Lepe beach scoops Green Flag award – again for its amazing views and “fantastic” coastal walks

A New Forest beach has again been recognised as among the best in the world for visitors.

Lepe Country Park’s beach area was given a Green Flag award and praised for its “improved new café and visitor centre” along with its amazing views of the Solent and Isle of Wight.

Judges were also impressed by the park’s sensory garden and “fantastic” coastal and countryside walks.

Lepe Country Park was one of five parks in Hampshire to be awarded the internationally recognised Green Flag, the others being the River Hamble, the Royal Victoria. Queen Elizabeth and Staunton Country Parks.

Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for countryside and regulatory services, said: “This is great news and an accolade that we share with the amazing team of volunteers that support the activities of these wonderful parks.

“Each of the country parks offers residents a really great value day out in a beautiful green space.

“We’ve recently invested in all the sites so we can provide top notch facilities including cafés serving local produce, and a range of activities and attractions, as well as an opportunity to explore the amazing heritage and histories of each location.”

The Green Flag Award scheme – managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces