Selbourne Common

Selbourne Common is covered in towering trees, wildflower meadows and a hidden pond.

As you walk around, an occasional gap in the trees reveals a beautiful view across the Hampshire Downs, as if to remind you how high up you are.

The Zig-Zag Path

This path was cut by the naturalist Gilbert White and his brother in 1753 to make accessing Selbourne Common easier.

The Selbourne Hanger

The Zig-Zag path is on the steepest side of the hill, called the Selbourne Hanger. It is covered in precariously balanced trees.

The ascent is fairly gradual and not a challenging climb. We climbed for about ten minutes before reaching the top. 

The Views

The path seems never-ending but the higher you climb, the more rewarding the view.

By the time you reach the top, the views are breathtaking and the well placed bench is the perfect place to relax and enjoy them.

Go Wild

There are plenty of plants and animals for children to discover – stag beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects as well as birds, orchids and fungi.

Nearest Town: Selbourne, near Alton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 3JR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Either bring a picnic and blanket or alternatively, check out the Selbourne Arms, which is next to the car park. 
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets in the car park but nothing on the common.

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: We did not bring a buggy with us and were glad we hadn’t – the Zig-Zag path is steep and narrow with frequent steps. 

Parking: There is a car park behind the Selbourne Arms pub. From this car park, follow the ‘Footpath to Selbourne Common’ signs, which lead you down a shady footpath to the start of the Zig-Zag path.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, stag beetles, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: June 2025

Our visit to Selbourne Common in Selbourne, near Alton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Petersfield Heath Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a tyre swing 
• a rocking horse 
• a slide built into the hill 
• a roundabout 

• springers 
• a multiplay with a slide and binoculars 
• a sunken pirate ship sand pit 
• a tunnel
• a wooden climbing frame obstacle course with a slide and climbing wall.

Next to the play area are picnic tables 

and The Plump Duck cafe.

Petersfield Heath

This is ancient heathland with a large pond 

boat hire 

and a circular trail. 

Nearest Town: Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU31 4LB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at The Plump Duck cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Lizards, insects, ducks, swans, geese, kingfishers and other birds.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Petersfield Heath and Play Area in Petersfield is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Waggoners Wells

On a walk around Waggoners Wells you will find three beautifully blue, man-made pools  

a waterfall 

slopes to clamber up and slide down

tangles of tree roots to explore 

and ducks, ducks, ducks!

You might also be lucky enough to spot some of the giant fish that live in the pools. 

The Wishing Well

The wishing well is at the lowest end of Waggoners Wells, a little beyond the last pool. A plaque on the wall commemorates the poem “Flower in a Crannied Wall” by Tennyson, which is believed to have been written here in 1863.

The wishing well is marked on the map board near the car park stairs. It is easy to find – follow the main path past the three pools and the wishing well is in the wall of the nearby house. It took us about ten minutes to walk there. 

The Paths

The paths are generally flat 

with some steps in places.  

Nearest Town: Headley Down, near Hindhead
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU26 6DT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free 

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours 
Buggies: The main paths are relatively flat and easy to walk on but there are steps in places. 

Parking: There is a car park, which you reach by driving through a ford!
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, fish and insects.

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Waggoners Wells in Headley Down is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Ashford Hangers

The Ashford Hangers is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.

Shoulder of Mutton Hill

This is the view from the top of Shoulder of Mutton Hill and it is every bit as spectacular as people say. 

The stone you can see is a memorial to the poet Edward Thomas, who lived in this area from 1906 to 1916. 

Where to Next?

From Shoulder of Mutton Hill you can continue on to Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill

or back down to Lutcombe Pond and Ashford Stream.

Finding Shoulder of Mutton Hill

There are different ways to reach Shoulder of Mutton Hill and the top of the Ashford Hangers but these are the three routes I use, all of which involve climbs:

Route 1: From Lutcombe Pond:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, keeping Lutcombe Pond on your right. 

Keep walking straight up the hill and when you are nearly at the top,  you come to these steps. 

Follow this path all the way to Shoulder of Mutton Hill.

Route 2: From Lutcombe Pond Using the Little Bridge:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, but this time cross the little bridge and keep Lutcombe Pond on your left.

Follow the path to the right and you come to these steps, which are at the foot of Shoulder of Mutton Hill. 

A short but very steep climb will take you all the way to the top.

Route 3: From Ashford Farm:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, 

follow the path as it leads up the hangers.  

