Everything from a fiesta to flowers, via caterpillars and lighthouses: there's so much to do throughout Hampshire during this year's school summer holidays.
Here's our guide to five fabulous family days out at some of our top attractions.
At Marwell Zoo...
(Image: Paul Collins for Marwell Wildlife)
From caterpillar to social butterfly, join one of the nation’s favourite transformational stories this summer as Marwell Zoo welcomes The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Everyone's favourite caterpillar friend arrives on Wednesday July 24 just in time for the school summer holidays.
Until September 1, take a journey through the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar as you explore supersized 3D fruit installations.
Crawl your way through a giant apple, wiggle through pear archways and munch through the plum tunnels as The Very Hungry Caterpillar prepares for his magical transformation.
In Southampton...
(Image: Dieter Valerius)
Forty 8ft decorated lighthouses including a giant astro robot are in place on the streets of Southampton and Cowes ready for a large scale free family-friendly art trail to get underway this weekend.
Plus, there are another 40 'little lights', designed by local schools and community groups, which make up Light the South.
It's all part of the latest public art trail to grace the streets of Southampton, aiming to shine a light on and raise money for Southampton Children's Hospital.
The free walking trail, presented by Southampton Hospitals Charity in partnership with Red Funnel and Wild in Art, will guide visitors through some of the most well-loved and historic landmarks on the route over the school holidays until September 1, also providing a welcome boost for local businesses.
At Exbury Gardens...
(Image: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway)
Exbury Gardens in the New Forest, one of the south’s best loved ‘horti family attractions, has a packed events programme this summer for visitors to enjoy, as well as 200 acres of beautiful gardens to explore.
A seasonal riot of plant colour will be on offer in the Herbaceous Garden near Exbury House, exotic blooms in the Sundial Garden, the Centenary Garden will be in full summer floral show, and there will be hordes of elegant hydrangeas. Visitors can wander the swathes of beautiful landscaped woodland next to the Beaulieu River as well as over 20 miles of meandering pathways, and ride on Exbury’s famous steam railway.
There will be traditional garden games in the grounds throughout the summer holidays – free with gardens’ admission.
Also enjoy a local artists exhibition, donkey day, make a ,butterfly house workshop, falconry days, walk alpacas, and see open air theatre on selected days, plus the three-day Exbury Festival of Music.
At Winchester Science Centre...
(Image: Harvey Mills)
Fiesta, an exciting mini children’s festival of curiosity, is back at Winchester Science Centre this summer until Monday September 2.
Perfect for children aged three to 12 and their families, it’s free with general admission and this year it’s all about the Olympics and Paralympics!
Families are invited to adventure outside to enjoy interactive activities like the fun and friendly Bug Olympics.
Competitors of all ages can take part and see if they’re as fast as a dragonfly or as strong as an ant.
Children can also perform their very own opening ceremony inspired by nature’s sounds on the mini stage.
And, back inside, mini scientists can discover the science of us in an interactive zone and during brand new live science show, What Happens: Our Body and Exercise.
At Beaulieu...
(Image: Beaulieu)
Get ready for a summer filled with thrilling adventures as history comes to life at Beaulieu until September 1. Meet vibrant living history characters, experience phantasmagorical rides, and see exciting new exhibitions across the attraction.
Following a triumphant return during the Easter and May school holidays, the beloved motoring parades are back for summer. Witness vehicles from different eras of motoring history roar to life and embark on demonstration laps around the events arena. Keep an eye out for some exciting new additions to the lineup with cars from TV and Film including the Whomobile from Doctor Who!
As you wander the attraction, make sure you look out for living history characters that will bring the past to life. Observe the timeless artistry of falconry as Lord Montagu’s falconer exercises his birds on the Lawns of Palace House, say hello to mechanic Jack Tucker and his handling table of nuts and bolts in the National Motor Museum, and chat to friendly costumed staff in Palace House including Lord Montagu’s cook and his Scullery Maids. Children can collect all their characters cards during their visit, including a limited-edition card from Lord Montagu himself.
Beaulieu’s Fairy and Dragon sculpture trail has been extended into the summer holidays too.
Visitors can make their day a truly unforgettable one by setting off on a whimsical adventure in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Mr. Toad's car.
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