Categories What to Do - What do Do in the South East - Parks, Gardens, Walks in the South East What to Do in Hampshire, Parks, Gardens, Walks in Hampshire
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What to Do in HampshireWhat to Do in Hampshire Parks, Gardens and Walks
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Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is a magical place in the New Forest National Park. The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (100 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. This earthly paradise offers a riot of colour in spring, an oasis of tranquility in summer followed by a splendid show as the leaves change in the autumn. Discover Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways. Let the train take the strain on a 20 minute journey or ride a chauffeur driven buggy to tour the Gardens. Numerous events take place across the year at Exbury Gardens. April's Events An African Summer at Exbury until Sunday 15th JulyThe Glory of the Garden until 10th June Four Seasons Art Exhibition now until 10th June Exbury's Bluebell Wood From late April until 13th May Find out about more events throughout the summer
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| The New Forest National Park, South West Hampshire, 01590 646600 The New Forest National Park is a beautiful area of ancient woodland, lawns, farmland, heath, mudflats, pretty villages and roaming ponies! The majority of the New Forest is now part of the New Forest National Park that was created in March 2005 and covers over 140,000 acres. It is the first national park in the South-East of England and covers an area of mainly the South-West of Hampshire from east of the Avon Valley to Southampton Water and from the Solent coast to the edge of the Wiltshire chalk downs. Over 34,000 people live within the Park making it the most densely populated national park in England. There is much to do within the Park including walking, cycling, horse riding, open bus tours, fun on the water, museums and many other attractions. Driving around seeing all the wild ponies is quite amazing! Ideas for places to visit and things to do include otters & owls , canoeing & kayaking , open air bus tour, horse riding , historic properties . |
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| South Downs Way National Trail, Winchester (Hants) to Eastbourne (Sussex), 01243 558716
The South Downs Way National Trail covers 100 miles of Southern England from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders can see beautiful countryside along with way including spectacular views, wildlife, pretty villages and pubs! If you were to do the whole 100 mile route is would take on average eight days to walk and three days to cycle! Highlights of the trail include Winchester Cathedral, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Parham Deer Park, Chanctonbury Ring, Dew Ponds, Adur Valley, Devils Dyke, Ditchling Beacon, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age monuments, Long Man of Wilmington, Ouse valley, Cuckmere Haven, Seven Sisters, Beachy Head, blue butterflies, and the highest point of the walk is 270m (900ft) at Butser Hill in Hampshire.
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| The South Downs National Park, Southern England (East Hants & Sussex), 01243 558700
In March 2009 the South Downs was given the go ahead to become a National Park in recognition of its special qualities in terms of natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation and making it the 10th National Park in England. The South Downs National Park will cover 99% of the land currently designated as Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. The National Park will eventually be managed by the National Park Authority but during the period of transition will be looked after by the South Downs Joint Committee. The South Downs National Park will stretch from Winchester, East Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex with spectacular scenery, walks, cycle rides, horseriding, golf courses, hang gliding, paragliding and places to eat and drink.
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| Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean, Hampshire, 023 9259 5040
Queen Elizabeth Country Park is Hampshire’s biggest country park covering 1,400 acres of East Hampshire’s Area of Outstanding Beauty and 20 miles of trails. The park is home to over 300 sheep and a large deer population. There is plenty to do in the park with trails for walker, cyclists and horse riders, BBQ sites to hire and a Tots Play Trail for children aged 2-7 years with wooden play equipment.
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| Basingstoke Canal, Surrey & Hampshire, 01252 370073
The Basingstoke Canal is 32 miles long running from Greywell in Hampshire to Woodham in Surrey, with a footpath stretching all the way along. The canal has 29 locks and connects to the River Wey Navigation. The Canal Visitor Centre is located alongside the Canal in Mytchett, Surrey and offers facilities for visitors including information, picnic area, play area, gift shop, tea room, campsite and free parking. At weekends and during the spring/summer school holidays visitors can jump aboard for public narrowboat trips.
