Bring the family for a magical outdoor adventure this half term at River Hamble Country Park for The Lost Halloween Spell – A Seasonal Woodland Trail! Running daily from Saturday 17th October to Sunday 1st November 2026 between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM BST, this interactive seasonal trail invites young explorers to help the Woodland Witch recover her lost Halloween magic. Her 10 essential magical ingredients have been scattered across the park’s ancient woodland paths. Visitors can pick up a trail pack for just £4.00 from The Visitor Service Centre at The Barn and head into the woods to find the missing spell ingredients. No advance tickets are required, making it an ideal flexible day out in nature near Southampton.
Event Schedule & Timings
Schedule and timing details for The Lost Halloween Spell Woodland Trail:
- Event Dates: Saturday 17th October – Sunday 1st November 2026.
- Daily Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM BST.
Show Highlights & Lineup Features
Key features and attractions of the seasonal woodland trail:
- Interactive Woodland Quest: Self-guided trail across ancient woodland paths searching for 10 missing magical spell ingredients.
- The Barn Visitor Centre: Collect your official £4 trail pack from The Visitor Service Centre at The Barn before heading out into the woods.
- Autumn Outdoor Exploration: Scenic seasonal walks along the River Hamble through autumn foliage and natural play areas.
Ticket Information
Pricing and pack information for participants:
- Trail Pack Cost: £4.00 per trail pack.
- Ticket Requirements: No advance tickets required; packs can be purchased directly on arrival at The Barn.
Venue Guidelines
Important guidelines for visitors exploring the trail:
- Footwear & Clothing: Outdoor footwear and warm layers are recommended as woodland paths can become muddy during autumn.
- Accessibility: Main farm tracks and paths around The Barn are accessible, with varying terrain through deeper woodland sections.
How to Get to River Hamble Country Park
Travel routes to reach Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Southampton (SO31 1BH):
- By Car: Accessible via Pylands Lane off the A27 or Junction 8 of the M27 motorway, following signs toward Bursledon and Hedge End.
- By Public Transport: Local bus connections serve Bursledon and Hedge End, with Bursledon Train Station located a short distance from the park grounds.
Where to Park at River Hamble Country Park
Parking options for park visitors:
- On-Site Country Park Parking: Pay-and-display parking is available directly within River Hamble Country Park near The Barn Visitor Service Centre.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things happening across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover seasonal trails, family events, outdoor activities, and local community highlights near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is The Lost Halloween Spell trail taking place?
- The trail runs daily from Saturday 17th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.
- Where is River Hamble Country Park located?
- The park is located on Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Southampton, Hampshire (SO31 1BH).
- What time is the trail open each day?
- The trail is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM BST.
- How much do trail packs cost?
- Trail packs cost £4.00 per pack.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance?
- No advance tickets are required; trail packs can be collected on arrival at The Barn Visitor Service Centre.
- Where do I collect the trail pack?
- Trail packs are available from The Visitor Service Centre at The Barn inside River Hamble Country Park.
- What is the theme of the woodland trail?
- Children help the Woodland Witch find her 10 missing magical spell ingredients scattered along the forest path.
- Is parking available at River Hamble Country Park?
- Yes, pay-and-display parking is available on site near The Barn Visitor Service Centre.
- Is the trail suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
- Main tracks around The Barn are accessible, though deeper woodland paths may feature uneven terrain or mud during autumn.
- What should visitors wear for the trail?
- Warm outdoor clothing and sturdy boots or wellies are recommended for exploring the woodland paths.