Description
Staunton Country Park, located in Havant, is a diverse 1,000-acre estate that offers a unique combination of a Regency-style landscape, a rare-breeds farm, and award-winning gardens. As one of the best things to do with kids in Hampshire, it provides a vast outdoor space where children can explore historical follies, navigate a giant maze, or get up close with animals on the farm. It is a premier choice for a family day out that seamlessly blends nature, history, and active play.
Access to the main 1,000-acre country park is free of charge, allowing visitors to enjoy the woodland walks, lake, and play areas at no cost. However, entry to Staunton Farm and the Walled Gardens is ticketed. While entry to the parkland is free, parking charges apply to all vehicles unless you hold a specific farm membership.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers variety, Staunton is a top-tier destination. It provides an educational day out through its heritage trails and animal encounter sessions, while sensory play is encouraged in the specialized sensory garden and the various themed play zones.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes Staunton Country Park unique?
Staunton is unique for its massive Golden Jubilee Maze, a hedge maze planted in 2002 that offers a fun and challenging experience for children trying to reach the center. It provides a brilliant educational day out at the rare-breeds farm, where families can learn about traditional farming and meet animals like the Poitou donkey. For sensory play, the site features a dedicated Sensory Garden filled with textured plants and fragrant flowers, as well as a brand-new accessible outdoor play area featuring a Chinese-inspired climbing frame and accessible swings.
- The Ornamental Glasshouse: The largest on the South Coast, offering a tropical environment filled with exotic plant species.
- Rare Breeds Farm: A working farm where kids can join animal encounter sessions and feed friendly residents.
- George’s Play Barn: An indoor soft play zone that includes a dedicated space for toddlers, making it a great rainy-day backup.
Top 5 Highlights
- The Maze: A family favorite where you can test your navigation skills among the twists and turns.
- Sir George Staunton’s Punt Boat: A new play feature in the accessible playground where kids can "set sail" to China.
- The Lake: A scenic spot perfect for spotting ducks and swans or enjoying a peaceful stroll across the bridge.
- The Farm Animals: Meet everything from pigs and sheep to more exotic rare breeds during daily encounter sessions.
- Victorian Walled Garden: A beautifully restored space that showcases heritage vegetables and vibrant floral displays.
Staunton Country Park and Farm feature several distinct zones:
- Staunton Farm (Rare breeds, animal encounters, and feeding sessions).
- George’s Play Barn (Indoor soft play and toddler zone).
- Themed Activity Trails (Including historical folly trails and seasonal events).
- The Glasshouse (Victorian tropical glasshouse with exotic species).
- Accessible Outdoor Play Area (Chinese-inspired climbing frame and accessible equipment).
- Walled & Sensory Gardens (Historic gardens and tactile planting areas).
- 1,000-Acre Parkland (Extensive woodland, lake, and open green spaces).
- The Tearooms (Serving hot drinks, snacks, and light meals).
Beyond the Main Attraction: The park is located near the historic town of Havant and is a short drive from the coastal attractions of Hayling Island.
9.66 miles
