Manor Farm Country Park
Historic Victorian farm on the River Hamble — rare breed animals, heritage buildings, woodland walks and adventure play
Historic Victorian farm on the River Hamble — rare breed animals, heritage buildings, woodland walks and adventure play
Manor Farm Country Park occupies 400 acres of countryside on the western bank of the River Hamble, midway between Southampton and Portsmouth. The site has been farmed for over 600 years, and its ancient duckpond and the neighbouring St Bartholomew's Church both appear in the Domesday Book. Hampshire County Council opened the farm as a public attraction in 1984.
Visitors step into a working Victorian-era farmyard complete with a blacksmith's forge, wheelwright's workshop, granary and an 18th-century threshing barn that now serves as the entrance. Friendly farm animals, a recreated Victorian schoolroom, woodland trails down to the river and a large adventure play area make it a full day out for families, roughly 80 miles from central London.
The land around Manor Farm has been worked since long before the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 records both the ancient duckpond that still sits at the heart of the site and the neighbouring St Bartholomew's Church, now deconsecrated but preserved as a heritage building. The farmhouse itself dates from the 15th century and remained a working agricultural holding for over 600 years before Hampshire County Council transformed the site into a public attraction in 1984.
The farm's heritage buildings tell the story of rural Hampshire across several centuries. An 18th-century threshing barn, where labourers once separated grain from wheat using hand flails, now serves as the main entrance. The granary, forge and other outbuildings were part of the original farmstead, while the wheelwright's workshop was carefully dismantled at another location in the county and rebuilt here timber by timber. In 2012, the BBC chose Manor Farm as the filming location for Wartime Farm, a documentary series that recreated life on a British farm during the Second World War. The farmhouse cottage and its grounds are instantly recognisable to viewers of the programme.
Today's Manor Farm is a hands-on family attraction built around its Victorian-era farmyard. The daily routine revolves around the animals: cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs and alpacas live in the paddocks and barns, and visitors are encouraged to get close. Feeding sessions and keeper talks run throughout the day, and spring brings the chance to bottle-feed lambs and goat kids born on site.
Beyond the animals, costumed interpreters bring the farm's heritage to life. The Victorian schoolroom recreates a typical Hampshire village school complete with slate boards, inkwells and stern lessons in handwriting. The blacksmith's forge fires up at weekends, with a working smith demonstrating traditional techniques. Children can try their hand at countryside skills, and seasonal events at Easter, Halloween and Christmas add themed trails, crafts and activities to the regular programme. In summer, a large maize maze opens in the fields above the farm, and a den-building area in the woodland lets children construct shelters from natural materials.
Manor Farm sits within the broader River Hamble Country Park, and the 400 acres of parkland, woodland and river frontage are free to explore year round. Waymarked trails lead through ancient woodland carpeted with bluebells in spring, across open meadow and down to the tidal shores of the River Hamble. The riverside path offers views across the estuary to the boatyards and sailing clubs on the eastern bank, and birdwatchers come for wintering waders, herons and kingfishers along the mudflats. The terrain is varied, with routes ranging from gentle 20-minute loops suitable for pushchairs to longer circuits of an hour or more that take in the full extent of the park. A cafe beside the farmyard serves hot food, sandwiches, cakes and barista coffee, with indoor and outdoor seating. Picnic benches are scattered through the grounds for those who bring their own. The park is roughly 80 miles from central London, most easily reached via the M3 and M27, and sits just half a mile from junction 8 of the M27.
Prices are for the farm attraction. The wider country park grounds and woodland trails are free to access. Season tickets include unlimited farm visits and free parking for the year. Prices may vary for special events.
The farm is open daily from February to October, but switches to Thursday to Sunday only from November to January. Check the Hampshire County Council website before travelling in the winter months.
The car park and farm can get busy by late morning during school holidays and sunny weekends. Arriving for the 10am opening gives you a quieter start and first pick of activities.
The woodland paths and riverside walks can be muddy after rain, particularly in autumn and winter. Wellies or walking boots are sensible if you plan to explore beyond the farmyard.
Allow an extra 40 minutes after the farm to walk down through the woodland to the River Hamble shoreline. The path is well signed and the views across the estuary are worth the detour.
The cafe and farm shop accept card payments, but some seasonal activities and event extras may require cash. Having a few pounds in coins avoids disappointment.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 10, 2026
