River Hamble Country Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Hamble Country Park |
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The River Hamble as seen from the Country Park
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | , Hampshire |
| OS grid | SU 501 114 |
| Area | 144.1 hectares (356 acres) |
| Managed by | Hampshire Countryside Service |
River Hamble Country Park is a fantastic place to explore nature! It's a large park, about 144 hectares (that's like 356 football fields!), located right next to the River Hamble in Hampshire. You can find it between the villages of Botley and Bursledon.
This special park is owned by Hampshire County Council. It's managed by the Hampshire Countryside Service. The park is also part of important nature areas. These include the Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site and Special Protection Area. It's also part of the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation. Plus, a section of the park is within the Upper Hamble Estuary and Woods. This area is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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Park's Past: A Look Back in Time
The River Hamble Country Park first opened its gates in 1979. Back then, it was called Upper Hamble Country Park. A few years later, in 1984, the Manor Farm museum opened. This museum was all about wartime history.
The land where the park sits has a long history. It was once home to a Royal Navy base. This base was called HMS Cricket. After World War II ended in 1946, the navy left. The buildings were then used to house families from Southampton. These families had lost their homes during the war. This area was known as "The Cricket Camp." It was used until 1952.
Most of the old wartime buildings are now gone. But a smaller "Cricket Camp" still remains. Today, it's used by Scouts for their activities.
What Can You Do at the Park?
The country park has lots of fun things to do. It's set around two main open fields. These fields are surrounded by lovely wooded areas.
The northern field is called 'Toplands'. Here, you can find special spots for barbecues. There's also a field nearby for dog training.
The southern field is called 'Barnfield'. This is where you'll find a kiosk. It sells snacks and drinks. There's also a fun play area for kids. Many of the park's walking trails start from here.
In 2019, there were plans to make the park even better. Hampshire County Council decided to invest a lot of money. They planned to build a new visitor centre. They also wanted to replace the play equipment. Plus, they aimed to improve the walking paths.
On the western side of the park, you'll find the Cricket Camp Scout Activity Centre. This centre is used by Itchen South Scouts. There's also the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activities Centre.
Manor Farm: A Historic Place
Inside the country park, you'll find Manor Farm. This is a special farm attraction. It has its own opening times and ticket prices. It first opened in 1984 as a museum. Since then, it has become a popular family spot. It's still run by Hampshire County Council.
The farm has many old buildings. These buildings show the history of the site. You can see a forge (where metal was worked). There's also a wheelwrights shop (where wheels were made). You can visit the old farmhouse. There's even a Victorian schoolhouse. The ancient duckpond and St Bartholomew's Church are also part of this historic location.
At Manor Farm, you can enjoy many activities. You can interact with animals every day. There are animal feeding times. You can also listen to story time. Or, you can even experience a Victorian school lesson!
The farm also has a visitor centre. It has a gift shop. This is located in an old 18th-century barn. There's a big indoor play area called the Playbarn. You can also grab a bite at the cafe. Toilets and an education centre for school groups are also available.
Manor Farm was even featured on TV! It was the setting for a historical documentary series. The show was called Wartime Farm. It was shown by the BBC in 2012.
Just remember, this Manor Farm is not the same as the one near Alton. That's where Alan Titchmarsh films his TV show.
See also
