Following the Riverside Railway Walk is just like riding a train. The route is fairly straight, passes old railway relics, crosses several sturdy bridges and...
MoreBeat the Maze at Stansted Park, Havant, Portsmouth
Stansted Park is one of those places that is a series of mini-adventures: an elegant house to explore, expansive parkland to discover and beautiful gardens...
MoreFind the Wey and Arun Canal in Sidney Wood, Alfold
Hidden in Sidney Woods is a stretch of the Wey and Arun canal. Now disused, this stretch of the canal has been reclaimed by nature, which makes for an interesting...
MorePlay and Explore at Oakhanger Play Area, Near Bordon
Oakhanger Play Area is a small but well-equipped adventure play area on the edge of Shortheath Common. It’s a great spot to play, picnic and walk. The play...
MoreDefend Your Grain on the Danebury Hill Fort Story Trail, Andover
“Danger at Danebury Hill Fort” is a story trail that helps you to explore Danebury Hill Fort, imagine yourself living there during the Iron Age, then role play...
MoreFollow the Gruffalo and Friends Through Alice Holt Forest
What would you discover if you “took a stroll through a deep dark wood”? In Alice Holt Forest, it could be almost anything – play trails, cycle tracks...
MoreGet Active at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, Bracknell
The back seat gasped as we arrived at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground and it was easy to see why – the car park was enclosed by a brightly coloured play area, a...
MoreHelp the Creatures on the Nevi-Wesh Story Trail, New Forest
“The Mystical Tale of Nevi-Wesh” leads you along a story trail through a small area of the New Forest, following in the footsteps of two children as they meet...
MoreTame the Tube Slide at Yateley Green Play Area, Yateley
Sitting on the edge of Yateley Green is a brightly coloured play area with a skate park, climbing area and large tube slide and a lily pond. The play equipment...
MoreDiscover the Magic of Tumblestone Hollow, Stonor Park, Henley
Legend has it that the heart of Tumblestone Hollow is an old maple tree surrounded by magical stones. The protectors of these stones live in an enchanting...
MoreFind the Atlantic Wall at Hankley Common, Thursley
With sandy paths galore, James Bond connections and World War 2 remnants, Hankley Common is somewhere that is full of surprises. Hankley Common has beautiful...
MoreWhere To Go In and Around… The Ashford Hangers
When you’re in the mood for a bit of natural drama, consider the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, a part of Hampshire that has been referred to as...
MoreDiscover The Black Pond of the Deadwater Valley NR, Bordon
There is nothing dead about the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve. We were surrounded by wildlife from the moment we arrived –...
MoreWalk to Mill Lane Waterfall from Steep Recreation Ground
The mesmerizing Mill Lane Waterfall roars down a hill and under the road where it pools as the slow flowing Ashford Stream. You can walk to the waterfall...
MoreMeet Princesses and a Troll along the Fleet Pond Story Trail, Fleet
We went to Fleet Pond to try a story trail called “The Princess, the Pike and the Pond”, one of Hampshire County Council’s Story Trails*. I love the idea...
MoreQuest the Day Away at the Adventure Play Area, Farnham Park
A visit to Farnham Park’s Adventure Play Area can be like questing your way through a fairy tale. Can you creep through the tunnel without waking the fox and...
MoreSplash, Paddle and Wade at Ober Corner, New Forest
Ober Corner is the most enchanting part of the New Forest I have found so far. Here the Ober Water meanders through the trees, past wildflowers and...
MoreFind Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill, Ashford Hangers
In 1822, William Cobbett was surprised to discover Wheatham Hill, “…out we came, all in a moment, at the very edge of the hanger! And never, in all my...
MorePicnic, Paddle and Play at Southwater CP, Horsham
Southwater Country Park has a bit of everything – paddling, orienteering, water sports, and even a dinosaur-themed adventure play area. At the heart of the park...
MoreBrave the Water Maze at Hever Castle, Near Tonbridge
Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. It’s a picturesque castle that has everything a castle should have – a drawbridge, a...
MoreFind the Sentinels at Hogmoor Inclosure, Bordon
Whether you’re tackling the natural play area, exploring the sandy trails, or tucked away in the bird hide, Hogmoor Inclosure is a wonderful place to climb...
