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

Hankley Common

Hankley Common has beautiful views and some of the finest heathland in Southern England, all criss-crossed by a network of paths. 

We have stumbled across lizards, onto film sets and down steep, sandy hills. 

The Atlantic Wall

Hidden in the trees near Upper Car Park is the Atlantic Wall, which was built by Canadian soldiers in 1943. 

This was used to train soldiers to overcome the German defences they might face in northern France. 

Dragon’s Teeth

Scattered through the nearby trees are pyramid-shaped anti-tank obstacles, which were also used for training.   

James Bond

Hankley Common was one of the locations used for James Bond’s childhood home in the film Skyfall.  

Thor’s Den

There is a nearby play area called Thor’s Den, which is on the edge of Thursley Common, just a short drive from Hankley Common.

Nearest Town:  Thursley, near Farnham
County:  Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens:  Daily
Cost:  Free

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

How Long We Spent There:  2 hours
Buggies:  I wouldn’t bring a buggy here as there are sandy hills to navigate. 

Parking:  There are two car parks that can both be found from Thursley Road. The first is called Upper Car Park and can be found using post code GU8 6LW. It is at the top of a little side road that comes off Thursley Road on the double bend (opposite a sign that says “Hankley TRG Area DZ Huts”). The second is called Thursley Public Car Park, which can be found using post code GU10 2LQ and is towards The Sculpture Park end of the road. 
Cost of Parking:  Free

Wildlife You Might See:  Birds, lizards, deer and insects.

Information Written:  November 2020
Information Checked:  May 2025

The equipment includes:

• toddler swings (with short ropes)
• a very small slide for young children with musical chimes and cogs
• a larger slide and multiplay with bridges and an abacus
• two deer springers
• a seesaw
• a basket swing
• a roundabout
• a zip wire
• a picnic table
• seats for adults.

Note that the larger slide is best suited to older children – it does not have easy to climb stairs and has a high, wobbly bridge.

Nearest Town: Thursley
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6QD

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. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Insects and birds.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: October 2024

Big and Small Flashes

There are two types of flashes. The big flashes are lakes that predate the canal.  

The smaller flashes are natural depressions that flooded when the canal was created. 

This bridge hides…

…a gorgeous lake!

Along this section of the canal you find Anglers’ Flash, Greatbottom Flash, Rushmoor Flash and Claycart Flash.  

Section 6 of the Basingstoke Canal Towpath

Section 6 of the Basingstoke Canal towpath takes you on a 3 mile walk from the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett

to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot.

This is not a circular path. 

The Route

This section of the towpath starts at the Basingstoke Canal Centre, which has a play area and cafe.

Then you pass two areas where the canal opens up – Mytchett Lake and Anglers’ Flash. 

From here it is on to the Ash Aqueduct, which flies the canal over the A331

and on to Ash Lock.

Along the way you go under bridges,

some of which are very low

and come complete with graffiti!

Your destination is Wellesley Woodlands with its paths, brass rubbing and activity trails. 

Plenty of Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere along the canal with plenty of waterbirds, including ducks and coots with gorgeous chicks.

You can often spot hidden herons…

…and a fox ran out across the path when I was cycling. 

The Walk or Cycle

This section of the towpath is 3 miles long and is not circular. It took us about 2.5 hours, walking at a child’s pace.

I often cycle this route and it takes about 30 minutes to go from the Canal Centre to Wellesley Woodlands. 

The Paths

The towpath is generally flat but can be muddy in places if it has been raining. 

The surface can be a little bumpy with stones in some places but is easy to use a bike or buggy along.

There is a road crossing at Ash Lock, so you need to take care. 

Where to Next?

North – Section 5: The Deepcut Flight between Curzon Bridge and the Canal Centre    

South – Section 7: Wellesley Woods to Fleet to Crookham Wharf

Nearest Town: Mytchett or Aldershot (depending on which end you start from)
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD (the Canal Centre). GU11 2RE (Wellesley Woodlands).

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or eat at a cafe or pub along the way. 
Facilities: There is a picnic table along the way at Ash Lock and also at Wellesley Woodlands.  There is a cafe and picnic area at the Canal Centre. You also pass a canal-side pub, The Swan, just before you reach Ash Vale. At Ash Vale there are shops and a cafe. 

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: We parked one car at the Basingstoke Canal Centre (GU16 6DD) and a second at Wellesley Woodlands (GU11 2RE).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2024

Section 5 of the Basingstoke Canal Towpath

Section 5 of the Basingstoke Canal towpath takes you on a 2.75 mile walk from Curzon Bridge in Deepcut

to the Canal Centre in Mytchett. This is not a circular path. 

