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Steam Railways & Boat Trips in Southampton
There's not a steam railway on this list for Southampton, but the boat trips more than make up for it. Out at Ryde, Hovertravel runs a ten-minute hovercraft hop across the Solent from £13.60, and the crossing is the whole point, not just a way to get somewhere. It's a longer trip out to Chichester too, where the Ship Canal has a towpath for walking alongside canoes and narrow boats, with trips from £7. If your children are small, Hovertravel is the quicker fix: ten minutes of noise and spray, then you're back on dry land, with a changing places toilet and blue badge parking sorted at Ryde. For a slower morning, the Chichester Ship Canal suits older kids better, with a cafe, free parking and room to paddle or walk the towpath at your own pace. Dogs are welcome at both.
8 places 1 upcoming event From £3.90
What's on: steam railways & boat trips
Places for steam railways & boat trips
from £7Chichester Ship Canal
Chichester
A gentle stretch of towpath and water where you can walk, paddle, canoe or take a narrow boat trip.
Accessible toiletBaby changeCaféDog friendly+6 more
from £26Haven Street Station
Ryde
A steam train ride out to Wootton and back, with a Discovery Centre where kids can dress up as driver or guard.
Accessible toiletBaby changeCaféDog friendly+12 more
from £4.95Hengistbury Head Land Train
Bournemouth · up to age 1
A land train shuttles you along the headland between Broadway and Mudeford Spit, with harbour and Priory views the whole way.
Card only
from £13.60Hovertravel | Ryde
Ryde
A ten-minute hovercraft hop across the Solent that's the ride itself, not just the way there.
Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingChanging PlacesDog friendly+2 more
from £3.90Poole Park Railway
Poole · up to age 2
A slow loop of Poole Park's lake on a miniature steam-style railway, over almost as soon as it's begun but a proper hit with under-fives.
Card onlyDog friendlyPushchair friendlyWheelchair accessible
Seafin Luxury Charters
Southampton
A private charter off Southampton for jet-skiing, paddle boarding and swimming at anchor, with the jet skis reserved for over-18s.
Food on siteParty roomsVegetarian options
from £9Solent Cruises
Cowes
Boat trips from Cowes across the Solent, from a harbour tour past naval ships to a full day out shopping in Portsmouth.
Dog friendlyGroup bookingsWheelchair accessible
Southampton RIB Charter
Southampton
Skippered RIB boat charters out of Southampton for groups of friends or family, booked by the half or full day.
Booking required
Good to know: steam railways & boat trips in Southampton
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £3.90 at Poole Park Railway. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find steam railways & boat trips in Chichester, Ryde, Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton and 1 more. Every place we list is in or around Southampton, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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