It’s back to school, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had this September

The summer holidays have come to an end and it’s time to go back to school. There’s no reason to feel blue though, there is still plenty of fun to be had at Hampshire’s Top Attractions, and without the school holiday rush you can enjoy things even more…

• Unearth the amazing stories at Basing House!
• There’s no better place to start your exploration of the natural world than at Gilbert White’s House!
• With the hustle and bustle of the school holiday over, September makes a great time to visit Birdworld. Enjoy penguin feeding, flying displays or meet some friendly animal at the farm, then finish off with a visit to Underwater World.
• Lights in the Darkness returns following its successful first season featuring a brand new tour of Winchester Cathedral. A unique opportunity to view the Cathedral in a different light. These tours will allow you to experience the unique atmosphere of a darkened Cathedral. Running from the 19th-23rd September.
• Saturday Night at the Planetarium events return to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium on 3 & 17 September. Live presenter-led shows will explore the fascinating Autumn night sky – you may even spot a planet or two!
• All journeys begin with a single step, and that’s why we want you to #TakeTheFirstStep to leading a more adventurous life with Go Ape. Book now.
• Last chance! Find 150 Zany Zebra sculptures in Southampton before the 25th September. Plus Marwell Zoo has tiger cubs! AND Amur leopard twins are set to make their debut from September.
• 30 original drawings and watercolours by perhaps the world’s most beloved children’s illustrator and author, alongside a small selection of rare vintage Beatrix Potter dolls and figurines. The exhibition at Mottisfont showcases some of Beatrix Potter’s most famous characters, whilst taking you on a journey into the world of play and childhood, from Peter Rabbit’s naughty antics to the Two Bad Mice as they wreak havoc in a doll’s house. Until 11th September!
• Send your children on a day learning how to sew with qualified tutors from the Young Embroiderers Guild at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens on 17th September. We shall use simple stitches to make a picture using the Gardens as our inspiration. Autumn is a time of change when the Gardens glow with colour and we shall interpret it with colourful threads and fabric.
• The Museum of Army Flying Two hosts two fantastic lectures this September. World record breaker, adventure balloonist Colin Prescot is guest speaker at Stockbridge Town Hall and Paul Beaver takes the floor in the main hangar to mark 85 years since the UK won the coveted Schneider Trophy for speed.
• Throughout September New Forest Activities has something for the whole family to enjoy; Try the Paddle to the Pub for a relaxed evening on the River. There’s also Battlefield LIVE, Canoe tours and bike hire.
• Come and meet the Manor Farm pigs for a weekend of piggy fun, facts and activities! Learn all about pigs and piglets, then test your memory with our pig quiz. Drop into the farmhouse for a piggy craft activities and story time.
• A beautiful time of the year at New Forest Wildlife Park with the start of the autumn colours. Tropical Butterfly House open until end of September. Keeper talks throughout the day.
• The Look Twice Artists are a group of local individuals who come together in the beautiful setting of Exbury Gardens to present their diverse range of work in a stunning exhibition. The artists, who have exhibited both nationally and internationally, are also demonstrating. The exhibition is open between 10am – 5pm daily until 25th September in the Five Arrows Gallery and entrance is included with gardens admission.
• A weekend of Victorian themed family activities on the 10th September at Fort Nelson. Let the kids join the junior ‘Volunteers’ and practice Victorian marching drills. Find out about the work of Florence Nightingale, and the role of the 16-pounder.
• Friends of Whitchurch Silk Mill – Country Food and Craft Fair at Whitchurch Silk Mill & GNC, Sunday, September 25th 2016, 10.30am – 4.00pm. Admission Adults £2.00, under 16s free. A fun day out for the whole family. Food & craft stalls, live music, craft demonstrations, games and competitions. All proceeds will be used to support Living Weaving Heritage at the Mill.
• Bursledon brickworks are opening for Free as part of the National Heritage Open Days (see their website for details). Our main event is on 25th September – Trains, Trains, Trains which is, as its name suggests, all about trains. There will be rides as well as lots of model railway layouts, the museum will be steamed-up as well.

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