Things To Do

On the farm

The tents sit in a spacious field planted with native grasses that are a magnet for insects and birds. Children love the open space and freedom to run and roam, whilst their parents enjoy relaxing on the decking listening to happy noises! The woodland along one edge of the meadow is perfect for exploring, building dens and collecting wood for the campfire. The rope swing is very popular with children, and they can be supervised from the comfort of your tent.

The South Downs National Park is a Dark Skies area, and you get a fantastic view of the night skies right outside your tent. You can find helpful information, star gazing maps and hints on the South Downs National Park website.

Walk the private grass tracks left round many of our fields and enjoy the Hampshire countryside in peace without having to go anywhere near a road. Step out in a different direction and you can stroll along the Meon Valley Trail and into the picturesque village of West Meon. Alternatively the Nature Reserve and hill fort of Old Winchester Hill – with views across the Solent – is also a popular route.

Walking and cycling

The South Downs Way and Old Winchester Hill are accessible from the top of the farm. It is also possible to reach the Monarchs Way, Wayfarers Walk, Hangars Way and Staunton Way as well as many other footpaths. Maps are available in the tent. For nature lovers the nearby Chappetts Copse  is worth a visit in late May. It has the largest population in Britain of the rare sword-leaved helleborine and other rare orchids.

You can cycle parts of the South Downs Way and there are other cycle routes nearby, including the Meon Valley Trail which is ideal for children because it is so flat. There are also mountain bike trails at Queen Elizabeth Country Park and around East Meon.

Bike Hire

Bespoke Biking, Winchester

The Cycle Company, Shawford

Southern Ebike Rentals QECP, Petersfield

Places to eat

If you can tear yourself away from the barbecue and home-cooked meals there are some good local pubs. The Thomas Lord is named after the founder of Lords Cricket ground, who is buried in the village. They serve delicious locally-sourced meals and have a beautiful garden with pizza oven.

For a more casual meal or snack Cuppacheeno behind the village shop is the place to go. Here you can get an all-day breakfast, tasty soup or quiche for lunch and home baked cakes.

Both The Shoe (at Exton) and The Hurdles at Droxford can be reached from the Meon Valley Trail and make good refreshment points on a longer walk. The food at both is excellent. The Shoe has a waterside garden which is a delight on a sunny day.

Walk (or drive) eastwards and you can find Ye Olde George Inn at East Meon, another pub that serves good food.

Local attractions

Within 10 miles of Brocklands Farm you can try your hand at fly fishing, visit Hinton Ampner House with its beautiful gardens or explore the market town of Petersfield with the Flora Twort Gallery and Farmers’ Market. For families Butser Ancient Farm, with its chance to get hands-on experience of the Iron Age and a ride on the Watercress Line are both extremely popular.

Other places to explore locally are:

Experience Hampshire:

Experience Hampshire offers a unique digital platform for visitors to find, book and take part in original Hampshire-based activities and experiences. They hand-pick unique local activity providers, artisans, hosts and local experts who offer their bespoke collection of experiences. These include escorted wildlife walks; gin-making; Alpaca walking; boat rides, or paddleboarding on the Solent; family fishing experience; E-bike cycle tours and Chocolate making. They have over 150 hand selected experiences to choose from in Hampshire.

You can also email them directly for bespoke, personalised advice on things to do whilst you are staying here at Brocklands Farm at hello@experiencehampshire.uk

Family Outings

There are so many exciting places to go as a family. For a relaxing time try going crab fishing at Emsworth (30 minutes). There is a lovely walk, great ice-cream café and a pontoon to crab off or play on the sand at West Wittering. A visit to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose (40 minutes) at Portsmouth is a great day out and if you have time you could climb Spinnaker Tower for an impressive view of the Solent and Isle of Wight. The wonders of the natural world can be enjoyed at Marwell Zoo (20 minutes).For bird lovers Bird World (30 minutes) has penguins among its many birds and the Hawk Conservancy has flying displays and the chance to hold a bird. The rescued medieval houses at the Weald and Downland Museum are great for exploring and they often have special activities on. For something a little different don’t forget to explore Experience Hampshire.

Other places to go are:

Cultural

The historic town centre of Winchester is full of interesting streets and ancient buildings. Of particular note are the Cathedral (make sure you find the statue of the diver who stopped the building sinking into the marshes), the working Water Mill and King Arthur’s Round Table and Great Hall.

Near Alton you can visit Gilbert White’s house and gardens:  which belonged to the naturalist who got us all birdwatching and tour Jane Austen’s house where she lived and wrote.

Also:

Local events

We are conveniently placed for many local events. The Music Festival is hosted by the Primrose Piano Quartet and the music is superb. There is so much to do at the free Watercress Festival that the whole family will be entertained and you get a chance to taste all things watercress – extensively grown in this area. In Winchester the Hat Fair also offers great free family entertainment and the Festival of Speed at Goodwood and Carfest South are also within easy reach.