Church Paddock

The ancient mellow-stone city of Winchester (10 minutes’ drive) deserves a day’s exploration; you can tour the Gothic-era cathedral, check out the priceless 12th-century Winchester Bible, and stick with the history theme for a stroll around Wolvesey Castle. Coming bang up to date, Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium (10 minutes) has 4D films and interactive science shows. If you’re on holiday to escape city life, head to the New Forest National Park (20 minutes) for scenic strolls through heath and woodland, with the chance to see wild ponies, or perhaps a potter around the shiny vintage cars in the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu (40 minutes). The South Downs National Park (10 minutes) also has its fair share of challenging walks over glorious chalk downs. Or how about seeing the lie of the land from a vintage train? Pick up the Watercress Line at Alresford Railway Station (15 minutes) for a gentle meander through the Hampshire countryside – and there are plenty of themed events and dinners on board too.