PHOTO OF THE WEEK

This beautiful photo was taken at Testwood Lakes, a serene nature reserve near Southampton, ideal for a family-friendly walk.

There is a 2.2 km route, with well-maintained gravel paths suitable for pushchairs. Dogs are allowed around Testwood and Little Testwood lakes but should avoid Meadow Lake due to blue-green algae.

Highlights include a reconstructed Bronze Age roundhouse, bird hides for wildlife watching, and a wooden boat frame. There are no refreshments, but parking and toilets are available. The walk takes about an hour.

DAYS OUT

Try Something Different in Hampshire

If you're like me, always looking for something new and different to do, you'll love hearing other people's suggestions for something fresh to try! So, I’ve done the legwork for you and handpicked many experiences that I think you'll enjoy.

You may have tried one or two of these before, but hopefully, there's something new you can add to your list. I’ll share 15 ideas today and another 15 in the following newsletter too.

1. Try an Escape Room: Challenge your mind and teamwork skills at Elusion Escape Rooms, where intriguing puzzles and immersive storylines await.

2. Swing Away in a Batting Cage: Experience the thrill of America's pastime at 1st Base, an indoor softball and baseball batting cage with integrated ball-tracking technology.

3. Pick Your Own Produce: Enjoy a day in the fresh air at Pickwell Farm, where you can pick your own seasonal fruits and vegetables.

4. Go Rock Climbing in Whiteley: Test your strength and agility at Rock Up Whiteley, featuring climbing challenges for all levels of experience.

5. Indoor Skydiving in Basingstoke: Experience the sensation of free-fall at iFLY Basingstoke.

6. Augmented Reality Medieval City Tour: Explore Winchester like never before with 878 AD's augmented reality tour, where history comes to life through your smartphone as you walk the ancient streets. (I’ll be doing this soon and will give it a review soon).

7. Learn a New Board Game: Head to Dice Board Game Lounge in Portsmouth to discover new board games and challenge friends in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

8. Make a Mug or Plant Pot: Get creative at Arty Potz in Southsea, where you can handcraft your own ceramic mug or plant pot to take home.

9. See an Arthouse Film: Discover the hidden gem of No.6 Cinema in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. Enjoy the latest arthouse films, classic movies, and documentaries in a beautiful, intimate setting.

10. Go Karting in Eastleigh: Feel the need for speed at TeamSport Go Karting in Eastleigh, where you can race friends on a thrilling indoor track.

11. Go Paintballing: Gear up for an adrenaline-packed adventure at Southampton Paintball, where you can strategise and battle it in exciting paintball scenarios.

12. Play Crazy Golf with Dinosaurs: Enjoy a round of crazy golf surrounded by prehistoric creatures at Mighty Adventures in Southampton. Fun for all ages!

13. Visit Lavender Fields: Experience the calming beauty of Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm. Explore the fragrant fields and shop for lavender-inspired products.

    

    Photo by Nick Fewings

14. Walk with Donkeys: Enjoy a unique countryside experience with Brockenhurst Donkey Walks, where you can take a scenic stroll with friendly donkeys through the New Forest.

15. Hire a Classic Car: Take a step back by hiring a classic car from New Forest Classic Car Hire and explore Hampshire in style.

MY RECOMMENDATION

A Great Day Out in Hythe

Recently, my Mum and I decided to take a little trip to Hythe.

It started with parking at Town Quay in Southampton and then taking the ferry to Hythe. I love a boat trip, and the sun was shining, so just doing that was a great experience.

Once you arrive, you can either walk down the pier or take the train (it's the world's oldest continuously running electric railway on a pier!).

We walked around and popped into Black Wax Records for a drink and a bite to eat.

I highly recommend it.

Note: Hythe Ferry currently has a summer saver offer - it’s £5 per person, return. It’s available every day in August from 10am to 3.30pm. Find out more here.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Events in Hampshire

Summer Sounds Music Festival - 16th to 18th August 2024
A charity fundraising event for Children with Cancer UK, featuring live music, beach beats, a bar, the Smile Emporium, food stalls, pirates, and a funfair at Lee on the Solent, Marine Parade Promenade. Two days of free entertainment for the community to enjoy.

New Forest Food Festival - 17th August 2024
Held at Hinton Admiral Events Field, the festival features cookery demonstrations, food stands, an artisan market, a craft market, live music, and children's activities. Tickets are £8 per adult, with children under 16 free.

Hampshire Open Studios - 17th to 26th August 2024
Explore local art venues with the Hampshire Open Studios 2024. Use their app to navigate, plan your days, and save your favourites.

Victorious Festival - 23rd to 25th August 2024
A major music and arts festival in Portsmouth offering an array of performances and activities.

CarFest - 23rd to 25th August 2024
Enjoy a weekend of cars, live music, and family fun.

Time Detective Agency - Until 1st September 2024
Join the Time Detective Agency in Historic Winchester for time travel missions. Complete training across four attractions to earn your Time Detective badge. Activities included in admission.

Field to Fork: Summer Fun - Until 1st September 2024
At Milestones, discover how food has journeyed to our plates over the last 150 years. Enjoy interactive activities, demonstrations, and a strawberry trail. Activities are included in standard admission, with an optional Farmer Ted’s Harvest Hunt trail at £3.00 per person.