QEII Country Park Hampshire
A scenic country park with a beautiful lake, perfect for walks, wildlife encounters, and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best for wildlife viewing
QEII Country Park Hampshire
Best Time
Best for wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic country park with a beautiful lake, perfect for walks, wildlife encounters, and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
"Great spot for a walk with the dogs or a spot of paddleboarding/kayaking."
🎟️ Get Your Water Permit Online
Purchase paddleboard/kayak permits from the council website before your visit. Ignore signs directing you elsewhere. :admission_tickets:
🐦 Bird Food Available On-Site
Buy affordable bird food at the pub for close encounters with swans, ducks, and geese. :bird:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Paddleboarding & Kayaking
QEII Country Park Lake
Glide across the serene lake, enjoying the water and wildlife. Permits are required for water sports.
Wildlife Watching
QEII Country Park Lake
Get up close with friendly swans, ducks, and geese. Bird food is available for a memorable feeding experience.
Scenic Lakeside Walks
QEII Country Park Trails
Enjoy a pleasant circular walk around the beautiful lake and through country park trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Paddleboard & Kayak Permits
Wildlife Encounters & Feeding
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Your Water Permit Online
Purchase paddleboard/kayak permits from the council website before your visit. Ignore signs directing you elsewhere. :admission_tickets:
🐦 Bird Food Available On-Site
Buy affordable bird food at the pub for close encounters with swans, ducks, and geese. :bird:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paths can be a little muddy in places, so wear appropriate footwear for your walk. :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Ample Parking
There are plenty of car parking facilities available for visitors. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Your Water Permit Online
Purchase paddleboard/kayak permits from the council website before your visit. Ignore signs directing you elsewhere. :admission_tickets:
🐦 Bird Food Available On-Site
Buy affordable bird food at the pub for close encounters with swans, ducks, and geese. :bird:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paths can be a little muddy in places, so wear appropriate footwear for your walk. :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Ample Parking
There are plenty of car parking facilities available for visitors. :parking:
🍽️ On-site Dining Options
A pub with a restaurant and bar is available, serving breakfast and meals throughout the day. :knifeforkplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
QEII Country Park is praised as a lovely spot for walks, especially with dogs, and offers enjoyable water sports opportunities with the right permit. Visitors appreciate the friendly wildlife and convenient on-site amenities like parking and a pub. Some feel the park could benefit from additional attractions to utilize its open spaces.
"Great spot for a walk with the dogs or a spot of paddleboarding/kayaking. You can buy a permit from the council website (ignore the sign that says get one from the leisure centre at Newbiggin, they know nothing about it!) It's £8.60 for a day pass, or you can get week or annual pass. You can launch right next to the car park and then go for a lovely paddle right round the lake."
Sue Dunn
"The Swans, Ducks and Geese are very people friendly. They are used to being fed regularly, so will come up close. It was lovely to be that close up to a Swan and have it feed from my hand. Bird food is sold at the pub that is on site for a very affordable price 👌"
jojo Harrison
"Lots of car parking and great for walks around the beautiful lake and walks through the country park trails. The Ashington Premier Inn is on site with a restaurant and bar next door serving breakfasts from 6.30am and serving meals and bar drinks throughout the day until 11pm. There is also a large outdoor seating area."
Solar Shack UK
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
QEII Country Park is accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Public transport options may vary, so it's advisable to check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there are excellent parking facilities at QEII Country Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, QEII Country Park is a great spot for dog walks. Dogs are generally welcome, but it's always good practice to keep them under control, especially around wildlife.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is required for paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake. You can purchase these from the council website. Day, week, and annual passes are available.
Paddleboard and kayak permits must be purchased from the council website. Ignore any signs suggesting you can get them from the leisure centre at Newbiggin.
A day pass for paddleboarding or kayaking at QEII Country Park costs approximately £8.60.
There is no mention of an entry fee for the park itself, but permits are required for water sports activities on the lake.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking around the lake and through the country park trails, paddleboarding, and kayaking on the lake (with a permit). It's also a fantastic spot for wildlife watching.
Yes, there are nice circular walks around the beautiful lake and through the country park trails, suitable for all ages.
Yes, the swans, ducks, and geese are very people-friendly and used to being fed. Bird food is sold at the on-site pub for a very affordable price.
Absolutely! It's great for stretching little legs with a walk around the lake. While it can be a bit muddy in places, a pushchair can generally be managed.
The park is home to numerous swans, ducks, and geese that are very accustomed to people. You can get quite close, and they are friendly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a pub on-site with a restaurant and bar. They serve breakfasts from 6:30 am and meals and bar drinks until 11 pm, with a large outdoor seating area.
Bird food is sold at the pub located on-site at a very affordable price, perfect for feeding the friendly waterfowl.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful scenery with its lake and surrounding country trails, ideal for landscape photography. Close-up shots of the friendly swans, ducks, and geese are also popular.
Yes, the swans, ducks, and geese are very used to people and will often come close, especially if you have bird food, making for great photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some paths can get a bit muddy, it's generally manageable with a pushchair. The on-site pub offers convenient dining options, and the ample parking makes arrival and departure hassle-free. It’s a great place for a relaxed day out with plenty of nature to explore.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog under control, especially when encountering other visitors or the abundant wildlife. The open spaces and scenic routes provide a stimulating environment for dogs to enjoy.
🛶 Water Sports Enthusiasts
Day, week, or annual passes are available, catering to different needs. The convenience of launching near the car park means you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time with logistics. It's a refreshing way to experience the park's natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Sports: Permits and Experience
The lake provides a lovely environment for a paddle, allowing you to explore the water and enjoy the natural surroundings. Launching is convenient, often right next to the car park, so you can quickly get on the water. Remember to check the weather conditions before heading out and always prioritize safety. The experience is enhanced by the presence of abundant birdlife, which adds to the tranquil atmosphere of the park.
Wildlife Encounters and Responsible Interaction
For those wishing to get even closer, bird food is available for purchase at the on-site pub at a very reasonable price. This allows for a memorable experience of feeding the birds from your hand. However, it's important to remember that while these animals are friendly, they are still wild. Visitors should always be respectful, avoid overcrowding the birds, and ensure they are feeding them appropriate food. Responsible interaction ensures the well-being of the wildlife and a pleasant experience for everyone.
Walking Trails and Accessibility
While the paths are generally well-maintained, some sections can become a little muddy, especially after rain. Despite this, reviewers note that it's usually possible to navigate with a pushchair, making it a viable option for families with young children. The natural beauty of the park, combined with the opportunity to see wildlife, makes these walks particularly enjoyable.
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