Lots to do at Old Thorns and further afield
There’s plenty to do on site at Old Thorns with golf, leisure, food and drink but we’re also the perfect base for a longer break. Located around an hour from central London and just 30 minutes from the historic coastal city of Portsmouth, there is a whole host of local attractions and days out to enjoy.
Please note that Old Thorns is not associated in any way with the attractions and companies on this page, they are only here as suggestions, not as recommendations.
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The great outdoors
Located just to the north of the South Downs Way, Old Thorns is surrounded by glorious countryside.
If you’re the active type then you’ll enjoy the local walking and cycling trails.
If you’re the active type then you’ll enjoy the local walking and cycling trails.
The great outdoors
Located just to the north of the South Downs Way, Old Thorns is surrounded by glorious countryside. If you’re the active type then you’ll enjoy the local walking and cycling trails.
Queen Elizabeth
Country Park
Scenic walks, obstacle courses and down hill mountain biking, with Butser Hill offering spectacular views across the South Downs.
Alice Holt Forest
The idillic woodland setting for walking, cycling, picnics and BBQ's. Thrill seekers may also enjoy the GoApe tree top adventure course.
South Downs
National Park
Surrounding Old Thorns
Rolling hills, glorious heathland, river valleys, ancient woodland, thriving villages and market towns. Discover what the South Downs National Park has to offer.
Beaches
Old Thorns is only a short drive away to some of the most beautiful places in the country
to relax and have some fun in the sun.
to relax and have some fun in the sun.
Beaches
Old Thorns is only a short drive away to some of the most beautiful places in the country to relax and have some fun in the sun.
West Wittering Beach
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Wittering Beach is a large sandy beach with undulating sand dunes and a blue flag award for cleanliness.
Hayling Island Beach
The three main beaches of the Island have won both the European Blue Flag and the Keep Britain Tidy Group – Seaside Award Flag for cleanliness.
Frensham Great Pond
Set in 1000 acres of beautiful countryside, Fensham great pond with its sandy beach and swimming areas is the perfect day out.
Animal encounters
You're in for a wild time when visiting Old Thorns! Not only are we surrounded with the beautiful South Downs National Park
but we are in a great location to get up close to some of the most amazing animals in the world.
but we are in a great location to get up close to some of the most amazing animals in the world.
Animal encounters
You're in for a wild time when visiting Old Thorns! Not only are we surrounded with the beautiful South Downs National Park but we are in a great location to get up close to some of the most amazing animals in the world.
Birdworld
Birdworld is one of the largest bird parks in the UK with lots of daily events including penguin feeding and the amazing Outdoor Flying Display (Easter- End October).
Staunton Country Park
Let the kids loose around the farm, and interact with the furry residents of Staunton farm. Soft play area for young children and a climbing frame with slides.
Marwell Zoo
140-acre wildlife park is home to hundreds of animals, from endangered amur tigers, snow leopards and white rhinos to giraffes, gibbons and penguins - you're in for a wild time!
Thrill seekers
If your looking for a high octane adventure, Old Thorns is a fantastic base to experience some of the countries best
hair-raising rollercoasters, theme parks and a GoApe tree top obstacle course nearby!
hair-raising rollercoasters, theme parks and a GoApe tree top obstacle course nearby!
Thrill seekers
If your looking for a high octane adventure, Old Thorns is a fantastic base to experience some of the countries best hair-raising rollercoasters, theme parks and a GoApe tree top obstacle course nearby!
GoApe Alice Holt
Take the time to go outdoors and you will enjoy two to three hours in the trees taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings as you tackle the all encompasing high ropes course.
Thorpe Park
One of the UK’s most exciting theme parks and home to many thrilling rides including Stealth, one of Europe’s fastest and tallest rollercoasters; and Nemesis Inferno, a feet-free, legs-dangling coaster experience.
Chessington
World of Adventure
One for all the family: a theme park, zoo and Sea Life Centre, all in one place. The zoo has more than 1,000 animals, including western lowland gorillas, sea lions, and Sumatran tigers!
Shopping
From Old Thorns it's just a short drive to some beautiful cities, market towns and
stylish waterfront destinations with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafes.
stylish waterfront destinations with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Shopping
From Old Thorns it's just a short drive to some beautiful cities, market towns and stylish waterfront destinations with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafes.
