Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Woodland, downland and outdoor adventure on Waterlooville's doorstep

Queen Elizabeth Country Park sits on the chalk downland immediately north of Waterlooville, straddling the A3 between the town and Petersfield. The park covers approximately 1,400 acres of woodland and open downland within the South Downs National Park, and it is the single most significant outdoor recreational resource available to Waterlooville residents. The park opened in 1976 and is managed by Hampshire County Council.

Butser Hill, at 270 metres the highest point in the park and one of the highest in Hampshire, dominates the landscape. The views from the summit extend across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and north towards the Hampshire Downs. The hill is grazed by sheep and cattle as part of the management of its chalk grassland habitat, which supports a rich flora including orchids, cowslips and harebells.

The woodland areas provide a contrasting environment, with beech hangers, conifer plantations and mixed deciduous woodland offering shade, shelter and a network of trails. The mountain bike trails are among the most popular in southern England, with graded routes from gentle forest tracks to challenging downhill sections. Walking trails are waymarked and range from short family strolls to longer routes that connect with the South Downs Way national trail.

The visitor centre provides a cafe, shop, information point and event space. The park hosts a programme of events throughout the year, including outdoor cinema, running events, wildlife walks and children's activities. For Waterlooville residents, the park is reachable by car in less than ten minutes or by bicycle along the A3 corridor, making it an accessible escape from the suburban environment of the town.