Southampton Visitor Guide

Set at the heart of a 176-acre exclusive parkland golf course, the luxurious Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club is the ideal venue from which to explore the Hampshire countryside and breathtaking Solent coast. Explore the natural wonders of the New Forest, sail to the Isle of Wight, take a family trip to Marwell Zoo and explore nearby cities like historical Southampton and Portsmouth.

Sports & Leisure

Botley Park's enviable location affords its guests a wide variety of sporting and leisure opportunities. Take long walks through the beautiful New Forest and discover the many museums and gardens hidden around the area. Visit the grand Goodwood Estate for a flutter on the horses or to enjoy the thrills of the motor circuit and enjoy a relaxing sailing trip on the Solent.

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  Sports & Leisure

  The New Forest

  Spend a relaxing day in the majestic New Forest. Take a guided tour from a knowledgeable local expert or join one of the Dawn Chorus Walks for Deer Watchers. Visit the New Forest Reptile Centre or explore one of the many grand historical manor houses that are open to the public.

  Opening Hours

  The opening hours of New Forest attractions vary, please visit www.thenewforest.co.uk for details.

  How to Book

  Please visit www.thenewforest.co.uk to book online.

  Goodwood

  Set in the expansive grounds of an elegant country mansion, Goodwood offers a wide variety of leisure and sporting opportunities. Enjoy the thrill of the motor circuit, have a flutter at the horse racing track or tee off on the golf course. For a more relaxing outing visit the tranquil Sculpture Park or indulge in a treatment from the spa.

  Opening Hours

  Hours vary please visit www.goodwood.co.uk for more details

  How to Book
  Please visit www.goodwood.co.uk for more information.

  Southampton WestQuay Shopping

  Indulge in a spot of retail therapy in the South Coast's premier shopping destination, WestQuay. Choose from over 100 stores, offering everything from the latest fashions and accessories to the highest quality home-wares. After a long day exploring the shops, relax in one of the welcoming cafés on The Food Terrace.

  Opening Hours

  Monday: 9am to 6pm
  Tuesday: 9am to 6.00pm
  Wednesday: 9am to 6pm
  Thursday: 9am to 8pm
  Friday: 9am to 6pm
  Saturday: 9am to 6pm
  Sunday: 11am to 5pm

  How to Book

  Please email info@west-quay.co.uk or call 023 8023 6789

  Other Sport and Leisure Attractions

  New Forest Water Park info@newforestwaterpark.co.uk 01425 656868

  Liquid Logistics - Canoeing & Kayaking www.liquidlogistics.co.uk 01590 612377

  The New Forest Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park www.ottersandowls.co.uk 02380 292408

  Challenge Leisure www.challengeleisure.co.uk 01202 877899

  Sailing on the Solent www.sailsolent.co.uk

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Families

Choose from a wide selection of family-friendly activities and attractions in the area surrounding Botley Park. Spend a day on the rides at nearby Paultons Family Park or take the kids to visit the wild animals at Marwell Zoo. Travel a little further to the Bournemouth Aquarium, where children can discover the wonders of the deep.

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  Families

  Paultons Family Theme Park

  Located on the edge of the beautiful New Forest in Hampshire, this family-friendly theme park offers guests 50 different attractions and rides. Catch an animated show or visit one of the museums. Take adventurous kids on a thrilling ride and let them make new friends in one of the play areas.

  Opening Hours

  Times vary throughout the year. Please visit www.paultonspark.co.uk or call 023 80814455

  How to Book

  Visit www.paultonspark.co.uk to book online or call 023 80814455

  Marwell Zoo

  Plan a fun family day out to this 100-acre zoological park and visit its unique inhabitants. From leggy giraffes and cuddly wallabies, to poisonous frogs and stripey zebras, Marwell Zoo has a whole world of wildlife to explore. Get up close to animals such as the Golden Lion Tamarin in the unique Encounter Village.

  Opening Hours

  Monday to Sunday -10am to 6pm

  How to Book

  Book online at www.marwell.org.uk or call 01962 777407

  Oceanarium - The Bournemouth Aquarium

  Encourage the kids to uncover the mysteries of the deep at Bournemouth's award-winning aquarium. Visit the giant sea turtles of the Great Barrier Reef, venture into the depths of The Abyss to meet the fish who live without light and get up close to a great white shark in the world's first interactive Dive Cage.

