Hampshire is home to many picturesque countryside spots that are enjoyed in many different ways.
For many a day in the countryside is all about picturesque walks and stunning scenery. However for others a day in Hampshire's commons, car parks or recreation grounds can be for something very different.
The term is slang for engaging in, or watching, sexual activity in a public place and, although it does seem an unusual hobby, it is most likely happening closer to home than you may want to think.
Much like its neighbouring Surrey , there are no shortage of locations where people are prepared to indulge in the unusual hobby in the county, according to swingingheaven.co.uk. Hot spots include Yateley , Aldershot , Farnborough , Fleet and many secluded countryside parks.
Here is a list of places you may want, or not, to avoid in Hampshire.
Wellington Statue, Aldershot
The small wooded area around the large monument is said to be “popular with dogging couples” according to a review on the website.
The woodlands and open fields are normally populated with runners and dog walkers through the morning and afternoon, but the review adds that the site is active “day and night”.
Fleet Pond
The nature reserve is popular among dog walkers during the day, but is populated with another sort at night.
The pond is “dark and hidden if you go over the bridge and right”, said a reviewer.
Another added that “often couples do their thing mostly at lunchtime and dusk” and that the best time is “early morning”.
Yateley Pond
A car park near Cricket Hill, Yateley Pond, is a spot you may want, or not, to avoid at night.
One reviewer said they “stumbled upon it one evening” when trying to find a spot of their own.
Yateley Common
Commons are a consistent source of spots that are used by doggers in the county.
There is “usually people there all day” in one of the car parks at Yateley Common due to its seclusion and wooded areas. The reviews add that there is an after-work crowd.
Hawley Lake
Another spot to provide some attractive views over water, but again that is not the reason for some choosing to frequent the area.
Near to the sailing club is recommended on the website, particularly “early evenings and a few times only after dark”.
Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hindhead
The Hindhead site is actually in Surrey, but is listed under Hampshire spots on the website.
The area is popular among families, walkers and dog-walkers, but is apparently popular with doggers, too. One reviewer said they had “stumbled upon it by chance when the wife and I had a drive out”.
Four Marks Recreation Ground
Just 20 minutes south of Farnham, one reviewer said that the spot provided “lots of action in cars and vans”.
They added that it was “worth a look” but the hobby took place mainly after dark.
Odiham
“A large lay-by east of Odiham” is another of Hampshire’s hotspots.
Particularly busy during the summer, the website says it is “great for couples especially at weekends”. Other trips and activities for couples are available.
Morgaston Woods, Basingstoke
Woodlands, due to the privacy and shelter they can provide, are always areas of choice to engage in the act of dogging, apparently.
It is no different for Morgaston Woods, near Basingstoke, just off Vyne Road. One of many secluded car parks to be included in this list, visitors are recommended to go “at night time and very early in the morning”.
What is Dogging?
Dogging is a term used to describe when people have sex in public and sometimes in view of others.
It's thought the phrase came about after dog walkers got steamy when out with their pooches. Usually dogging takes place in wooded areas or in car parks and it can even involve strangers.
Dogging, sex in public, watched by others is not illegal in itself but it can be if another person sees the act.
It is not against the law to be in an area with the purpose of meeting other people – however if it causes outrage to a witness, an offence may be committed.
The offence is one of public indecency, or public nuisance but having sex in a public place is not against the law.
Lime Pits, Basingstoke
The two car parks in Redbridge Lane, near Old Basing, are notorious for sexual activities taking place.
It is best at weekends, reviewers say.
Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth
Providing spectacular views over Portsmouth and the English Channel, Portsdown Hill is a chalk ridge that lies 131m above sea level.
One reviewer said the spot has “lots of handy places to hide”.
Sherfield-on-Loddon
Just west of Hartley Wintney and Hook, a slip road off the A33 is another Hampshire hot spot.
Visitors are warned as it "may be muddy at times" in the wooded area and to come "late at night and very early in the morning".
And, errr, bring your wellies.
Mansfield Business Park, Four Marks
Another spot in Four Marks, a reviewer even said a barbecue was set up with “hamburgers and beer” one evening.
The same person advised to “bring earplugs” because of the noise levels generated by the acts.
Forest Centre, Bordon
The site is home to a Lidl and Wilko but the car park is not closed at night.
One review said it was “very easy to find and a good dogging spot”, if you want to take their word for it.
Bar End, near the M3
Bar End, just outside Winchester and right off the M3, provides a hot spot on the Itchen River.
There is “lots of action on Friday and Saturday evenings”. However, the same reviewer warned visitors to “watch out for the river as it is easy to fall in!!”.
A339 lay-by, Basingstoke
“Trucks and cars seem to be the dominant vehicles” on the lay-by heading towards Alton, according to one review.
Visitors need to be careful of dog walkers using the adjacent field, but the hot spot can be accessed “through a gap in the hedge”.
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Hayling Island
Many families make a trip to Hayling Island during the summer to spend an afternoon by the sea.
Sandy Point is a hot spot for Hampshire dogging due to its "remote" location and "extensive trees and walkways".
Bramble Hill, New Forest
The countryside of the New Forest is another popular site for families, campers and walkers.
The national park, however, is targeted in many areas by opportunist doggers.
According to the website, Bramble Hill walk provides a car park with "action all day both guys and couples".
Farley Mount, Winchester
The hill is one of the highest points in Hampshire and is a short drive from Winchester.
A woodlands and small car park near the monument is a hotspot at night.