After a climb and some twists and turns, you will find yourself at these stairs and Wheatham Hill. 

Continue on this fairly flat path and Shoulder of Mutton hill is a little further on and on the left. 

Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AA or GU32 1AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: The first path from the car park to the pond is buggy friendly but the paths quickly become steep and uneven afterwards. 

Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) on Ashford Lane. There is also an area where cars park to the side of Ashford Farm (GU32 1AA). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, other insects and birds.

Information Written: January 2024

Our visit to Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield (including Lutcombe Pond, Ashford Stream, Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill and Shoulder of Mutton Hill) is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Ashford Hangers

The Ashford Hangers is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.

Wheatham Hill

Wheatham Hill is 249m high, making it one of the highest hills in Hampshire. 

At the top is a trig point, a bench and a spectacular spot for a picnic. 

The beautiful views extend to Selbourne Common and beyond to what I think are the Hogs Back, Gibbet Hill and Crooksbury Hill. 

Cobbett’s View

William Cobbett (1763-1835) was many things – radical, journalist, farmer, MP, political and social reformer. 

Starting in 1822, he went on a series of journeys to see for himself the conditions of rural life. He recorded his findings, which became the book Rural Rides.

On 24 November 1822, Cobbett arrived at the Ashford Hangers and describes his adventure through the hangers to Wheatham Hill, which is now known As Cobbett’s View.

To the Top!

I will let William Cobbett explain about the spectacular joys of walking to the top of Wheatham Hill!

“On we trotted up this pretty green lane; and indeed, we had been coming gently and generally up hill for a good while. 

“The lane was between highish banks and pretty high stuff growing on the banks, so that we could see no distance from us, 

“and could receive not the smallest hint of what was so near at hand. 

“The lane had a little turn towards the end; so that, out we came, all in a moment, at the very edge of the hanger! And never, in all my life, was I so surprised and so delighted! 

“I pulled up my horse, and sat and looked; and it was like looking from the top of a castle down into the sea, except that the valley was land and not water…

“These hangers are woods on the sides of very steep hills. The trees and underwood hang, in some sort, to the ground, instead of standing on it. Hence these places are called Hangers.”

The above description of Cobbett’s adventure in the Ashford Hangers starts on page 127 of Rural Rides. You can find a free online copy on the Project Gutenberg website. 

Finding Wheatham Hill

There are different ways to reach Wheatham Hill and the top of the Ashford Hangers but these are the two routes I use:

From Lutcombe Pond:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, keeping Lutcombe Pond on your right. 

Keep walking straight up the hill and when you are nearly at the top,  you come to these steps. Follow this path to Shoulder of Mutton Hill and then on to Wheatham Hill, which is at the top of these stairs. 

From Ashford Farm:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow this path as it leads up the hangers.  

After a steep climb and some twists and turns, you will find yourself at these same stairs and Wheatham Hill. 

Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AB or GU32 1AA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths up the hangers are often steep and/or narrow. I have seen a couple of families taking little children on these walks but never with buggies. 

Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) on Ashford Lane. There is also an area where cars park to the side of Ashford Farm (GU32 1AA). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, other insects and birds.

Information Written: January 2024

Our visit to the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield (including Lutcombe Pond, Ashford Stream, Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill and Shoulder of Mutton Hill) is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Ashford Hangers

This is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.

Ashford Stream 

The path from the parking spot follows Ashford Stream, which is shallow enough in places to paddle and splash around.  From April to June, the smell of wild garlic fills the air.

Lutcombe Pond 

A gentle five minute stroll takes you to a small bridge and then to Lutcombe Pond, which has unusually clear water and a dam you can walk over.

Onwards or Upwards?

The path forks after the little bridge and each route takes you deeper into the reserve. 

Route 1: Onwards Over the Bridge

The path over the bridge skirts the base of the Ashford Hangers, which is a flat and easy walk. 

This path has many side shoots that will take you up to the top of the hangers, including this side shoot straight up Shoulder of Mutton Hill, which really is every bit as steep as this photo makes it look! 

Route 2: Upwards to Hangers Way

The path to the left of the bridge takes you past Lutcombe Pond, directly up the hill and on to Hangers Way, 

which leads to the top of Shoulder of Mutton Hill

and also to Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill. 

The Paths

The paths along Ashford Stream and around Lutcombe Pond are fairly flat but can be muddy.  You can reach the pond with a buggy.

Beyond the pond, the paths up the hill become steep and narrow in places. 

