Really lovely place to go for a walk, take children along as there's an activity park (two) along…read morewith a barn which holds a small museum, gift shop and cafe. Beautiful walks and plenty of parking - more expensive at the weekend, but fairly reasonable throughout the week. Lots of people take dogs there for walks, and it's fairly easy to spend a couple of hours there. Fishing nets for children can be hired from the barn to fish in a small pond nearby. There's also a river running through but to do fishing there you need a permit.

Fantastic place for my toddler, love the climbing things shaped like animals in the woods…read more Its nice and big, and the parking is more expensive at weekends but they're are no other costs, so seems pretty good value really.

We had a view of this park from our hotel room. I watched many a children play in the massive…read moreexpanse of grass. I saw a lot of people exercising and taking leisurely walks. It looked so nice and peaceful, with a lovely view of the harbor, we decided to also take a stroll through the park. I can see why this would be a great place to watch fireworks or have a festival. There is a lot of space to be able to lay out a picnic blanket. There isn't a lot of stuff to block the views. Quite a lovely place to spend an afternoon. This park is also close to tourist sights and the Mayflower Memorial, which is located across the street. It's not a huge site but it's interesting and historical, especially if you are an American on holiday.

I never know Mayflower Park existed in Southampton for the first four years I was here. Its a…read morewonderful little park down in Southampton between Town Quay/Dock Gate 4 and Dock Gate 20. Generally hosts all the fireworks for events and celebrations for Southampton and the parties for any major new cruise ships leaving or entering Southampton waters, its an ideal place to take photos of the large cruise ships coming in! There are some great views of the new super huge cruise ships, as they come all the way past into the Mayflower Terminal. Also host the Southampton Boat Show in September. Easily accessible from West Quay Road along the front in Southampton, first exit after Town Quay heading towards Millbrook before you get to De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

Visiting from the states, the park was a wonderful walk after dinner. Well lit, seemingly endless,…read moreeven at 9/10pm it's abundant with people. It was well kept--though a few of the parks posted maps could use upkeep as some idiot out his political propaganda inside to cover the map. The small lights throughout the park are a beautiful touch.

Now in the care of English Heritage, Netley is the most complete surviving Cistercian abbey in…read moresouthern England. Founded in 1238 by Peter de Roches, Bishop of Winchester, it was colonised by monks from nearby Beaulieu Abbey. Almost all the walls of its 13th century church still stand, together with many monastic buildings. The buildings were converted into an impressive country residence by Sir William Paulet, First Marquess of Winchester, who acquired the abbey in 1536 after the Dissolution. Abandoned as a house in the 18th Century, most traces of Paulet's alterations were removed in the 19th century, when Netley's ivy-clad ruins became a favourite of the Romantic movement. Netley was visited by John Constable, who came to paint here, and also by Jane Austen, who may have found inspiration for her novel Northanger Abbey. Access is free although opening times are restricted, especially in winter months. It's a lovely spot for a picnic and feels a long way from the surrounding urban area. There's a small car park - more parking and toilets are available over the road in the Abbey Hall Recreation Ground.