The Deepcut Flight

Section 5 includes the last 3 locks of Deepcut Flight, which is a series of 14 locks on the Basingstoke Canal between Pirbright and Surrey Heath.

In total these locks raise boats by nearly 100 feet in just 2 miles!

The Locks

The locks have two enormous wooden doors at each end with huge levers.

The Route

This section of the towpath starts at Curzon Bridge, a modern bridge that shelters Lock 25

and leads you past Frimley Lodge Park, which has two play areas, one with a castle theme

and a second with a woodland feel.  

About a ten to twenty minute walk further down the Basingstoke Canal takes you to the end of this section and the Basingstoke Canal Centre. 

Plenty of Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere along the canal with plenty of waterbirds, including ducks and coots with gorgeous chicks.

You often spot herons too, either frozen in the canal or wobbling along the path itself. 

The Walk 

This section of the towpath is 2.75 miles long and is not circular. It took us about 2 hours, walking at a child’s pace.

I often cycle this route and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Canal Centre from Curzon Bridge. 

The Paths

The towpath is generally flat but does rise a little along this stretch. This means that at each lock there is a little hill but nothing we found strenuous. 

The towpath can be muddy in places so be sure to bring wellies if it has been raining.

The surface can be a little bumpy with stones in some places but is easy to use a bike or buggy along.

There is a road crossing and then a section where you walk along a road so you need to take care. 

Where to Next?

North – Section 4: The Deepcut Flight between Pirbright Bridge and Curzon Bridge    

South – Section 6: Canal Centre to Ash Lock to Wellesley Woods

Nearest Town: Deepcut or Mytchett (depending on which end you start from)
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU24 0DN (from Deepcut). The Deepcut postcode will take you to Stanley Hill, which is as close to the Deepcut lay-by as possible to direct with postcodes. The lay-by is actually next to the railway bridge on Gapemouth Road. For the exact location, please see the Where To Go Map as the marker called “Basingstoke Canal Walk 05 – Deepcut to Frimley Green to Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre” points to the lay-by. GU16 6DD (from Mytchett). 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: There is a picnic table along the way at lock 28.  There is a cafe and picnic area at Frimley Lodge Park and the Canal Centre. 

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: We parked one car in the lay-by on Gapemouth Road (GU24 0PQ – see above for details) and a second car at the Basingstoke Canal Centre (GU16 6DD).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2024

The Play Area

Next to the Canal Centre is a wooden play area with:

• toddler swings
• a springer
• a balance course with nets, tightropes, log stumps, a climbing wall, balance beams and rope swings.

So Much To Do!

There is a wide range of activities on offer: hire boats and canoes, walk to Frimley Lodge, play in the fields, enjoy the towpath, take narrow boat trips, explore woods and ponds, choose a picnic spot or check out the playground.

The Basingstoke Canal Centre

The Canal Centre has information on the canal, a gift shop, a campsite, and public toilets. 

There is also a cafe that serves a selection of refreshments, has indoor tables, and outdoor picnic benches.

Potters’ Pond

Behind the Canal Centre is a pond dipping area

and a wild woodland

with paths, ponds, and bridges.

The Towpath

I use an all-terrain buggy when we walk on the towpath. It is generally even but there are quite a few stones, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy.

We also enjoy cycling along the towpath down to Frimley Lodge Park

or further afield to see the giant locks that line the Deepcut Flight. 

Explore the Canal on Foot

The Basingstoke Canal has about 33 miles of towpath.

From the Canal Centre you can walk for about 20 minutes at a slow pace to the well-equipped Frimley Lodge Park, which has two play areas, a trim trail, sports facilities, and a cafe.

It also has the Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway, which has public running days at various times during the year. 

Explore the Canal by Water

You can also take a trip on Rosebud, a small narrow boat. Trips last about an hour but only run on a limited number of days. 

At certain times of the year rowing boats, canoes and pedalos are available to hire from the Canal Centre too.

The Swing Bridge Closes…

The swing bridge at the Canal Centre closes towards the end of the afternoon. The exact time is usually stated on a sign on the bridge.

After it closes, you can reach the Canal Centre by crossing the canal at the nearby road bridge, although there is a flight of steps to climb up.

…and so Does the Barrier!

There is a barrier at the entrance to the car park that closes at the end of the day. You cannot enter the car park after it has closed but you can leave – just drive up to the barrier and it will lift. 

Nearest Town: Mytchett, near Farnborough
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD

Opens: The canal is open daily but the Canal Centre has seasonal opening hours. Please see their website for details. 

