’s Inner Hall, created by George IV in the 1820s as a space to receive official guests, has been restored and opened to the public. Now, for the first time since its closure by George’s niece, Queen Victoria, the Inner Hall serves its original purpose as a magnificent welcome area for visitors to the Castle. The medieval Undercroft has now been transformed into the Castle's first permanent café. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-castle-p43983

Learn all about the history of Maidenhead AND fly in a Spitfire simulator at this little gem of a museum! https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/maidenhead-heritage-centre-p314711

Seen by many as the birthplace of modern democracy, this picturesque open landscape beside the Thames was witness to King John's historic sealing of the Magna Carta on 15 June 1215. Today Runnymede is the perfect place to relax outdoors or to pause and reflect on the history of the struggle for freedom. As well as a monument to the democratic legacy of the Magna Carta, you'll find further memorials to John F. Kennedy and the Commonwealth Air Forces. There are two art installations to be discovered in the meadows. The Jurors by Hew Locke is a collection of 12 bronze chairs sat in the meadow, each intricately decorated with designs depicting current and past struggles relating to democracy and freedom. Writ in Water is a major architectural artwork by Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with Studio Octopi. The large scale circular building features a labyrinth style entrance leading to a central chamber, where a pool sits below a central opening, reflecting in light from the outside. Celebrating the enduring significance of Magna Carta, this unique piece of artwork offers space for reflection and contemplation. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/national-trust-runnymede-p401181

Dorney Court is one of England’s finest stately homes. It is a Grade 1 listed building, renowned for its architectural importance and historical significance, and any visit is a fascinating and unique experience. Built in the 15th century, the Tudor Manor House has been lived in by the Palmer family for more than 450 years – this remarkable and characterful building has been passed from father to son over thirteen generations. “Dorney” is the ancient Saxon word for “island of bees” and the estate remains famous for its honey which is still produced to this day. The very first pineapple to be raised in England was grown at Dorney Court and presented to Charles II in 1661 and the spectre of a bald lady haunts the wood-panelled hallways. Dorney Court is very much a family home and visitors will find that the House and Grounds have an easy charm and a warmth of welcome that reflect continuing family use and the passion and love of everyone involved with the Estate. Dorney Court has been used as a film and TV location since the 1970s. The House and Grounds have featured in a wide range of productions including Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Other Boleyn Girl, Inspector Morse and Poirot. When you visit Dorney Court, you will find rooms full of history. Oak and beautiful lacquer furniture compete for space with family portraits and treasures collected over six centuries. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/dorney-court-p51843

Set amidst the extensive Home Park of Windsor Castle, Frogmore House is surrounded by fine and picturesque gardens. The house dates from the 1680s and was purchased for Queen Charlotte in 1792. Here the Queen was able to indulge her love of botany and laid out the garden with many rare and unusual plants. At one time the house was the home of Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent. After her death, her son-in-law, Prince Albert, commissioned the building of an elegant mausoleum to hold her remains. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of Frogmore's peaceful ambience and it became her favourite retreat. Victoria and Albert's love of Frogmore lead them to break with tradition and build themselves a much larger and grander mausoleum for themselves. Favoured also by King George V and Queen Mary, they used Frogmore for entertaining during Ascot Week. Today, with its handsome house and tranquil gardens, it is easy to imagine the love Frogmore inspired in its former residents. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/frogmore-house-p50923

Take in the splendour of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, the setting for the marriages of Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle and HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank in 2018, the burial place of 10 monarchs including Henry VIII and Charles I and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. St George’s Chapel is regarded as one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and is characterised by large windows and tall, slender pillars giving the impression of grace and elegance. The chapel features remarkable examples of medieval woodwork and ironwork. The magnificent Sovereign’s Stall, used by The Queen today, dates from the late eighteenth century. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/st-georges-chapel-p45153

The Stanley Spencer Gallery is situated in the heart of Cookham, the picturesque ‘village in heaven’ where Spencer was born and painted for most of his life. Established in 1962 the building was transformed ten years ago into a magnificent modern art museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Spencer paintings, drawings, personal letters, photographs, press cuttings and books. Visitor attractions: film and audio guide; exhibition catalogue; self-guided walk pamphlet; free children’s activity booklet; gift shop. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/stanley-spencer-gallery-p48013

