This country park in Hampshire is great for the whole family
Itchen Valley Country Park is a great place to visit for the whole family. It has huge playgrounds for all ages, trails, and fields.
You can find Itchen Valley Country Park at Allington Lane, Southampton SO30 3HQ.
A small drive from the center of town, Itchen Valley Country Park has everything you need for a great day out. Bring a picnic and park in one of the five car parks.
Set in 440 acres of amazing water meadows, woodland, and fields, Itchen Valley Country Park is right by the River Itchen.
If you are looking for something else to do in Southampton, then have a look at:
The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids – This is our huge guide to things to do in Southampton. We’ve included everything from museums to country parks to days out.
11 Fun Things to do in Eastleigh for the Whole Family – Not far from Southampton, there is loads to do in Eastleigh from bowling to a country park.
Things to do in Romsey with Kids – We love Romsey! There is so much to do for the whole family.
Things to do in Hampshire Guide
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What time is Itchen Valley Country Park open?
Run by Eastleigh Borough Council, the gates open at 530am every single day including Christmas day.
They close the gates at 630pm from 1st October to 31st March and 830pm from 1st April to 30th September.
Toilets are open from 930am to 430pm every day. These are right outside The Woodland Cafe and opposite the toddler park.
What is there to do at Itchen Valley Country Park?
Itchen Valley Country Park has loads of play areas and trails that are perfect for the whole family.
They have two playgrounds. The first is by The Woodland Cafe which is great for younger children, normally under 8s. They have loads of picnic benches around the playground.
This is also where the toilets are.
The second playground is the opposite end and is great for older kids. Right next to High Hill Field, the playground has everything you need from swings to slides to climbing ropes.
Interconnecting these parks is a forest trail that leads from High Hill Field to The Woodland Cafe. These small pieces of equipment consist of a climbing frame, climbing wall, and slide.
The Woodland Cafe also has a small soft play from toddlers. Let them touch and explore all the animals inside.
The trails and fields are a great place to let the kids run off steam. They have two all year trails that are called Ollie Owl trail and Fitness with Felix trail which take you around in a small circle through the forest.
While walking, you’ll come across more small playgrounds and opportunities to build dens and explore the outside.
Bring your wellies as it does get muddy on rainy days but that’s all part of the fun!
Is there parking at Itchen Valley Country Park?
Yes, there is loads of parking at Itchen Valley Country Park. They have five different car parks but parking charges do apply.
Parking payment can be made via RingGo or by card using one of the many machines.
The payment charges are:
Up to 1 hour £1.70
Up to 2 hours £2.90
Up to 3 hours £4
Up to and over 4 hours £4.50
We always try and park right at the top car park nearer the fields as it’s bigger and right near the bigger playground.
Related Posts:
- The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire
- The Ultimate List of Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly
- The Best Lakes in Hampshire
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Is there a cafe at Itchen Valley Country Park?
Yes, The Woodland Cafe is a great place to grab a bite to eat. They have a huge menu that covers everything from hot food to takeaway options. It’s all handmade food which is all locally sourced. From vegan to vegetarian options, they try and cater for everyone.
They have loads of inside and outside seating that’s great for whatever the weather.
The cafe is extremly dog-friendly and offers snacks for your favourite pooch as well.
The cafe is open 1030am to 430pm and opens at 9am on a Saturday when the park run takes place and offer breakfast which includes bacon baps and sandwiches.
Laura x
If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.
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