With its rural location bordering farmland and countryside Rays Farm Cottage is perfectly located for members of The Ramblers Association who want to explore the South Downs Way. The times below are for driving to the destination.

South Downs Way (8 minutes)
The South Downs Way is a long distance footpath and bridleway running along the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne. It is also the only National Trail to lie entirely within a National Park.

The Pilgrim’s Way (2 minutes)
The cottage is situated close to the old Pilgrims trail which runs from Winchester to Canterbury.

Marwell Wildlife (8 minutes)
Visiting Marwell Wildlife allows families to get close to some of the most interesting and intriguing animals in the natural world. From ring-tailed coatis to majestic giraffes, laughing kookaburra to frilled lizards, curious meerkats to bat-eared foxes – the 140-acre park is home to over 180 exotic and endangered species.

Royal Armouries Museum (27 minutes)
The Fort Nelson Museum covers every period of history and has examples from every corner of the world. See the Great Turkish Bombard of 1464, Saddam Hussein’s “Superfun” and Mallet’s Mortar. Covering nearly 19 acres and now fully restored, Fort Nelson sits majestically atop Portsdown Hill with amazing views of the Solent and Meon Valley to the north.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (33 minutes)
Visit the world famous historic dockyard in Portsmouth, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum. The dockyard is a great place to experience 800 years of naval history and tradition. Explore the Royal Navy Museum, let the kids get active at Action Stations or enjoy a Harbour Tour together.

Bishop’s Waltham Palace Ruins (8 minutes)
Visit the ruins of a medieval palace used by Bishops and senior clergy of Winchester.

Watercress Railway Line (23 minutes)
The Watercress line runs through 10 miles of picturesque Hampshire countryside from Alresford to Alton. Travel by Steam train and take in the sights and sounds of travel from a bygone era.

Historic Winchester (20 minutes)
Visit the Great Hall and view King Arthur’s round table. Wander through the historic Winchester Cathedral and visit the mysterious lead man in the crypt. Receive your Wayfarer’s Dole – a morsel of bread and beaker of ale – at the Hospital of St Cross, a medieval almshouse.

Hampshire Farmers’ Market
The Hampshire Farmers’ Market is held in a number of local towns including Winchester, Alton, Petersfield and Bishop’s Waltham. The Market is proud of the fact that everything on display comes from Hampshire, often not more than ten miles from the market. Check the website for the next market available.

Staunton Country Park (35 minutes)
Explore the 1,000 acres of woodland and parkland at Staunton. Feed the animals at the farm or see if you can find your way out of the Golden Jubilee Maze. Enjoy a cup of tea in the Regency Tearooms.

Theatre Royal Winchester (20 minutes)
The Theatre Royal provides a varied programme of drama, dance, music, comedy and children’s theatre. Check the website for the latest schedule.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum (40 minutes)
A visit to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire allows the visitor to dive into history and go onboard a WWII submarine – HMS Alliance with a veteran submariner to hear his stories about living beneath the waves.

Paultons Theme Park (32 minutes)
Paultons new attraction is Peppa Pig World, a fully themed area with new rides and an indoor play area. The Park has over 60 rides and attractions to suit all ages. Try ride The Cobra as it mixes drops, spirals and ‘camel humps’ or swoop and spin through the air riding the The EDGE.

Blue Reef Aquarium (36 minutes)
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.

Go Ape! Itchen Valley (15 minutes)
Go Ape! is a an adventure course built up in the trees situated in the Itchen Valley Country Park near Eastleigh. Negotiate high wires, tricky crossings and high-flying zip wires.

Longdown Activity Farm (35 minutes)
A family day on Longdown Activity Farm involves the whole family. Bottle-feed the kid goats and calves, help feed the ducks, meet our pigs. Cuddle our baby rabbits, chicks and maybe even a piglet.