A fundamental part of the tales of Alice in Wonderland, Alice’s Shop features in the original story written by Lewis Carroll. Situated across the road from Alice’s childhood home, the Oxford University college of Christ Church, Alice’s Shop was Alice’s sweet shop 150 years ago and was written into Alice’s adventures. Illustrator of Through the Looking-Glass, Sir John Tenniel, sketched two illustrations of the shop for the original book. An entire episode in the story even takes place in the shop. Oxford is the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland and many inspirations for the stories came from Oxford. Alice’s Shop is the most tangible link to an episode in the book that is still in existence today, and when you step into Alice’s Shop you are stepping into the Victorian world of Alice. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/alices-shop/

Christ Church is located in the heart of the city centre and is one of the colleges belonging to the University of Oxford. It is also home to the legendary Christ Church Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century. Today, Christ Church is a visitor favourite, well-known for its impressive architecture, entertaining evening choirs and the War Memorial Garden. Christ Church is also a popular film location with famous examples such as Harry Potter. Christ Church has been a site of religious worship since the seventh century. The present cathedral was built in the twelfth century and contains the shrine and tomb of St Frideswide, Oxford’s patron saint. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/christ-church-college/

Come and explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Hear the great tales of Empress Matilda or the fate of Mary Blandy, one of the prisons’ most famous criminals. Step inside our padded jail cell and meet the notorious ‘Black Panther’, a vicious prisoner held here in the 1970s. Find gorgeous views atop of St. George’s Tower and then descend into the atmospheric crypt of St Georges Chapel. Here you can touch the stones were Oxford University was rumoured to begin and stand in the birthplace of King Arthur. Explore the austere confines of the prisons’ D-Wing and debtors tower, here you can wander the cells and learn about our youngest inmates. After your guided tour, you can climb the mound, the remains of a motte and bailey castle. Explore the attraction at your own leisure and dress up like a prisoner in our exhibition space. Sit down with a nice cup of coffee in our café, spread out your map and plan where to go next in Oxford. In the summer, we have Knight School, a medieval-inspired workshop which trains children into becoming little warriors. Our Shakespeare Festival is an Oxford summer staple whilst Ghost Fest is sure to give you a scare over Halloween. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/oxford-castle-and-prison/

Oxford Playhouse is a theatre for everyone. Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce a wide range of live performances. The programme includes the best of British and international drama, family shows, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry. The Playhouse produces and tours its own shows, hosts Artists in Residence and presents Playhouse Plays Out, an ongoing series of off-site events which happen at locations across the county. The theatre’s Learning team works with over 15,000 people each year through post-show discussions, workshops, work experience, holiday schemes, a youth theatre and a young people’s theatre company. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/oxford-playhouse/

The bridge is often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs because of its supposed similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice. However, Hertford Bridge was never intended to be a replica of the Venetian bridge, and instead it bears a closer resemblance to the Rialto Bridge in the same city. http://www.oxfordcityguide.com/oxford-tourist-information/top-attractions-in-oxford

Oxford University is the oldest University in the English speaking world and to date one of the best and most prestigious in the world. Countless famous figures and great minds have studied here, and any visitors are – no doubt – walking in the footsteps of many of them, seeing the same views that they had. “Where is the famous Oxford University?” is a question many visitors ask. the answer is: everywhere! The University is made up of 38 independent colleges, and their quads and buildings can be found all over the city. Many colleges open their doors to visitors at least a few hours every day. Many of them are free to visit, some charge a small fee. Opening hours can change without prior notice, and up to date times can be seen on the porter’s lodge of each college. In the colleges, visitors can usually explore the college quad and gardens, as well as the chapel. Some colleges also open their dining hall to visitors, such as Wadham College and Christ Church, whose grand hall was the setting for Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the Harry Potter films. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/things-to-do/oxford-university/