Top 10 National Parks in South East England, England

November 27, 2021 Kandra Bartel

Discover the best top things to do in South East England, United Kingdom including New Forest National Park, New Forest National Park, South Downs Way, Alice Holt Forest, Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre, Snelsmore Common Country Park, The Valley Gardens, Castle Bottom, Avon Heath Country Park, Three Ponds Holiday Park.
Restaurants in South East England

1. New Forest National Park

Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire SO43 7NY England +44 1590 646600 [email protected] http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,810 reviews

New Forest National Park

The New Forest National Park is truly unique. It’s a ‘world capital’ for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals– one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. These animals may appear wild, but they are owned by people called commoners. One of the last places in southern England to offer a sense of wildness and tranquillity, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike. Indeed William the Conqueror, who set aside the ‘New Forest’ for hunting more than 900 years ago, would probably recognise much of it today.

Reviewed By Allwyna - Geneva, Switzerland

An amazing place nestled in Southern England .. Some of the closer town which boost of scenic boutique hotels are Lyndhurst, Burley and Romsey... The entire forest is absolutely scenic, stunning and lush.. you could easily see grazing Horse, cattle and deers.. Surely a perfect get away from London as it’s just a 2 hours drive and offers you a perfect relaxing moment to create memories to cherish. Plenty of places to visit if you intend to relax, rejuvenate, organize a team or family gathering, wedding plans or just want to hike by yourself to spent a me time secluded from the rest of the world.., I spent my 2 nights at White Buck Burley (separate review uploaded).. Their are many great restaurant options around town but surely recommend to drive down as having a car or bike is important... Enjoy and live your life...

2. New Forest National Park

New Forest National Park Hampshire, Brockenhurst England +44 1590 646600 [email protected] https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

New Forest National Park

Reviewed By 950charlesf - Newtown, United Kingdom

Beautiful part of the world, plenty of opportunities to explore, even with busy traffic, the ponies are an ever present bonus.

3. South Downs Way

Sussex, Winchester England +44 1243 558716 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 268 reviews

South Downs Way

Reviewed By Highway272 - Brighton, United Kingdom

Hard to believe when you're walking this path that you are in one of the most densely populated parts of England. The rolling downlands are relaxing, at times breathtaking - the views of the the high weald and north Downs, the sea to the south. The path goes through three counties, Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, comes ever closer to the sea until the the South Downs way becomes a coastal path from Cuckmere Haven onwards. Start at Winchester finish at Eastbourne. This way you are more likely to to have the wind on your back as well as saving the best till last. With a few exceptions it's easy walking, very few steep gradients and for long stretches softly undulating. The first few miles from Winchester pleasant enough but things don't really get going until the Meon valley, and the view from Beacon Hill is spectacular. The classic Downland structure is not evident until entering West Sussex and Harting down. From here you are aware of being on the edge of the escarpment pretty much as far as Alfriston. Much of the West Sussex section is forested, some of it rather sterile conifer plantation which also removes the views. In my opinion the East Sussex section is the most varied, beautiful and rewarding with the Seven Sisters the jewel in The crown. There are also villages on the route such as Exton, Amberley and Alfriston, beautiful villages in themselves but also offering refreshment. Between Butser hill, the highest point on the Downs, and Amberley there is nowhere are on the path to get refreshments; the same is also true from Amberley to Devil's Dyke so there are large stretches of the West Sussex path where you either need to to bring your own provisions or come down off the path. By contrast the East Sussex section has many great stop off points for coffee and and lunch. At Alfriston the the South Downs way splits into two, the northern section as far as Jevington is very rewarding but the final part to Eastbourne is fairly dismal. The southern route is thus highly recommended although the Seven Sistersisters can be the most demanding part of the whole walk. The South Downs way can be done in one go taking between 5 and 7 days or else in sections. The following are the points where the path can be picked up using public transport: Meon valley, South Harting, Cocking, Amberley (train station) Bramber, Devil's Dyke and Ditchling beacon at weekends, Southease (train station) Alfriston and Cuckmere Haven Highlights: Meon valley Butser hill Harting down Amberley Chanctonbury ring Devil's Dyke Ditchling beacon Firle beacon Alfriston Cuckmere valley Seven sisters.

