This is a scenic area combining farmland and ancient woodland
running down to the banks of the Hamble River. Here you can explore
the network of footpaths and farmland tracks with flower rich verges.
At low tide watch a variety of water loving birds as they search
for food in the salt marsh creeks; enjoy a picnic or book a family
barbecue in one of the two picnic areas that include children's
play furniture and plenty of space for ball games.
The Great Outdoors
The Hamble Valley’s extensive countryside, country parks and coastline along the Southampton Water and River Hamble provides a wealth of activities allowing you to explore, whether for a family day out, a ramble or simply for some fresh air to blow the cobwebs away!
There are numerous country parks and open spaces, all with their individual
feel allowing you to escape the rush of daily life, to get off the beaten
track and enjoy an abundance of wildlife (from deer, foxes, bats and butterflies
to geese, ducks and waders), wildflowers, plus much of historical interest
and plenty of outdoor fun.
Take your pick from special events held all year round in the country parks
including bird spotting, craft and activity days, guided walks with a ranger
and conservation days such as pond clearing and coppicing. Celebrate the changing
seasons with popular themed family events such as Halloween walks, Easter
egg hunts, Christmas trails and the school holidays with activities for children
such as team games, mini beast hunting, pond dipping and art and craft days.
Themed events also take place throughout the year at the two miniature railways
within Lakeside and Royal Victoria Country Parks. There are fun play areas
for children and toddlers, as well as plenty of space to run around and play
games! Contact the individual parks to receive their calendar of events and
more information.
Attractions:
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Royal Victoria Country Park
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The Park gains its name from the creation in 1856
of the country's first purpose built military hospital, opened by
Queen Victoria. There are many meadows and woodland paths and the
Solent Way runs along the entire shoreline of the Park, giving magnificent
views over Southampton Water.
On the shore itself flocks of gulls, waders and wild geese can
be seen foraging for food. There's a sensory garden for those with
limited mobility and sensory difficulties. Also picnic and barbecue
areas, a children's play area, a play area for wheelchair bound children,
a history trail, nature trail and orienteering
course.
Netley Abbey Web: www.hants.gov.uk/rvcp |
Manor Farm Country Park
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Pylands Lane, |
Manor Farm
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A visit to this working farm within the Country Park will transport you back to Victorian times. Meet the characters within the farmhouse, school, blacksmith's forge and wheelwrights shop; explore the farmyard with vintage machinery and traditional farm animals (including many rare breeds) for a fascinating insight to life in a bygone era. Victorian farm activities most weekends and school holidays include cooking, art and craft in the farmhouse, have-a-go farming.
Pylands Lane, manorfarm |
Lakeside Country Park
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Popular for fishing, windsurfing, model boating and sailing,
Lakeside is also home to a variety of wildlife. There are picnic areas
and plenty of open space for ball games.
You can purchase fishing permits for Lakeside country park at Eastleigh
Angling centre, Market Street, Eastleigh, tel/fax 023 8065 3540
Wide Lane, |
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Itchen Valley Country Park
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Throughout the hundreds of acres of unspoilt countryside the Park offers opportunities for recreation walking, picnicking and barbecues. Waymarked trails help you discover the different areas and habitats. Part of the forest trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The 17th century style Visitor Centre houses interactive exhibits, the Woodland Cafe and a shop with countryside gifts.
Allington Lane West End Tel: 023 8046 6091 |
Holly Hill Woodland Park |
A wonderful example of a medium sized late Victorian villa landscape created to take advantage of the topography and setting close to the River Hamble.
Holly Hill offers visitors a tranquil setting in which explore a series of large ponds surrounded by format gardens blending to natural woodland. The park is a fine example of a woodland water garden having extensive Pulhanite rock work which form the extensive waterfalls and ornate landscaping
Main car park Off Barnes Lane Sarisbury Green Tel: 01329 236100
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•
Walking Distance (Maps) Ltd • Bargate Centre • York Buildings
• Southampton • SO14 1HF
Tel : 0906 68 22 001 (calls cost 25p per min) • Email:hamblevalley@walkingdistance.co.uk
