With a rocket blasting through the main foyer, trunks full of costumes to try on and the Polka Theatre Play Area, Polka Theatre is an atmospheric play...
MoreHave a Magical Adventure at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
Bring Fossils to Life at The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge Bay
150 million years ago, the Dorset coast was a shallow, tropical sea patrolled by huge marine reptiles, predators and fish. All that remains today are fossils...
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...
MoreAbinger Hammer Cricket Ground Play Area, Surrey Hills
Abinger Hammer Play Area is a small, wooden play area next to the River Tillingbourne. When we visited the river was shallow, slow flowing and...
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...
MoreDive the Oceans at The Bournemouth Aquarium
There can’t be many places where you can see creatures from the Great Barrier Reef, the Ganges and the deep sea all under one roof, but Oceanarium: The Bournemouth...
MoreExplore the Cosmos at Winchester Planetarium
“Blast off into space and help save Christmas!” promised the Space Mission for Santa write up. High stakes stuff! We had no idea what was going to happen but...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreRide the Rails at Mizens Railway, Knaphill, Woking
With a, “Peep, peep, toot, toot,” Mizens Railway welcomes you into the early 20th century. This atmospheric, miniature railway is run by friendly volunteers...
MoreMeet the Animals at Deen City Farm, Morden, South London
Deen City Farm brings some much needed rural tranquility to the heart of South London. There is plenty to do and entry is completely free! Children can meet and...
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...
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...
MoreDiscover a Canal in the Sky on the Blackwater Valley Path
Stumbling across a canal flowing over a bridge is one of the biggest surprises I have had on a local walk! The Ash Aqueduct and three play areas all wait along Section 3...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreSlide Through the Trees at Adventure Play, The Savill Garden
Flowing through the trees of The Savill Garden is the newly opened Adventure Play, a group of beautiful wooden huts, tree houses and tube slides connected by...
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...
MorePlay a Fairy Tale at Holloway Hill Play Area, Godalming
Visiting the excellent Holloway Hill Recreation Ground and Play Area is like walking into a fairy tale village with bridges, a tower or lighthouse and a cottage...
MoreDiscover Dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester
Discover dinosaurs in deepest, darkest Dorchester… The Dinosaur Museum brings dinosaurs to life with life-sized models, skeletons, information about the scientists...
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...
MoreChurt Recreation Ground and Play Area, Near Hindhead
Churt Recreation Ground has a small play area with a good range of equipment that is aimed at different ages and abilities, including: toddler...
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...
MoreAll Hands on Deck at Aarons Hill Play Area, Godalming
Pirate hats at the ready for a visit to Aarons Hill Play Area – there are not one but two ships to sail over sandy seas! One ship is a multiplay with sides to climb...
MoreMake Some Feathered Friends at the Hawk Conservancy, Andover
If you know someone who longs to discover more about birds of prey, then consider a visit to the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Their mission is to conserve birds of prey...
MoreBrave the Hedgehog at Hedgehog Park, Bracknell
Hedgehog Park (also known as Birch Hill Play Area) is a well-equipped play area nestled in the gorgeous grounds of South Hill Park. As well as varied...
MoreDare to Enter Thor’s Den at Thursley Playground, Thursley
Welcome to Thor’s Den! An exciting name for an exciting play area sitting on the edge of Thursley Common. The equipment includes: toddler swings (with...
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...
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...
MorePlay the Day Away at Jake’s Playworld, Sandhurst
The variety of things on offer at Jake’s Indoor Play Barn and Mini Farm is quite something – farm animals and reptiles, sand pits and water play, construction...
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...
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...
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 Thomas and Friends at Thomas Land, Drayton Manor
Thomas Land brings to life the Island of Sodor, complete with Thomas the Tank Engine and many of his really useful friends and their theme park style...
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...
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...
MoreScoot Around Ascot Racecourse, Ascot Heath, Ascot
Have you ever wanted to visit Ascot Racecourse? Not only is it possible but it also makes a fun afternoon out – picnic on Ascot Heath, play at the Ascot Heath Play...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreWalk to Hurst Castle along Hurst Spit, Lymington, New Forest
Hurst Spit is a shingle bank that juts into the Solent, linking Keyhaven and Hurst Castle. It has beautiful views out towards the Isle of Wight and along the Hampshire...
MoreDrive the Tractor at The Jubilee Play Area, Tilford
The Jubilee Play Area is a small play area in Tilford with a zip wire and a tractor! The play equipment includes a tractor to play on a wooden house with a...
