Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre

Kids a little too small for the watersports on site? Jake’s Playworld (two minutes’ drive) is a good spot for the teenies, with a mini farm and colourful indoor play barn. If you don't mind a slightly longer drive, there are also some great kid-pleasing days to be had at Legoland Windsor (half an hour) or Thorpe Park Resort (35 minutes). Sneak in a little bit of a science lesson at The Look Out Discovery Centre, which has all sorts of hands-on displays to explore. Alternatively, pack in a bit more activity on the rapids and waterslides at the Coral Reef Water World pool complex (with a sauna and spa for the grownups) or the lofty rope courses of Go Ape Bracknell. All are 15 minutes’ drive away. Heading south, it'll take you about 40 minutes to drive to Winchester to wander its ancient streets and visit its cathedral and museums, or about 50 minutes to get to Marwell Zoo to meet all sorts of animals.