Waterlooville might not be the first place you think of for a day out, but give it a chance. Between the South Downs on the doorstep, country parks, and a surprising number of activities, there's more to do than you'd expect.
🏞️ Outdoor Activities
1. Queen Elizabeth Country Park
📍 Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE ⭐ 4.6/5 (3,000+ reviews) 💰 Parking: £3-6
The crown jewel of local outdoor activities. 1,400 acres of ancient forest and chalk downland with: - Mountain bike trails (all abilities) - Walking routes (30 mins to full-day hikes) - Café and visitor centre - Adventure playground - Stunning South Downs views
Perfect for: Families, hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers
2. Staunton Country Park
📍 Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB ⭐ 4.5/5 (2,500+ reviews) 💰 Parking: £2.50-5
More manicured than QECP, with beautiful parkland, ornamental gardens, and a café. Great for: - Pushchair-friendly walks - The walled garden - Seasonal events (Easter egg hunts, Christmas trails) - Farm animals (in season)
3. Forest of Bere
📍 Various access points around Denmead 💰 Free
Ancient woodland walks without the crowds. Park at The Forest of Bere pub and explore miles of trails. Bluebells in spring are spectacular.
4. Waterlooville Recreation Ground
📍 Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville 💰 Free
Local park with playground, sports pitches, and skate park. Nothing fancy, but a solid option for burning off energy.
🎳 Indoor Activities
5. Bowlplex Portsmouth
📍 Ocean Retail Park, Portsmouth PO6 4PR ⭐ 4.0/5 💰 From £7/game
15 minutes from Waterlooville. Bowling, arcade games, and laser tag under one roof. Good for families and groups.
6. Vue Cinema Portsmouth
📍 Port Way, Portsmouth PO6 4TY 💰 From £6 (off-peak)
Nearest cinema to Waterlooville. IMAX screen, comfy seats, and decent snack selection.
7. Escape Rooms Portsmouth
Multiple escape room venues in nearby Portsmouth:
- ✓Escape Hunt — Gunwharf Quays
- ✓Cryptology — Southsea
- ✓Adventure Rooms — Commercial Road
Great for groups, team building, or date nights.
8. Swimming — Waterlooville Leisure Centre
📍 Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville PO7 7BN 💰 £5.50/adult
Public pool with lanes, family splash sessions, and gym. Book online to avoid disappointment.
👨👩👧👦 Family Activities
9. Stubbington Study Centre
📍 Fareham (20 mins)
Environmental education centre with woodland walks and wildlife activities. Check for family open days.
10. Marwell Zoo
📍 Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH ⭐ 4.5/5 (11,000+ reviews) 💰 £25/adult, £18/child
25 minutes from Waterlooville. One of the UK's best zoos with giraffes, penguins, tigers, and more. Allow a full day.
11. Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World)
📍 Romsey SO51 6AL 💰 £40+/person
35 minutes away. The ultimate day out for under-10s. Book in advance — it sells out.
12. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
📍 Portsmouth PO1 3LJ ⭐ 4.6/5 💰 £26/adult (day), £40 (annual)
HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Mary Rose museum, and more. The annual pass is excellent value if you'll go twice.
💑 Date Ideas
13. Gunwharf Quays
📍 Portsmouth PO1 3TZ
Outlet shopping, restaurants, cinema, and Spinnaker Tower. Classic date destination — 15 minutes from Waterlooville.
14. Number 73 Bar & Kitchen
📍 73 London Rd, Waterlooville PO7 7EX ⭐ 4.6/5
Best restaurant in Waterlooville. Upmarket but not stuffy. Book ahead for weekends.
15. South Downs Way Walk
Start at QECP and walk a section of the South Downs Way. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views. Free and romantic.
🍺 Pub Visits
See our full guide: Best Pubs in Waterlooville 2026
Top picks:
- ✓Number 73 — Best food
- ✓The Bird in Hand — Classic country pub
- ✓The Fox & Hounds — Real ale haven
🛍️ Shopping
16. Waterlooville Town Centre
Wellington Way has the essentials: Tesco, Boots, WHSmith, charity shops. Not destination shopping, but covers the basics.
17. Whiteley Shopping Centre
📍 Whiteley Way, Fareham PO15 7PD
20 minutes away. Bigger retail options: M&S, Next, Primark, plus restaurants and cinema.
📅 Seasonal Events
Keep an eye out for:
- ✓Waterlooville Carnival (July)
- ✓QECP Christmas Trail (December)
- ✓Denmead Farmers Market (monthly)
- ✓Staunton Country Park Events (year-round)
🎯 The Verdict
Waterlooville is a base, not a destination — and that's fine. The real activities are the South Downs, country parks, and easy access to Portsmouth. Embrace the outdoors, explore the pubs, and save the big days out for Marwell, Paultons, or the Historic Dockyard.
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