MoreFollow in the Footsteps of Elizabeth I at Hatfield House
Elizabeth I is one of my favourite historical figures so I was always going to love Hatfield House. This is where Elizabeth grew up, spent periods of house...
MoreDiscover the Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill, Aldershot
Rowhill Nature Reserve hides the source of the River Blackwater amongst charismatically named areas like Stickleback Pond, Rhododendron...
MoreThe Moors Valley CP Adventure Play Areas, Ringwood
Moors Valley Country Park is full of fantastical places to play, some in traditional play area settings and others scattered through its beautiful...
MoreTell a Tale From the Storytelling Throne at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell
Lily Hill Park’s picnic credentials are impeccable – it’s been voted the UK’s second most beautiful picnic spot and is also the proud owner of the...
MoreFollow the Ups and Downs of Headley Heath, Leatherhead
At Headley Heath you can follow undulating trails through heathland, woodland and chalk hillside, passing ponds, view points and...
MoreExplore In and Around Normandy Common Play Area, Guildford
Normandy Common is a series of mini-adventures all within easy reach of Normandy Common Play Area. Will you try street snooker or table tennis? Will...
MoreBasingstoke Canal Centre Play Area, Mytchett
As well as all the activities on offer, the Basingstoke Canal Centre has a small wooden play area with a circular obstacle course. You can also walk along...
MoreDiscover Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Near Petersfield
Don’t be put off by the steep, tree-covered hill that looms over the Queen Elizabeth Country Park’s Visitor Centre as you arrive. This country park is...
MoreKestrel Corner Play Area at Polesden Lacey, Near Dorking
There are two places to play at Polesden Lacey – Kestrel Corner Play Area and the play areas scattered amongst the trees lining the paths. Kestrel Corner Play Area...
MoreWade to Spider Island at Magpie Bottom, New Forest
Magpie Bottom is a small area of woodland in the New Forest with a magical story trail, the remains of a WW2 airfield, and lots of wildlife. The River Avon Water...
MoreClimb to the Hill Fort on Holmbury Hill, Surrey Hills
From the top of Holmbury Hill you can see London’s towers, Gatwick Airport, the South Downs and even the glistening sea. It’s only a five minute walk from the...
MoreVenture into the Lost World of Thursley Common, Thursley
Today I found out that the Dragonfly Trail along the Thursley Common boardwalk has been rebuilt and is open! At its best, there is something almost primeval...
MorePlay Areas, Arts and Orienteering at South Hill Park, Bracknell
South Hill Park is a grand stately home turned arts venue, which is surrounded by gardens, lakes, woods, and three very different play areas. The grounds divide...
MoreEnjoy the Bridges and Boardwalks of Fleet Pond
Fleet Pond has plenty to explore – boardwalks, jetties, three different trails, a beach with a paddling area and lots of ducks, swans and waterbirds. The area is a...
MoreStorm and Conquer Danebury Hill Fort, Near Andover
About 2,500 years ago, Danebury Hill Fort was a series of earthen ramparts, ditches and gateways protecting a central area. As you can imagine, it has a spectacular...
MoreFind Wellington at Wellesley Woodlands, Aldershot
Wellington watches over the start of Wellesley Woodlands’ brass rubbing trail, which leads you through the woods to 10 different posts and a WW1 firing wall...
MoreAll Aboard the Moors Valley Railway, Ringwood
The trains of Moors Valley Railway huff and puff their way between Lakeside and Kingsmere stations travelling over a bridge and through two...
MoreTry Orienteering at Ambarrow Court NR, Sandhurst
Ambarrow Court’s circular nature trail twists through shady woodland, over bridges and past wildflowers. It also hides a permanent orienteering...
MoreFollow the Zig-Zag Path up to Explore Selbourne Common
Climbing the Zig-Zag path to Selbourne Common feels like ascending to a magical woodland world, hidden away in the treetops from everyone but...
MoreTry the Adventure Play Trails at Queen Elizabeth CP
The obstacle-packed Juniper Adventure Play Trail hides amongst the trees at the very top of Queen Elizabeth Country Park, right next to an adult-sized assault...
