Girlguiding Hampshire East

Sandy Acres Campsite Management Committee

Local Attractions

Around Sandy Acres Girlguiding Campsite there are many attractions that you can visit while staying at the site. We have listed a few that may provide you with ideas for an interesting day out with your group.

Please click on the appropriate photo to link to a website which will give you further information.

Fairthorne Manor (4 miles from the Campsite).

Picturesquely situated in 111 acres of parkland and woodland on the banks of the river Hamble, Fairthorne Manor is eight miles east of Southampton and is within two hours travel from London.

Fairthorne Manor is visited by over 15,000 children and young people each year and the grounds provide a stimulating, safe and secure environment for children and young people. Situated on the upper reaches of the River Hamble, there are facilities for watersports such as kayaking, sailing and raft-building as well as other outdoor pursuits including abseiling, aerial runway, pioneering and orienteering.

Schools and community groups visit Fairthorne Manor for residential stays in bunk-bedded rooms or in tents, and a very popular Daycamps programme runs during school holidays and half terms. There is an 89 place day nursery for children aged 4 months to 5 years. Fairthorne Manor Golf Club is also based within the grounds of the manor.

fairthorne manor

Fareham Leisure Centre (4 miles from the Campsite).

Is situated, at the western end of the town centre, within walking distance of the bus station and train station. The Leisure Centre provides a first class service with a wide range of facilities, services and activities.
For general enquiries, please call 01329 233652 or e-mail:farehaminfo@slm-ltd.co.uk
Facilities include: 25 metre Main Swimming Pool.

fareham leisure centre

Winchester – Marwell Zoological Park (5 miles from the Campsite).

Marwell is set in a hundred acres of Hampshire countryside and has over 200 different species of animals including Amur tigers and leopards, cheetah, ocelot, zebra, rhino, pygmy hippo, giraffes, meerkats and penguins. Marwell Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of rare species and to spreading information about the world and its wildlife to all our visitors.
You can buy tickets online to speed your entry into the park on busy days. We do not allow vehicles in the park but there is a large free car park and the entrance gate is a short walk from the car park. There is a large family restaurant, Treetops and many refreshment kiosks. There is a free road train and a narrow gauge railway for which there is a small charge. Manual wheelchairs are available and mobility scooters can be hired for a small charge. It is advisable to book these in advance.

marwell zoo

Portsmouth – The Spinnaker Tower (15 miles from the Campsite).

Not since the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House or the London Eye has a new tall structure attracted such attention. Elegant, sculptural and awe-inspiring, the Spinnaker Tower is a new national icon. Soaring 170 metres into the sky above the historic harbour of Portsmouth, gateway to the English Channel, the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth's newest attraction is now open to view.
Come on up. The views are outstanding. Take the high speed internal lift. Step out onto View Deck 1 and you step right into the best view in the country. On a clear day you can see for 23 miles or more.
Dare you "Walk on Air"? See if you dare cross our glass floor, the largest in Europe.
Go higher! On View Deck 2 see the modern view or watch history unfold on our unique Time Telescopes, where you can catch Mary Rose or H.M.S. Victory sailing by. Go higher! Feel the wind in your hair on the "Crow's Nest". On our top deck, you are exposed to the elements. Return to earth and enjoy our waterfront Tower Café/Bar.

spinnaker tower

Portsmouth – Royal Navy Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (15 miles from the Campsite).

Welcome to the home of the Royal Navy Portsmouth Historic Dockyard!

Discover the world famous historic ships – HMS Victory, the Mary Rose & HMS Warrior 1860 that have shaped British history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Home of the Royal Navy, other attractions include The Royal Naval Museum, with a new Exhibition "Dreadnoughts – The Ships & the Men who Built, Lived and Fought in them", and Action Stations with the brand new interactive gallery InterAction detailing the science and technology used by the modern Royal Navy. Also on site there are Harbour Tours, enabling you to see the fleet up close*. To navigate the site, please use the links above to find out more about Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and its many treasures!

Planning your visit? Take a look at the 'Visitor Information' page for all the latest information to enable you to get the most out of your day. * Subject to availability and weather conditions.

royal navy historic naval base p[ortsmouth

Portsmouth – Royal Armouries Museum – Fort Nelson (10 miles from the Campsite).

Fort Nelson was built in the 1860s, as part of a chain of fortifications protecting the great naval harbour of Portsmouth in Hampshire and its Royal Dockyard from a feared French invasion.

Covering nearly 19 acres and now fully restored, Fort Nelson sits majestically atop Portdsown Hill, with amazing views of the Solent and the Meon Valley. The Fort stands today as a monument to the skills and ingenuity of Victorian engineering and architecture. Entry is FREE of charge to all visitors, all year round. Opened in 1995 as home to the Royal Armouries collection of artillery, Fort Nelson has over 350 big guns and historic cannon on display, all part of the National Museum of Arms and Armour. From the Great Turkish Bombard of 1464, that once protected the Dardanelles to Saddam Hussein's infamous 'Supergun' and covering every period of history from every corner of the world – including 3 Guinness world record holders, the collection is brought vividly to life every day.

fort nelson

Southsea – Blue Reef Aquarium (15 miles from the Campsite).

Welcome to Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea, Portsmouth, voted Visitor Attraction of the Year by Tourism South East.
Situated on Clarence Esplanade, between the two piers overlooking the busy Solent, Blue Reef Aquarium is a great visit whatever the weather. Be amazed by animals ranging from local marine species to the hundreds of tropical fish in the gigantic ocean display complete with underwater tunnel. Our family of otters can be previewed on their very own webcam.

Blue Reef is part of an exciting new generation of wildlife attractions designed to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

blue reef

Swimming.

Swimming at Meon Valley Marriott Hotel and Country Club.
Sandy Lane, Shedfield, Southampton SO32 2HQ
Phone: 01329 836831 to book.

mariott-hotel

ALSO: Shedfield Riding School phone: 01329 830387 to book lessons.