River Hamble Country Park

About River Hamble Country Park

Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a historic shipwreck, experience a mindful moment in the outdoors or you’re after a fun activity for little ones to enjoy, River Hamble Country Park’s 356 acre woodland has something for you. Let the fresh air and stunning surroundings of Southampton’s hidden gem envelop you as you explore, play and relax.

With woodland, riverside and open space, River Hamble Country Park has a wide variety of environments to explore. So, you can take a gentle ramble in the countryside or hop on your bike and race along a trail and enjoy the beauty of Hampshire’s countryside.

Wander around River Hamble’s stunning and immersive woodland where, if you look closely, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife. From skylarks to reptiles, River Hamble is home to a variety of different creatures.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to be wowed by the vibrant wildflowers and plants that change from season to season. Visitors are also welcome to bring their four-legged friends who’ll love discovering the ancient forest, running through the open fields and taking a dip in the river.

The park is working to preserve nature’s beauty and combat climate change through their café, The Barn. A selection of eco-friendly materials were incorporated into the structure, including timber taken from the park itself.

The Barn’s electricity and heating runs using solar power that is generated by 90 roof solar panels, ensuring that every step has been taken to protect the environment. Pop in to discover more about the Barn’s climate friendly design and ethos.

HMS Cricket

During your day of exploration of the woodlands, you may notice some of the historical remains of the HMS Cricket. Here, crews from the 1944 D-day landings lived and took part in regular training. Over 100 buildings once stood here, housing up to 2,500 men, including accommodation, a hospital and even a cinema.

The Grace Dieu

During medieval times, the impressive Grace Dieu stood as one of the biggest vessels of the time. Despite only making one journey before being destroyed by a lightning strike, the Grace Dieu was an incredible example of construction in the 1400s. Amazingly, you can still see the wreckage of this famous vessel.

Sculptor Richard Janes designed the natural play area at Barnfield to incorporate elements of the Grace Dieu. He was inspired by the form of the triple clunker hull of the ship and used three overlapping planks to recreate this piece of local history.

Guests are welcome to explore a trail leading to the pontoon where they’ll find a selection of QR codes that dive a little deeper into the history of the Grace Dieu.