THE Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley Abbey, which covers more than 200 picturesque acres, provides ideal facilities for children including three play areas and plenty of space to run around.
The park is divided into three areas: woodland, parkland and foreshore and there's lots of wildlife to be seen including 115 species of birds, 10 types of cricket/grasshoppers, nine of dragon and damselflies, 30 species of butterfly, more than 300 sp
ecies of moth and 134 types of fungi.
The park also has various trees and shrubs, many of which are non-native and were introduced during Queen Victoria's reign.
The Royal Victoria was once the site of a military hospital and its fascinating story can be viewed in the heritage centre.
Unfortunately the chapel tower is closed this year but the miniature railway, open throughout the school holidays and weekends from 11am–4.30pm.
Snacks and light lunches are available in the tearooms, open daily from April–September. At other times they are open on Sundays only (weather permitting), except Christmas and New Year.
Admission is 70p for adults, 35p for children and senior citizens. The park grounds are open all year.
Parking: There are five pay and display car parks which cost £1.10 all day Monday–Saturday, £1.60 all day on Sunday. Vehicle access is available from 8am–5pm October–March and 8am–9pm April–September. A RADAR key is required for access to the play area for wheelchair users. These keys may be borrowed or bought for £4 from the park office.
When is it open? Summer hours: Open every day Easter to September, midday–4.30pm (11am–4.30pm Sundays). Winter hours: From October–November and January–March, open on Sundays only (12pm-3.30pm). Open every day during autumn and spring half terms.
Contact: (023) 8045 5157.
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