Something you may not know about Hampshire County Council is that it owns a number of beautiful country parks and visitor farms and exciting children’s outdoor activity centres, open to the public. The council has worked hard over the past few years to develop and improve these assets, transforming how they are run, and, in so doing, has succeeded in making them self-funding.
Lepe Country Park in Exbury is the nearest park for those living south of the New Forest. The ‘Lepe Loop’ provides a picturesque walking route for visitors who can then enjoy lunch or a coffee in the stylishly designed new cafe building. The Lookout café was recently rebuilt on ‘stilts’ to protect it from future rising sea levels or storm events. Over the summer months there are various planned live theatre and music events and children’s holiday activities.
A little further at Bursledon is Manor Farm, a working visitor farm with animal fields, hatchery, milking stall, Victorian school room, deer hide, wildlife meadow, pond, play area and café, amongst many other interesting traditional rural experiences for children and families – or indeed for anyone! As a bonus, the picturesque River Hamble Country Park is right next door, for you to enjoy on the same day if you wish. You can also book a BBQ party on site!
I have made it a goal to visit all Hampshire County Council’s country parks this year. If you are looking for things to do or places to visit during the summer months, why not plan to visit some of them yourself and get to know the spectacular wider county of Hampshire a little better. Full details on the link below or phone 0300 555 1375 to find out more.
https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo
Cllr Fran Carpenter