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...
MoreGo on an Action-Packed Safari at Longleat, Warminster
Longleat is fantastic – one of the best days out I’ve had with the children. We had an action-packed day full of fun, adventure and wonder, during which we...
MoreStep Into Stories at Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford
Have you ever wished you could step inside a storybook world and explore? At Discover Children’s Story Centre you can! The centre’s Story Worlds and Garden...
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...
MoreScrabble Across Greatham Recreation Ground and Play Area
Greatham Recreation Ground and Play Area is a wooden play area with a long obstacle course. The play equipment includes a wooden obstacle course with...
MoreFly a Grasshopper at Cheapside Play Area, Ascot
Tucked away behind a row of houses in Ascot is the colourful Cheapside Recreation Ground Play Area. This playground is said to be suitable for children to...
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...
MoreMeet Peppa Pig in Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
Ever wished to ride in Daddy Pig’s car, on Grandpa Pig’s train or George’s dinosaur? If you love the Peppa Pig stories then consider spending the day at...
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...
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...
MoreSwing Around at Four Marks Playground, Near Alton
Four Marks Recreation Ground and Playground is fantastic fun. The choice of equipment is brilliant, the condition is excellent and the location is spacious with a...
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...
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...
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...
MoreDeen City Farm Play Area, Morden, South London
Deen City Farm adds some much needed rural tranquility to the heart of South London. There is a small play area and entry is completely free! The small...
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...
MoreCommemorate the Struggle for Freedom at Runnymede
The water-meadows of Runnymede are where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215, taking a step towards freedom and modern democracy. They are also home...
MoreDiscover Children’s Story Centre Adventure Play Area
As well as the Story Worlds inside, the Discover Children’s Story Centre has a Story Garden, which is a creative space full of story themed play equipment that...
MoreGet Your Ninja On at Ninja Warrior UK, Guildford
Whether it’s sneaking, springing, crawling or climbing, Ninja Warrior UK in Guildford is the place to perfect the ninja skills you never knew you...
MoreClimb the Dragon at Broomhall Recreation Ground, Sunningdale
A smiling dragon watches over Broomhall Recreation Ground, a traditional-style play area with a range of play and sports equipment. The play equipment...
MoreExplore and Discover at the Winchester Science Centre
Winchester Science Centre is packed with hands on exhibits exploring science, maths and technology including the chance to walk through a human...
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...
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...
MoreBowl Strikes and Spares at Hollywood Bowl, Basingstoke
We regularly visit Hollywood Bowl in Basingstoke with friends and always have a ridiculous amount of fun! My children love the neon lights, bowling in...
MoreStep Into Magical Storybook Worlds at the Festival of Light
Longleat’s magical Festival of Light uses huge lanterns to create worlds from children’s stories. We have walked through the wardrobe into Narnia, explored the...
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 Winnie the Pooh’s House at 100 Aker Wood, Elstree
If, like me, you have ever longed to adventure through 100 Aker Wood with Winnie the Pooh and his friends then consider visiting Aldenham Country...
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...
MoreAdventure Through Beale Park, Pangbourne
With a bit of imagination, you can spend your day at Beale Park as jungle explorers, railroad engineers and marauding pirates and still have enough energy left for a dip...
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...
MoreParson’s Close Recreation Ground, Leighton-Linslade
Parson’s Close Recreation Ground is the play area at the end of the magical Leighton-Linslade Children’s Trail. If you visit, you will see that something...
MoreShiver Your Timbers at Mill Park Play Area, Bracknell
Shiver me timbers…it’s a pirate play area! But that’s not all. Mill Park also has a range of unusual equipment, including a time trial obstacle course, a...
MorePlay By a Lake at Broadwater Park Play Area, Godalming
Broadwater Park’s sandy play area is by a lake, so when you have finished playing you can go for a walk, feed the ducks and have a picnic. The play area is for...
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...
MoreMeet the Animals of Ray Mill Island, Maidenhead
Hidden behind beautiful Boulters Lock is Ray Mill Island, an island in the Thames where the river forks and either thunders over Boulters Weir or pools in Boulters...
MoreClimb About at South Hill Road Play Area, Bracknell
South Hill Road Play Area is a wooden adventure play area that blends naturally into the surrounding trees. There is a wide choice of play equipment...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreCatch a New Release at Bringing in Baby, South Hill Park
Just when I thought I understood all that South Hill Park had to offer I heard about Bringing in Baby – a baby-friendly film screening for parents and carers with a...
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...
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