Opening Times

The Visitor Centre is open 10am - 5.30pm from 1st march - 31st October and then 10am - 1st November - 23rd december.

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Queen Elizabeth Country Park lies at the western end of the South Downs National Park, on the Hampshire and West Sussex boarder. The 564 hectares (ha) of the Park includes the open downland of Butser hill (231ha) and the woodland slopes of Holt and War Down (333 ha).

Butser Hill is not only the highest point in the park at 271m, it is also the highest point along the South Downs, with the Bt radio mast on the summit, it is a distinctive local landmark.

What are the activities?

Guided Session: Sensory Explorers, Minibeasts Safari, Woodland discovery, Sensory Explorers, Woodland and Meadow ,Habitats, Team Building, Geography on Butser, Sustainability, Conservation Management ,Countryside Management.

Self Guided Session: Fun Ruck Sack, Space Trail, Downland/Woodland Waymarked Trails, Orienteering, Mountain Biking.

What is the age range of the activities?

We can cater for pre schoolers, KS1,2,3,4, further and higher education.

Sample programme of the activities:

A typical KS1 programme would be Mini beast Safari, this would be a 2 hour ranger led activity based in the meadows and woodlands, activities would include woolly worms, blindfolded centipede walk, a bug hunt, natures sculptures and natures bingo.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

We provide all the materials for the guided visits, you can purchase a site and orienteering map from reception.

We do advise that stout footwear and trousers are worn and you bring a packed lunch.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

We can comfortably lead up to 90 children split into smaller groups.
We provide One ranger per group.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We do have a risk assessment that you can download from the QECP website. However it is aslo the responsabilty of the group to do an independant risk assessment.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

QECP has a visitor centre with a shop and a cafe. As part of the guided sessions we provide a room or area for bags and lunches to be left. If the weather is bad lunch can also be eaten there.

Is specific clothing required?

Please ensure that all pupils and adults are briefed prior to the visit regarding appropriate clothing. We recommend that stout footwear and long trousers are worn throughout the year. Then extra warm and waterproof clothes for the winter and a hat and sun cream during the summer months.

Do you have first aid on site?

All Park staff are qualified first aiders.