The paths over the bridge and along the foot of the hangers are wider and flatter.

Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: You can take a buggy to the pond but the paths beyond this point are steep and/or narrow. 

Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) and next to the stream. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, other insects and birds.

Information Written: April 2019
Information Checked: January 2024

Our visit to Lutcombe Bottom, the Ashford Stream and Lutcombe Pond in the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Northfield Wood

Next to the play area is a copse of trees you can walk in. 

Mill Lane Waterfall

It is about a fifteen minute walk to the waterfall from Steep Recreation Ground. 

To find the path, leave the play area, walk over the field and head into Northfield Wood. Follow the main path through the trees to the left. 

This path leads you through a kissing gate and along a field. 

There was an electric fence along this stretch of the path when we visited so keep an eye on any children with you. 

At the end of the path is a road that you turn right onto. Then it is a short walk along this road (with no pavement) to the waterfall.

Full details of the route we followed can be found on the Great British Life website. 

The Ashford Hangers

The footpath next to the waterfall takes you over the stream and on towards the Ashford Hangers, a national nature reserve with spectacular views. 

Steep Recreation Ground

The play equipment includes:

• swings
• a toddler swing
• a wooden multiplay with climbing walls, nets, a bridge and a slide
• picnic tables.

Next to the play area is a football pitch.

Nearest Town: Steep, near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 2DE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is no car park but you can park on the road next to the play area. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, other insects, deer and birds.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Steep Recreation Ground and Play Area in Steep, near Petersfield, and Mill Lane Waterfall is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Steep Play Area

The play area is opposite the church and has play equipment includes:

• swings
• a toddler swing
• a wooden multiplay with climbing walls, nets, a bridge and a slide
• picnic tables.

Next to the play area is a football pitch.

Northfield Wood

Next to the play area is a wood you can walk in. 

Mill Lane Waterfall

The mesmerizing Mill Lane Waterfall roars down a hill and under the road where it pools as a slow flowing stream.

The Ashford Hangers

The footpath next to the waterfall takes you over the stream and on towards the Ashford Hangers. The hangers are invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and with spectacular views. 

 

Nearest Town: Steep, near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 2DE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is no car park but you can park on the road next to the play area. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects, birds and deer.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Steep Recreation Ground and Play Area in Steep, near Petersfield is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Liss Forest Recreation Ground and Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings 
• swings that spin around
• a roundabout
• a multiplay with a slide, rope bridge, nets and easy to climb steps
• a springer
• seats. 

Next to the play area is a basketball net, a football pitch 

and a pétanque terrain. 

Have a look at the Pétanque England website for details about how to play.

Nearest Town: Liss, near Liphook
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU33 7BP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Tricky but you can try to find somewhere to park on one of the nearby roads. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Liss Forest Recreation Ground and Play Area in Liss, near Petersfield, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Hogmoor Inclosure Play Area

This has a mixture of natural play equipment and adventure play equipment that includes:

• a large tube slide with a covered rope bridge and long ladders that are broken into sections by wooden platforms
• a wooden climbing frame with nets
• tree stump obstacle courses
• stones to climb on
• a sandy area with sand play equipment 
• a wide slide with a ladder 
• a spinning disc 
• spinning cups 
• three tyre swings 
• a small castle tower with a ladder 
• a swinging basket 
• swings
• a zip wire.

We could not find any toddler swings.

In the play area there is also a little pond that children paddle in.

The Cafe

Cafe Hogmoor is next to the play area and the car park and sells snacks and refreshments. 

The Bee Hive

Between the Hogmoor Cafe and the car park is a little building called the Bee Hive. Next to it are:

• musical instruments 
• a scavenger hunt
• a brass rubbing area. 

The Trails

There are a few marked trails to try that lead you past different features, including gates, activity boards and the Sentinels. 

Nearest Town: Bordon
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU35 9HN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the Cafe Hogmoor. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Some paths are uneven and others are sandy. 

Parking: There is a car park next to the Inclosure’s entrance (GU35 9HN). It can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and insects.

Information Written: October 2021
Information Checked: April 2023

Our visit to Hogmoor Inclosure in Bordon is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Sentinels

The Sentinels are wooden sculptures and there are a few along each of the marked trails. Their locations are shown on the maps by the car park, which you can photo before you set off.

The Trails

There are a few marked trails to try that lead you past different features, including gates, activity boards and the Sentinels. 

