Staunton Country Park - Havant

You can explore the many acres of ancient woodlands and gracefully landscaped parkland as well as  tropical glasshouses at this award winning listed Regency Country Park. Escape to another age as you discover the mysterious follies in idyllic surroundings.

Enjoy the fascinating pleasure gardens created by the 19th century botanist, Sir George Staunton. Children can enjoy the play area and Ornamental Farm where they can feed friendly animals.

Entry to the parkland itself is free, however there is an associated visitors center, with animals and attractions, which is not free.

It is situated between Leigh Park and Rowlands Castle, near Havant. It also includes several satellite sites including Great Copse, Wakeford's Copse and Cabbage Field Row Copse.

The Victorian Coach House

Once part of the Gothic Mansion this has now been restored to it's previous splender, and is now a hub for the many sporting activities that take place, including cycle hire and an information point for walkers, anglers and cyclists alike. You will also find the Victorian Coach House cafe serving refreshments periodically through out the year which is open during school holidays, Bank Holidays and weekends. (weather dependent) from 11am to 4pm.

The Beacon

The Beacon is a folly built in 1830 in the style of an ionic temple to a design by Lewis Vulliamy. A small ionic temple built from materials from the demolished Purbrook House. A Union flag was always hoisted on top of the Beacon to signal to Stansted when the lord of the manor was in residence.

Shell House

Built in 1828 of finely patterned flint, the Shell House was based on the design of the Chichester Cross. It's decorated with shells from Hayling Island, the house originally contained such unusual things as a stuffed crocodile, crystals or garnet and toucan's bills.

The Chinese Bridge

The Chinese Bridge was constructed in 1831 and the bridge with three arches originally had Chinese gateways at either end as well as decorative balustrades. Above the gateways used to be four Chinese inscriptions which read, LIN CHEE WHA YUEN (Thicket water flower garden), HAN FA MEI KIAO (Chinese style ornamented bridge), TSING TSIN YEAU WAN (Pleased to enter, amused, ramble) and PIN GAN JOU YEE (Health, peace, wishes accomplished).

At Staunton Country Park, there is something for all the family. Please note that the park closes at 16:00 during winter.