Celebrate the beauty of the season at Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes on Thursday 29th October 2026! Taking place at the picturesque Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve (SO31 7AY), this two-hour outdoor family event runs from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM BST, meeting at the Study Centre. Families can venture into the crisp autumn woodland to take part in wonderful wild play and hands-on nature discovery. Suitable for accompanied children of all ages, attendees are advised to dress in long sleeves, long trousers, and sturdy boots or wellies. Online booking is essential prior to 1:00 PM on Wednesday 28th October, with a suggested donation of £5 per child and free on-site parking available.
Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes Dates
Schedule and event time details for Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes:
- Event Date: Thursday 29th October 2026.
- Event Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM BST (2-hour outdoor session).
- Booking Deadline: Online booking is essential and closes at 1:00 PM on Wednesday 28th October 2026.
What to Expect at Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes
Key highlights and outdoor nature activities:
- Woodland Exploration: Venture into the autumn woods at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve to discover seasonal wildlife and changing autumn foliage.
- Hands-On Wild Play: Children and families take part in outdoor play activities designed to connect kids with nature.
- Guided Nature Discovery: Activity sessions led by Wildlife Trust staff and educators meeting at the Study Centre.
- Family Nature Fun: An inclusive, outdoorsy activity suitable for accompanied children of all age groups.
Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes Tickets
Official ticket rates and booking guidance:
- Suggested Donation: £5.00 per child.
- Adult Admission: Free (Accompanying adults do not need to reserve separate ticket spaces).
- Booking Requirements: Advance online booking is required via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website before 1:00 PM on 28th October.
Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes Address
Meeting location and travel routes to the nature reserve:
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve Location
Swanwick Lakes Study Centre, Sopwith Way, Swanwick, Hampshire SO31 7AY.
How to Get to Swanwick Lakes
- By Car: Located just off the A27 near Park Gate and Swanwick, easily reached from Southampton, Fareham, and Portsmouth via the M27 (Junction 8 or 9).
- By Public Transport: Swanwick railway station is approximately a 15–20 minute walk from the reserve entrance.
Swanwick Lakes Accessibility & Facilities
Site amenities and essential visitor guidance:
- What to Wear: All participants must wear long trousers, long sleeves, and sturdy outdoor boots or wellies.
- Dog Policy: Assistance dogs only are permitted at this event.
- Wheelchair Access: Wheelchair accessible paths and facilities at the Study Centre.
- On-Site Facilities: Accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and bicycle parking available at the Study Centre.
Swanwick Lakes Parking
Parking details for visitors:
- Free On-Site Parking: Free customer parking is provided directly in the Study Centre car park.
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 nature reserve events, wild play sessions, family outdoor activities, and local community gatherings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes taking place?
- The event takes place on Thursday 29th October 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM BST.
- Where is Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve located?
- The nature reserve and Study Centre are located at Sopwith Way, Swanwick, Hampshire (SO31 7AY).
- How much does it cost to attend?
- There is a suggested donation of £5.00 per child. Accompanying adults do not need to pay or reserve ticket spaces.
- Is online booking required in advance?
- Yes, online booking is essential and closes at 1:00 PM on Wednesday 28th October 2026. Only spaces for children need to be booked.
- What age group is this event suitable for?
- Autumn Wild Play is suitable for accompanied children of all ages.
- What should participants wear?
- All participants are advised to wear long trousers, long sleeves, and sturdy outdoor boots or wellies for woodland play.
- Are dogs permitted at the event?
- Only assistance dogs are permitted at this event.
- Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, wheelchair accessible paths and facilities are available at the Swanwick Lakes Study Centre.
- Is parking available on site?
- Yes, free customer parking is available directly at the Study Centre car park.
- Who organises Autumn Wild Play at Swanwick Lakes?
- The event is hosted and managed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.