Get ready to explore nature and hunt for mini-beasts as River Hamble Country Park presents its exciting Bug Hunt and Activity every Tuesday during the summer school holidays (28th July – 25th August 2026)! Meeting at The Barn, children can head out on a fun mini-beast hunt to discover who lives in the park’s bug hotel before returning to decorate their very own bug hotel to take home. All craft materials and equipment are provided!
Event Schedule & Timetable
The Bug Hunt and Activity is a recurring weekly event taking place every Tuesday morning during the summer school holidays:
- Event Dates: Every Tuesday from 28th July 2026 to 25th August 2026 (28th July, 4th August, 11th August, 18th August, 25th August 2026)
- Session Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon)
- Meeting Point: The Barn at River Hamble Country Park
- Venue Location: River Hamble Country Park, Pylands Lane, Hedge End / Bursledon, Southampton (SO31 1BH)
Attractions & Activity Highlights
A hands-on outdoor adventure combining nature discovery with creative crafting:
- Outdoor Bug Hunt: Explore the woodland and country park trails on a guided hunt for insects, creepy crawlies, and mini-beasts.
- Bug Hotel Discovery: Visit the park’s resident bug hotel to discover which fascinating creatures call it home.
- Craft Workshop at The Barn: Return indoors to decorate your very own wooden bug hotel using provided materials and equipment to take home for your garden.
- All-Inclusive Equipment: All activity tools, bug-hunting kit, and crafting supplies are fully provided.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Designed specifically for children accompanied by parents or guardians in a scenic park setting.
Ticket Types & Pricing
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a great experience, so advance online booking is essential:
- Child Ticket: £8.00 per child (includes bug hotel kit to take home)
- Adult Ticket: FREE (adults must still book a free ticket; maximum of 2 adults per participating child)
- Supervision: All children must be accompanied by a booked adult throughout the session.
How to Get to River Hamble Country Park
River Hamble Country Park is located between Hedge End and Bursledon, just off the M27:
- By Car: Exit the M27 at Junction 8 and follow signs for Hedge End / Bursledon onto Pylands Lane, where the main park entrance is clearly signposted (SO31 1BH).
- By Train: Hedge End Railway Station and Bursledon Railway Station are both within a short taxi ride of the park.
- By Bus: Local bus routes stop along nearby roads in Hedge End and Bursledon, with a short walk along Pylands Lane to the park entrance.
Parking Information
Parking information for visitors attending River Hamble Country Park:
- On-Site Car Park: Pay-and-display visitor parking (ANPR system) is available inside the park near The Barn and visitor facilities.
- Accessible Parking: Designated Blue Badge parking bays are situated close to The Barn for easy step-free access.
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 nature trails, family workshops, summer holiday activities, and country park events near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Bug Hunt and Activity taking place?
- The event takes place every Tuesday during the summer school holidays from 28th July 2026 to 25th August 2026. Each session runs from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (noon).
- Where is the meeting point for the event?
- The group meets at The Barn inside River Hamble Country Park, Pylands Lane, Bursledon / Hedge End (SO31 1BH).
- How much are tickets for the Bug Hunt and Activity?
- Tickets are £8.00 per participating child. Accompanying adults enter for free, but a free adult ticket must still be booked in advance.
- Is there a limit on how many adults can attend per child?
- Yes, there is a maximum of 2 adults per child ticket.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance?
- Yes, tickets are required and spaces are strictly limited, so advance online booking is essential.
- What activities take place during the session?
- Children will go on a guided mini-beast hunt around River Hamble Country Park to discover creatures living in the bug hotel, then return to The Barn to decorate their own wooden bug hotel to take home.
- Are craft materials provided?
- Yes, all equipment and crafting materials required to decorate the bug hotel are provided.
- Do parents need to stay for the duration of the event?
- Yes, all children must be accompanied by a booked adult throughout the session.
- Is parking available on site?
- Yes, pay-and-display visitor parking (Barnfield Car Park) is available within River Hamble Country Park.
- Is the venue suitable for pushchairs?
- Yes, The Barn and surrounding main parkland paths are accessible for buggies and pushchairs.