Self-catering holiday cottage in Emsworth, Hampshire
Where to go? What to do?
The temptation at Tide Cottage is to put one's feet up, go to sleep, or lie on the grass and stare at the blue sky. But if you get around to it, here are some places we've sampled and loved:
Hayling Island
The beaches are broad and sandy at low tide. Windsurfers and Kite surfers whip along the waves (check out the surf situation on the Hayling Island Surf Cam). The funfair is manageable, barely any queuing and a bargain if you arrive after 2pm. Sandy Point really is sandy, and if you love birds, it's a good starting point for a lovely walk - check out the weather forecast for Hayling Island.
Portsmouth
Canny shoppers will save one morning to invade the outlet shops at Gunwharf Quays, the waterfront shopping centre. Come early because stock is renewed often and the best bargains are to be had in the morning. But a day isn't enough to see everything at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where you don't need to be a naval enthusiasts to be awed by the Action Stations exhibition, the Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Royal Naval Museum. Then there's Explosion!, the Museum of Naval Firepower, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour AND the Royal Navy Submarine Museum! if you just want some air and lots of space, then head for Southsea Common, a big green space with a skatepark, crazy golf, pitch and putt. Across the Common is Henry the Eight's Southsea Castle, the battlements along the harbour are a fun walk, with views of the World War II gun emplacements that dot the sea along the coast. There is so much to discover about Portsmouth, we can't say it all here but you can read a detailed description of Portsmouth on the Nevil Shute Norway website.
Nature
Even recalcitrant walkers will enjoy Butser Hill - with kite-flying and wonderful views at the top and the truly walk-challenged can always drive to the top. It is part of the Queen Elizabeth Country Park which is crossed by the South Downs Way. The Kingley Vale walk is one of the greats - but there are many variations. Our favourite (which even the whiniest of our children can manage) begins in the village of Stoughton up woodland paths to three ancient grave mounds from which you can see brighton, and then back down to Stoughton where there is an echo hollow that never fails to give the kids a thrill. Animal loving children will adore the New Forest Otter and Owl Wildlife Park - but do arrive before 10pm to catch feeding time because well-fed otters disappear off for their naps and might not reappear until later in the afternoon! There's Marwell Zoo in Winchester and Birdworld in Farnham is always a big success but do try to get there early - it's a big day out!