Southampton: An Ideal Base To Explore The New Forest

Southampton is the largest city in Hampshire and is located where the rivers Test, Itchen and Hamble meet. It is one of the UK's major ports and is just a short distance from the New Forest. 

Southampton is an ideal base to explore Hampshire . But along with being able to explore the New Forest there are plenty of other attractions in and around Southampton you can enjoy. In this article we take a look at a few of the other sights one can enjoy when you visit Southampton with your family whether for a long weekend or a week's holiday.

A short distance from Southampton is Marwell Zoological Park which within its one hundred acres there are more than 200 different types of animals and birds for you to see.  The more exotic of these include rhinos, giraffes, tigers and penguins. It is through allowing people to view their animals that the money raised can be used to help the conservation of wildlife and its natural habitats not just in the UK but around the world.

Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre is an alternative destination if you are interested about learning about the local fauna and flora in the area. It is located on Southampton Common and is a place that the whole family will enjoy especially children. There are plenty of activities which they will find interesting and numerous trails that can be followed where you are able to observe the wildlife that lives in it. 

As well as its maritime traditions, Southampton also hosts the Hall of Aviation where you can discover more about the history of flying in this part of England. At one time there were twenty six aircraft companies based near the city, including the largest flying boat operation in the world. Southampton was where the legendary Spitfire aircraft was manufactured and this played a major strategic role during the World War Two. 

For a really fun and interesting day out you can take a trip out to the New Forest. Not only can you drive along the roads and stop at spots to enjoy the landscape and the wildlife but there are plenty of other attractions to be found here. There is Beaulieu which is home to the world famous National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace Home which for many centuries has been home of the Montagu family.

Make sure your next stay in Southampton is memorable and choose your hotel in Southampton here.