Ice Cream, Arcade Nostalgia, and This Weekend's Events

A PLACE FOR A TREAT

The Best Place in Hampshire for Ice Cream?

We recently visited Carlos Ices and Tea Rooms in West Wellow (not far from Paultons Park) and had a lovely experience. This family-run business was established in 1894 and has some great reviews from happy customers.

My little one enjoyed a delicious ice cream, and we're already looking forward to returning for more treats.

The outdoor seating area is nice, with pens where you can see some gorgeous rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens.

There’s also plenty of parking, which makes the visit convenient. If you're in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Carlos Ices and Tea Rooms.

Address: Romsey Road, East Wellow, SO51 6BG

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

I Love This Photo Taken at Lepe Beach

I recently asked the Hampshire Explorer Facebook page community to share their sunset and sunrise photos from around Hampshire. The response was amazing, with so many stunning shots to choose from! I have a soft spot for pictures by the water, and this one from Lepe Beach really caught my eye. Isn't it just gorgeous?

MY RECOMMENDATION

Why Milestones Museum is a Must-Visit

Last week we had such a brilliant day out at Milestones Museum in Basingstoke!

The museum itself is amazing – an entire Edwardian street indoors, filled with historical charm.

We spent hours exploring, but the real highlight for us was the recreated pier. My little one was thrilled with the retro arcade games, and I couldn’t resist a few goes myself.

The games are just 50p a go, and for the old penny machines, you can get a batch of coins using a card machine (£2 for around 10 coins). It’s a great mix of fun and nostalgia.

There's even a lovely little sweet shop and a small Edwardian pub called The Baverstock Arms, which is open for a few hours a day.

There's also a great café and tea rooms. Or, if you’re planning to bring your own food, there are picnic benches outside, which would be great for when the weather’s nice.

The ticket covers you for the whole year, so you can come back as many times as you like.

It's definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re in the area with kids or just fancy something a bit different.

It's based in the Leisure Park, so you could easily combine it with a trip to the cinema, bowling, or even swimming if you’re looking for a full day of activities.

👉️ Take a look here to find out more about Milestones

COMMUNITY

Join Our New Hampshire Explorer Community Group!

I'm excited to announce the launch of our Hampshire Explorer Community Facebook group! This group is a dedicated space for us to come together, share our favourite places in Hampshire, and discover new spots through recommendations from others who love exploring the area as much as we do.

Whether you're looking for hidden gems, the best walking routes, or simply want to connect with fellow Hampshire enthusiasts, this group is the perfect place to start. I’d love for you to join us and be a part of this growing community.

You can join the group here: Hampshire Explorer Community. I look forward to seeing you there and hearing about your latest adventures!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Grab £4 Cinema Tickets This Saturday

Tomorrow, Saturday 31st August, is National Cinema Day, and cinemas across Hampshire are taking part. This means you can grab cinema tickets from £4 all day long!

If you’re like me and love to unwind at the cinema, there’s nothing quite like switching off, sinking into those comfy seats, and getting lost in a great film - so I’ll be taking advantage of this offer.

Here are some of the cinemas that are taking part:

• VUE - Basingstoke Festival Place

• Odeon Basingstoke

• Reel Cinemas - Fareham

• Odeon Port Solent

• VUE - Portsmouth (Gunwharf Quays)

• Cineworld Cinema - Whiteley

• VUE - Eastleigh

• Showcase Cinema De Lux Southampton ( Westquay South)

• Picturehouse - Harbour Lights, Southampton

EVENTS

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Take a look at these events across Hampshire:

Taste of the Caribbean in Basingstoke - 31st August 2024
Dive into the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean at this festival in Basingstoke. Enjoy a variety of food, music, and cultural experiences.

Hampshire Dachs-Fest 2024 - 31st August 2024
Join a gathering of dachshund enthusiasts at Crofton Community Centre, Fareham. Expect fun activities, dog-friendly stalls, and a chance to meet other dachshunds.

Portsmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station Open Day - 31st August 2024
Visit the Portsmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station for a day of demonstrations, water safety talks, and family-friendly activities.

Family Fun Day - Anchored In Gosport - 31st August 2024
Enjoy a day of market stalls, local artisan treasures, live entertainment, and games for kids at this family-friendly event in Gosport.

Romsey Fire Station Open Day - 31st August 2024
Meet local firefighters, explore fire engines, and enjoy live demonstrations and a BBQ at the Romsey Fire Station Open Day.

Weeke Weekend - 31st August to 1st September 2024
A family fun weekend with a funfair, bouncy castle, zorbing, face painting, stalls, and more at Weeke Community Centre.

Bounce Back To School - Royal Victoria Country Park - 31st August 2024
Celebrate the end of summer with inflatables, trampolines, and creative activities at Royal Victoria Country Park.

Romsey Food Fair 2024 - 1st September 2024
Explore local food and drink stalls, artisan produce, and street food at Romsey's annual food fair.

Park Yoga - FREE outdoor yoga at Meadowside Leisure Centre, Whiteley - 1st September 2024
Enjoy a free outdoor yoga session at Meadowside Leisure Centre every Sunday until 15th September. No booking needed, just bring a mat or towel.

Park Yoga - FREE outdoor yoga at The Common - 1st September 2024
Join a free outdoor yoga session at The Common in Southampton, every Sunday until 15th September. Bring your mat or towel and relax.