Flood Meadows hides a beautiful surprise – nestled away behind the trees is the young River Wey. Here the river is so near to its northern source that the water...
MorePaddle and Play in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton
The 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...
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...
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...
MoreLand Ahoy at the Obelisk Lawn Play Area, Virginia Water
Land Ahoy! Obelisk Lawn Play Area has a shipwreck theme with all things nautical – ships, rigging, sand and a crow’s nest. It’s an atmospheric but...
MoreMarvel at the Deepcut Flight on Section 4, Basingstoke Canal
Arguably the most interesting stretch of the Basingstoke Canal, this walking or cycle route takes you past 11 of the huge locks that lift the canal 100 feet in just 2...
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...
MoreChilbolton Cow Common, Chilbolton and Wherwell
Chilbolton Cow Common is a tranquil and picturesque place to explore, walk, have a little paddle in the River Test or a play at the nearby War Memorial Play...
MoreBegin at the Beginning on the Blackwater Valley Path
The Blackwater begins in the tranquil Rowhill Nature Reserve and so does the Blackwater Valley Path, which winds with the river, past the source, waterfalls and...
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...
MoreEnter the Lion’s Den at Stockbridge Common Marsh, near Andover
Hidden along the banks of the River Test, Stockbridge Common Marsh is a tranquil spot for a picnic, paddle and walk. As you enter, you pass a sign that says ‘The...
MoreExplore the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett
Don’t be fooled by the Basingstoke Canal Centre’s unassuming appearance – it’s a convenient gateway to the beautiful Basingstoke...
MoreFind the Cattle of Elvetham Heath NR, Near Fleet
Whether bogs or streams, sculptures or duck ponds, pine woods or boardwalks, there is plenty to explore at Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve. The reserve is...
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...
MoreSearch for Sculptures at Tout Quarries, Portland
At Tout Quarries, sculptures are hiding around every corner – and when I say hiding, I mean hiding! We have visited twice and still haven’t found every...
MoreWatch the Boats at Mudeford Quay Beach, Christchurch
Mudeford Quay Beach is a small sandy stretch of beach overlooking Chichester Harbour and next to Mudeford Quay and the Mudeford Quay Play...
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...
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 Fairies and Fossils at Lepe Country Park, Exbury
Lepe Country Park is one of those rare places where you can fill an entire day with everything or nothing! If you need an energy busting day then plan on...
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...
MoreJoin a Pirate Crew at California Country Park, Finchampstead
A pirate ship has run aground at California Country Park! Its crew – a parrot, an owl and an octopus wearing a Jolly Roger eyepatch – man the decks but...
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...
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...
MoreHunt for Fossils at Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch
With spectacular views, stretches of sand and clay full of fossils, it’s not hard to understand why we love Highcliffe beach. When we arrived the sun...
MoreStroll Through Shepherd Meadows, Sandhurst
Magical Shepherd Meadows is a picturesque mix of meadows, river and woodlands, full of head high flowers, butterflies, birds and ducks…lots and...
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...
MoreRun the Obstacle Course at Ancells Farm Park, Fleet
Ancells Farm Park Play Area is a well equipped adventure play area with equipment for children of all ages. Over the road is Ancells Farm Nature Reserve, a...
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...
MoreCrystal Palace Park Dinosaur Play Area, Bromley
Crystal Palace Park Play Area is a dinosaur-themed play area in Crystal Palace Park, an exciting London park which is full of things to do, including...
MoreMeet Old Father Thames at St John’s Lock, Lechdale
Our challenge was to find the source of the Thames. We began at Buscot Lock, walking upstream to the river’s last lock and the statue of Old Father Thames...
MoreWalk in Harry’s Footsteps at Black Park CP, Wexham
Used as the location for some of the Harry Potter films – Hagrid’s Hut and some shots of the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmede Station, Black Park...
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...
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...
MoreDiscover the Delights of Pond Dipping, Rowan Field, Ash
Rowan Field is unusual – a nature reserve split in half by the A331. On the other side of the dual carriageway is Shawfields, an area of ancient meadow. Rowan Field...
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...
MoreBeachcomb at Littlehampton West Beach, Littlehampton
Littlehampton West Beach feels wild – an uninterrupted stretch of sand extending as far as the eye can see, flanked by sand dunes and turquoise waters. It is...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 –...
MoreMeander Through Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, Winchester
Winnall Moors is a nature reserve near the centre of Winchester that is home to otters, water voles, and kingfishers, as well as meadows, reedbeds, and the River...
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...
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...
MoreFind the Source of the River Thames at Thames Head
It’s surprisingly hard to work out where the source of the Thames is. Is it bubbling Lyd Well? The marker stone in Trewsbury Mead? Or Seven Springs, some 14 miles...
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...
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...
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...