4. Alice Holt Forest

Bucks Horn Oak Farnham, Surrey, Farnham GU10 4LS England +44 1420 520212 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 709 reviews

Alice Holt Forest

Reviewed By MatElaOsc - Normanton, United Kingdom

New year's day, great choice of walks and trails. Superb Gruffalo trail with wooden sculptures to find as well as some great children's play sculptures on the other trail. Our 3 year old loved climbing and exploring. Cafe us also great food always busy. But were able to eat outside on New Year's day!!

5. Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre

Crow Lane, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Ringwood BH24 3EA England +44 1425 476487 http://www.libertyscentre.co.uk/index.htm
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 603 reviews

Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre

Liberty's Centre is located near Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest. It is home to a large collection of birds of prey, including eagles, owls and Vultures. We also house a number of reptiles and other creepy crawlies, such as snakes, lizards and spiders in our indoor reptile house. Enjoy a visit that will prove to be fun, exciting and educational for all ages. Observe the birds flying free and the reptiles up close and personal, during various spectacular displays held throughout the day. Facilities include: -> Flying field -> Indoor flying theatre -> Reptile House -> Cafe -> Large outdoor sandpit -> Gift shop -> Party room -> Education room -> Baby changing facilities -> Wild bird rehabilitation facilities

Reviewed By darrylh524 - Poole, United Kingdom

My wife and i visited foday and was amazed by the number of different species of birds and reptiles. Cost £12 per adult may apear steep but definitely worth it, including the bird fly show at 2.30pm. Definitely eill be returning...

6. Snelsmore Common Country Park

Wantage Road, Newbury RG14 3BE England http://www.bbowt.org.uk/reserves/snelsmore-common
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Snelsmore Common Country Park

Reviewed By Nettie_xo - Berkshire, United Kingdom

The place that just keeps on giving. Took my 2 year old here recently during the frosty weather and it was a brilliant few hours out. I do usually come here regularly throughout the year as it’s a great place to walk but offers so much more. During the summer there are plenty of places to have a picnic, kick a ball around, go exploring and do extensive walks. There’s a lot of wildlife here, so definitely during the warmer months watch your steps as had several lizards run across the path ahead! Great for dog walkers, although there are wild horses so do keep that in mind. This is a place great for all ages, and all interests. Not just great in the summer it’s great all year long!

7. The Valley Gardens

Wick Lane The Park Is Next to the Savill Garden, Englefield Green TW20 0UU England +44 1784 435544 http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 59 reviews

The Valley Gardens

Reviewed By rayhH6780KR - Chesham, United Kingdom

Beautiful Gardens, part of Windsor Great Park & a loverly walk around the Virginia lake, the girls enjoyed all the Rhododendrons in all their colour. Our walk included a nice stop at the Bailiwick pub for lunch ( see separate review ) before heading back towards the car & stopping off at Saville Gardens for more none alcoholic refreshments. Great day out on a loverly sunny day

8. Castle Bottom

Cooper's Hill, Yateley England +44 1252 870425 http://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/finder/castlebottom
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Castle Bottom

9. Avon Heath Country Park

Brocks Pine, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Ringwood BH24 2DH England +44 1425 478082 [email protected] http://www.dorsetforyou.com/avonheath
Excellent
52%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 142 reviews

Avon Heath Country Park

Avon Heath Country Park is Dorset's largest country park, accessible to families and people with a wide range of abilities and interests.Come and explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife!

Reviewed By Shazzer-R2015

Great place to start the day! Used to regularly walk our dogs here finishing with coffee and cake in the cafe, now we visit for breakfast! Current government guidelines are followed carefully. Good service and good food!

10. Three Ponds Holiday Park

Three Ponds Holiday Park, South Heighton, Newhaven BN9 0TP England +44 1273 513530 [email protected] http://www.threepondspark.co.uk/
Excellent
20%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
40%
Terrible
20%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 5 reviews

Three Ponds Holiday Park

Tranquil, secluded and brimming with nature Three Ponds is ideal for those looking for a quiet space away from everyday life. Our award winning, family run, static caravan site will provided you with the perfect home for home. Set in an ideal location we are surrounded by the South Downs National Park, a 5 minute drive from the beach and withing walking distance of local bus and train stations, from the bus or train it is a quick trip into the bustling city of Brighton or the beautiful promenades of Eastbourne. Head to our website to find out more about the family behind this stunning site and the conservation work we do here at Three Ponds, hopefully we will be welcoming you to the family soon.

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