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Country Parks & Nature Reserves in Southampton
Woodland, lakes and mud are all within easy reach here. Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, out in Swanwick, is free to visit and has sessions running from under-5s right up to young teens, plus free parking if that matters to you. Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve in Southampton itself charges from £5 and is built for pushchairs, with two accessible bird hides, gravel paths, parking and baby change facilities on site, and monthly Wildlife Tots for 2 to 5 year olds. For toddlers, Testwood's flat paths and small age bracket make it the easiest choice. If you want free and don't mind muddy boots, Swanwick has the wider age range and no entry fee. Older children who fancy a proper walk are better off with a longer trip out to Blashford Lakes in Ringwood, from £4, where 8km of gravel trails and a sculpture trail give them something to aim for between bird hides. All three have accessible toilets, so nobody is left waiting by the car park.
4 places 2 free to visit
from £4Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Ringwood
Bird hides, viewing screens and 8km of gravel trails around the lakes, with a sculpture trail to keep younger legs interested.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingToilets+1 more
FreeItchen Valley Country Park
Southampton · ages 0-14
Five free play areas, woodland trails and an alpaca walk to try, all in a park where entry costs nothing.
Accessible toiletAllergy awareBike parkingBlue badge parking+15 more
FreeSwanwick Lakes Nature Reserve
Swanwick
Free woodland and lake reserve for wildlife spotting, muddy trails and organised sessions for under-5s up to young teens.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingFree parking+3 more
from £5Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve
Southampton · ages 2-5
Two accessible bird hides and gravel paths for a pushchair-friendly wander, plus monthly Wildlife Tots sessions for 2 to 5 year olds.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingParking+3 more
Good to know: country parks & nature reserves in Southampton
Are any of them free?
Yes, Itchen Valley Country Park and Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £4 at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find country parks & nature reserves in Ringwood, Southampton and Swanwick. Every place we list is in or around Southampton, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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