About this attraction
Based in the heart of Havant, Staunton Country Park is the perfect green getaway. Whether you’re looking for a gentle ramble in the countryside or a place to hop on your bike and race along a trail, we’ve got something to suit all paces.
The park landscape has been improved over time by a variety of owners, starting with William Garret in 1802. During your exploration of Staunton Country Park, you can learn more about the influences and changes made over the years.
The most pivotal update to this area includes Sir George Staunton, who owned Leigh Park between 1781-1859 and is credited with introducing Earl Grey tea to the United Kingdom. In fact, the name Staunton Country Park was chosen to replace the previous name, Leigh Park Gardens, in 1987 to honour Sir George Staunton. It’s now a Winner of Green Flag and Country Park Accreditation awards and open for you to discover.
Not only is Staunton steeped in centuries of history, but the listed Regency estate is also surrounded by beautifully landscaped parkland. So, you can visit the beautiful walled Storey Gardens, take in the sights, sounds and smells of the sensory garden or enjoy a stroll.
View Hidden Histories: Staunton Country Park and Farm to explore the history of the attraction.
Follies
Walking around the park you can see follies, a series of whimsical structures that were introduced during the 1800’s by Sir George Staunton. Along with his friends and guests, Sir George would have stopped at each of the follies while wandering through the park to have tea and view his intriguing collection of objects.
The Shell House is one of the follies restored as part of Staunton’s restoration project, based on the Chichester Market Cross. The folly, designed by Lewis Vuillamy in 1832, was constructed using flint and pebbles that were brought in from the local Emsworth beach.
While it was originally lined with shells from Hayling Island, along with an impressive selection of Sir George’s artifacts such as semi-precious gems and a stuffed crocodile, these have been sadly lost to time.
Angling
Staunton has a 3.5 acre lake nestled amid the historic park that is a well loved location for anglers due to the abundance of fish, including carp, bream, tench, pike and perch. The park offers annual angling permits for this beautiful, small mixed fishery which can be purchased online.
Food and drink
Ready to relax? Next time you’re visiting the park retreat inside and relax at the Regency Tea Rooms. Enjoy a tempting selection of comforting snacks and drinks or sample the selection of fair-trade teas on offer, including Earl Grey – the perfect drink for any Staunton history buff. Browse the menu and plan your visit today.
The Staunton Partnership
Staunton Country Park is a thriving part of the community. The Staunton Partnership, founded in 2012 by The Right to Work group, helps adults with learning disabilities to become part of a working community when they move on from school and college. The team are a valued part of Staunton, where they carry out essential tasks across the site, including planting, minor maintenance and much more. They also sell plants, flowers and vegetables from their shop based in the Barn.
Summer BST: 8am to 5.30pm
Winter GMT: 8am to 4.30pm
Shop and Tea Rooms Summer BST: 10am to 5pm
Shop and Tea Rooms Winter GMT: 10am to 4pm Saturdays all year round 9am opening
Staunton Country Park car park is open from 8am to 4pm (October to March) and 8am to 5pm (April to September).
Parking charges apply when visiting the country park.
If you are visiting the farm, parking is included in your ticket price and is valid during your visit to the farm only.
October to March
Up to 1 hour £2
Up to 2 hours £3.50
Up to 4 hours £4.50
Full day £5
April to September
Up to 2 hours £4.50
Up to 4 hours £6
Full day £7
Standard charges apply for Blue Badge holders
Motorbikes free
Coaches (15+ seats) £15
Parking memberships are available
Blue Badge holder parking pass £30 per year
Standard parking pass £50 per year