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, and toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: About 2 hours.
Buggies: I use an all terrain buggy as the tow path is generally even but has quite a few stones on it, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy.

Parking: There are two car parks, one just through the entry barrier and another tucked away past the Canal Centre. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and insects.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: June 2024

Section 4 of the Basingstoke Canal Towpath

Section 4 of the Basingstoke Canal towpath takes you from Pirbright Bridge to Curzon Bridge in Deepcut.

The is a picturesque two mile walk past 11 of the 14 locks in the Deepcut Flight.

The Deepcut Flight

The Deepcut Flight is a series of 14 locks on the Basingstoke Canal between Pirbright and Surrey Heath.

In total these locks raise boats by nearly 100 feet in just 2 miles!

The Locks

The locks have two enormous wooden doors at each end with huge levers.

The Route

This section of the towpath starts at Lock 15, which is next to Pirbright Bridge

and a conveniently placed car park.   

Then heads under Cowshott Bridge to Lock 17.

The Bisley Bullet

Along the path are remnants of the Bisley Bullet, a railway line that connected Brookwood to nearby rifle ranges.

This line was closed in the 1950s, leaving only its brick piers.

Curzon Bridge

The path leads past another seven locks

and ends at Curzon Bridge, a modern bridge that shelters Lock 25. 

Plenty of Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere along the canal and we spotted butterflies, caterpillars, spiders, ladybirds, newts, freshwater snails and lots of fish, including a large one that looked like a pike.

There were plenty of waterbirds, including ducks and coots with gorgeous chicks.

The Walk 

This section of the towpath is 2 miles long and is not circular. It took us about 1.5 hours, walking at a child’s pace.

I often cycle this route and it takes about 20 minutes to reach Pirbright Bridge from Curzon Bridge. 

Uphill or Downhill?

If you cycle or walk from the Deepcut to Pirbright you go down the hills.  

If you cycle in the other direction, you are going uphill. 

The Paths

The towpath is generally flat but does rise 100 feet along this stretch. This means that at each lock there is a little hill but nothing we found strenuous. 

It can be muddy in places so be sure to bring wellies if it has been raining.

The surface can be a little bumpy with stones in some places but is easy to use a bike or buggy along.

Where to Next?

North – Section 3: St John’s to Brookwood to Pirbright Bridge        

South – Section 5: Curzon Bridge to Frimley Green to Canal Centre

Nearest Town: Pirbright or Deepcut (depending on which end you start from)
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU24 0AG (on Pirbright Bridge) or GU24 0DN (from Deepcut). The Deepcut postcode will take you to Stanley Hill, which is as close to the Deepcut lay-by as possible to direct with postcodes. The lay-by is actually next to the railway bridge on Gapemouth Road. For the exact location, please see the Where To Go Map as the marker called “Basingstoke Canal Walk 05 – Deepcut to Frimley Green to Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre” points to the lay-by.

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: There is a picnic table along the way at lock 28.

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: We parked one car at Pirbright Bridge (where there is room for several cars) and the other at the lay-by on Gapemouth Road (GU24 0PQ – see above for details).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: May 2017
Information Checked: June 2024

The Canal Centre Play Area

Next to the Canal Centre is a wooden play area with:

• toddler swings
• a springer
• a balance course with nets, tightropes, log stumps, a climbing wall, balance beams, and rope swings.

The Frimley Lodge Play Areas

From the Basingstoke Canal Centre you can walk for about 20 minutes to the well-equipped Frimley Lodge Park, which has another two play areas.

Nearest Town: Mytchett, near Farnborough
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD

Opens: The canal is open daily but the Canal Centre has seasonal opening hours. Please see their website for details. 

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, and toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: About 2 hours.
Buggies: I use an all terrain buggy as the tow path is generally even but has quite a few stones on it, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy.

Parking: There are two car parks, one just through the entry barrier and another tucked away past the Canal Centre. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada Geese, coots, moorhens, birds, butterflies and insects.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: June 2024

The Ash Embankment Aqueduct

Built in 1994, the Ash Aqueduct carries the Basingstoke Canal over the A331 dual carriageway and the River Blackwater.

Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path leads underneath the aqueduct and from down below it looks like a normal road bridge.  

This makes climbing the bridge and discovering a canal a stunning surprise, especially on a sunny day.

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3: Shawfields to Hollybush Pits

This is 2 miles long and starts at Shawfields or Rowan Field. 

Ivy Road Recreation Ground is a convenient place to park near Shawfields.  

Follow the path across the field to a small bridge and turn left onto the Blackwater Valley Path.

