Find Fairies, Crabs and Shipwrecks at River Hamble CP
The river meanders through River Hamble Country Park, past expensive yachts and a medieval ship wreck, play areas and a World War 2 training camp, sun drenched fields and dappled woodland trails, a crabbing pontoon and a Victorian farmyard.
River Hamble Country Park
There are three main areas to the country park – Topfield, Manor Farm and Barnfield.
Topfield
Topfield has a dog walking field and barbecues for hire but we spent most of our time at Barnfield and Manor Farm.
Manor Farm
Within the country park is Manor Farm, a Victorian farm with costumed farm workers, historic farm buildings, free-ranging animals and antiquated tractors.
It has plenty of farm animals, including cows and calves, pigs and piglets and hens and chicks.
There are also two play areas on the farm with climb-on tractors, drivable mini-tractors, sand play tables and balance courses as well as a cafe.
Barnfield
The Barn
Next to the car park is The Barn, a visitor centre and a cafe.
The Adventure Play Area
Also next to the car park is the River Hamble Country Park Adventure Play Area, which is inspired by the Grace Dieu (see below). It has a ship theme and equipment that includes two ships to play on with slides, climbing walls, nets, bridges and ropes.
It has a ship theme and equipment that includes two ships to play on with slides, climbing walls, nets, bridges and ropes. There is also a crow’s nest, a large rope swing and musical instruments.
The Grace Dieu
The stretch of the River Hamble at Barnfield is the site of the Grace Dieu ship wreck. The Grace Dieu was finished in 1418 and became Henry V’s enormous flagship.
Sadly, she never sailed beyond the Isle of Wight as the crew mutinied. Instead, she was brought to the River Hamble. In 1439, she was struck by lightning, caught fire and burned to the water level.
The size of the Grace Dieu is marked out next to the adventure play area. The mast of the ship would have been the same length!
The Trails
Waymarked trails criss-cross the country park, passing through woods, along the River Hamble and to a pontoon.
The path from the adventure play area leads you into the woods and along the River Hamble.
The River Hamble
There are a couple of places along the path to the pontoon where you can access the river.
People paddle, swim, kayak and paddle board but there are two things to note:
- the currents can be strong and
- when the tide is out it can be very muddy.
Please be sure to make all the necessary checks before you go.
Crabbing on the Pontoon
From this pontoon you can fish for crabs with a line.
The Barn sells the equipment you need but you have to bring your own bait. Their website has further details and some crabbing guidelines.
HMS Cricket
The country park was home to HMS Cricket, a camp built during World War 2 to house and train the assault craft crews that took part in the D-day landings of 1944.
The remains of the buildings can still be seen around the park and there is also a memorial at Barnfield.
The Manor Farm Fairy Folk Story Trail
Alternatively, try the Hampshire County Council Story Trail* called Manor Farm Fairy Folk.
Hampshire County Council’s Story Trails
*These are walks with interactive stories to read along the way, as told by a cute character called the Story Snail.
Each Story Trail is about one mile long and is divided into numbered story sections that you read out as you reach number markers along the trail.
Finding a Copy of the Story Trail
To follow the Story Trail you need a free pack that you can either borrow from a specified place (with a Hampshire Library card and a £20 returnable deposit) or download a story trail from the internet in written or audio form. Each pack has a map to follow and the trail itself is marked with arrows and/or pictures of the Story Snail.
Visit the River Hamble Country Park website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Bursledon, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO31 1BH
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free but there is an entry fee for Manor Farm.
Where to Eat: At one of the cafes, rent a barbecue or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Ice creams, picnic areas, cafe, snacks, toilets and accessible toilets.
How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly
Parking: Several car parks. The ticket machines take cash but you can buy a car park ticket with a card at the Manor Farm Visitor Centre.
Cost of Parking: From £2.50 for the first hour but capped at £7.
Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, birds, deer and maybe the odd fairy or two if you follow the story trail!
Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: April 2023
Ratings
Our visit to River Hamble Country Park in Bursledon, near Southampton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
