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48 Hours in Paignton

A 48 Hour Trip – Things to do in Southampton, Hampshire

There’s a lot to cover in 48 hours in Southampton so we’ve put together a list of the best places to visit to maximise your weekend stay. All of these are ideal for visiting during a stay at our Solent Breezes Holiday Park so you’ll never be short of ideas for brilliantly cheap days out and activities.

There’s a good mix here of fun (and free!) activities for a spare few hours and the kind of days out you’ll definitely want to write home about (ahem….. "Downton Abbey" anyone?)

DAY 1

48 hours in Southampton
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9:00am

Walk the Southampton Walls

A way-marked trail, “Walk the Southampton Walls,” leads curious visitors around the 1.25-mile perimeter of the old medieval trading town. This self-guided and free walk takes in the 13 remaining towers, 6 city gates, and half a mile of thick stone walls and arcades. A great way to take in the sights of Southampton (rain or shine!) and there are many opportunities along the way to stop for a few sandwiches for lunch al-fresco style.

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12:00pm

Spot of shopping at West Quay

Maybe you realised on your mid-morning walk of the Southampton Walls that you’re in need of a new warm hat and gloves to shield you from the cold wind blowing off of the Solent – or the huge range of shops and restaurants available are just too tempting to not treat yourself while you’re away from home. West Quay has more than 100 shops and restaurants so it’s sure to keep you and any others in town busy, and its right next to the city’s historic walls so you won’t have to walk far!

48 hours in Southampton
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3:00pm

Explore New Forest Wildlife Park

Go wild in the heart of the New Forest National Park – the ancient national park is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as Otters, Deer, Badgers, Ferrets, Hedgehogs and some fascinating lesser known animals - such as the European Polecat, the Bison or the Sika Deer, as well as one of Britain’s smallest mammals, the very cute harvest mouse!

There are also an abundance of fascinating Owls. Follow the woodland trails to see Wallaby, Wolves, Wild Boar, Scottish Wildcats, Lynx, Foxes, Pine Marten and more. You even get a chance to say hello to the friendly Deer and meet the playful Otters, including the endangered Giant Otter. There are feeding sessions, keeper talks and special events throughout the year.

Tickets and more information

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6:00pm

A spot of dinner at The Jolly Farmer Pub, Warsash

After a long day of exploring, it’s only right to have a proper warming meal. A rustic pub since 1835, The Jolly Farmers menu is filled with steaks and classic pub grub to warm you up. Only down the road from our park Solent Breezes, you can walk off the big meal at the end of your day!

DAY 2

48 hours in Southampton
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9:00am

Morning at The Clocktower Tea & Coffee House - Warsash

Great for breakfast before heading out for the day to explore! Check opening times before you go, but many say it’s a hidden gem of Warsash.

48 hours in Southampton
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11:00am

Take in history at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – Portsmouth

History buffs and curious alike gather here to step back in time and look in awe at the ships in this dockyard – hop on-board world famous ships the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior and explore the heroic World War 2 submarine HMS Alliance.

A great day out for all the family, there are activities to get a glimpse into the past, present and future of the Royal Navy – a Horrible Histories Pirates Exhibition to take everyone on a pirate adventure, even make their own pirate flag and try out different weapons from cannons to cutlasses! A shop and a range of cafés dotted around, this is your perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir and some lunch.

Tickets and more information

48 hours in Southampton
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2:00pm

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey!) for an idyllic afternoon stroll

If you didn’t fancy an afternoon in Portsmouth Dockyard then this one might be for you instead - "Downton Abbey" fan or not, anyone can appreciate the grandeur of Highclere Castle! The inside guided tours of the state rooms (in which many scenes from the famous series were filmed) are as much of a must-see as the spectacular gardens which really flourish in spring and summertime. The beautiful grounds and the historic castle are really one to be ticked off the bucket list on your visit to Hampshire!

Tickets and more information

..Then head back to Solent Breezes Holiday Park for a good night's sleep.

*Due to covid-19, please check the opening times of any attractions before attending.

Solent Breezes Holiday Park

If you like relaxing by the sea and watching the boats and ships sail by, then you’ll love Solent Breezes Holiday Park.

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