New online guide set to help Hampshire families discover free days out and places to visit

Little Ankle Biters Hampshire aims to show families where they can get outside to enjoy nature after data from the Office for National Statistics showed many people in the city have no access to a garden.

Statistics show nearly half of homes in Fratton West and Portsea and nearly a third of homes in Somers Town and Old Portsmouth have no access to a local or shared garden.

A website for every member of the family, Little Ankle Biters Hampshire provides a guide to free outdoor spaces and country parks across Hampshire.

It is written by mum-of-three Katherine Antrobus, who swapped corporate life in product marketing for Vodafone for a greater work life balance to become editor of the free website.

Katherine, from Basingstoke, said: ‘I jumped at the chance to become editor of Little Ankle Biters Hampshire to provide what I consider to be an essential support network for families across the county and am excited to officially launch with our guide to the great and free outdoors.

‘With Covid restrictions in place, parents are struggling more than ever to entertain kids, especially when there is such limited indoor and outdoor space at home, but there are so many benefits from getting outside in the fresh air and enabling kids to let off steam in a safe environment whatever the weather.’

The Little Ankle Biters’ top three free country parks for Portsmouth families are Staunton Country Park in Havant, Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Clanfield and Alver Valley Country Park in Cherque Farm.

SEE ALSO: Southsea children's author left astounded as painted pebble of main character turns up 300 miles away in the Lake District

Kate Gregory, co-founder Little Ankle Biters and mum of two, said: ‘I have family in Portsmouth, so I know what fantastic family adventures this city and Hampshire have to offer.

‘We are thrilled to welcome Katherine to the Little Ankle Biters team.’

Little Ankle Biters provides reviews of activity clubs, days out, classes and child friendly pubs and restaurants, all supported by tips and advice about how to entertain kids.

The team is also creating a Hampshire Christmas Gift Guide to support local businesses by helping to fill the void from this year’s lack Christmas fairs.

Visit hants.ankle-biters.co.uk for more information.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.