Lepe Country Park
Exbury, New Forest
Photo: Paul Pollard, CC BY-SA 2.0Photo: Paul Pollard, CC BY-SA 2.0
A Hampshire County Council country park on the Solent shore at the edge of the New Forest, looking across to the Isle of Wight. Beach and meadow walks lead past remains from the D-Day preparations of 1944 and a Cold War observation post, with a play area, cafe and kiosk near the shore.
Highlights
- D-Day remains along the beach towards Stanswood Bay
- Royal Observer Corps underground monitoring post from 1962
- Adventure play area with a zip line, and kite flying on the clifftop
- Sensory Cottage Garden and a boardwalk with a bird hide
- The Lookout cafe with views over the Solent, plus The Kiosk on the beach
Good to know
- The beach is not lifeguarded and has strong currents, so swimming is not advised
- Dogs are welcome on the beach all year except the family section in front of The Lookout from April to October; they are also welcome in The Lookout
- BBQs, inflatables, balloons and confetti are not allowed
- A free seashore scavenger hunt sheet and a D-Day audio tour are available from the park
Getting there
Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1ADParking: Three Hampshire County Council car parks: Clifftop, Beach and Western. Coaches cost £20 and must call 023 8089 9108 ahead.
Get directionsChecked on 19 October 2026 against hants.gov.uk, hants.gov.uk, hants.gov.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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