Get ready for two full days of nature exploration and family fun as Lepe Country Park hosts its annual Wildlife Wonders Festival on Wednesday 5th August and Thursday 6th August 2026! Set along the stunning Solent coastline, this free two-day celebration brings together rangers, volunteers, and premier conservation organisations—including the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). Packed with interactive stalls, hands-on craft sessions, guided nature walks, and seashore safaris, it is the ultimate summer holiday event for wildlife lovers of all ages.
Event Schedule & Timetable
Wildlife Wonders takes place at Lepe Country Park over two full days on Wednesday 5th August and Thursday 6th August 2026:
- Event Dates & Times: Wednesday 5th August (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) & Thursday 6th August 2026 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Bird Hide Spotting: All Day (At the Bird Hide overlooking the dark water river)
- Moth Trap Release & Talk: Throughout the Day (In the Sensory Garden with resident expert Bob)
- Guided Bee Walk: 11:00 AM Daily (Led by Lepe’s bee survey group)
- Mini Beast Sweep: 12:00 PM (Wednesday 5th August ONLY – led by Ranger Abby in the meadows)
- Seashore Safari: 1:00 PM Daily (Led by Ranger Laura on the beach)
- Venue Location: Lepe Country Park, Exbury, near Southampton (SO45 1AD)
Attractions & Event Highlights
A packed two-day festival featuring expert nature walks, hands-on activities, and visiting conservation organisations:
- Partner Organisations: Meet specialists from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
- Interactive BDMLR Stall: Learn about marine rescue and make your very own seal model with Martin from BDMLR.
- Pollinator & Garden Crafts: Join rangers on the clifftop to craft seed bombs and learn how to make your garden at home pollinator-friendly using everyday household items.
- Seashore & Meadow Safaris: Explore marine life with ID and tally charts during beach safaris or sweep long meadow grass for bugs and insects.
- Moth & Bird Watching: Discover overnight moth catches released back into their natural habitats and spot local waterbirds from the bird hide.
Ticket Types & Pricing
Entry to the Wildlife Wonders festival is completely free, though standard park vehicle charges apply:
- Event Admission: FREE (No tickets or pre-booking required)
- Car Parking Charges (April – September Rates):
- Up to 1 Hour: £2.50
- Up to 2 Hours: £5.00
- Up to 4 Hours: £8.00
- Full Day: £9.50
- Motorbikes: Free
How to Get to Lepe Country Park
Lepe Country Park is situated on the Solent coast on the edge of the New Forest:
- By Car: Follow the A326 south through the Waterside area towards Holbury/Blackfield, following county signs for Lepe Country Park (SO45 1AD).
Parking Information
Parking options at Lepe Country Park:
- Main Seafront & Clifftop Car Parks: Pay-and-display / pay-by-app parking located right alongside the beach, The Lookout visitor centre, and clifftop activity spaces.
- Western Car Park: Secondary woodland car park situated at the western end of the park.
- Accessible Parking: Designated Blue Badge bays are available near the main visitor facilities (standard parking charges apply).
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, family events, outdoor activities, and community gatherings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Wildlife Wonders taking place at Lepe Country Park?
- The festival runs across two days: Wednesday 5th August 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and Thursday 6th August 2026 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
- Where is Lepe Country Park located?
- Lepe Country Park is located at Exbury, near Beaulieu, Southampton (SO45 1AD) along the Hampshire coastline.
- Is there an entry fee for Wildlife Wonders?
- No, the Wildlife Wonders event is completely free to attend and no pre-booking is required. Standard vehicle parking charges apply.
- How much is parking at Lepe Country Park?
- Summer parking rates (April–September) are £2.50 for up to 1 hour, £5.00 for up to 2 hours, £8.00 for up to 4 hours, and £9.50 for the full day. Motorbikes park for free.
- What scheduled guided activities are available?
- Daily activities include Guided Bee Walks (11:00 AM) and Seashore Safaris (1:00 PM). A special Mini Beast Sweep takes place on Wednesday 5th August at 12:00 PM.
- Which conservation organisations are attending?
- Visitors can meet experts from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, RSPB, and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
- Is this event suitable for children and families?
- Yes! The event is designed for all ages, featuring interactive stalls, seal-making craft workshops, seed bomb creation, and beach explorations.
- What facilities are available at Lepe Country Park?
- The park features The Lookout restaurant/cafe, public toilets, accessible pathways, children’s adventure playgrounds, and designated picnic areas.
- Are dogs allowed at the Wildlife Wonders event?
- Dogs are welcome in the park, on clifftop paths, and in designated dog-friendly beach zones (please keep dogs on leads around wildlife activity stations and livestock areas).
- What should I bring with me?
- Sensible footwear for beach and meadow walks, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and a camera or binoculars for birdwatching!