A 48 Hour Trip – Things to do in Southampton, Hampshire

Walk the Southampton Walls

A way-marked trail, “Walk the Southampton Walls,” leads curious visitors around the 1.25-mile perimeter of the old medieval trading town. This self-guided and free walk takes in the 13 remaining towers, 6 city gates, and half a mile of thick stone walls and arcades. A great way to take in the sights of Southampton (rain or shine!) and there are many opportunities along the way to stop for a few sandwiches for lunch al-fresco style.

Spot of shopping at West Quay

Maybe you realised on your mid-morning walk of the Southampton Walls that you’re in need of a new warm hat and gloves to shield you from the cold wind blowing off of the Solent – or the huge range of shops and restaurants available are just too tempting to not treat yourself while you’re away from home. West Quay has more than 100 shops and restaurants so it’s sure to keep you and any others in town busy, and its right next to the city’s historic walls so you won’t have to walk far!

Explore New Forest Wildlife Park

Go wild in the heart of the New Forest National Park – the ancient national park is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as Otters, Deer, Badgers, Ferrets, Hedgehogs and some fascinating lesser known animals - such as the European Polecat, the Bison or the Sika Deer, as well as one of Britain’s smallest mammals, the very cute harvest mouse!

There are also an abundance of fascinating Owls. Follow the woodland trails to see Wallaby, Wolves, Wild Boar, Scottish Wildcats, Lynx, Foxes, Pine Marten and more. You even get a chance to say hello to the friendly Deer and meet the playful Otters, including the endangered Giant Otter. There are feeding sessions, keeper talks and special events throughout the year.

Tickets and more information

A spot of dinner at The Jolly Farmer Pub, Warsash

After a long day of exploring, it’s only right to have a proper warming meal. A rustic pub since 1835, The Jolly Farmers menu is filled with steaks and classic pub grub to warm you up. Only down the road from our park Solent Breezes, you can walk off the big meal at the end of your day!

Morning at The Clocktower Tea & Coffee House - Warsash

Great for breakfast before heading out for the day to explore! Check opening times before you go, but many say it’s a hidden gem of Warsash.

Take in history at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Portsmouth

History buffs and curious alike gather here to step back in time and look in awe at the ships in this dockyard – hop on-board world famous ships the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior and explore the heroic World War 2 submarine HMS Alliance.

A great day out for all the family, there are activities to get a glimpse into the past, present and future of the Royal Navy – a Horrible Histories Pirates Exhibition to take everyone on a pirate adventure, even make their own pirate flag and try out different weapons from cannons to cutlasses! A shop and a range of cafés dotted around, this is your perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir and some lunch.

Tickets and more information

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey!) for an idyllic afternoon stroll

If you didn’t fancy an afternoon in Portsmouth Dockyard then this one might be for you instead - "Downton Abbey" fan or not, anyone can appreciate the grandeur of Highclere Castle! The inside guided tours of the state rooms (in which many scenes from the famous series were filmed) are as much of a must-see as the spectacular gardens which really flourish in spring and summertime. The beautiful grounds and the historic castle are really one to be ticked off the bucket list on your visit to Hampshire!

Tickets and more information