Description
Queen Elizabeth Country Park is Hampshire's flagship country park, encompassing over 2,000 acres of open woodland and downland within the South Downs National Park. As one of the best things to do with kids in Hampshire, it offers a vast natural playground where families can explore the highest point on the South Downs at Butser Hill. Whether you are looking for peaceful walking trails or high-octane mountain biking, the park provides an ideal setting for an active family day out.
Entry to the park grounds is free for all visitors, making it an accessible option for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors. However, parking charges apply at all times to support the maintenance of the park’s facilities and trails.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids to get active, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is a top choice. It offers an educational day out through its diverse wildlife habitats and ranger-led events, such as butterfly and bug hunts. For sensory play, children can immerse themselves in the "Adventure Play Trail" or the animal-themed "Tots Play Area," both designed to encourage physical exploration in a woodland setting.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Queen Elizabeth Country Park unique?
The park is unique for its scale and its location within the South Downs, offering spectacular 360-degree views from the summit of Butser Hill. It provides a fantastic educational day out where kids can learn about conservation and local history while following nature trails. For sensory play, the park features two distinct play areas: an adventure trail for older children and a dedicated, themed zone for toddlers, ensuring that children of all developmental stages can engage with the environment.
- The Adventure Play Trail: A series of wooden obstacles and climbing frames located in the woods, perfect for burning off energy.
- Butser Hill: The highest point on the South Downs, offering a challenging walk with rewarding panoramic views.
- Mountain Biking Hub: Features a range of trails, including a dedicated blue route for intermediate riders and coaching sessions during events like CycleFest.
Top 5 Highlights
- Adventure Play Trail: Located near the Juniper BBQ site, this trail features extensive equipment for children aged eight and over.
- Tots Play Area: A safer, animal-themed play space situated close to the Visitor Centre for younger children.
- South Downs Way: A National Trail that passes directly through the park, offering well-marked routes for long family walks.
- Wildlife Spotting: From butterfly hunts to bird watching, the park’s 2,000 acres are home to a diverse range of species.
- Beechwood Kitchen: A family-friendly café serving locally sourced food, perfect for a protein-packed breakfast or a post-walk treat.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers a wide range of facilities across its expansive grounds:
- Adventure Play Trail (Obstacle-based play for older kids).
- Tots Play Area (Animal-themed play equipment for children under 8).
- Butser Hill Nature Reserve (Challenging hikes and spectacular views).
- Mountain Bike Trails (Including the 6km intermediate blue route).
- Beechwood Kitchen Café (Serving breakfast, lunches, and home-made cakes).
- Barbecue & Pizza Oven Hire (Dedicated sites like Juniper BBQ available for private hire).
- Visitor Centre & Shop (Selling maps, local produce, and unique gifts).
- Event Field (Host to major events like CycleFest and outdoor cinema).
Beyond the Main Attraction: Just 4 miles away is the market town of Petersfield, which offers more shops and a direct rail link to London and Portsmouth. For further woodland exploration, Creech Wood and Havant Thicket are located nearby within the South Downs landscape.
6.41 miles
