Manor Farm & Country Park, Southampton, Hampshire
Manor Farm & Country Park is within the River Hamble Country Park and it’s a good one to bear in mind if you’re looking for something to do as a family when the weather’s not so good, the reason being that there’s a lot to see and do. It’s a step back in time to a proper job farm, a good old fashioned farm, and a village too, so quintessential that they could have been the models for the little playsets that kept children occupied for so long back in the day. So get your exploring hats on and go and see the Blacksmith’s Forge, the Wheelwrights Workshop, the granary, the cart shelter, the farmhouse, the Longstock barn, the Andersen shelter, and everything else that’s there. Wander round to the church and the wartime cottage, sit at a desk in the Victorian schoolroom; then there’s the people and the animals, which is where it gets more interactive – you can meet the farmer, feed the pigs, walk the goats, and feed the chickens for starters.
There’s the nature too, the pretty stuff; breathe in the scented air of the cottage garden, look out for bugs and butterflies in the orchard and wildlife garden, spot frogs in the pond. Round off your visit by finding a cosy corner in the café and settling down for tea and cake.
Open: Nov-Feb weekdays 10.00am-4.00pm Feb-Mar daily 10.00am-4.00pm
T: 01489 787055 All information correct at the time of writing