Countryside 2011

31st March 2011

Countryside 2011 has just launched its exciting Event Directory, packed with activities taking place throughout Hampshire and eight other counties across the South East region.

The Directory, now online at www.countryside2011.org.uk, features hundreds of country-based activities, attractions and events that can be enjoyed during the Countryside 2011 fortnight of discovery, which runs from 28 May to 12 June.

The Directory has something for people of all ages, interests and energy levels. Many choices are free and visitors to the website can also download a range of special discount vouchers.

Hundreds of organisers have taken advantage of the Countryside 2011 Directory to tell us who they are and how they can get us hooked on the great outdoors. Hampshire activities already include everything from campcraft sleepouts, bake and taste days and falconry to magic fun days, health walks and canal cruises. More entries are being added daily between now and 28 May.

The two-week event is the second Countryside campaign to be organised by Tourism South East. It follows last year’s hugely successful inaugural campaign, Countryside 2010, which attracted half a million people to the South East’s rural open spaces – 38,000 of which were new visitors to the countryside.

Here’s a taster of what’s already on offer across Hampshire...

Campcraft Sleepout (Parent and Child), The Sustainability Centre, Petersfield – a full day of campcraft skills including shelter building, fire lighting, navigation, tool work, bat listening, a woodland evening meal, and the chance to sleep in your woodland shelter.

Bake and Taste Day, Winchester City Mill, Winchester – see wholemeal flour being produced in the traditional way, using the water power of the River Itchen. Volunteer bakers will show you how to bake delicious treats using fresh flour straight from the working watermill. Tasty samples are usually available and you can take away recipes to try at home.

Falconry at Lainston House Hotel, Winchester – up to nine aviaries housing a variety of birds of prey are being introduced to this lovely, 17th Century country house hotel’s 63 acres of grounds. The new residents will include Harris hawks, a Bengal eagle and a Tawny owl and Barn owl. Enjoy private displays, hawk walks and half or full day hunting trips with the hotel’s resident falconer.

Go Ape! Itchen Valley, Southampton – climb a 30ft rope ladder, zip-wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high-wire rope bridges on this tree-top adventure. Money off voucher available on the Countryside 2011 website.

Railway Weekend, Hollycombe Working Steam Museum, Liphook – a must for railway fans! Visiting locos and special trains throughout June 4 and 5.

Four Seasons Artists Exhibition, Five Arrows Gallery, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Southampton – browse the paintings and sculptures of a collection of top local artists. ‘Free gardens ticket’ offer during Countryside 2011 so you can return and enjoy the developing autumn colours.

War On The Line, The Mid Hants Railway Ltd, Alresford – the railway will be transformed and taken back to the 1940s and WWII, with military and civilian re-enactors, period vehicles and displays, including an aerial display! A fantastic day out for all the family.

Countryside 2011 is being supported by organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB, Cycle Touring Club, British Horse Society, Ramblers, Sustrans and the Wildlife Trusts. Ordnance Survey is once again sponsoring the event.

For full details of activities and events across Hampshire and the South East, visit www.countryside2011.org.uk. You’ll also find bright ideas for fun days out, and details of how to subscribe to the Countryside 2011 newsletter for all the latest updates. You can also follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Countryside/109066939129729), where there’s the chance to win lots of great prizes, and on Twitter (http://twitter.com/thecountryside).