Lepe Beach

Being one of the most popular Country Park’s in Hampshire, Lepe Beach welcomes over 300,000 people each year. Situated on a prime spot on the southern stretch of the New Forest, you have everything you could ever need, from a cafe, toilets, long stretch of beach and unbeatable views across the Solent.

Why is Lepe Beach important?

Back in 1944 Lepe beach played an important part in the Normandy invasion. From this beach 6,000 men embarked with vehicles and supplies to help play their role in turning point of the Second World War.

Along your walk, you’ll come across the remains of what once was a
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What is there to do?

Are you wanting to get out on a hike? Well Lepe is the perfect place, home to a five way-marked circular path which shows off this beautiful section of country and coast. After you explore the area, you can head to the Lookout, where you’ll find a restaurant and kiosk serving hot and cold food and drink.

Dogs are also welcome in the country park and the beach, however, between there isn’t access to the family beach between April and September so keep that in mind.

How to get there?

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is situated on the south west coast of Hampshire. To get there use this postcode, SO45 1AD. which will take you to the Lookout that has plenty of paid parking available (although it gets busy in the summer months) and even some toilets.

Lepe’s Wildlife

Lepe Country Park is home to a range of protected habitats that are vital for so many different species. If you head to the northwest of Lepe you’ll find brackish and freshwater ponds that attract herons, moorhen, redshank and the stunning kingfisher. Brent geese and other birds like the Plover can be found feeding on important mudflats which can be found here too. My favourite species of bird at Lepe is the turnstone, which can be spotted by their patterned colouring. This shorebird can be found along the stretches of shingle beach.