Fareham/Gosport/Lee on Solent mums?

[Sparklemagic]

Are there any of you out there?? We've just moved to the area and I'm wondering about good things to do with my 3 yr old DS, wondered if you have any tips or ideas about the area?

Helllooooo???

I know the area well but don't live there. Which bit are you in?

OOH, hi, someone found this thread! Thanks Beatie, I'm in Gosport nearer to the Lee on Solent side.

My mum works in a school in the Peel Common area. Are you anywhere near there? Just out of curiosity.

I think the Fareham and Gosport NCT groups are fairly active. You could start there? There's a great soft play area in Fareham off Newgate Lane. It's called the Play Shack ~ it serves lovely homemade cake for 95 pence It's a small soft play area so it's safe to let your child wonder off and play whilst you sit and have a coffee because you can always see them and they can't get out undetected. Perhaps they have some parent and toddler sessions.

Thanks Beatie, didn't know about that soft play area and my DS loves those so will definitely give that a go, also the NCT - good ideas!

Hi. I live in Gosport. We moved here 2 1/2 years ago. I've got an almost 5 year old and a 3 year old.
Funnily enough, DS1 is off to Play Shack tomorrow for a party. I'm not that keen on it, prefer FunCity in Fareham. Must say there isn't much happening in Gosport- I tend to take kids to Portsmouth.
NCT is active and they publish a booklet called something like 'How to survive with an under 5 in Gosport' I'll see if I can dig it out.
I'm off to bed now. I'll try to think of other places / things to do. What sort of things do you want to know about?

Hi Verona - where is Fun City? I've not heard of that one. I was won over by the Play Shack because of the cake

Sorry for not getting back to you earlier.
Fun City is on the industrial estate behind Fareham town centre. It actually looks quite grim in comparison to Play shack but we find play shack very loud and rough. You can see the kids better in fun city.

Sparklemagic, have you tried the discovery centre aka Gosport library. They have storytime there every Weds afternoon and often have children's theatre there. We're going to see Pinocchio in a couple of weeks.
In the summer Stokes bay paddling pool is fun and there's also a crazy golf course there. And the ice cream is lovely at the cafe. Have you been to Stanley Park - no cafe or children's play area but loads of trees.

How long have you lived down here? I really struggle with the area. The park facilities are pretty appalling imo. I've really not found an awful lot to do for preschoolers

hi, you guys still around? I'm coming to uk at easter and will probably be staying in gosport. I'll have 3 with me - 2, 5 & 6. I don't know the area at all - any more tips apart from fun shack ? Will 2 weeks in gosport on my own with kids be a mistake????? before I book the ferry I'd like to know what I'm letting myself in for.

theres lots to do, your abput 20 mins from chichester ( wheer i live) and also brighton, great if weather is gd, for the pier with children, and then you have the new forset about 30 mins in the other direction. depends what ur children are into!

em xxx

Emelie i agree that there's lots to do in the area just not much in Gosport itself. Chichester is lovely (it's about 45 mins away). I don't have access to a car very often and to get anywhere by train I have to get the ferry to Pompey first which adds a good 30 mins to the journey.
Ernest, Gosport will be fine for 2 weeks. We've got 2 good museums- Submarine and Explosion museum - lots of hands-on stuff and Gosport library has a little 'museum'. Portsmouth is good for kids. I'd recommend the historic dockyards (they appear to have quite a lot going on at Easter) and also portsmouth museum which has a great dinosaur exhibition at the moment. We've been 3 times! Portchester castle usually has activities during school holidays as does Fort Nelson near Fareham. If you go further afield there are country parks, activity farms, the Watercress line (steam railway near Winchester) and the Isle of Wight.
Now I'm wondering why I'm moaning!

well, sounds great, I'll have to somehow procure leaflets & stuff. You seem to live in a pretty good place activities wise - lucky you. dino stuff sounds good & I've got a few weeks to built up a boating obsession

Oh yes, boats everywhere.

Oh, so sorry guys - stupidly had taken this off my watch list, I'm too impatient I think! Thought there was no-one theeeeerrrrreee!!

Am now going to read your posts...just wanted to reply quickly as feel so bad I started it off and then ignored you. x

beatie, verona, ernest and emilie, Hi!

thanks for the tips, we have dicovered the discovery centre!! I'm finding it so nice being close to the sea actually and I think in the summer it will just be so easy to entertain DS with the beach and the paddling pool at stokes bay - lovely!

I have discovered Fareham Leisure Centre too for swimming which is really nice, with the best family changing rooms I've ever seen!

Beatie, I haven't tried the playshack yet but I am tempted by the cake (delete that I mean appropriate play opportunity for young son...)

having just moved here (gosport) more towards lea on solent side i am wondering what groups are available i have an active 3 yr old and another one on the way soon please help

Hi Im in Gosport too. Have a 2 year old daughter and I am a stay at home mum. Please let me know if u arrange a meet up!

Hi ! i am single mum for 5 year old, lived little while in Gosport but havent managed to meet other mums yet, so if you up for new friends, and wanna go out and about with kids, please give us a "shout" [email protected]

Hi came across this website by accident but joined so that I could perhaps help!

I have lived in Lee for 5 years and there's actually quite a lot to do with a 3 year old

You might have to verify some details ie; days and times etc but I'm pretty accurate (I think)

Look on the board inside the Health Centre for more info

St Faith's Church toddler group - Tuesday pm

Holbrook Rec centre - tumbletots (or similar)

Monkey bizness in Aerodrome Road - new soft play park quite near to Holbrook off Fareham Road

Spring-a-lings with Julie Bishop - music and dance for pre-schoolers held at Community Centre in Twyford Ave and at Scout Hut behind junior school

NCT baby/toddler group in Scout Hut - Friday am

Clever Kittens music for toddlers - Crofton Community Centre in Stubbington

Story time Thursday pm in library

Hope this helps

regards - Deb - mother of 3 under 8s

For Gosport family events and a list of parent and toddler groups go to the Gosport branch, then calendar and you can also search on this site for specific groups > www.hampshirefamilies.org.uk