The path will lead you over footbridges

up to the Basingstoke Canal

past Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area

over a couple of roads you need to cross with care

through narrow paths lined with brambles and stinging nettles 

along the river

finally ending at North Camp railway station

and the Old Ford Pub.

Carrington Recreation Ground

We continue on for a couple of minutes to play at Carrington Recreation Ground, which is also where we park.

The River Blackwater

Along Section 3 of the path, the River Blackwater starts to feel like a fully sized river complete with weeds waving in the currents.

River access becomes very difficult because of the wild vegetation growing alongside. 

The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path is 23 miles long, marked by signposts and divided into 12 sections.  

These sections follow the river, are not circular and do not finish where they start.  

The Paths Along Section 3

The paths along Section 3 are generally flat with a few gentle inclines and easy to use.  

The paths after Lakeside Nature Reserve can be very narrow, overgrown and muddy with patches of stinging nettles and brambles. 

There is hard surfacing that is said to suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bikes.

We have all used scooters along this section between Shawfields and Lakeside Nature Reserve without too much difficulty, although the surface can be uneven in places and there are often stones or branches to dodge.

But the path around Hollybush Pits does not feel like it is surfaced. In some areas it has large chunks of rock and brick sticking out of the ground. This wasn’t a problem for a bike but I have taken a scooter this way before and couldn’t use it. 

We now don’t take scooters beyond Lakeside Nature Reserve.

Would We Go Back?

We probably wouldn’t go back to the whole of Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path because of the paths around Hollybush Pits.

Instead, we follow a different and circular route!

A Circular Alternative!

We often cycle along the first half of Section 3, beginning at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and cycling for about ten minutes to the Ash Aqueduct.

From here we either follow the Basingstoke Canal tow path

to Ash Vale for an ice cream, which takes another ten minutes.

From Ash we cycle back to the aqueduct and rejoin the Blackwater Valley Path North and cycle to Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area, which is about a five minute cycle from the aqueduct.

After Lakeside Play Area we cycle back to the aqueduct and then Ivy Road, which takes about 20 minutes.

Where to Next?

Upstream – Section 2:  Pea Bridge to Shawfields

Downstream – Section 4:  Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge

Nearest Town: Ash, Ash Vale, North Camp
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Shawfields/Ivy Road: GU12 4XG
Nearest Postcode for Hollybush Pits/Carrington Recreation Ground: GU12 5PG

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly up to Lakeside Nature Reserve but can be harder going afterwards. 

Parking: To park near Shawfields, we go to Ivy Road (GU12 4XG) – drive past the waste recycling centre and turn left next to the sign for Belle Vue Enterprise Centre. To park near Hollybush Pits, we go to Carrington Recreation Ground (GU12 5PG).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, ducks, moorhens, coots, Canada gees, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: May 2024

The play equipment includes:

• a tractor to play on
• a wooden house with a slide, climbing wall, fireman’s pole and ladder
• a zip wire
• swings
• toddler swings
• a basket swing
• a spinning, rope climbing frame
• a balance course and
• a picnic table.

Next to the play area is a small football pitch with a two goals.

Nearest Town: Tilford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 2AB

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 are parking spaces next to the play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: February 2023

The 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

Broadwater Park Play Area

The play area is for children to the age of 14 years old.

The equipment for younger children includes:

• a multiplay and slide a bridge
• a wooden climbing frame with a slide
• a wooden play house 
• a sand pit with sand play equipment and mushrooms
• a play house with seats and puzzle boards
• a Simon says machine
• toddler swings
• a springer seesaw
• a car and motorbike springer
• a spinning cup.

The play equipment for older children includes:

• a climbing frame with bars and a climbing wall
• a spinning ring
• equipment to balance on
• swings.

Broadwater Park Recreation Ground

Next to the play area are picnic tables and

a large field with cricket pitches.

Also Broadwater Park Multi Use Games Area

and tennis courts.

Broadwater Park

This is a large park with fields, a tarmac path you can scooter on,

a pond next to the play area where you can feed ducks

and a huge lake with another picnic area. 

The Paths

The paths are generally flat and easy to walk on. Some are surfaced and others are muddy.

Nearest Town: Godalming
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU7 1HR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets.

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

Parking: Car park next to the park and near the play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

Little Beaulieu Adventure Play Area

This fantastic adventure play area has equipment that includes:

• a tube slide
• other slides
• a basket swing
• toddler swings
• an obstacle course
• climbing walls
• a fireman’s pole
• a zip wire
• talking tubes
• musical instruments
• puzzle boards.