MoreCross the River Mole Using the Box Hill Stepping Stones
There is something magical about finding your own way across a river, and jumping across the River Mole on the famous Box Hill Stepping Stones is no exception. Once...
MoreExplore the Rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hindhead Common
The first thing that strikes you about the Devil’s Punch Bowl is the breathtaking view. It is impossible to do anything but gaze. There are plenty of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreLakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area, Ash Vale
Lakeside Nature Reserve Play Area is an adventure play area on the edge of Lakeside Nature Reserve, which also has brass rubbing posts, lakes, an...
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...
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...
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...
MoreSave King Fisher on the Winnall Moors Story Trail, Winchester
Oh no! King Fisher has been captured by the toad army. Can you help the animals of Winnall Moors Nature Reserve to free him? “The Adventure of Winnall...
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...
MoreSplish, Splosh and Splash in Odiham Ford, Odiham
This pretty pool is actually a ford in the River Whitewater where you can paddle, splash and splosh. It is quiet, peaceful and muddy. From here you can easily walk along...
MoreRock Pool, Fossil Hunt and Snorkel at Kimmeridge Bay
I love everything about Kimmeridge Bay – the picturesque drive from the main road, the views out across the bay, the fossils hidden in the cliffs and along the...
MoreMake a Wish in the Wishing Well at Waggoners Wells
At the bottom of Waggoners Wells – beyond the blue pools, waterfall and giant fish – is an old wishing well that is said to have inspired Tennyson and Flora...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreMorden Hall Park Play Areas, Near Wimbledon
Morden Hall Park has two play areas – a natural-style play area and a Storybook. It’s a beautiful place to leave behind the hectic pace of South London 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...
MoreStand at the Top of Hampshire on Butser Hill, Horndean
Butser Hill is one of the highest points in Hampshire with a story trail, kite flying and beautiful views that stretch out across the South Downs and onto...
MoreTry Brass Rubbing at Snaky Lane Nature Reserve, Ash Vale
Wellies on and crayons at the ready! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to search Snaky Lane Nature Reserve for 10 brass rubbing towers. Once...
MoreWhere To Go… In and Around the Blackwater Valley Path
The River Blackwater rises in Aldershot and flows to the River Loddon in Swallowfield, near Reading. The Blackwater Valley Path follows the river on its...
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...
MoreTake Brass Rubbings at Lakeside Nature Reserve, Ash Vale
Hidden around Lakeside Nature Reserve are brass rubbing posts, lakes, an orchid meadow, woodland, and an adventure play area. You can also find...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreDodge Puddles and Spot Graffiti on the Blackwater Valley Path
This stretch of the Blackwater Valley Path offers clear views of the tree-lined river and some colourful graffiti, if you will brave its puddled paths. This section is 2...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreGaze at the Views from Denbies Hillside, Dorking
Denbies Hillside’s panoramic views sweep up and down the valley and across to Leith Hill Tower. We spent about an hour and a half walking the Denbies...
MoreEscape It All at Morden Hall Park, Near Wimbledon
As you walk through the gates of Morden Hall Park you leave behind the hectic pace of South London and step into a peaceful country estate with a...
MoreCycle Along the River on the Blackwater Valley Path
Section 4 of the Blackwater Valley Path follows the river’s route along the busy A331 dual carriageway. Unfortunately, you tend to be more aware of the road than...
MoreSpot Salterns at the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve
For hundreds of years, people have used the coastal lagoons of The Solent to trap sea water and create salt. Today some can be see at the Lymington-Keyhaven...
MoreExplore the Wonderful World of Wisley Gardens, Woking
With beautiful scenery, cascading waterfalls, lovely picnic spots, buggy friendly pathways and even play areas, RHS Garden Wisley is wonderful. The...
MoreHear the Crickets Sing at Shortheath Common, Near Bordon
Shortheath Common is a Local Nature Reserve with a woodland, heathland, a pond and a play area. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, 23 different...
MoreSpot the Dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park, Bromley
“There’s one, crawling out of the water!” shouted my daughter, looking out across the lake towards the statue. We had only been in Crystal Palace Park...
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...
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...
MoreDiscover Locks and Play Areas along the Basingstoke Canal
This beautiful walk along the Basingstoke Canal has the added bonus of three play areas, three locks and plenty of ducks! Section 5 of the Basingstoke Canal...
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...
MorePlay by the Wey at The Phillips Memorial Park, Godalming
Sitting next to the River Wey, The Phillips Memorial Park has a wooden play area, a field, skate park and also a riverside walk. The play equipment includes a...
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...
MoreGo Paddling at Frensham Little Pond, Near Farnham
Frensham Little Pond is a picturesque place for a paddle and a pond dip, surrounded by the fresh scent of pine, sandy beaches and Frensham...
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