Parks & nature in Southampton

Andark Lake

Southampton

Open water swimming, paddleboarding and scuba training in a lake built for it, plus a café for afterwards.

Accessible toiletBirthday partiesCaféChanging Places+8 more

Blackwater Arboretum

Brockenhurst

A walk among tall trees with a sensory sculpture trail to hunt down, plus forest cycle trails if you bring bikes.

Dog friendlyPicnic areaPicnics allowedToilets+1 more

Blashford 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

Bootcamp UK Southampton

Southampton

Adults-only outdoor circuit sessions in Southampton, mixing cardio and body-conditioning three times a week.

Booking requiredOutdoor playParking

Brentry Woodland, Hillier Arboretum

Romsey · up to age 16

Free woodland paths through a huge collection of trees and plants, with a winter garden that earns its keep in the colder months.

ParkingPicnic area

Cat & Fiddle Pick Your Own

Christchurch

Wander the fields filling a basket with your own fruit, veg and pumpkins, then browse the farm shop and café.

CaféFree parking

Furzey Gardens

Lyndhurst · ages 0-5

Fairy doors hidden along woodland paths make this a slow wander for under-fives, with a monthly Toddle session built just for them.

Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingBooking requiredCafé+2 more

Hengistbury Head Beach

Bournemouth

A wide nature reserve beach with a land train to Mudeford Spit, harbour views and wildlife webcams to spot along the way.

Accessible toiletBike parkingCaféDog friendly+4 more

Kingston Beach

Shoreham-by-Sea

Free rock pools and a swim spot with limited parking, right by Shoreham-by-Sea.

Lymington Sea Water Swimming Baths

Lymington · ages 5+

Timed sea water sessions with an inflatable obstacle course, paddleboarding and open swimming, right by the estuary in Lymington.

Accessible toiletBooking requiredIndoor seatingFood on site+2 more

Micheldever Woods

Winchester

Ancient beech woodland with Bronze Age burial mounds to find and roe deer to spot, free to wander with no set trail to follow.

Dog friendlyPicnic areaToilets

New Century Park

Eastleigh

A free splashpad with a proper freshwater flow system, plus a playground, skate park and pond boardwalk to explore around it.

CaféDog friendlyFood on siteOutdoor play+3 more

Roydon Woods Nature Reserve

Lymington

A free wander through ancient woodland with bluebells in spring, grazing animals about, and no set route to stick to.

Sopley Farm Shop & Bakery - Dan Tanner's

Christchurch · ages 0-16

Pick your own fruit and veg in the fields, plus a sunflower patch that's made for photos.

Stoke Fruit Farm Shop

Hayling Island

A farm shop on Hayling Island where, come late July, you can head out into Sam's Sunflower Fields and pick your own blooms.

Free parkingStep-free accessWheelchair accessible

Swanwick 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

Testwood 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