Five family friendly activities to do this autumn

Even if you think you’ve discovered all of the family friendly activities at your local country parks and farms, there’s always more to discover

Oct 4 2024

Royal Victoria Country Park's Chapel in the autumn
Embrace the changing seasons and venture outside into the autumnal weather. While you’re enjoying the orange leaves and the crisp breeze, why not try something new? Even if you think you’ve discovered all of the family friendly activities at your local country parks and farms, there’s always more to discover. Here are five of Hampshire’s hidden gems to add to your autumn bucket list.
A child gazing up at a plant amazed

1. Explore Staunton Farm’s glasshouse

Did you know that Staunton Farm has the largest glasshouse on the South Coast? Even when the leaves are falling off the trees outside, you can still escape the rain in the tropics of a Victorian glasshouse. The gardens are a quieter part of Staunton Farm, making it the perfect place to relax surrounded by incredible plant life.

You can also learn more about Staunton Farm’s hidden history by watching our video.

A man climbing a rope ladder in the autumn

2. Tackle an assault course

Test your limits on Queen Elizabeth Country Park’s free assault course. Tackle the monkey bars, rope swing, tyre obstacle and scramble nets, and compete against your friends to see who’s an action hero. The course is perfect for everyone, from beginners or more experienced adventurers. So, if you’re looking to find new ways to stay active in the cooler weather, take on the challenge this autumn.

Two children crawling through a plastic tube at Manor Farm's play area

3. Play at Manor Farm

Don’t let the rain stop your fun. Take a break from seeing friendly farmyard animals and visit Manor Farm’s purpose-built play barn. Speed down slides, crawl through tunnels and enjoy the fantastic farm-themed play area. With indoor and outdoor areas and accessible play pieces, your little ones will have hours of entertainment, whatever the weather.

The view of the inside of Royal Victoria Country Park's Chapel Tower

4. Take a tower tour at Royal Victoria Country Park

The Chapel is a historic part of Royal Victoria Country Park. It’s home to exhibitions telling the story of Royal Victoria Military Hospital and the people who stayed and worked there. It also has a distinctive 150ft tower, which you can climb. Take a tour to the top of the tower to see panoramic views of Southampton Water, the New Forest, and the South Downs.  You can even ring the largest of the three bells!

The exterior of Lepe Country Park's Lookout

5. Get cosy in the Lookout at Lepe Country Park

Lepe Country Park is known for its stunning Solent views and refreshing walks around the Lepe Loop. But did you know that you can enjoy the scenery from inside too? Take a break from your walk and warm up inside the Lookout with a hot drink and a tasty treat. You can even bring your well-behaved dog with you.

Have you tried any of these autumn activities? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram. You can also sign up to our newsletter to find out more about fun things to do in Hampshire’s countryside throughout the year.

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