Adventure awaits you in Southampton, a bustling port city on the south coast of England. It’s the gateway to many beautiful destinations, which is why many visit the area on their way to board a cruise or when they hop off for an adventure. On top of this, Southampton is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors, adding to its appeal.
Let’s explore all the exciting shore excursions Southampton has to offer, from different ways to enjoy the great outdoors to uncovering history, water adventures, and even child-centered fun.
Exploring The Great Outdoors
The stunning New Forest National Park is just a stone’s throw from Southampton. This remarkable area spans over 566 square kilometers and is a haven for nature lovers and families. The park is famous for its beautiful heathlands, ancient woodlands, and free-roaming wild ponies.
Hiking in the forest
One of the best ways to explore New Forest is by foot or bike. If you have young children, they can join in the fun, too, as several trails cater to all fitness levels.
Pack a picnic, and spend a glorious day in nature, watching for deer and other wildlife.
Top hiking trails
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary Trail: This is a gentle, family-friendly trail where you can spot wild deer in their natural habitat. The trail takes you to a viewing platform where you can watch fallow deer enjoying their daily feeding from the gamekeeper.
- Lyndhurst Circular Walk: This is a moderate trail that takes you on a lovely loop starting at the village of Lyndhurst, the “capital” of New Forest.
Avid hikers should also pay a visit to South Downs National Park. The trails here are suitable for everyone, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes.
Camping in the forest
There are also several official campsites in New Forest, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy family camping under the stars. These sites have excellent family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and guided walks.
Top campsites
- Ashurst campsite: This site is perfect for families, newbie campers, and old hands who have tents or caravans. There are the usual amenities, including a laundrette, but be aware that no electricity is provided. It is within easy walking distance from shops in the village.
- Hollands Wood campsite: With all the amenities and located just a 10-minute walk from Brockenhurst village, this site is family-friendly, even allowing dogs onsite. If you fancy a spot of culture while on your nature adventure, the Beaulieu Motor Museum is also nearby.
Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting
Southampton’s natural surroundings teem with wildlife, making it a paradise for bird watchers and animal lovers.
Best spots
- Keyhaven marshes: Bird enthusiasts love these salt marshes for their sheer abundance of birdlife. The marshes and mudflats attract many species, from oystercatchers to spoonbills and rare migratory birds. Remember your binoculars, camera, water, and snacks, as this is a full day out!
- Test Valley: With its chalk streams, this area is home to otters, water voles, kingfishers, fallow deer, and more.
- Lepe Country Park: This park offers coastal views and woodlands, and visitors can spot deer, foxes, and an array of birdlife, including marsh harriers.
Foraging in New Forest
Foraging has become a popular way to connect with nature, and the areas around Southampton are full of edible delights.
Not everything in a forest is safe to eat, so it’s smart to get guidance before doing this activity solo. Expert-led foraging tours are available in New Forest, teaching people how to identify edible mushrooms, berries, and herbs. These tours are fun and educational, sharing insights into sustainable practices and different local ecosystems.
There are also foraging classes, clubs, trips, and private events that you could join, like those offered by Terra Vitum and WildFood UK.
If you are not quite ready to eat from the forest, try a seasonal walk, like the spring wildflower walks or the autumn leaf tours.
Beach Fun
Another favorite excursion is spending time at the beach, like at Bournemouth Beach or Sandbanks Beach, which are just a short drive or train ride away.
Beach days are made for fun, building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, and eating ice cream. For the adventurous, hire kayaks or paddleboards or even try out windsurfing. There are also paddleboard tours, which are ideal for families with older kids.
Best places for water adventures
Southampton’s coast and rivers are ideal spots for some water-based exploration. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or windsurfer for some watery adventure.
Here are some popular paddle places:
- River Hamble: Paddle through tranquil waters, lined with historic shipyards and charming villages.
- Beaulieu River: Take a guided paddling tour of this haven and its wildlife.
- Calshot Beach: Launch into the Solent for a coastal kayaking experience, or try stand-up paddleboarding. If you feel the need for speed, you can also rent a powerboat for high-velocity fun.
Uncover History
A must-see for history lovers is the city of Winchester. Once the capital of England, Winchester has several historical sites, like Winchester Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century.
Nearby, the Great Hall houses King Arthur’s Round Table–the legendary symbol of medieval England. The guided tours here share spellbinding tales of knights, and the interactive exhibits are always a crowd-pleaser.
The city also has beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for strolls and picnics.
If you want to go even further back in time, how about checking out a prehistoric site? Stonehenge is a Neolithic structure that is still puzzled over today.
Cycling Adventures
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the countryside. There are trails for all experience levels, from beginner to expert, and even family-friendly trails that everyone can enjoy.
Best routes
- Solen Way route: This is a long cycling route that spans around 96.5 km (60 miles). The route is divided into eight sections, so you can pick one part instead of committing to the whole trek. It goes along the coast, so expect stunning sea views and pretty villages along the way.
- Hawkhill trail: This is a family-friendly route that should take between two and three hours to complete. There are WWII sites and plenty of wildlife to be seen along the way.
- Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland: This route is also particularly suited to family rides.
- Brockenhurst to Beaulieu: This cycling route will take you through picturesque villages and iconic landmarks, like a WWII airfield.
There are many places to rent bicycles for all sizes and needs. For example, if you fancy a more adrenaline-fuelled ride, there are off-road bikes for rent, as well as trails of varying intensity.
Horse Riding Experiences
You can go horse riding in New Forest without any special permits, as long as you stick to the posted rules. There are several stables in the area where you can find the perfect horse for a forest ride.
There are also options for horse riding on several beaches. Depending on the time of year, ask about guided horseback beach tours that get you right into nature, with an expert showing you all the best spots. Some places also offer three-day treks that include plenty of beach riding and camping.
Child-Centered Activities
If you want some kid-centered fun, there are themed family parks with all the thrilling rides they can handle, from Peppa Pig to dinosaur coasters.
Alternatively, head over to Marwell Zoo. Filled with exotic and endangered species, this 140-acre wonderland has projects supporting species and habitats globally.
Go Picnicking
What could be more fun than having a picnic packed with your favorite treats in gorgeous surroundings?
Best spots
- Southampton Common: This expansive green area in the center of town has a duck pond, nature play areas, and a water park. There are shaded spots for warmer weather, as well as bathroom facilities, and a baby-changing area. Visit the wildlife center while you’re there to learn more about the animals in the area.
- Royal Victoria Country Park: Located on the shores of Southampton Water, the area has picnic tables, barbeque areas, and incredible sea views.
- Itchen Country Park: Explore the meadows and woodland trails of this park. You can enjoy your picnic at the tables or in a clearing for the full nature experience. If your little ones get restless, there is also a play area.
Final Thoughts
Whether Southampton is the start or stop of your cruise holiday, remember that adventure doesn’t have to begin (or end) at sea.
The city’s natural wonders offer many fantastic shore excursions, perfect for family bonding and outdoor exploration. Whether hiking, camping, building sandcastles, or uncovering history, there is no shortage of something to do.