The paths are sandy and lower than the surrounding trees. There are lots of little hills for you to run up and explore in parallel to the paths.

The Cafe

Cafe Hogmoor is next to the play area and the car park and sells snacks and refreshments. 

The Bee Hive

Between the Hogmoor Cafe and the car park is a little building called the Bee Hive. Next to it are:

• musical instruments 
• a scavenger hunt
• a brass rubbing area. 

The Hogmoor Inclosure Play Area

The Hogmoor Inclosure Natural Play Area has a mixture of natural play equipment and adventure play equipment that includes:

• a large tube slide with a covered rope bridge and long ladders that are broken into sections by wooden platforms
• a wooden climbing frame with nets
• tree stump obstacle courses
• stones to climb on
• a sandy area with sand play equipment 
• a wide slide with a ladder 
• a spinning disc 
• spinning cups 
• three tyre swings 
• a small castle tower with a ladder 
• a swinging basket 
• swings
• a zip wire.

We could not find any toddler swings.

In the play area there is also a little pond that children paddle in.

Nearest Town: Bordon
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU35 9HN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the Cafe Hogmoor. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Some paths are uneven and others are sandy. 

Parking: There is a car park next to the Inclosure’s entrance (GU35 9HN). It can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and insects.

Information Written: October 2021
Information Checked: April 2023

Our visit to Hogmoor Inclosure Natural Play Area in Bordon is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Paddock Way Children’s Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• two climbing frames
• a big tyre swing 
• a basket swing 
• a spinning cup 
• a spinning disc 
• a seesaw
• seats.

Next to the play area is a football pitch and a basketball net. 

Nearest Town: Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 3NH

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 30 minutes
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are spaces for a couple of cars next to the play area. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Paddock Way Children’s Play Area in Petersfield is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Assault Course

Suitable for those over 1.4m tall only, the assault course has 12 obstacles and a 250m run. 

Each obstacle has an instruction board

to guide you as you go up

under

over 

and through! 

From the Visitor Centre, the assault course is either a 5 minute drive or a 15 minute walk uphill.

Juniper Adventure Play Trail

Next to the assault course is a smaller obstacle course, which is part of the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Adventure Play Area:

• a wooden multi-play with a tunnel slide, cargo net, ladder and bridge
• two log cabin climbing frames
• an obstacle course with ropes, logs, bridges, and cargo nets
• a zip wire 
• picnic tables.

A Pizza Oven!

There is also a brick pizza oven you can hire next to the assault course and adventure play area!

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Queen Elizabeth Country Park has lots of activities to try, including walking, cycling and mountain biking trails, orienteering trails and nature areas.

It has a Visitor Centre, shop, cafe and a kiosk. 

Butser Hill

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is at the bottom of Butser Hill National Nature Reserve. 

Butser Hill is is one of the highest points in Hampshire with beautiful views towards the Isle of Wight and the South Downs. It is also an ideal spot for kite flying.

Nearest Town: Horndean, near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: PO8 0QE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe, hire a barbecue or pizza oven, bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe offering snacks and ice cream, a kiosk at the adventure play trail, shop, toilets and accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There are several different car parks to choose from. 
Cost of Parking: From £2 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Insects, butterflies, ducks, geese and birds.

Information Written: February 2023

Our visit to Queen Elizabeth Country Park Assault Course and Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Horndean is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Juniper Adventure Play Trail

This adventure play area has:

• a wooden multi-play with a tunnel slide, cargo net, ladder and bridge
• two log cabin climbing frames
• an obstacle course with ropes, logs, bridges, and cargo nets
• a zip wire and 
• picnic tables.

From the Visitor Centre, the play trail is either a 5 minute drive or a 15 minute walk uphill.

Assault Course

Suitable for those over 1.4m tall only, the assault course is hidden in the woods to the right of the adventure play trail and has 12 obstacles and a 250m run.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Queen Elizabeth Country Park has lots of activities to try, including walking, cycling and mountain biking trails, orienteering trails and nature areas.

It has a Visitor Centre, shop, cafe and a kiosk. 

There is even a brick pizza oven you can hire next to the adventure play area!

 Butser Hill

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is at the bottom of Butser Hill National Nature Reserve. 

Butser Hill is is one of the highest points in Hampshire with beautiful views towards the Isle of Wight and the South Downs. It is also an ideal spot for kite flying.

Dragon of Butser Hill

There is a Hampshire County Council Story Trail called”The Dragon of Butser Hill” that tells you a story about knights, damsels, giants and dragons as it winds around the hilltop.

