Our activities offer students a wealth of learning opportunities outside the classroom. Our dedicated and experienced staff will work closely with you to plan every stage of your visit and can tailor activities to meet your learning objectives

Looking at the D-Day remains from Lepe beach

Guided sessions

Each guided session can be tailored to meet the learning objectives of your visit. We strongly recommended a pre visit for your group leaders to talk to our Education Ranger.

Example activities we offer

Seashore safari
Search for creatures along the shore and learn about their food chains
Pond dipping
Discover what creatures live in our pond and learn about their adaptations
Minibeast hunt
Hunt for minibeasts in our woods or meadows and compare the habitats
Coastal processes
Understand coastal processes with data collection and field sketching
Coastal debate
Think about the future of Lepe and debate different stakeholder views
House on the shore
Learn about sea defences and protect a model house on the beach
Human v physical features
Determine human and physical features along the coast. Winter/summer bird identification Wildlife protection
Orienteering
Develop map reading skills as you search for features around the park
Lepe explorer
Explore Lepe using your senses and collect materials to create artwork
D-Day
Discover the role Lepe played during WW2

Guided sessions by a ranger are based on a ratio of 15 children per ranger. Groups may need to be divided to complete activities at different times throughout the day.

£3 per student for 1 hour session There is a minimum charge of £45 per visit.

Lepe beach

Self guided activities 

We offer activity packs for a self guided activity. Each activity pack and equipment costs £15 per day.

Activity packs we offer

Scavenger hunt
Collect natural materials from the beach to create artwork. Search for objects on the beach and introduce sustainability. Find your favourite view of Lepe and draw a postcard to remember your day
Minibeast hunt
Hunt for minibeasts in our woods or meadows and compare the habitats
Orienteering
Develop map reading skills as you search for features around the park

Exterior view of the classroom at Lepe Country Park

Classroom

Our large, accessible classroom is located at Lepe Point, in our conservation area. It is available for you to hire for all or part of your visit. This is an ideal setting for follow up sessions or a place for lunch. The classroom can also be hired for meetings and clubs.

The classroom is included free of charge when you book a guided ranger led session.

Half day (4 hours): £25

Whole day (8 hours): £50

Essential information

This information will help you get the best from your visit. If you need any further information email us at [email protected] or phone us on 02380 899108.

Before you visit

Pre visits

We strongly recommended a pre visit for your group leaders. Contact the Education Ranger to book in.

Insurance

Hampshire County Council has a public liability insurance of £5 million. A copy of the certificate is available on request.

Cancellations

The minimum notice period required for a full refund is one month.

Clothing

Ensure all pupils and adults are briefed prior to the visit regarding appropriate clothing. We recommend that sturdy footwear and long trousers are worn throughout the year. Also, extra warm and waterproof clothes for the winter, and a hat and sun cream for the summer.

On the day

Parking

For guided sessions a parking permit will be issued free of charge. Come to the park office on arrival to meet your ranger and collect your permit.

For self led activities parking charges apply.

Arrival procedure for guided activities

On arrival the teacher or group leader must report to the reception desk at the Park Office with the booking form and number of children attending the day.

Accidents and first aid

All Park staff are qualified first aiders. If you require medical assistance or in the case of an accident, report to reception or the nearest member of staff. If you call for an ambulance directly let the reception know.

Safety

Follow the guidelines set out by your Local Education Authority with regards to taking groups on trips and carrying out fieldwork. The teacher or group leader is responsible for the discipline and overall control of the group at all times, and to ensure that all helpers are briefed on their responsibilities.

Toilets

Ladies, gents and disabled toilets are situated by the Park Office. There is an accessible toilet by the classroom. We recommend they are used in small groups

Food and drink

The Lookout café is next to the Park Office and offers a wide range of hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks and light lunches. Groups can be catered for if booked in advance.

The classroom can be hired as a place to have lunch but you are welcome to eat at the outdoor picnic tables by the Lookout. All we ask is that you take your rubbish home with you.

The Shop

The Shop stocks a wide variety of souvenirs, gifts and educational items which will add to your visit.

Health and Safety

Machinery and tools

Lepe is a place of work and there will be times when machinery may be in operation. It is important that children are always supervised by an adult.

Weils disease

It can be contracted from the exposure to water contaminated with the urine of rodents. Children should avoid touching their eyes, ears and mouth, wash their hands and cover open wounds with a waterproof plaster if coming into contact with the lake’s edge.

Ticks (Lyme disease)

Ticks can be picked up in wooded or grassy areas particularly during the warm summer months. The best way to avoid this is to wear long sleeved tops, trousers and sturdy shoes so that ticks can not reach the skin. If you pick up a tick seek medical advice.

Book your visit

If you would like to bring your school or group to Lepe Country park email [email protected] and one of the team will start the booking process with you.

Your feedback

Once you have completed your visit to Lepe please complete the online evaluation form provided. This feedback allows us to continually improve the educational offer we provide.