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Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Park Activities

There are plenty of things to do at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. From gentle pursuits such as walking, taking in the view, and relaxing with a cup of tea from the cafeteria, to striding out along the long distance footpaths, testing your skills in the saddle, and getting off the beaten track to explore nature and history.

Check with staff in the Visitor Centre about current offers, as routes can change, and the weather can make some activities impossible to pursue.

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    Guided walks

    All walks start from the Visitor Centre unless stated otherwise. Some walks have restricted numbers, for these booking is essential. Visitors should wear strong boots or shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. In very warm weather, plenty of liquid should be taken. The Park is hilly and therefore the walks can be challenging.

     

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    Short Routes

    There are three permissive walking trails, which are clearly waymarked on the ground.
    Short woodland trail 3km (1.9 miles)
    Long woodland trail 8km (5 miles)
    Downland trail 2.7km (1.7 miles)

     

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    Long distance paths

    Staunton Way: Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Staunton Country Park 13.5km (8.5 miles) starts at the visitor centre
    Hangers Way: Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Alton. 34 km (21.1 miles) starts at the visitor centre.
    South Downs Way: This national bridleway passes through the Park and runs from Winchester to Eastbourne 161 km (100 miles)

     

Maps

A map of Park trails, covering walking, cycling, byways and Park facilities is available from the Visitor Centre for £1.
The Map also details the South Downs Way route which runs through the Park.

A new version of the orienteering route, designed by the Southampton Orienteering Society is available from reception.
There are two versions - an easy/medium and hard that are available for £1 each.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is believed to have one of the largest scale layouts of the solar system in the Country, devised by Hampshire Astronomical Group in 1981. Using wooden marker posts along the non-circular Trail to represent the planets and other objects, the idea is to show the relative sizes and distances between them.
The Space Trail maps are available from the visitor Centre for 50p

If you intend to walk beyond the park, there are OS Maps available to purchase from the Visitor Centre. Recommended OS Maps include OS-197 Chichester and the Downs, OS-120 Chichester and OS-133 Petersfield.

 
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    Adventure Play

    Juniper Adventure Area - an extensive range of play equipment suitable for children aged eight and over.

    Tots Play Area

    A range of animal themed play equipment for children under 8 years

     

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    Mothers in Motion

    Post natal exercises outside in the fresh air
    Monday 10am, Juniper Car Park
    Friday 10am, Main Entrance

     

 
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    There is a permissive trail of 9.7 km (6 miles) within the forest.
    For general information about horse riding please contact us tel 02392 595040.

     

 
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    Mountain bike trails

    There are two permissive bike trails which are clearly waymarked on the ground. The Novice mountain - bike trail 6km (3.7 miles) and the Advanced mountain - bike trail 5 km (3.1 miles).

     

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    Off road cycle trails

    Two further trails start in the Park and lead out into the surrounding countryside. These use the rights of way network and some public roads. Queen Elizabeth 16km (10 miles), Meon Valley 16km (10 miles). For more information on these routes and others in Hampshire, a pack of 'Off Road Cycle Trails' is available from the Visitor Centre for £2.99 or visit our cycling website.

     

 

Lazer Games

The ultimate adventure game for birthday parties, team building and corporate events
www.battlefrontgames.co.uk

Paragliding/Hangliding

Butser is ideal for flying. The sky-Surfers Club oversees all activity
www.skysurfingclub.co.uk

Wayfaring and orienteering

The forest course caters for a range of abilities with up to twenty posts to find. A pack, with a map and guidance notes, is available from the visitor centre - cost 75p.

Model Gliding

The Meon Valley Soaring Club operates on Butser Hill (non powered models only). www.mvsa.freeserve.co.uk

Off road driver training

Individual or group driving experiences. Specialist recovery and winching courses. For more information tel 02380 571 804, mob 07803 069 449

If you are looking for a venue for your next event contact the Visitor Centre tel 023 9259 5040.

 
 
Children in the woodland
 
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