MoreEnter a ‘Living Work of Art’ at Stourhead, Wincanton
When you walk around the lake at Stourhead it doesn’t take long to realise why it was once described as, ‘…a living work of art’ – from almost...
MoreConquer Shoulder of Mutton Hill, Ashford Hangers, Steep
Of all the places I have explored, Shoulder of Mutton Hill is my favourite – it’s also the place I visit most often. I love the climb, I love the views and I...
MoreRide the Snail at Langdale Drive Recreation Area, Ascot
Hidden within a large housing development is Langdale Drive and its charming, woodland play area. Inside the enclosed junior area are: toddler swings a see...
MoreQuest Along The Great Binfield Copse Story Trail, Basingstoke
Great Binfield, The Giant of Basingstoke is a story trail* that guides you on a quest to find Great Binfield, a giant who lives in a woodland...
MoreFind Fairies, Crabs and Shipwrecks at River Hamble CP
The river meanders through River Hamble Country Park, past expensive yachts and a medieval ship wreck, play areas and a World War 2 training...
MoreCreate Your Own Expotition Through Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest is a place to make your own magical memories, inspire your children to run wild, and fall in love with Pooh Bear again. With...
MoreLonghill Park and Play Area, Bullbrook, Bracknell
Longhill Park has 23 hectares of woodlands and meadow a toddler and a junior play area and also a BMX and skate park. The toddler play area...
MoreTime Travel Along the Royal Victoria Country Park Story Trail, Netley
Royal Victoria Country Park has a story trail along which you follow Professor Nutrino, a Time Agent, as she battles to fix a tear in time… with a little help from...
MoreDig and Splash at Aldenham CP Adventure Play Area
Aldenham Country Park’s brightly coloured adventure play area is full of places to play. It is situated next to the SEND pavillion and has bookable sessions that...
MoreDiscover Wizard Wix at Hatchlands Park, Near Guildford
Hatchlands Park is an ideal venue for a wild adventure with rolling parkland, hidden geocaches and a natural play area complete with a wooden tree house, fairy doors and...
MoreFind a Secret Orchard at Normandy Common, Guildford
I have always loved the idea of finding a secret garden, so you can imagine how excited I was to stumble across a secret orchard on Normandy Common. And it’s not...
MorePlay Around at Polesden Lacey, Near Dorking
Once described as a ‘delicious house’ by the Queen Mother, Polesden Lacey is a gorgeous place to spend a day, with plenty of places to play and...
MoreSkipper Ships at The Look Out Play Area, Bracknell
With ships to skipper, a fort to storm and a train to drive, the adventure play area at The Look Out Discovery Centre is exceptional. Children can...
MoreFind the Folly at the Top of Chinthurst Hill, Wonersh Common
A walk up Chinthurst Hill is guaranteed to involve some climbing – there are stairs and gentle slopes to tackle on the path and trees and tangled...
MoreSplash Around Friday Street, Near Dorking, Surrey Hills
Nestled in the Surrey Hills is Friday Street, a quiet hamlet with paddling spots, a mill pond, shady woods, and even some scarecrows. It’s a beautiful place to...
MoreThe Stansted Park Play Area, Havant, Portsmouth
Stansted Park has a wooden play area inside the Walled Garden and next to the cafe so the children can play while you eat. The play area has equipment that...
MoreScramble Along the Natural Play Trail at Box Hill, Dorking
Scattered throughout the woods on top of Box Hill are natural play areas with balance courses, ropes, logs, tree climbing, dens and a fort. This is called the Box Hill...
MorePaddle in the Ober Water at Puttles Bridge, New Forest
Puttles Bridge is another beautiful spot in the New Forest where you can explore the woods and find places to paddle. Next to the car park is a bridge you can paddle...
MoreExplore Lightwater Country Park and Play Area
Lightwater Country Park has everything younger children enjoy and all in a relatively small space. At its centre is a newly refurbished adventure play area and...
MorePlaywood Adventure Play Area at Alice Holt Forest, Farnham
Playwood Adventure Play Area has a woodland theme with a log cabin and a wooden climbing frame built to look like trees and logs. The perfect place for the Gruffalo to...
