Farley Mount Country Park

A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal for walking and picnicking, with fine views over central Hampshire, particularly from the interesting monument at Beacon Hill. 

The 'Horse Monument' at Farley Mount

The Country Park is named after the famous monument to a horse, named "Beware Chalk Pit", which carried its owner to a racing victory in 1734, a year after having fallen into a chalk pit whilst out fox-hunting

The inscription on the plaque on the north wall reads:
Underneath lies buried a horse, the property of Paulet St. John Esq., that in the month of September 1733 leaped into a chalk pit twenty-five feet deep afoxhuntiing with his master on his back and in October 1734 he won the Hunters Plate on Worthy Downs and was rode by his owner and was entered in the name of "Beware Chalk Pit".

The views all around the Hampshire landscape are stunning, and the monument can also be seen from many distant places, particularly when the sun is reflected from the white walls.

Pyramid Folly

On the downs a few miles west of Winchester lies Farley Mount Country Park, a large area of open country and woods, including chalk down grass land, Forestry Commission plantation and Crabwood which is Ancient woodland Local Nature Reserve. The Clarendon Way long distance footpath runs through the site and at the highest point there is a pyramid shaped folly that gives the park its name. Many groups begin their day's activities exploring the wider countryside by meeting at the Park, and moving on to use the extensive system of all types of Rights of Way that surround the area.

Crab Wood

Crab Wood is a fine example of Ancient Woodland. It is a popular place to relax and view woodland wildlife.

It is a Local Nature Reserve, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Over 80 hectares (200 acres) of broadleaved woodland, hazel coppice with oak/ash overstorey, and rich with woodland flowers.

School Visits

Come and discover the wealth of minibeasts that live on the downs and explore the beautiful ancient trees and open spaces of Crab Wood.

Activities

• A range of environmental activities suitable for KS1 and KS2 pupils. The activities can be adapted to suit your needs and relate to the National Curriculum. See session plans.
• We encourage schools to come out to our sites to experience nature and the local environment first hand, however in exceptional circumstances we will consider travelling to schools.