Nearest Town: Horndean, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: PO8 0QE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe, hire a barbecue or pizza oven, bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe offering snacks and ice cream, a kiosk at the adventure play trail, shop, toilets and accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There are several different car parks to choose from. 
Cost of Parking: From £2 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Insects, butterflies, ducks, geese and birds.

Information Written: July 2016
Information Checked: February 2023

Our visit to Queen Elizabeth Country Park and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Adventure Play Area in Horndean, near Petersfield, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Juniper Adventure Play Trail

This is the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Adventure Play Area and has:

• a wooden multi-play with a tunnel slide, cargo net, ladder and bridge
• two log cabin climbing frames
• an obstacle course with ropes, logs, bridges, and cargo nets
• a zip wire and 
• picnic tables.

From the Visitor Centre, the play trail is either a 5 minute drive or a 15 minute walk uphill.

The Assault Course

Suitable for those over 1.4m tall only, the assault course is hidden in the woods to the right of the adventure play trail and has 12 obstacles and a 250m run.

Dog Activity Course

Near to the Juniper Adventure Play Trail is the Forts and Fleets Dog Activity Course. It is 200 metres long and has 8 obstacles designed for dogs. 

Butser Hill

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is at the bottom of Butser Hill National Nature Reserve. 

Butser Hill is is one of the highest points in Hampshire with beautiful views towards the Isle of Wight and the South Downs. It is also an ideal spot for kite flying.

The Dragon of Butser Hill

There is a Hampshire County Council Story Trail called “The Dragon of Butser Hill” that tells you a story about knights, damsels, giants and dragons as it winds around the hilltop.

Other Activities

There are lots of other activities at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, including walking, cycling and mountain biking trails, picnic and BBQ areas, orienteering trails and nature areas. 

It has a Visitor Centre, shop, cafe and a kiosk. 

There is even a brick pizza oven you can hire!

Nearest Town: Horndean, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: PO8 0QE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe, hire a barbecue or pizza oven, bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe offering snacks and ice cream, a kiosk at the adventure play trail, shop, toilets and accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are several different car parks to choose from. 
Cost of Parking: From £2 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Insects, butterflies, ducks, geese and birds.

Information Written: July 2016
Information Checked: February 2023

Our visit to Queen Elizabeth Country Park and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Adventure Play Area in Horndean is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Greatham Recreation Ground and Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a wooden obstacle course with ropes, balancing logs and climbing walls
• a multiplay with a small slide, a bridge and a net
• a larger slide 
• swings
• toddler swings 
• a wooden frog and dragonfly
• a zip wire at the top of the field
• seats.

Next to the play area is a basketball net and a football pitch. 

Nearest Town: Greatham, near Liphook
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU33 6EY

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: Good sized car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Greatham Recreation Ground and Play Area in Greatham, near Liphook is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Stroud Children’s Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a wooden multiplay with a slide, a small climbing wall and a fireman’s pole
• swings 
• a toddler swing
• picnic tables
• seats.

Next to the play area is a field and a picnic area. 

Nearest Town: Stroud, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 3PJ

Opens: Daily from 8am to 8pm (April to October) and 8am to 6pm (November to March).
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables

How Long We Spent There: 30 minutes
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: You can park on the road by the play area. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Stroud Children’s Play Area in Stroud, near Petersfield, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Penns Farm Children’s Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a wooden obstacle course with ropes, tyres, walls, balancing logs and log stumps
• a basket swing 
• a wobbly disc
• picnic tables
• seats.

Next to the play area are rugby and football pitches and a flat track that is great for learning to ride a bike. 

Nearest Town: Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU31 4EP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables

How Long We Spent There: 30 minutes
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a large car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Penns Farm Children’s Play Area in Petersfield is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Bell Hill Common Play Area

The play area and car park are open from 8am to sunset (or 9pm in the summer).

The play equipment includes:

• a slide 
• swings 
• lots of springers
• different types of swings that spin around
• a wooden climbing frame with ropes and monkey bars
• a seesaw springer

• a multiplay with a slide, tunnels and a bridge 
• a basket swing 
• a role play area 
• a spinner
• picnic tables
• accessible equipment
• seats.

Next to the play area is a basket ball hoop. 

On the common is a football goal. 

Nearest Town: Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 3BU

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park that is open from 8am to sunset (or 9pm in the summer). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Bell Hill Common and Play Area in Petersfield is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.