Lepe Country Park
Lepe Country Park occupies a narrow stretch of land adjoining the Solent, just west of Southampton Water and south of the New Forest, and lies within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Attractions
A Park rich in Natural habitats
Lepe Country Park is managed by Hampshire County Council who own part of the site and lease the remainder from local landowners. The site affords superb views of the Solent and Isle of Wight and is rich in Natural habitats. Each year over 300,000 people visit Lepe to enjoy one of Hampshire's most popular Country Parks.
Lepe Country Park
Lepe Beach
The view along Lepe beach was very different in the 1940s - it was here that sections of the amazing Mulberry Harbour were constructed before being towed all the way to the Normandy Beaches at Arromanche, where they remain to this day. Now there remains little of their presence - the beach is exremely popular, with sandy stretches and great views across to Cowes.
Lepe Beach looking across to Cowes on the Isle of Wight
Lepe's Wildlife
Lepe Country Park is home to a range of wildlife and natural habitats. The mudflats provide an important feeding ground for Brent Geese and many species of birds, including Curlew, Oystercatcher, Dunlin and Plover. The brackish and freshwater ponds to the northwest of Lepe attract Shelduck, Redshank, Moorhen, Herons and Kingfishers, whilst the bushes are used by Nightingales, Warblers and other songbirds. On the shingle beach you might see shells of cockles, whelks, slipper limpets and periwinkles as well as the Turnstone - a patterned shorebird that feeds on the beach. And a meadow provides recreational grass and wildflowers.
Turnstones at Lepe Beach
Facilities
- Childrens' play area
- Licensed restaurant providing a wide range of snacks, drinks and meals. For further details telephone: 02380 892991
- Refreshment kiosk
- Toilets, including disabled toilets
- Parking – pay and display
- A large and small barbeque is on offer for you to hire. More information, prices and how to book can be found on the Park’s website – www.hants.gov.uk/lepe
- Information center and gift shop providing information, souvenirs, books and leaflets
- Picnic areas
- Dog-free and dog-welcome beaches
- Disabled access – telephone 023 8089 9108 for further details
More Information
For further information, contact the Park Centre on 023 8089 9108.
Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AD