Southampton May half term week

[ETsmum]

Hi

We arrive on the Sunday (25th May) and leave on Sat 31st quite late, so have lots of time to fill. Me and dp, nearly 5 yo ds, my mum and dad. Staying at the Novotel. Please lots of suggestions for the best things to do, either all 5 of us, or me, dp and ds. Hiring a car, so getting places not a problem, although trying to avoid too many long drives as ds will be boooored.

Also specifically: good convenient internet cafe pls? (hotel seems to lack internet access and don't have a laptop.

Any Wicca type shops (thinking poss New Forest/Brighton?)

Long shot, but does anyone in the area line dance? Recommendations for the best places to go for a class/social pls.

Thank you

Day trip to the Isle of Wight

Novotel is a good location in Southampton because it is easy walking distance to West Quay shopping centre which in turn leads out to the main high street. I don't have a specific internet cafe recommendation, but there will be one in the high street I'm sure. Probably best bet is turn right as you leave West Quay.

Moors Valley would be great for a few hours. (Off the A31 near Ringwood/Verwood) Forest walks, play trail, play area and a lake with ducks (although they do seem to be in short supply at the moment!)

Bournemouth beaches within easy reach too.

Brighton is a longer drive from Southampton than Bournemouth - the roads are slower in that direction.

Crabbing at Mudeford quay in Christchurch. I was surprised how much fun that is. Essential supplies can be bought at the shop on the quay if you don't have them. Crab line, bucket and bait is all that is needed!

Oh yes and Moors Valley also has a small sit on steam train - probably just right for a five year old.

There are good pubs in the New forest for a nice lunch. The Alice Lisle has good outdoor areas.

Paultons Park

Moors Valley also has a train There is also Victoria Country Park, Eastleigh Lakeside (Thomas trains) or there is Manor Farm Country Park with traditional oldie worldie farm.

When you say wicca do you mean in a druid type way? There is always Salisbury and Winchester with lots of alternative shops. Stonehenge isnt too far neither is Old Sarum.

Porchester Castle

THe Royal Armouries is a good day as lots of tanks etc and free and near to Porchester Castle

AVOID St Marys and also parks etc at night.

Brighton is quite far to drive but Bournemouth is in easy reach with lots of beaches.

Longdown Activity Farm in teh new forest is a fab day for children.

second Paultons and Moors Valley
Marwell Zoo
Mayflower Park - a few minutes walk from your hotel and good to watch the boats from, new play ground and ice cream
There is a children's exhibition at the Museum of Archaeology also walking distance from hotel during the whole of May
Jungle Jeans soft play place also near hotel if raining
Probably lots else on as it is half term but we haven't got the free booklet with all the activities yet
There is an internet cafe in the Bargate Centre (in city centre) and also I think in Bedford Place.
Can't help you on the Wicca places but there are some more "alternative" shope etc in Bedford Place are as well

HTH

I'm feeling homesick now. We have been to the following places with the dc:

Paultons Park

Owl and Otter Sanctury

Hilliers Arboretum

I really miss the New Forest so try to go for a walk there at least once when we visit my parents.

Yes, forgot about Paultons Park and Marwell, both worth a visit. Alice in Wonderland near Bournemouth Airport is just about right for a five year old too - have a search for discount vouchers on the internet for this - or we used to save them from local car park tickets too. They have an indoor soft play area if it is wet.

Wow, morning all Had an early night last night and it was lovely to see all your messages this am, thanks for all the suggestions. Off to get ds sorted for school now, but will have a proper read and research later - there are loads of places we hadn't thought of.

taipo - am moving closer to the new forset at the end of the month dibden purlieu, so excited!

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Just to say thanks all again. Started looking through all your suggestions last night - hadn't heard of Moors Valley, which looks great. Planning on putting some more research time over the weekend. Looks like we are gong to have a busy hol tho Thanks again x