CATEGORY · A HUDDLEPIN LIST

Castles, Historic Houses & Heritage in Southampton

If you want proper history rather than a themed day out, this stretch of coast has two good options, both a longer trip out from the centre. Highcliffe Castle sits on the cliffs at Christchurch, with grounds to roam, craft activities and a scavenger hunt, entry from £3.50 and suitable from age five. Hurst Castle at Lymington is the more of an expedition, reached by a twenty-minute ferry across the saltmarsh or a two-mile walk along the shingle spit, with a Tudor fortress to explore once you're there, entry from £6.50 and best for ages five to seventeen. For the easier visit with younger children, Highcliffe has a cafe, toilets and level grounds, plus blue badge and bike parking if you need them. Hurst asks more of everyone, given the walk or ferry crossing, so it suits families with older children who can manage the trek and will enjoy the payoff. Both are dog friendly and take group bookings, and both have somewhere to sit and eat. Check the tide and ferry times before you set off for Hurst.

✓ 3 places✦ From £3.50