High Ridge

You may well spot some wildlife on site, but there are also plenty of opportunities around here to see larger animals too, starting with the chance to cuddle farmyard animals at Miller’s Ark Animals and walk with alpacas at Pennybridge Farm (both five minutes’ drive). A day among the penguins, parrots and flamingos at Birdworld (25 minutes) is another great option, as is a trip to 140-acre Marwell Zoo (40 minutes). Keeping things rural, you could head to Wellington Country Park (15 minutes) for animal petting sessions, a ride on the miniature train and a bit of fun at the splash zone, or learn about lives of the past at Rural Life Living Museum (half an hour). There’s more history on display in the Tudor mansion at National Trust - The Vyne (15 minutes) and Jane Austen’s House (25 minutes). Winchester (half an hour) mixes up the old and new with attractions including the cathedral and the planetarium at Winchester Science Centre.