Summer family days out in Hampshire for under a fiver

But we're blessed with stunning countryside and coast in this area and the great outdoors is free to explore. 

Here are five places that will offer non-stop fun without costing the earth.

Lepe Beach

This long stretch of shingle beach is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers, families and holidaymakers.

From the shoreline, you can look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and watch yachts, ferries and cargo ships on their way to and from the harbours and marinas of the South Coast.

Play in the adventure playground, fly kites on the cliff top, walk the five mile Lepe Loop or explore the wild corners of the reserve.

Learn more about Lepe's role in the D-Day landings, enjoy the sensory garden or grab a drink at the Lookout.

You only need to pay for your parking.

Paddling pools and splash parks, various locations

What better way for the little ones to cool off than at one of the area's paddling pools or splash parks.

Sites are currently open at Totton, Eastleigh and Hedge End.

Pack a picnic, your swimmers and your sun cream and you're away!

For water babies, there's nothing more fun than splashing around in the shallows, basking in the sun on an inflatable or chasing their friends around with a water pistol.

You might have to splash out for an ice cream, but that's your lot.

Itchen Valley Country Park, West End

Itchen Valley's 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows include many way-marked trails around the Park.

Picnics are encouraged and a play trail consisting of wooden animal sculptures and a mud kitchen connects two fantastic play areas.

Orienteering packs, including full instructions, are available from the Visitor Centre priced £1.

Hire a barbecue site for a special occasion or, if you want to splash out, unleash your inner Tarzan and take part in the tree top adventure Go Ape! 

Crabbing at Eling

The water surrounding Grade II listed Eling Tide Mill are full of crabs, creating hours of fishing fun for children.

You can buy crabbing gear from the toll hut and get started straight away.

Fully accessible paths and boardwalks enable everyone access to the wildlife and plant life in these areas of special scientific interest. Enjoy walks around the mill pond (Bartley Water) and to Goatee Beach.

Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley

Offering fantastic views across Southampton Water, Royal Victoria Country Park is a great place to watch the busy shipping coming in and out of Southampton or simply splash around in the shallows.

Once the home of the biggest military hospital in the Victorian Empire this 200-acre site has bags of history too.

The park’s ancient woodlands, large open spaces, boardwalks and ponds offer something for everyone. There are picnic areas, family barbecue fields for hire and a cafe.

The play areas include a secluded fairy village and youngsters can enjoy some inflatable fun. 

Climb aboard the Royal Victoria Railway for a bargain miniature train ride. An adult return is £1.75 and a child return £1.25.

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