MoreRomp Around the Hogmoor Inclosure Natural Play Area
Hogmoor Inclosure has a large and varied wooden play area where you can choose sandy play, wild play, adventure play and natural play! This has a...
MorePlay Poohsticks at Pooh Bridge, Hartfield, Ashdown Forest
The windswept purple heath and woodland of Ashdown Forest inspired A.A. Milne to write about the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin and friends...
MorePinewood Activities, Wokingham Without, Near Crowthorne
Hidden amongst the pine trees at Pinewood Activities Centre are play areas, pond dipping, woodland walks, a miniature railway, a cafe, a trim trail, sports field as...
MoreGo Wild at Zebon Copse Nature Reserve, Church Crookham
Zebon Copse Nature Reserve was all wonderfully overgrown when we visited. We followed the path to the boardwalk, winding our way through woodland...
MoreWander the Woods of Standen House, East Grinstead
From its hillside position, Standen House watches over flowering gardens, Sussex countryside and acres of woodland. Standen is an unusual...
MoreFind a Secret Passage into the Hever Castle Adventure Play Area
Hever Castle has a fabulous adventure play area centred around a huge wooden castle – can you find the secret passage into the castle, dodge the...
MoreSee Eight Counties from the Top of St Martha’s Hill
Some say that on a clear day you can see eight counties from the top of St Martha’s Hill! I am not sure about that but the views are picturesque and we...
MoreFind the Source of the Mole in Baldhorns Copse, Crawley
We had no idea what to expect as we cautiously peered through a hole in the trees and down a dark footpath. We had accepted a challenge to find the...
MoreExperiment at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell
Inside The Look Out Discovery Centre is a fun-packed, hands-on science centre with over 90 activities including an indoor stream, a building...
MoreDiscover Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton
There is so much to do at Royal Victoria Country Park – paddle in the sea, follow a story trail, puff along on a miniature railway, tackle the orienteering course...
MoreMarvel at the Animals of The Natural History Museum at Tring
The atmospheric Natural History Museum at Tring is jam-packed with animals displayed in original, floor-to-ceiling, glass cases. It’s a fascinating place to...
MorePondside Play at Petersfield Heath and Play Area
Beautifully situated Petersfield Heath Play Area has it all – a pondside play area with a cafe, plenty of ducks to feed, a circular walk past ancient monuments...
MoreDiscover What’s Hiding Inside Bordon Inclosure, Bordon
Hidden behind this unassuming exterior lies a woodland wonderland perfect for going wild and having an adventure. With something to explore...
MoreMeet the Inhabitants of Thundry Meadows, Elstead
With its evocative name, connections to Thor and great online reviews, I was expecting a lot from Thundry Meadows. In many ways, I was not...
MoreScramble to the Secret Falls, Near Dorking, Surrey Hills
Our visits to Broadmoor always make us feel like jungle explorers on an expedition to find a secret waterfall. I like to think this is because the woods have a wild...
MoreUp, Under and Over on the Assault Course at Queen Elizabeth CP
If, like me, you have ever watched children tackling a play area obstacle course and wished it was big enough for you to have a go, then the assault course at Queen...
MoreStroll Through a Fairy Tale at Rushmere, Leighton-Linslade
Walking through the forest at Rushmere Country Park is like strolling through a fairy tale. It feels every bit the enchanted forest with fairy doors, giants’...
MoreJocks Lane Recreation Ground Play Area, Bracknell
The back seat gasped as we arrived at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground and it was easy to see why – the car park was enclosed by a brightly coloured play area, a splash...
MoreHang Out at Lower Common Play Area, Eversley
Lower Common Play Area hides in a shady woodland clearing. With adventure play equipment, picnic tables and a short walk through the woods, it can be a cool...
MorePaddle and Picnic at Balmer Lawn, New Forest
Balmer Lawn is a beautiful spot to splash around in the Lymington River. Both banks are grassy and there are areas of shade too. The river is shallow...
MoreAdventure Up, Down and Around Box Hill, Dorking, Surrey Hills
With picturesque views to admire, mini-beasts to discover, stepping stones to navigate and a natural play trail to tackle, Box Hill is a perfect spot for an adventure and...
