Get ready for a fantastic, budget-friendly day out focused entirely on family savings and open-air play! On Sunday 5th July 2026, the scenic woodland trails of Itchen Valley Country Park (Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ) will play host to the Children’s Nearly New Market. Organized in proud partnership with Dream Empire Events, this lively family gather runs from 10:00 AM until 15:00 (3:00 PM). It provides the perfect community hub for parents to hunt down premium pre-loved baby clothing, toys, and nursery essentials while treating the kids to a magical afternoon in nature.
Event Schedule and Timings
The Children’s Nearly New Market features a five-hour daytime schedule designed to blend relaxed shopping with engaging kids’ entertainment:
- 10:00 AM: Market Official Opening — The under-canopy nearly new stalls and child-focused business pop-ups open to the public. The Teddy Trail packs are available for collection, and the face painting stations open.
- 11:30 AM: Morning Storytelling Session — Families gather on the meadow edge for the first interactive children’s book reading and acoustic storytelling experience.
- 12:30 PM: The Teddy Bears Picnic — Peak lunchtime across the park lawn. Families roll out blankets for the group picnic while the local ice cream van begins peak service.
- 13:30 (1:30 PM): Afternoon Storytelling Session — A second open-air storytelling circle kicks off under the trees for late-arriving families.
- 15:00 (3:00 PM): Market Concludes — The under-canopy seller stalls close, and trading concludes, though the wider country park trails and play areas remain open until dusk.
Ticket Tiers and Entry Policies
Admission to the event footprint is completely unrestricted, ensuring an accessible weekend trip for local families:
- General Admission: FREE — Entry to the nearly new market village, the storytelling circles, the Teddy Bears Picnic area, and the open play meadows is completely free for all adults and children. No advance tickets are required.
- Activities and Amenities: Individual cash or card charges apply on-site for independent face painting, ice cream purchases, and café dining.
- Sellers and Stalls: Spaces for nearly new sellers are strictly managed in advance by Dream Empire Events; casual, unbooked trading on the day is not permitted.
Road Closures and Access Notices
No major commuter route blocks are active through the West End or Hedge End corridors, but general park access guidelines apply:
- Allington Lane (B3035) — The arterial road connecting West End and Fair Oak remains fully open. However, strict rural clearway rules apply outside the park gates; vehicle stopping or parking along the roadside verges is highly illegal and heavily patrolled.
- Park Drive Entrance — The single-track access road leading from Allington Lane down to the main visitor car parks operates a strict 5 mph speed limit due to heavy pedestrian and family traffic.
How to Get There
The event is hosted within the central visitor hub of Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ:
- By Bus: The Xelabus X4 route connects Eastleigh and Hedge End via Allington Lane, stopping directly outside the main entrance gates of the country park. From the gates, follow the marked tree-line path for a flat 5-minute walk to the visitor center.
- By Train: The closest railway hub is Hedge End Station (approx. 2.2 miles away) or Eastleigh Station (approx. 2.5 miles away). Traveling by train requires a pre-booked local taxi or a connecting bus link to complete the trip.
- By Bicycle: The park links directly to local Hampshire cycling routes, featuring multiple wooden bike racks located immediately outside the Woodland Café patio.
Where to Park at Itchen Valley Country Park
While admission to the market is entirely free, standard council parking fees are strictly enforced by automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras across the venue:
- Main Visitor Car Park (On-Site): Situated directly adjacent to the Woodland Café, play areas, and the under-canopy market arena. This is a pay-and-display/pay-by-phone car park operating on a tiered hourly rate structure.
- Overflow Field Car Park (On-Site): Opened specifically during busy weekend events, located just a short, buggy-friendly 2-minute stroll along a flat gravel path to the main market canopy.
- Disabled Parking Bays: Designated blue-badge parking spaces are situated directly at the front of the main visitor lot, offering level, tarmac access straight to the market area.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theater shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date and time is the Children’s Nearly New Market?
- The market takes place on Sunday 5 July 2026 at Itchen Valley Country Park. Stalls and activities open at 10:00 AM and the event wraps up at 15:00 (3:00 PM).
- Is there an entry fee for the Children’s Market?
- No, entry to the event footprint, the Teddy Bears Picnic area, the storytelling sessions, and the trail is completely free. You do not need to book admission tickets in advance.
- Are parking charges active for this event?
- Yes. While the event itself is completely free to enter, standard Itchen Valley Country Park parking charges apply. The site uses ANPR (automated number plate recognition) cameras, and you can pay at the machines or via the parking app before leaving.
- What should we bring for the Teddy Bears Picnic?
- Families are highly encouraged to bring along a picnic blanket, a packed lunch, and their children’s favorite teddy bears or soft toys to take part in the interactive trails and themed storytelling circles.
- Will the market be cancelled if it rains?
- No, the nearly new seller stalls and baby-focused businesses are located safely under the permanent outdoor canopy, meaning the shopping element of the event will go ahead rain or shine.