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| Itchen Valley Country Park, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, 023 8046 6091
Itchen Valley Country Park is 440 acres of woodland and meadow with a Woodland Nature Reserve and Watermeadows rich in plant life and birds. For children there are self-led trails, activities, workshops and pond dipping from April – September, as well as a small play area for under nines and an adventure style play are for under 12s. There are also specific trails for dog walkers and cyclists, and a bridle route for local horse riders. Visitors can hire one of two barbeques available throughout the year or use disposable barbeques in the designated area.
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| Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, 02380 899108
Lepe Country Park is a coastal park within the New Forest National Park, with over a mile of beach overlooking the Solent and views of the Isle of Wight. During WWII, Lepe played an important role in the D-Day landings when troops, vehicles and supplies sailed from its shores. Visitors can still see evidence of Lepe's wartime efforts today. Lepe offers all round entertainment with walks, swimming, fishing, windsurfing and wildlife. There is a children’s play area, picnic areas, barbeques for hire, café and tea rooms. The Lepe Loop is the coastal and countryside walk of five miles taking around two hours and walking along footpaths, gravel tracks across farmland and shingle foreshore.
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| Staunton Country Park, Havant, Hampshire, 02392 453405 There is much to do within in the 1,000 acres of Staunton. For children there is the Ornamental Farm with a range of small and medium sized animals. In the garden, one of the largest glasshouses in the country can be seen with a diversity of tropical plants. Also to be seen in the gardens are the water features, maze, walled garden and puzzle garden. |
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| Sir Harold Miller Gardens, Ampfield, 01794 368787 One of Europe's biggest Winter Gardens, the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens cover 180 acres, with a collection of 42,000 plants, of 12,000 different varieties. The gardens were given to Hampshire County Council by Sir Harold to be run as a charitable trust. |
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| Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley, 02380 455157
Overlooking Southampton Water, the Royal Victoria Country park holds different events throughout the school holidays including the Teddy Bears Ride, Wildlife Pond Dipping, Railway Treasure Hunt and a seashore safari. |
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| The National Trust, Places to Visit Across the South East, 0844 800 1895
Back in 1895, the National Trust was founded with the aim of saving our nation's heritage and open spaces. Over 100 years later, they are still working hard to uphold these values. the National Trust looks after historic houses, gardens, mills, coastline, forests, farmland, moorland, islands, castles, nature reserves, villages... and pubs. They have acquired a wide range of fascinating, and often surprising, places that you can now visit and enjoy. From the humble Alfriston Clergy House (their first house) to the grand houses of Edwardian socialites, by way of caves, lighthouses, gardens, pubs, beaches, castles and abbeys (to name but a few). Choose places to visit from Romantic Places, Houses & Buildings, Garden & Parks, Coast & Countryside, or Site & Monuments. Visiting their events is a great way to make your day out amazing. Talk to an expert, learn a new skill, enjoy some music or watch a re-enactment. Walk, cycle, camp surf... they have it all. Click here to visit the National Trust website and find the ideal day out for you.
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| Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield, Romsey SO51, 01794 369318
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire (formerly Arboretum) is open all year and offers 180 acres of beauty, inspiration and discovery. Over 42,000 plants from temperate regions around the world grow in a variety of themed landscapes. An idyllic venue for special occasions, civil ceremonies, weddings and conferences. Events and exhibitions all year round. Excellent restaurant and summer tea rooms. Family friendly. Free entry for children.
The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is a charitable trust with remit in horticulture, conservation, education and recreation. Managed and operated by Hampshire County Council.
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| Gilbert White's House & Garden, Selborne, Hampshire, GU34, 01420 511275
Born in 1720, Gilbert White followed his grandfather and uncle into the Church and had a distinguished career as a Fellow of Oriel. In 1746 he was ordained a deacon and became curate for his Uncle Charles who was vicar in the neighbouring Hampshire village of Farringdon, before his full ordination on 1749. White believed in studying living birds and animals in their natural habitat which was an unusual approach at that time, as most naturalists preferred to carry out detailed examinations of dead specimens in the comfort of their studies. Later he became curate of the Selborne parish, See the house and find out about the life and work of “the man who got us all birdwatching” and visit the beautiful garden and park set under the famous Selborne Hanger. See the fascinating Antarctic exhibition dedicated to Captain Oates, who accompanied Captain Scott to the South Pole in 1912.
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