  Opening Hours

  Monday to Sunday - 10am to 6pm

  How to Book

  To book online please visit www.oceanarium.co.uk

  Other Family attractions

  Adventure Wonderland www.adventurewonderland.co.uk 01202 483444

  Moors Valley Country Park & Forest www.moors-valley.co.uk 01425 470721

  Playzone www.platzone.co.uk 02392 379999

  Explosion! The Museum of Naval Firepower www.explosion.org.uk

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Attractions

The countryside and cities that surround Botley Park offer many places of interest, from world-class museums to significant British Heritage sites. Gain an insight into Christian and architectural history with a trip to Winchester Cathedral or visit the birthplace of Charles Dickens. Spend the day exploring Portsmouth's Historic Docks or indulge a passion for cars with a visit to Beaulieu Motor Museum.

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  Local Attractions

  Winchester Cathedral

  One of the best known cathedrals in Britain, Winchester Cathedral has its origins in the 7th century, when a Christian Church was first built on the site. At one time home to a community of Benedictine monks, the cathedral offers visitors a window into both the Church and the county's history. Take a guided tour from a knowledgeable host or attend an inspiring concert.

  Opening Hours

  Hours vary please visit www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk for more details

  How to Book

  Please call the Box Office on 01962 857275 or email boxoffice@winchester-cathedral.org.uk. Book online at www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

  Beaulieu Motor Museum

  Managed by the National Museum Trust, Beaulieu offers a unique and unmatched collection of over 250 vehicles. Ranging from some of the earliest examples of motoring to legendary World Record Breakers like the Bluebird and the Golden Arrow, the Beaulieu Motor Museum is a car-lovers dream. Visit a reconstruction of a 1930s garage and discover 007's secrets at the James Bond Experience.

  Opening Hours

  Monday to Sunday - 10am to 5pm -1st October to 25th May
  Monday to Sunday -10am to 6pm - 26th May to 30th September

  How to Book

  To book online visit www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345

  Portsmouth's Historic Docks

  Steeped in centuries of naval history, the docks at Portsmouth are now home to the Royal Navy. Visit the Mary Rose, the only surviving 16th century warship in the world, or explore the decks of the Victorian HMS Warrior. Book a Harbour Tour to learn more about the harbour's past, present and future.

  Opening Hours

  Monday to Sunday - 10am to 6pm (last tickets sold at 4.30pm)

  How to Book

  Visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk for more details.

  Other Attractions

  The Medieval Merchant House www.english-heritage.org.uk 02380 221503

  Museum of Archaeology http://sccwww1.southampton.gov.uk/archaeology/ 02380 635904

  Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk 02392 827261

  Portchester Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk 02392 378291

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Local Events

From the Goodwood Festival of Speed to the Southampton Boat Show, the vibrant area that surrounds the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club is teeming with exciting events to suit all interests. Watch boat racing on the Isle of Wight or admire vintage cars at the Goodwood Revival open show.

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  Local Attractions

  Goodwood Festival of Speed

  For over a decade car enthusiasts have flocked to the stately grounds of the Goodwood Estate for the yearly Festival of Speed. Held between the 11th and 13th of July, it is one of the biggest celebrations of motor sport and car culture in the world. Watch the thrilling rally, meet professional drivers, and learn more about the history of the motor car.

  Distance from the hotel: 32 miles
  Takes place: 11th, 12th and 13th July
  Further information: www.goodwood.co.uk Tel: 01243 755060

  Cowes Week

  Choose a spot on the Green or the Parade and watch the boats set sail during the well-renowned Skandia Cowes Week. More than just yacht racing, this late August event features helicopter displays, entertainment and plenty of excellent food and drink. You can even try your hand at sailing, with help from one of the expert tutors.

  Distance from the hotel: 20 miles
  Takes place: 1st - 10th August
  Further information: www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk

  Southampton Boat Show

  An absolute must for boating enthusiasts, the yearly Southampton Boat Show features over 500 exhibitors showcasing all the latest marine products. Enjoy the nightly live entertainment, explore the boats at the Hydropool Marina and enjoy a refreshing drink in the Guinness Village. Get the kids intro sailing with the OnBoard initiative which gives 8-16 year olds the chance to experience sailing first hand.

  Distance from the hotel: 10 miles
  Takes place: 12th - 21st September
  Further information: www.southamptonboatshow.com Tel: 0844 209 0333

  Goodwood Revival

  For three days every September, the glory days of the Goodwood Circuit are recreated and the estate becomes a homage to the fifties and sixties. Watch everything from saloon cars to powerful sports cars race down the track or visit one of the historically accurate theatrical sets and see the track as it was 50 years ago. Step into a fabulous vintage outfit, leave the modern world behind and spend a day at the Goodwood Revival.

  Distance from the hotel: 32 miles
  Takes place: 19th - 21st September
  Further information: www.goodwood.co.uk Tel:01243 755060

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