Staunton Country Park
On this walk, children will enjoy the play area, look-out tower, tree sculptures, island and follies.
The Basics
Time: 25 mins
Pushchair: Yes
Terrain: Well maintained gravel paths, a hill climb
Dogs: Yes, but can be busy so leads advisable
Refreshments: Great for picnics or try the Regency Tea Room in the old stables
Toilets: Yes
Parking: Car Park on Petersfield Road, pay on exit, charges apply, 8am-4pm winter, 8am-5pm summer (Postcode: PO9 5HB - W3W: torn/engage/extra)
Staunton Country Park has received a bit of a makeover in the last couple of years. A brand new tea room, interpretation centre, play area and car park are some of the best new features, as well as other restorations to the site of the old house and its follies. A walk around the lake will not take long, but you could easily spend a whole afternoon here with all there is to do.
The Route
Exit the car park and turn right, passing the play area to your right (Just before the play area there is a possible diversion to a folly).
From the play area, pass the look-out tower and house foundations to head down the hill towards the lake.
Follow the path around the right of the lake, taking a diversion to go over the Chinese Bridge and explore the island.
Back on the ‘mainland’, continue around the lake, coming back up the other side.
Continuing up the path to the right, you will pass the shell folly.
From here you can continue to the other side of the park and visit the tree sculptures, one of which children can actually get inside! You can also enter the walled Storey Gardens to see the work done by the Right to Work Group. The planted beds are filled with seasonal plants and produce including lavender, sunflowers, apples and pumpkins - much of which is one sale.
Complete the circuit back to the car park by passing the Regency Tearooms, The Coach House and toilets.
