Crabtree Plantation, public park in Basingstoke

Crabtree Plantation

Basingstoke, Hampshire c Stewart Tukington

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Parks offer an ideal low cost day out for all the family, allowing the kids to get outside, run free and explore the great outdoors.  Many offer an array of outdoor activities and play parks onsite, along with cycle and walking trails, fishing and on the water activities.  All have great spaces to enjoy a family picnic, many have cafes serving refreshments and light bites, some with barbeque spaces for hire.  Come for an adventurous day out and discover fairy gardens, play barns, hop on miniature railways, sensory gardens and much much more.

South East England's rural geography means there are dozens to choose from, each with their own beautiful spaces and natural features. So whether your looking for a country park, adventure playground or play park near you in Kent, Hampshire, Sussex or Berkshire take inspiration from our top ten parks or take a look at the list/map view below.

Top ten country parks in South East England

  • Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton, Hampshire 
    Once the home of the biggest military hospital in the Victorian Empire, this 200-acre site is now ideal for relaxation and leisure. With a great childrens play park and fairy garden, wide open grasslands and 1-mile long railway that tours the park. 
  • Hastings Country Park, East Sussex
    Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve has over 267 hectares of ancient woodland, heathland and grassland together with 3 miles (5km) of dramatic cliffs and coastline, all within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Queen Elizabeth Country Park, South Downs National Park 
    Fourteen hundred acres of downland and woodland situated in the South Downs National Park with a Green Flag Award. Waymarked trails for walking, cycling and horse riding. Play trails, barbecues for hire. Look out for an extensive programme of events and activities.
  • Seven Sisters Country Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex
    Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. It is a popular place for a number of outdoor activities including walking, birdwatching, cycling and canoeing and named after the seven rolling chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast.
  • Staunton Country Park, Havant, Hampshire
    With a farm full of friendly animals, the south coast’s largest ornamental glasshouses, beautiful gardens and 1,000 acres of country park to explore there’s something for everyone. 
  • Mote Country Park, Maidstone, Kent
    Located in the heart of Maidstone, the 450 acre park is home to many of Kent's top events, along with a watersports centre, 32ft Sky Trail and Climbing Wall, BMX track, model railway and more.
  • Wellington Country Park, Reading, Berkshire
    Set in 350 acres of parkland between Reading and Basingstoke with a packed events calendar, outdoor playgrounds and wide open spaces the park is open from early Feb until November.
  • Farley Mount Country Park, Winchester, Hampshire
    Named after the famous monument to the horse named 'Beware Chalk Pit', which belonged to Paulet St John, the 3rd Earl of Bolingbroke.  The all round views from the monument are worth the exploration.
  • Lepe Country Park, New Forest, Hampshire
    Coastal beach walks with historic D-Day remains, wildflower meadows and children's play areas. There's also an excellent sensory garden with sights and sounds perfect for stimulating the minds of babies and toddlers.  Discover the long shingle beach, views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, The Lepe Loop a five mile circular walk and a regular events programme.
  • Alver Valley Country Park, Lee-on-Solent, Gosport
    This nature reserve is full of wildlife living amidst its woodland and grassy meadows .  The River Alver runs through its heart, creating lakes and ponds along its course

Parks near me

To find your nearest country park, play park, adventure playground near you, whether you're local to South East England or visiting the area on holiday, select the 'map view' icon below.

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Number of results: 45

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Kearsney Abbey Park and Russell Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Municipal Park

    DOVER

    Enjoy an afternoon out at the popular Kearsney Parks - Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens – located on the outskirts of Dover. 

  2. River Hamble Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Southampton

    River Hamble Country Park is a place to play, picnic, relax and explore. Have a ramble around our ancient woodland and enjoy seasonal changes - from bluebells in spring to fantastic autumn colours.

  3. Capstone Farm Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Gillingham

    Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway's finest green spaces, offering wonderful opportunities for walking, running, cycling and more in 114 hectares of former farmland on the North Downs.

  4. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Forest

    CRANBROOK

    The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.

  5. Staunton Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Havant

    A farm full of friendly animals.

  6. Crabtree Plantation

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Basingstoke

    This was originally part of the Hackwood Estate. Evidence of the historical significance of this site can still be seen in the Bolton Arch, the main entrance to Crabtree. The woodland is a mixture of oak, horse chestnut, sycamore and ash, with many…

  7. Dinton Pastures Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Hurst

    A 350-acre site with meadows, fishery, watersports and conservation lakes. Three bird hides, orienteering course, children's play area, cafe.

  8. Itchen Valley Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Eastleigh

    Itchen Valley Country Park is set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows situated beside the River Itchen and has been recognised with ten Green Flag Awards®

  9. Wellington Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Riseley, Reading

    Wellington Country Park, ‘The Biggest Outdoor play in Berkshire’, was established in 1974 by the Eighth Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Set in 350 acres of beautiful parklands off the A33 between Basingstoke and Reading, Wellington Country Park…

  10. Snelsmore Common Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Newbury

    Heathland, valley bog and woodland. Suitable for most quiet recreational activities such as walking and picnicking. Walking distance to Donnington Castle.

  11. Eastrop Park

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Basingstoke

    Located just a short walk from Basingstoke town centre, this popular park includes a boating lake, tree trail, trim trail and children’s play area. It benefits from two car parks on the site. The park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag…

  12. Lepe Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Beaulieu

    Lepe Country Park has something for everyone. The long stretch of shingle beach is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers, families and holidaymakers. From the shoreline you can look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Watch yachts, ferries…

  13. Mote Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Maidstone

    Mote Park has been a popular place to visit for both visitors and locals being a huge green open space in the heart of town. Its vast number of mature trees create a landscape of tranquil beauty.

  14. Southwater Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Horsham

    This 90 acre (36 ha) site, created from a former brickworks, has level surfaced paths which provide an easy-going lakeside walk. Offering a selection of outdoor activities including an adventure-style play area.

  15. Queen Elizabeth Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Horndean

    With over 2,000 acres of downland and woodland, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is the ideal place to explore, keep fit and enjoy the great outdoors.

  16. Royal Victoria Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Southampton

    Rich in history, with a small beach and miles of open fields, Royal Victoria Country Park is a hidden gem on the south coast.

  17. Windsor Great Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Windsor Great Park, Windsor

    Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, huge parts of which are open to the public. Windsor Great Park is the perfect place for picnics, eating, shopping, running, walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. Families will love the children's play…

  18. Seven Sisters Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Seaford

    Situated in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.

  19. Cobtree Manor Park

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    AYLESFORD

    Cobtree Manor Park has over 50 acres of parkland displaying a diverse and maturing collection of trees and shrubs. The Park features a themed play area, along with a sculpture trail, plenty of space for picnics, and a visitor centre and café serving…

  20. Brickfields Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Aldershot

    Brickfields Country Park, possibly the smallest country park in the UK.