Explore Pompey and develop Little Explorers How many times have you thought about going to visit somewhere new with the kids, but instead chosen the tried-and-tested places you know? We get it! A day out, before children came along, was vastly different to what a trip out is nowadays. Then you could decide what pace you wanted to walk, when and where you would go eat, and go home when you felt ready. It is a vastly different experience when you have children. Detailed planning is required, from how far would be a manageable walk for your child, how long could their attention span hold before ‘I’m bored’ becomes a chant, ensure toilets are readily available and pack the backpack for every possible Lee-on-Solent: A Beach walk and a stroll along the High Street Lee-on-Solent seafront has a children’s play area, a skate park, seafront café and restaurants and plenty of places to get an ice cream! Next door, at Stokes Bay seafront there is an adventure golf course and children’s splash park. Take a walk down the High Street (the road behind Marine Parade) and enter any of the shops and you will be made to feel right at home. This is a community that has a warm neighbourhood feel, where each business looks out for the other. It is always great to support local and a perfect family day out. Southsea Castle Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England’s coasts to protect the country from invaders. Barely was the work completed when Henry VIII stood inside only to watch his flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank. Seeped in history and with beautiful views across the sea, this is one not to missed! Check opening times on their website. Entry is free. eventuality. It is usually around this Planning Phase that it becomes easier to just go to the tried-and-tested, and the pathway of least resistance. Although, ‘being prepared’ doesn’t seem at all like a fun day out and more like hard-work, taking the children out can be loads of fun, even if its somewhere on our doorstep! Days out can feel like a vacation: great for your mental health and your children’s development. Make a plan to visit somewhere new every 6 weeks, and enjoy all that Portsmouth and the surrounds has to offer. There is so much to explore and do right on our doorstep, so it’s time to get the backpacks on and step outside! Royal Armouries Fort Nelson Step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground, underground tunnels, stunning panoramic views and exciting collection of big guns. They also have entertaining children’s activities and a café serving delicious refreshments. It’s a place you will keep wanting to return to time and time again. Check opening times on their website. Museum admission is free. Titchfield Festival Theatre We all know that theatre holds wonderful Pantomimes at Christmas, but there are some amazing shows on throughout the year and Titchfield Festival Theatre consistently puts on fabulous children shows. There is something wonderful watching a child transfixed by the make-believe world in front of them and an experience not to be missed. Portchester Castle Portchester is one of the best preserved of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ forts and was built in the 3rd century. Covering ten acres, it is the only Roman stronghold in northern Europe whose walls still stand mainly to their original height and with many of its original towers. This is an English Heritage site with excellent value family membership available. Farlington Marshes Farlington Marshes is a fantastic place to walk with stunning views around the harbour. Whether you’re a birder, a keen walker or simply enjoy being among nature, then this lovely nature reserve has got to be explored. During the spring and summer months, Redstarts, spotted flycatchers, wrynecks, wheatears and whinchats are regularly spotted. So go get the binoculars and the walking shoes and go explore! Open at all times 10 raring2go.co.uk 11 Raring2go! Raring2go!
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