Country Parks

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.