Royal Victoria Country Park
Royal Victoria Country Park
At the Royal Victoria Park there are a wide range of activities that you can enjoy.
Wildlife and Habitats
The site plays host to a rich variety of wildlife, look out for the deer in the woodland, visit the duck ponds and discover the sites amazing shore-life. Go bird watching and enjoy the diversity of birds at this fantastic location. Spot song thrush and green woodpeckers in the woodland and oyster catchers and Brent geese in the estuary. Overlooking Southampton Water, Royal Victoria Country Park provides the perfect opportunity to take a tranquil stroll along the seashore to admire the stunning views that can be seen across the Solent.
Visit the Heritage Centre, Hospital, Abbey, Chapel and Tower
The Royal Victoria Hospital was built in 1856 and served the British military for over a century. As the British Army’s first purpose built hospital, Royal Victoria was a unique and ambitious project which would help change the face of the medical world.
The chapel is all that remains of the quarter mile long hospital and is home to our interesting heritage exhibition which gives people the opportunity to learn all about the history of the military hospital and see photographs and relics from the sites fascinating past.
The park is also home to Netley Abbey.
See the park and beyond as you climb the 166 steps of our chapel tower on a guided tour to enjoy the brilliant views. We offer tours by expert guide every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday:
The exhibition is open every Sunday, Winter opening 1.30pm to 3.30pm Summer opening 1.30pm to 4pm. It also opens on most bank holiday Monday’s and various events days.
Miniature railway
The Royal Victoria Railway has a great selection of steam and diesel miniature trains which run along a 1 mile scenic route in the heart of the country park. There are school events throughout the year. We also provide birthday parties, hire for weddings and private events.
Visit the Royal Victoria Railway website for more details.
Family Fun and Story Trails
Royal Victoria Country Park is a wonderful place to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
- Play a family game in one of the fields
- Bring some paper and crayons to do some bark and leaf rubbings in the woodland
- Take in the breathtaking views over Southampton Water.
- Take a ride on the fabulous miniature steam railway.
- Hire one of our picturesque barbeque sites.
- Pick up a craft pack from the shop and make it in the Empire Room. (Mon–Fri, 10am–2.30pm)
Have a go at our Story Trail Time Trouble at Royal Victoria Country Park or visit the Story Trails website.
A story bag can be collected from Royal Victoria Country Park office.
Children's Play Area
Let the children loose in our play area, or play games in the wide open fields. Situated near to our tearooms, the play area has a great range of equipment, including a number of fully accessible pieces.
Sensory Garden
Discover the smells, colours and textures of our Sensory garden. A beautiful variety of colourful flowers and trees provide a seasonal rainbow, full of pleasant aromas. Hear the pleasurable sounds of the gentle trickle of the fountain accompanied by the tweets of the birds. Also explore the garden to find the compass rose.
Schools
Royal Victoria Country Park is the perfect place to bring learning to life. This unique site right on the coast overlooking Southampton Water offers something for everyone with wonderful wildlife, rich heritage and a great range of park facilities.
There are extensive areas of shingle shoreline, parkland and mature woodland as well as wildflower areas and a community orchard which together provide a valuable outdoor learning resource for schools and other groups. In addition, we have Acorns Education Facility that can be hired out to groups for indoor learning.
We offer a range of exciting environmental activities for Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils during term time and activities for community groups which are led by the rangers of Royal Victoria Country Park or self led. Group leaders and helpers are encouraged to become involved in all the activities. Please ensure you adhere to your governing bodies guidelines with regards to offsite activities and have informed the relevant people that you will be visiting the park.
Heritage and Community Engagement Officer led activities
A variety of activities are available upon request and subject to age and ability. Sessions last for either 2 hours (10am–12pm) or all day (10am–2pm).
These activities can be adapted to suit your school or group’s needs and relate to the National Curriculum. Help with planning your visit is also available from our staff who will create a programme of activities.
New for 2014 – Poppy workshops – 2 hour session including history and craft. Reduced price £3 per child
At present, we offer a range of activities:
Seashore Adventures
Includes a 2 hour session with exploring the habitat, seashore art and scavenger hunt.
Adaptation Exploration
Includes a 2 hour session looking at different habitats including ponds and woodlands
Living History
Either a 2 hour or full day of sessions in the Chapel and in the park. Sessions include role play, using primary and secondary sources such as artefacts and photos. The hospital covers the period 1856 to the present day and includes famous people such as Wilfred Owen, Florence Nightingale and Queen Victoria
Literacy
Various aspects of literacy covering most key stages including ‘Percy the Park Keeper’ trail and activity, ‘Private Peaceful’ – World War 1 activities and role play, Wilfred Owen (War poet) and ‘Dearest Maude’ for older students
Orienteering Trails
Includes a basic introduction to orienteering, maps and compasses with two levels of orienteering trails
River studies and land use
Looking at present and past land use along Southampton Water
Local history study
Using old photos and evidence on site to study land use and history of the military hospital and Netley village
The Heritage and Community Engagement Officer will meet with you when you arrive upon site to provide a basic health and safety talk before you begin your activities. Help with planning your visit is also available from our staff.
Suitability of activities
All schools and children’s clubs are welcome to take part in our education activities. All activities can be adapted to suit your curriculum focus, key stage and ability of the group. Please contact the park if you would like to discuss the suitability of any of the activities for children with different needs.
Pre-visits
A pre visit for all group leaders is essential in order to secure your booking. During the pre visit, our staff will help you with the planning of your visit.
Prices
£4 per child for 2 hours and £6 for the day. Coach parking is £10
Contact: Michele Meek, Heritage and Community Engagement Officer