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 –...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreClimb Dragon Hill, St Catherine’s Hill, Guildford
A walk to St Catherine’s Hill involves the River Wey, bridges, a lock, a sacred spring and water meadows. St Catherine’s Hill used to be called Drakehull (or...
MoreFollow the Blackwater to Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire
The Blackwater Valley Path follows the River Blackwater from its boggy source in Aldershot to its end at the River Loddon in Swallowfield, near Reading. Along the way are...
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...
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...
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...
MoreFind a Five Leaf Clover on the Blackwater Valley Path
Along the Blackwater are patches where you can find four and even five leaf clovers. These are very rare so be sure to only give one to someone you love very...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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