Further afield
If you want to go further afield, here are a few places of interest we like, but you’ll find lots more ideas at the Tourist Information Office:
Portsmouth
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The Historic Dockyard – Discover the world famous historic ships HMS Victory, the Mary Rose & HMS Warrior that have shaped British history. The entry price for the historic Dockyard also includes a Harbour Tour around Portsmouth's active naval base, where you might see some of the Navy’s fleet of destroyers, frigates, mine warfare ships, offshore patrol vessels and assorted other naval craft.
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The Spinnaker Tower - experience the stunning views from this unique tower at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and watch the ever changing vista of Portsmouth Harbour – one of the nation's biggest and busiest ports. Portsmouth Harbour remains key to the defence of Britain, viewed from 170m high the naval defences are clearly seen.
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Gunwharf Quays – apart from the Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf is a large shopping and entertainment complex where you can shop at the many designer outlets, eat at one of the many restaurants (we love Jamie’s Italian and Loch Fyne), be entertained at the 14-screen vue cinema, bowl at the 26-lane Bowlplex, have a laugh at Jongleurs comedy club, or dance the night away at the bars and clubs!
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Port Solent - Port Solent is just off the A27 on the way to Portsmouth. It is a marina and leisure complex with a cinema, individual shops on The Boardwalk, and bars/restaurants. We’ve heard the new Brazilian restaurant at Port Solent, Casa Brasil, is worth a visit for “all you can eat” meat lovers!
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Watersports - Portsmouth Watersports Centre is based on Eastern Road (on the Portsmouth-side of Langstone Harbour) and hosts a wide range of land and water based activities such as Sailing, Windsurfing, Stand up Paddle boarding, Powerboating, Climbing, Archery, High ropes and much more. They offer day courses during school holidays for children and teenagers. Check their website at http://www.parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/portsmouth-watersports-centre for details and offers.
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Chichester Harbour Tours - A boat cruise with Chichester Harbour Water Tours enables you to see much of the unspoilt area from the water. From the narrow harbour mouth between Sandy Point, Hayling Island, and East Head in Sussex, to Emsworth, Thorny Island Channels, Bosham, and Dell Quay.
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A day trip to the Isle of Wight – this is in easy reach for a day out by ferry from Portsmouth or the fast Hovercraft (foot passengers only) from Southsea.
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Walk the South Downs - Hayling is surrounded by beautiful countryside and the rolling hills of the South Downs are amongst the best of it. Take in the outdoor activities at Queen Elizabeth Country Park or use it as a starting point to join the South Downs Way.
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Take in Some History - the Solent area is steeped in history, and has some spectacular historic sites that offer a day out for all the family - all within easy reach of Hayling Island. Local historic spots include Portchester Castle, Chichester Cathedral, Arundel, Southsea Castle and Fishbourne Roman Palace.
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Goodwood – as well as horse racing, there are lots of fantastic events on at Goodwood through the year, including the Festival of Speed and the Revival. There are also wonderful gardens and a sculpture garden which are worth a visit.
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Tinwood Estate vineyard tour – take a tour into the vineyard and then wine tasting experience in the tasting room overlooking the vines. You can book online at www.tinwoodestate.com.
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Stansted Park - Stansted is a Grade II Listed Edwardian country house set on a 1,750-acre estate within the South Downs National Park. The house began as a hunting lodge in the 11th century, but was developed over many hundreds of years. It sits on the Hampshire/Sussex border between Chichester and Portsmouth overlooking the coast. The gardens are lovely, plus they host events such as craft fairs, concerts, etc. so it’s worth checking what’s on at their website (www.stanstedpark.co.uk/events.html).
Special Interest
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Watercress Line - Formerly part of Britain's national rail network between the towns of Alton and Alresford in Hampshire, this preserved heritage steam railway line is now operated by dedicated volunteers for the enjoyment of all.
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Bluebell Railway - in Sussex, there is the Bluebell Railway (www.bluebell-railway.co.uk). We visited the carriage works at the Bluebell Railway to find out more about the history of our two carriages and they provided us with a wealth of information (which we have summarised in the Carriage History of Southern Bell). To our surprise and delight, we also discovered that one of the original windows from our First Class carriage is on display at the carriage works, having been donated to the museum by the previous owners!
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Cowdray Park Polo Club -The lawns of the Polo club are overlooked by the ruins of the old Cowdray stately home and there are few places that typify a ‘British Summer Day Out’ like Cowdray. The height of the year for Cowdray, and part of the widely recognised British Social ‘Season’ is the Cowdray Gold Cup in June. Apart from the Gold Cup, the website is worth checking for any games due to be played on the Lawns as it is a great opportunity for a day out and a picnic.