A day out at Royal Victoria Country Park

Our first visit of 2012 was to the Royal Victoria Country Park in Southampton. This park is in such a beautiful location with a little bit of everything!

Children on the shoreline

Overlooking Southampton Water with distant views of the cruise ships in dock, the park is split into sections of seashore, parkland and woodland. There are vast areas of open space where the Royal Victoria Military Hospital used to stand. The chapel with its majestic tower is all that remains now offering trips up to the top of the tower at a small additional cost (max. 12 people at any one time). We were able to pre-book this experience and were accompanied to the top by very enthusiastic and informative guides.

There are beautiful 360 degree views from the top and the children loved the octagonal spiral staircase (children less than 1.2m in height are not permitted to climb).

Children on the train

We also went for a short, enjoyable train ride on the miniature railway which takes you through the park (additional costs apply).

There are a few leaflets available offering various trails to follow such as the history trail, sensory trail and tree trail. All very informative for children and adults alike, with different things to see and do!

Of course we had to visit the Cedar Tea Rooms and the hot chocolate and cakes were delicious!

We will definitely be returning to this picturesque park with all it has to offer. Whether for a walk in the woods, a run around the grass, a barbecue or picnic in the warmer months or a play on the seashore; Royal Victoria Country Park is an absolutely lovely place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Children's Comments

Lewis: I loved this place so much; it's great for everyone! I especially loved the train and the tower walk where you can see everything from the top!
Oliver: It's a lovely place. I liked climbing up the steps in the old Military Hospital. I would really like to visit again in the summer.
Harriet: It's a fantastic place to visit. I loved climbing up the old hospital which was really, really fun and exciting! I would like to go there again in the summer. I liked the train ride too.

The family have visited