Country Parks in Hampshire

Hampshire's country parks and nature reserves offer a fantastic day out and things to do for all the family, with picnic sites, play areas, visitor centres, nature trails and plenty of fresh air.
A great place to escape, no matter the time of year, plan your visit to some of Hampshire’s country parks today. Plus, be sure to keep an eye on our country parks’ event listings for seasonal trails, family days and much more. 

Country Parks in North Hampshire

Wellington Country Park

Located on the Hampshire/Berkshire border near Basingstoke, there are 350 acres of parkland to explore, nature trails, a small farmyard, miniature railway and plenty of play areas. During December, Wellington Country Park comes to life with the colourful Neverland Illuminova immersive light trail. 

Wellington Country Park offers camping in the summer months and free parking. Pre-booking of tickets is advised. 

Find out more about Wellington Country Park
 

Country Parks in East Hampshire

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

The biggest of all Hampshire's country parks, Queen Elizabeth is a mecca for walkers and cyclists with an excellent visitor centre and great views from the top of Butser Hill.

The park sits within the South Downs National Park and at over 2,000 acres, there’s plenty of woodland and downland to explore. 

Cyclists will love the bike trails as well as the mini wheels track, mini wheels skills area, mountain bike skills area and mountain bike coaching area. 

Have fun on the play area, try out the assault course and test your four-legged friends’ abilities on the dog activity course. 

Find out more about Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Staunton Country Park

1,000 acres of landscaped parkland with ornamental lake, woodland, follies and a maze near Havant. Paid entry to the ornamental farm, gardens and glasshouses.

For younger children, there’s the petting farm, play barn and ride-on tractors. Plus look out for a wide-range of events throughout the year including Enlightened Staunton at Christmastime. 

Find out more about Staunton Country Park

Alice Holt Country Park

Situated near Farnham on the Hampshire/Surrey border, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails. It's also home to Go Ape! where you can swing through the forest on a high wire course. Or join in with one of the fitness and wellbeing activities on offer throughout the year. 

Find out more about Alice Holt Country Park

Find out more about Go Ape - Alice Holt
 

The Solent Country Parks

Royal Victoria Country Park

Overlooking Southampton Water on the site of a former military hospital, Royal Victoria in Netley is popular with families and has a large calendar of events, miniature railway and tea shop.

Hire a BBQ and cook up a feast for the family, take a tower tour for panoramic views across the country park and the Solent, explore the fairy garden or have fun in the play area.

Glamping is also available here. 

Find out more about Royal Victoria Country Park

River Hamble Country Park

Discover activities, scenic spots, historical landmarks and more at River Hamble Country Park. From crabbing to walking trails, wildlife spotting and BBQs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this lovely country park, plus it’s dog friendly too! There’s also a shipwreck to discover and The Barn is now open serving delicious snacks and cakes as well as hot drinks.

Find out more about River Hamble Country Park

Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve

Explore 369 acres of Lower Meon Valley at Hillhead near Fareham, a haven for birds and other wetland wildlife.

See what you can spot from the seven easy-to-access hides or take a walk along the canal path for panoramic views over the nature reserve.

Young children will love hunting for hidden fairy doors, doing brass rubbings and feeding the ducks (with duck food available to purchase). 

Find out more about Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve

Itchen Valley Country Park

There are 440 acres of woodland and meadows to explore in this small country park on the outskirts of Southampton. Itchen Valley Country Park features play areas, a visitor centre and café as well as Go Ape - Southampton high ropes course with zip slides. 

Find out more about Itchen Valley Country Park

Find out more about Go Ape - Southampton
 

Country Parks in the New Forest

Lepe Country Park

Lepe is a coastal country park with great views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. There’s a 5-mile circular walk with views over the Beaulieu Estuary. 

The beach is home to several relics from World War 2, offering a fascinating history and a D-Day audio trail is available to download ahead of your visit. 

The Lookout Cafe offers a great pit stop after a busy day’s exploring and little ones will love the play area and sensory cottage garden. 

Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, with the exception to the family friendly section of beach which they can only access October to March.

Find out more about Lepe Country Park

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest

On the Hampshire/Dorset border, Moors Valley offers a great day out for all the family. Choose from cycling, walking or trying out the nets adventure or high ropes on one of Go Ape's courses. There's also segways, several play areas and a miniature steam railway. 

Find out more about Moors Valley Country Park & Forest

Find out more about Go Ape - Moors Valley

We strongly advise that you check for seasonal opening times before travelling.

For more inspiration on places to visit in the countryside, visit our explore page or find out more about our two national parks; the New Forest National Park and the South Downs National Park.