Hampshire’s Great Outdoors

Hampshire has miles of open spaces to explore, including country parks, estate gardens, riversides and coastline. Look out for special events, such as open air concerts or school holiday activities.

Take part in a free Nature Navigation

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  Nature Navigation day is at Manor Farm Country Park on Sunday 21 March. Inspired by the satellite orienteering craze that has swept the globe, Nature Navigation is an exhilarating adventure for all the family.

   

Visit a country park

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  Take the family to Staunton Country Park; try to find your way around the maze or admire exotic plants in the greenhouse. A visit to Royal Victoria Country Park isn’t complete unless you take a ride on the railway.

   

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  Young children will enjoy the farm animals at Manor Farm Country Park, the tots’ play trail at Queen Elizabeth Country Park or for the more energetic try the Lepe Loop, a coastal walk from Lepe Country Park.

   

Wander round the garden

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  Admire the wonderful collection of rhododendrons and azaleas at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, or stroll around the peaceful Longstock Water Gardens. Exbury Gardens is a great place for families to explore and has its own steam railway.

   

Explore Hampshire’s countryside

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  Pack a picnic and take a walk along the 3000 miles of Hampshire’s footpaths or try one of the many off-road cycle routes. The New Forest is always fun for the family, whether on foot or by bicycle and Blackwater Valley offers a mixture of country walks and water sport activities.

   

Comb a beach

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  Enjoy a bracing walk along some of Hampshire’s unspoilt coastline or take a gentle stroll along the beach at Netley and watch the ocean liners go by. Watch the yachts at Emsworth while Southsea Common is perfect for kite flying on a windy day. For a day on the beach, look no further than Hayling Island Britain’s only two Blue Flag beach.

   

Visit a country estate

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  Hampshire’s stately homes have ornate gardens and parkland to wander amongst. Smell the roses or walk along the River Test at Mottisfont Abbey or roam around the gardens at Hinton Ampner. Learn about the trees in The Vyne’s woods or amble through the grounds at Northingon Grange.