Staunton Country Park: Havant’s Regency parkland and farm
A thousand acres of Regency parkland, a farm, follies and glasshouses on the northern edge of Havant.
Staunton Country Park sits on the northern edge of Havant, between the town and Rowlands Castle, on the surviving parkland of the Regency Leigh Park estate.
Sir George Staunton's estate
The estate was bought in 1820 by Sir George Thomas Staunton — a sinologist, Regency politician and keen horticulturist — who reshaped the grounds, adding follies and constructing the ornamental lake between 1828 and 1836. The park covers roughly 1,000 acres and was transferred to Hampshire County Council, which established it as a country park in 1987.
What to see and do
The parkland has an ornamental lake, woodland walks, and a scattering of follies. There is a farm area with animals, a walled garden, historic glasshouses including a tropical house, and a maze. Entry to the parkland is free, while the farm area is a paid attraction. In 2017 the park received lottery funding to restore the landscape, conserve its follies and build a visitor centre.
Visiting
Staunton Country Park is on Middle Park Way, Leigh Park (PO9 5HB), and is easily reached by bus from Havant town centre or by car with on-site parking. Check the latest opening times and farm admission prices with Hampshire County Council before visiting.
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