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Lepe Country Park

A great day out for all the family

Lepe Country Park, situated 4 miles (7.5 kilometres) south-east of Beaulieu, in the far south-east of the New Forest National Park, has many of the features that provide for a great family day out.

And here is a selection:

(Skip down the page to find out more about Lepe's history and heritage, Lepe walks and Lepe wildlife).

(1) Location, location, location

Lepe Beach
Lepe Beach

Lepe is superbly located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with fine views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight, to Hurst Castle away to the west, and to the east to Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower.

Add to that a mile of picturesque coastline made up of sand, shingle and mudflats; low, pine-fringed cliffs in places 12 - 15 feet high; and an extensive area of tree-lined lawn that is ideal for games of football, cricket, rounders and kite flying. There is also plenty of opportunity to watch activity on the Solent as yachts, boats and larger vessels go by, and observe windsurfers grappling with the elements and their craft. It's also, of course, a great place to simply relax with a good book or picnic.

Cowes Week provides a late summer spectacle for those who prefer to watch this annual event from the mainland rather than from the Isle of Wight - Cowes is across the Solent, almost opposite Lepe. During Cowes Week, up to 40 daily races are staged for around 1,000 boats. It is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world and has been held in early August during every year since 1826, except during the two world wars.

(2) Events and activities

The low cliff at Lepe beach, passed during the Lepe Loop
The low cliff at Lepe beach, passed during the Lepe Loop

Hardy souls visiting Lepe can swim in the Solent whilst coastal walks are a speciality. There is even a 5 mile (8 kilometre) self-guided circular walk along the coast and through attractive, hugely varied countryside. Known as the Lepe Loop, details of the route are available here - link - and also in the Country Park information centre.

A range of events suitable for all ages are organised throughout the year at Lepe, events such as guided walks and a variety of workshops, often with a seasonal theme. Children are well-catered for by an adventure play area; nature trail with brass rubbings, quizzes and 'fun facts'; and a number of other activities that include a 'seashore scavenger hunt' during which participants search for seashells and driftwood.

And there's also a recently opened Sensory Cottage Garden to visit. Specially designed to cater for the needs of folk with disabilities, schools and community organisations, the Sensory Garden includes a bug hotel, pond, water feature, bog garden, wildflower garden and a pergola for climbing plants.

(3) Refreshments

There is no need to go hungry or thirsty, either, for The Lookout restaurant / café, opened in 2018, offers a range drinks, and hot and cold food. It also houses a small information centre and a shop that offers a selection of beach goods, maps, postcards and gifts. Winter (November to March) opening hours are from 9.00am to 5.00pm, whilst in summer (April to October) it's open from 9.00am to 6.00pm. Note, hot food stops being served an hour before closing time.

Barbecues are also available for hire. What is described as the 'Small BBQ' is located within the cliff-top car park, quite close to the children's play area, and is ideal for families or small groups of up to 12 people. Two picnic tables are provided. Hire periods are from 11.00am to 2.00pm and 3.00pm to 6.00pm. The 'Large BBQ' is suitable for groups of up to 60 people, who have exclusive use of a large charcoal grill situated in an open, dog-free barbeque area with picnic tables close to open grassland and only a short walk from the beach.

(4) Dogs and further information

Lepe dog
(Brian Kelly, Flickr/Creative Commons)

Dogs are welcome to visit the Country Park although between April and September they are excluded from a 'family friendly' section of beach. And it's common sense, really, or at least it should be, but it's always worth reminding that dog owners are requested to clean up after their pets and make use of dog waste bins provided.

The park is open to visitors who wish to use the car parks from 7.00am until 10.00pm from April until October, and from 7.00am until 6.00pm from November until March. Walk in access is available at all times.

The park is managed by the Hampshire County Council, Countryside service. There are no admission fees but car parking charges apply. For further information, contact the Park Centre on 023 8089 9108 or check out the Country Park website - for the latest information about events, accessibility facilities, to book a BBQ and more.

(5) Solent Rescue - Independent Lifeboat Rescue Organisation

Enjoying the water near Lymington
Enjoying the water near Lymington

Solent Rescue is an independent Lifeboat organisation based at Lepe Country Park. Initially established in 1971 as a beach rescue unit, it has since developed into a rescue unit with both inshore and offshore rescue capabilities. As part of a wider framework of Independent and RNLI operated lifeboats on the South Coast, Solent Rescue helps to monitor approximately 33 square miles of the central and western Solent. It is operational at weekends from March until September and on bank holidays, and on a 24 hour basis during Cowes Week.

Find out more about Lepe and the Country Park

Lepe - its history and heritage - including Lepe's Roman road, the 'Great Storm', smuggling tales, wartime contributions, 18th century shipbuilding and history in the making at the lighthouse
Lepe wildlife - an introduction to Lepe's wildlife
The Lepe Loop - enjoy coast and countryside on this 5 mile self-guided walk

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Content produced by Andrew Walmsley
Content produced by Andrew Walmsley