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...
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...
MoreDiscover the Delights of Pond Dipping, Rowan Field, Ash
Rowan Field is unusual – a nature reserve split in half by the A331. Rowan Field has open grassland, a pond and the Blackwater River running along...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreHunt for a Stone Age Quarry at Combe Bottom, 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...
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...
MoreWar Memorial Playing Field and Play Area, Chilbolton
War Memorial Playing Field and Play Area is a recreation ground on the edge of Chilbolton Cow Common. The play equipment includes toddler swings, swings...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 –...
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 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...
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’...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreMarvel at the Deepcut Flight, Basingstoke Canal, Pirbright
The stretch of the Basingstoke Canal tow path from Pirbright Bridge to Curzon Bridge in Deepcut, is a picturesque two miles that takes you past 11 of 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...
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...
MoreSt James Avenue Play Area, Farnham Park, Farnham
The St James Play Area is one of two play areas in the beautiful Farnham Park. The play equipment is aimed at children from 0 to 14 years old and includes...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreTrap a Sea Monster on the Salterns Story Trail, Lymington
Are you brave enough to step back in time to 1832 and help a salt farmer trap a sea monster? If so, The Story of Salterns, Sea Monsters and Saving 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...
MoreMeet a Boggart on the Hawley Meadows Story Trail, Camberley
The Hawley Meadows Story Trail is is actually a series of several short stories about wood nymphs, water nymphs and a cheeky boggart. It is called “The Story of the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreEnjoy 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...
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...
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...
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