Sunnydale Farm Camping and Caravan Site

Heading down to Britain’s southern reaches for the Southampton International Boat Show, Seawork, Cowes Week or as a stopover enroute to the Isle of Wight or Europe by ferry? This centrally located site, a 15-minute drive from Southampton and 20 minutes from the Portsmouth park & ride, makes a terrific base. It’s also a mile from the sea strait to set your sights on the cruise ships sailing in and out of Southampton or to amble along the 60-mile long-distance footpath curving around the coast of Hampshire. Away from the water, have a nose slightly inland at the ruins of Netley Abbey, a 13th-century monastery and church; a touch further on to the east is Royal Victoria Country Park, which has a chapel with free exhibition, a fairy garden, an adventure playground and a miniature steam railway (open at weekends and in the school holidays). Southampton FC's St Mary's Stadium (10 minutes) and Hampshire Cricket's The Ageas Bowl and golf course (15 minutes) are easy to access; if you fancy more of a low-key session with the clubs, Hedge End (10 minutes) has a driving range and a dinosaur-themed crazy golf course.