What to do at Lepe Country Park

Whether the sun’s shining or it’s snowing, Lepe Country Park is a unique place to visit all year round. Discover historic D-Day remains, stroll along the coast, or enjoy a bite to eat at the Lookout. If you’re looking for things to do on your next visit, we’re here to inspire you.

Things to see

See if you can spot Spinnaker Tower as you walk down the beach or watch the ships sailing up and down the Solent. Did you know that smuggling was common around Lepe? This is because the Dark Water provided a secluded route for smugglers to carry contraband from the Europe to the New Forest. The ships you can see now aren’t likely to be smugglers, but they’re still fun to watch.

Also keep an eye out for the Cold War Bunker, the D-day dolphins, and overwintering birds. Find out more by watching our video about the hidden history of Lepe.

Things to do

Visit the D-Day remains

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Where: Stanswood Bay

Lepe and its surrounding area played a key part in D-Day during World War Two. Lepe is home to remains of the mulberry hards. This where ships left Lepe from on their way to Normandy on D-day. So, take a stroll along the beach to see them near to the site of the memorial for the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards.

Sensory Cottage Garden

Where: near Lepe Point

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Soothe your senses on a visit to Lepe’s sensory garden. Created by the Friends of Lepe in 2017 to 2018, discover the bug hotel, pond and water feature, bog garden, and wildflower garden. Trace the paths that weave through the garden - depending on the season you’ll be able to see flowers like lavender, hydrangeas, azaleas and petunias.

Lepe loop

Where: Western Car Park

Time needed: 3 hours

The Lepe loop is a gentle circular waymarked walk. The trail is 5 miles and should take 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace. The route varies depending on whether it’s high or low tide, so there’s always something new to see. Make sure to wear walking boots and sensible outdoor clothing as the walk will take you through a variety of terrains including beach, salt marsh, and paddocks.

Rainy day activities

Bird watching

Time needed: 1-3 hours

Where: North Solent nature reserve

Shelter from the rain in a bird hide and spot seasonal visitors to the North Solent nature reserve. Lepe’s bird hide is open year-round and is fully accessible via the boardwalk. As the seasons change, so do the birds! From overwintering Brent geese in the winter to returning migratory birds in the spring, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot even in the rain.

Enjoy a warming drink and stunning views

Time needed: 1 hour

Where: the Lookout

Stay dry and watch the rain fall from the warmth of the Lookout. With panoramic views of the Solent, it’s the perfect place to savour a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and listen to the sound of rain pattering against the windowpanes.

Places to eat

The Lookout

Pop into the Lookout to enjoy a selection of delicious hot meals, snacks, and treats. The menu uses local produce and is seasonally updated. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from ice cream to pasties, so it’s the perfect place to relax and refuel. Well behaved dogs are also welcome to stop by for a pick-me-up.