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...
MoreSee Eight Counties from the Top of St Martha’s Hill
Enjoy the Views from Frensham Common, Near Farnham
Frensham Common is an area of open and airy heathland with woods, beautiful viewpoints and two popular ponds – Frensham Great Pond and Frensham...
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...
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...
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...
MoreFind Crabs, Ferries and Beaches at Mudeford Quay
Mudeford Quay is a working fishing harbour at the mouth of Christchurch Harbour where you can ride a ferry, make sandcastles, try crabbing, plunder a...
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...
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...
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...
MorePaddle and Play in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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’...
MorePlunder a Shipwreck at Mudeford Quay Play Area, Christchurch
Next to Mudeford Quay there is a gorgeous adventure play area with a shipwreck, sea views, two beaches and even crabbing. The play equipment includes...
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...
MoreHawley Meadows, River Blackwater, Near Camberley
According to the information boards, Hawley Meadows gives an impression of how the Blackwater Valley would have looked 100 years ago. It must have...
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...
MorePlay by the Sea at Lepe Country Park Play Area, Exbury
The Lepe Country Park Play Area is one of only a handful of beachside play areas we have found and it’s a beauty, with views across The Solent and out to...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 and then Lay Siege to King John’s Castle, Odiham
Today Odiham Castle is the ruined remains of one of King John’s strongholds. But during the 13th and 14th centuries, it witnessed a French...
MoreExplore the Gorgeous Grounds of Nymans, Near Crawley
The atmospheric ruins of Nymans overlook rolling countryside from the top of a hill. Beautifully manicured gardens surround the house and...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MorePond Dip at Fox Corner Wildlife Area, Near Guildford
Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area is a tranquil, 14-acre wildlife area with a pond, meadow, woods and two brooks well as bridges, boardwalks and a pond...
MoreGo Wild at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, Near Newbury
There’s lots to enjoy at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre – two wooden play areas, Thatcham Lake and ducks galore, a cafe with indoor and outdoor tables...
MoreFollow the Abandoned Riverside Railway Walk, Liss
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...
MoreHit the Beach at Frensham Great Pond, Near Farnham
With not one but two sandy beaches you can swim and paddle from, it’s easy to see why Frensham Great Pond is a popular local spot to cool off on a hot...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
MoreStaunton Country Park Farm Play Area, Havant
The farm-themed indoor and outdoor play areas at Staunton Country Park Farm have lots of equipment to keep children occupied after a...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreBefriend the Animals at Staunton Country Park Farm, Havant
Staunton Country Park Farm is a small farm with lots of curious animals, an indoor and an outdoor play area and a Victorian Glasshouse. Everything on...
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...
MoreBlack Park Country Park Adventure Play Area, Wexham
The Emma Sallis Adventure Playground at Black Park Country Park hides amongst the trees next to the lake, cafe and toilets. It has some exciting...
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...
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...
MoreExplore the Boardwalk at Riverside Park, Guildford
Riverside Park Nature Reserve is full of surprises – there is something different around every corner, whether it’s stumbling across a bird hide, seeing a lock...
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...
MoreAdmire the Views from Newlands Corner, Guildford
Newlands Corner is one of the most spectacular picnic spots we have visited. The views are simply breathtaking. This is also the spot chosen by Agatha Christie...
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...
MoreStand in Dinosaur Footprints at Spyway, Swanage
No one believed me when I announced we were going on a mission to discover dinosaur footprints at a place called Spyway. Our mission took us through...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreFind “Frith on the Hills” at Watership Down, Kingsclere
One of the things I find fascinating about Watership Down is that Richard Adams based the rabbits’ journey on actual places that can still be visited today...
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