Once again, five of Hampshire County Council’s country parks have gained prestigious Green Flag status, recognising they offer the highest standards in visitor experience, park management and environmental care.

Lepe, River Hamble, Royal Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and Staunton Country Parks have all secured Green Flag awards.

In addition, Staunton, Royal Victoria, and Lepe Country Parks have also retained their Green Heritage Site Accreditation, which celebrates sites that actively conserve and promote their unique historic features.

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Universal Services, said: “I’m delighted that our country parks have once again been recognised for their great quality! Our five amazing parks are welcoming, easy to get around, and packed with things to see and do. Whether you’re out walking the dog, keeping the kids entertained over the summer, or planning a day out with friends, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find tasty food and drinks to enjoy while you’re there. Each park offers something different with beautiful scenery, so if you haven’t been to them all yet, why not come and explore?”

Each of Hampshire’s five country parks offers something unique:

• Lepe Country Park, on the coast of the New Forest, features a café and visitor centre with stunning views of the Solent and Isle of Wight, a sensory garden, and fantastic coastal and countryside walks.
• Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield, is Hampshire’s largest country park with over 2,000 acres of woodland and downland. It’s a hub for outdoor pursuits, especially cycling, and its visitor centre includes a restaurant and a sheltered outdoor area. Also available for hire are terrain mobility scooters designed to enable those who have difficulty walking because of a mobility impairment to explore some of the countryside trails.
• Royal Victoria Country Park, on the shores of Southampton Water near Netley, is home to the historic Chapel – the last remaining part of what was once the world’s largest military hospital. The park also features a restaurant serving handmade pizzas in a beautifully restored historic building.
• River Hamble Country Park, near Bursledon, offers walking, cycling, and horse riding routes through woods and along the riverbank. The Barn visitor hub includes a café, outdoor play areas for all ages, and family-friendly trails. Combine a visit to Manor Farm visitor attraction which shares the same site.
• Staunton Country Park, near Havant, is ideal for walkers, cyclists, and anglers. Its visitor centre shares the park’s rich history, and the tearoom in the Victorian Coachhouse provides a relaxing spot to unwind. The restored Regency landscape includes follies, exotic trees and shrubs, and a beautiful walled garden. Combine a visit with a trip to Staunton Farm visitor attraction nearby.

Find out what’s on offer on the County Council’s webpages.

The Green Flag Award scheme, run annually by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, sets the benchmark for excellence in green space management across the UK and internationally.