Families, young detectives, and summer adventurers, get ready to test your eye for detail in the great outdoors! From Saturday 25 July through to Monday 31 August 2026, Royal Victoria Country Park (SO31 5GA) in Netley hosts the I Spy Trail. Running daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this self-guided activity trail takes kids and parents on a fun-filled search across 200 acres of historic parkland, woodland, and coast.
Summer Schedule & Key Dates
The I Spy Trail runs every day throughout the summer school holidays at Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley Abbey:
- Trail Dates: Saturday 25 July – Monday 31 August 2026
- Daily Trail Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Trail activity sheets are collected from the Visitor Information Point & Shop next to the Royal Victoria Chapel.
- Recommended Duration: Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to walk the trail route, discover all the clues, and collect your prize.
Trail Highlights & What to Expect
An interactive outdoor hunt designed to keep children engaged while exploring 200 acres of coastal parkland and ancient woodland:
- Clue Hunting: Follow the map through different park habitats—including the woodland, foreshore, and historic chapel grounds—to spot hidden markers and letters.
- Secret Summer Code: Collect all the letters along the trail to decipher the hidden word on your activity sheet.
- Collect a Reward: Every completed trail sheet can be returned to the park shop to receive a special summer prize.
- Family Accessibility: Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs along the main gravel and paved footpaths.
Trail Pack Pricing & Information
Trail sheets can be purchased directly on the day of your visit:
- Trail Pack Price: £4.00 per activity trail sheet (includes the prize upon completion).
- No Advance Booking Required: Simply head to the Shop & Information Centre on arrival to pick up your pack.
How to Get to Royal Victoria Country Park
Royal Victoria Country Park is situated on the shores of Southampton Water in Netley Abbey:
- By Car: Accessible via Netley village or Victoria Road (use postcode SO31 5GA or SO31 5RA for satnav).
- By Train: Netley Railway Station is a 15-minute walk (approx. 0.8 miles) from the main park entrance.
- By Bus: Local bus routes connect Southampton city centre and Hamble directly to Netley Abbey.
Where to Park at Royal Victoria Country Park
On-site car parking is available across multiple car parks within the park grounds:
- Pay & Display Car Parks: Ample parking is situated near the Royal Victoria Chapel, Cedar Rooms restaurant, and main play areas.
- ANPR System: Automatic Number Plate Recognition is in operation (pay at the ticket machines or via parking app before leaving).
- Blue Badge Parking: Dedicated accessible parking bays are situated close to the chapel, visitor centre, and main café.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the I Spy Trail run at Royal Victoria Country Park?
- The trail runs daily throughout the summer holidays, from Saturday 25 July to Monday 31 August 2026, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- How much does the I Spy Trail cost?
- Trail packs cost £4.00 per trail sheet and include a prize upon completion.
- Where do I collect the trail pack?
- You can purchase and collect trail sheets from the Visitor Information Point & Shop located next to the historic Royal Victoria Chapel inside the park.
- Do I need to book the trail in advance?
- No advance booking is needed. You can turn up and buy your trail pack on the day of your visit.
- Is the trail pushchair and wheelchair friendly?
- Yes, the trail follows accessible, paved, and gravel footpaths through the parkland, making it suitable for buggies, pushchairs, and mobility scooters.
- Where is Royal Victoria Country Park located?
- Royal Victoria Country Park is located on Netley seafront in Netley Abbey, Southampton (SO31 5GA).
- How does parking work at Royal Victoria Country Park?
- On-site parking operates using an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. You can pay by cash, card, or via parking app at the machines before exiting.