28.3 miles
34 mins
This stunning waterfront development showcases 90 outlet stores and 30 restaurants, bars and cafés, a 14-screen cinema, 26-lane bowling alley, casino. Plus, it is also home to the impressive 170m-high Spinnaker Tower.
Guildford
The historic county town of Surrey, Guildford has a wealth of heritage, beautiful scenery, shops, cafes and restaurants, and a lively theatre and arts culture.
Chichester
Cobbled streets steeped in history; leading theatre and art galleries, a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafes, surround the spectacular 11th century Chichester Cathedral.
Culture and history
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to culture and history. From art galleries, theatres and museums to spectacular feats of engineering and architectural marvels,
in an area so steeped in history and creativity your sure to find something to tantalise the cultural taste buds.
in an area so steeped in history and creativity your sure to find something to tantalise the cultural taste buds.
Culture and history
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to culture and history. From art galleries, theatres and museums to spectacular feats of engineering and architectural marvels,
in an area so steeped in history and creativity your sure to find something to tantalise the cultural taste buds.
in an area so steeped in history and creativity your sure to find something to tantalise the cultural taste buds.
Portsmouth Historic
Dockyard
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to a fabulous collection of attractions, including Henry VIII’s doomed flagship, Mary Rose; Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory – the world’s oldest, commissioned naval ship; and the world’s first iron battleship, HMS Warrior.
Jane Austen's
House Museum
The renowned author Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life in this unpretentious 17th-century cottage, in the village of Chawton, Hampshire, from 1809 until 1817.
Churt Sculpture Park
The Sculpture Park is the world’s largest all year sculpture exhibition with over 300 artists showcasing 600 sculptures, almost everything is for sale and as a result the exhibits are forever changing so there is always something new to discover.
Vineyards, distilleries and brewerys
We are lucky to have a variety of vineyards, distilleries and brewerys nearby. Whether you've dreamt about touring beautiful award winning vineyards,
or learn about how your favourite tipple is made, there is no need to go to far, everything you're looking for can be found a stones throw away from Old Thorns.
or learn about how your favourite tipple is made, there is no need to go to far, everything you're looking for can be found a stones throw away from Old Thorns.
Vineyards, distilleries and brewerys
We are lucky to have a variety of vineyards, distilleries and brewerys nearby. Whether you've dreamt about touring beautiful award winning vineyards, or learn about how your favourite tipple is made, there is no need to go to far, everything you're looking for can be found a stones throw away from Old Thorns.
Trotton Estate
Vineyards
Theres no need to travel to France to experience beautiful rollling landscapes entwined with quaint vineyards. Why not take a tour around the award winning Trotton Vineyards based just a short distance away in the glorious countryside of the South Downs.
Bombay Sapphire
Distillery
If you're a fan of a G&T then the Bombay Sapphire distillery is the perfect place for you. With a guided tour, learn about how this world famous brand produces its trademark Gin and the facinating history of the Laverstoke Mill.
Hogs Back
Brewery
Have a tour around one of the most popular breweries in the south east. Taste a variety of their famous beers and take a look at their very own traditional hop garden. The historic Farnham White Bine hops aren't grown anywhere else in the world!
Water sports
The proximity to the coast means there are some fantastic opportunities to take part in a variety of sports.
Take a look at some ideas below, ideal for people who would enjoy a bit more action during there stay.
Take a look at some ideas below, ideal for people who would enjoy a bit more action during there stay.
Water sports
The proximity to the coast means there are some fantastic opportunities to take part in a variety of sports. Take a look at some ideas below, ideal for people who would enjoy a bit more action during there stay.
Sandbar SUP
Hayling Island
Hayling Island is renowned for is watersports activities. From stand up paddle boarding to kite surfing and sailing, you're bound to find something to suit all abilities.
2XS Surf hire & tuition
West Wittering
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, West Wittering beach is a haven for water sport enthusiasts. With variety of equipment as well as tuition available for those new to water sports, there is bound to be something to suit all levels.
Chichester
Watersports
You'll find an inflatable Aqua Park, perfect for groups or families. As well as a wake boarding wire, waterskiing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding at this fresh water activity lake.