MoreSteep Recreation Ground and Play Area, Near Petersfield
Steep Recreation Ground is a small play area near Mill Lane waterfall and within walking distance of the Shoulder of Mutton Hill and the Ashford Hangers. The...
MoreDiscover Deer at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, New Forest
If you have ever caught a fleeting glimpse of a deer and wished the experience had lasted longer, then Bolderwood is the place for you. Famous for the herds...
MoreRoll With It at Basildon Park, Pangbourne
I first fell in love with Basildon Park whilst watching Mr Bingley gaze longingly after Jane Bennet from the house’s balcony in the 2005 film of Pride and...
MoreExperience Adventure Play at its Best, Moors Valley CP, Ringwood
Moors Valley Country Park is outstanding, a special combination of fun, magic and nature. We were blown away by the marvellous play areas, enchanting play...
MoreTimberline Adventure Play Area at Alice Holt Forest, Farnham
Timberline Adventure Play Area is a huge obstacle course that is a fun place to play The Floor is Lava. It is hidden away in Alice Holt Forest, about a five minute walk...
MoreSlosh Through the Woods at Millyford Bridge, New Forest
The Highland Water flows through the trees at Millyford Bridge offering the chance to paddle, climb, balance, explore, cycle or picnic your way through the...
MoreExplore the Basingstoke Canal, Mytchett
Don’t be fooled by the Basingstoke Canal Centre’s unassuming appearance – it’s a convenient gateway to the beautiful Basingstoke...
MoreEnjoy Ponies and Paddles at Latchmoor Brook, The New Forest
Latchmoor Brook is a shallow stream on the edge of the New Forest where you can see ponies, picnic, paddle and hunt for fossils. You will definitely need your...
MorePaddle Amongst the Ruins of Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
Scattered along the River Tillingbourne at Chilworth are what remains of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills. Today the area has been reclaimed by nature...
MoreDiscover a Waterfall and Roman Ruins at Virginia Water
With woods and paths to explore, places to build hideouts, scooter and cycle tracks, a gorgeous waterfall, some lost ruins from Rome, and a wooden...
MoreRiver Hamble Country Park Adventure Play Area, Bursledon
The nautically themed River Hamble Country Park Adventure Play Area has two ships to sail, explore or capture. It has access to the River Hamble, a...
MoreConquer the Giant’s Castle at Binfield Wood, Basingstoke
Binfield Wood Play Area is a shady playground that doubles as the giant’s castle on the story trail called “Great Binfield, The Giant of Basingstoke”. This is...
MoreConquer Soldier’s Ring and Crooksbury Hill, Near Farnham
Crooksbury Hill is guarded by Soldier’s Ring, an ancient hill fort now hidden by woodland. Climbing the hill is a mini-adventure. The steep paths rise...
MoreFollow the Footprints to Dinosaur Island Adventure Play Area
Deep in the swamps of West Sussex is a secret island where you can find dinosaurs alongside tar pits, jungle walkways, quick sand and an erupting...
MorePaddle at Lutcombe Bottom in the Ashford Hangers, Petersfield
There is a magical patch of wild at the foot of Lutcombe Bottom that is easier to access than the rest of the Ashford Hangers. This area has a shallow stream...
MoreTrip Trap Your Way Through Wallis Wood, Near Cranleigh
We came to Wallis Wood on the hunt for wildflowers and we weren’t disappointed. Not only did we find bluebells, wood anemones, daffodils and...
MorePlay the Trails of Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton
Itchen Valley Country Park bursts with places to play and trails to try, including an adventure play trail through the woods, two play areas, and a brass rubbing nature...
MoreBe Enchanted by West Hanger, Shere Woodlands
There is something magical about Shere Woodlands. Maybe it’s the paths that twist past old, gnarled trees, secret hideouts and quiet copses. Maybe it’s the...
MoreGo Wild at Zebon Copse Play Area, Church Crookham
Zebon Copse Play Area is a fantastic play area with modern equipment, a large playing field and plenty of nature nearby – both the Zebon Copse...
MoreHunt for a Stone Age Quarry in Shere Woodlands
A Stone Age quarry hides in the deepest parts of Shere Woodlands. Tracking it down was one of those wild occasions where I began to feel like an...
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