There is also a Toddlers’ Play Area for children of 5 years and under, which has equipment that includes:

• the Beaulieu open-topped bus with a slide
• a wooden play house with a bridge, ladders and a slide
• a sand pit with chutes, buckets and pulleys 
• picnic tables.

Secret Passages and Paintings

Inside the castle there are secret passages to find and explore, including one that goes behind a bookcase

and paintings with moving eyes…

Role Play

There are places to role play too, including a race car

a jeep

a tractor

and a petrol station. 

Beaulieu National Motor Museum 

At the heart of Beaulieu is the National Motor Museum, which as you’d expect is packed full of cars

including famous cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mr Bean’s mini.

The Monorail and Bus

Beaulieu is also home to the oldest monorail in England

and an open topped bus that drives you gently around the grounds. 

Nearest Town: Hythe, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO42 7ZN

Adult Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, cafe, shop, picnic areas, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

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

Information Written: January 2023

Beaulieu National Motor Museum 

At the heart of Beaulieu is the National Motor Museum, which as you’d expect is packed full of cars

and some motorbikes.

But mainly there are cars –

old cars

new cars

record breaking cars

and famous cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Mr Bean’s mini

and Del Boy’s three wheeler.

There’s even a car shaped like an orange!

The Monorail 

Beaulieu is also home to the oldest monorail in England,

which glides above the attractions

and through the museum building!

Open-Topped Bus

This dates from 1912 and drives you gently around the grounds. 

Ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

At certain times of the year you can book a ride in a replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and also in Mr Toad’s car from the film The Wind in the Willows.

Have a look at the Beaulieu website for full details. 

World of Top Gear 

There’s also an exhibition of the cars created on ‘Top Gear’.  

Little Beaulieu Adventure Play Area

Probably our favourite part of the visit was Little Beaulieu, the adventure play area,

which is a labyrinth of secret passages and bridges,

slides, and walkways. 

The Grounds and Cafe

On top of all that, there are gardens to explore

with Alice in Wonderland shaped bushes

and a cafe.

Nearest Town: Hythe, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO42 7ZN

Adult Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, cafe, shop, picnic areas, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

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

Information Written: January 2023

Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust’s mission is to conserve birds of prey in the UK and abroad.  

When we visited they had a particular focus on learning to love vultures, who have an unfair reputation. 

All About Birds

You can learn about the birds of prey from their enclosures

and during talks,

interactive workshops

and flying displays.

The Birds of Prey

The Hawk Trust Conservancy is home to birds of prey, including vultures,

storks,

eagles,

owls,

owls

and more owls!

The Play Area

The bird of prey themed play area has places to climb, slide and swing.

Where to Eat

You can eat at Feathers Restaurant and there are two picnic areas.

Nearest Town: Andover
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SP11 8DY

Adult Cost Range: £15 to £19.99
Child Cost Range: £10 to £14.99
Free if: Under 4 years 

Opens: Various times throughout the year. 

Where to Eat: Feathers Restaurant or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, shop, cafe, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

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

Wildlife You Might See: Birds of prey like eagles, kites, hawks, owls, herons, storks and vultures.

Information Written: August 2023

Stockbridge Common Marsh

As you enter, you pass a National Trust sign that says ‘The Lions Den’ and I have absolutely no idea why!

The common is mainly grassland where you can walk and picnic during dry weather.

A tributary of the River Test flows along one edge.

If you look carefully you may spot brown trout.

Paddling

Children can have a little paddle by the bridge

but they may not be alone!

Stockbridge Town

If you cross the bridge and walk a short way, you come to the pretty town of Stockbridge.

The River Test flows through the town, past shops and places to eat. 

The Paths

The paths are flat and easy to walk on but can become boggy and muddy during wetter weather.

Nearest Town: Stockbridge, near Andover and Winchester
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO20 6JA 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: You might be able to use an all terrain buggy.

Parking: There is a car park but it can be very busy. 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects; herons, kingfishers and other birds; brown trout,  other fish and pond life; cows and water voles.

Information Written: June 2022

The play equipment includes:

• a multiplay and slide with nets and easy to climb stairs
• a wooden climbing frame with a net
• an obstacle course 
• swings
• toddler swings
• a basket swing
• a little wooden slide for smaller children
• a boat
• a spinning cup
• seats.

The play area is in a large field with a meadow, pond and a riverside walk.

Nearest Town: Godalming
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU7 1HR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat in one of the local cafes, pubs or restaurants.
Facilities: Picnic table, toilets, accessible toilets, snacks, ice cream.

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

Parking: Crown Court Car Park is next to the play area.
Cost of Parking: From £1.10 per hour. 

Information Written: July 2022

Corfe Castle