There is something thrilling about whistling through the woods at Pinewood Miniature Railway and at £1.50 per ride it’s excellent value! The steam engines come in...
MoreSteam Along the Pinewood Miniature Railway, Crowthorne
Play 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreThe Splashtastic Locks Ride Splash Pad, Winkfield
Locks Ride Recreation Ground Splash Pad and Play Area is the perfect place to spend a summery day. It has a beautiful play area with sand pits, water play areas...
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 –...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreRoyal Victoria Country Park Adventure Play Area, Southampton
Royal Victoria Country Park Play Area is a shady adventure play area with a wide variety of equipment, including a wooden castle, slides, swings and a...
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...
MoreAll Aboard the Moors Valley Railway, Ringwood
The trains of Moors Valley Railway huff and puff their way between Lakeside and Kingsmere stations travelling over a bridge and through two...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreSlide on an Elephant’s Trunk at Rectory Road, Farnborough
Rectory Road Play Area has a safari-themed multiplay where you can drive a jeep to a treehouse hideout and slide down an elephant! The play equipment is for children...
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...
MoreScoot Around Hook Meadow Playground, Crondall
Hook Meadow Playground is a well equipped play area encircled by a scooter track complete with road markings, twists and turns and little humpback...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreClimb to the Hill Fort on Holmbury Hill, Surrey Hills
From the top of Holmbury Hill you can see London’s towers, Gatwick Airport, the South Downs and even the glistening sea. It’s only a five minute walk from the...
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...
MoreSandy Play at Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area
Sandhurst Memorial Park is full of things to tackle, places to explore and activities to try, including varied play equipment, a picturesque pond...
MoreVisit the Pooh’seum and Tea Rooms at Pooh Corner, Hartfield
Built in the sweet shop that A.A. Milne and Christopher Robin used to visit, Pooh Corner is the perfect place to stop for a smackeral of honey when...
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...
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...
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...
MoreSafari Through Manor Park and Play Area, Aldershot
On the rolling savannas of Aldershot, tigers roam freely, crocodiles patrol and elephants offer rides. To see these wonderful beasts from the...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
MoreMeet Winnie the Pooh at Aldenham Country Park Farm, Elstree
Aldenham Country Park Farm is packed full of creatures to see, including Winnie the Pooh! On your visit you can see farm animals, conquer the adventure...
MorePaddle, Splash and Play at Stoke Park Splash Pad, Guildford
Stoke Park Splash Pad is a large, shallow paddling pool decorated with sea creatures. Open during the summer holidays, this is somewhere children...
MoreDiscover the Magic of Tumblestone Hollow, Stonor Park, Henley
Legend has it that the heart of Tumblestone Hollow is an old maple tree surrounded by magical stones. The protectors of these stones live in an enchanting...
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...
MoreThe Woodland Play Area at Frimley Lodge Park, Frimley
Frimley Lodge Park has a second play area hidden in shady woodland. This is a very small play area for children under the age of 10 years old. This quiet little play area...
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...
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...
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...
MoreHave a Magical Adventure at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreQuest Along The Great Binfield Copse Story Trail, Basingstoke
Great Binfield, The Giant of Basingstoke is a story trail* that guides you on a quest to find Great Binfield, a giant who lives in a woodland...
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...
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...
MoreChuff, Chuff, Chuff to Corfe Castle on the Swanage Railway
It’s not often you are given the chance to visit the 1940s but a trip on Swanage Railway is one of those occasions! This full-size heritage railway operates a range...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MorePolka Theatre Indoor and Outdoor Play Areas, Wimbledon
Polka Theatre is an atmospheric play venue as well as a theatre dedicated to children of all ages. It has two play areas – one outside and one...
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...
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...
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...
MoreHelp Forgetful Henry Along the Odiham Castle Story Trail
A ruined, medieval castle and the beautiful Basingstoke Canal seemed the perfect settings to try another one of Hampshire County Council’s Story...
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...
MoreBring 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...
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...
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...
MoreFind Sand, Ducks and Mega Multiplays at Aldershot Park
Aldershot Park is bursting with things to do – play areas, a sand pit, ducks, sports pitches, a trim trail and river walks. Its two play areas packed with...
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...
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...
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 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...
MoreCapture the Pirate Ship at Moor Road, Farnborough
Ahoy, me hearties! A pirate ship lurks offshore in the play area at Moor Road Recreation Ground. Can you scale the rigging, board the ship and save the day? The pirate...
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...
MoreBuild Sandcastles at Bourne Recreation Ground, Near Farnham
The sandy Bourne Recreation Ground has a wooden play area with a cafe, a field and easy access to Bourne Woods. The play equipment includes toddler...
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...
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...
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...
MoreSlip Through Secret Passages at Little Beaulieu, New Forest
Your mission at Little Beaulieu is to sneak past the painting with the moving eyes and slip into the secret passage behind the bookcase. But you’ll have to...
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...
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...
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...
MoreGet Close to the Animals at Miller’s Ark Farm, Hook
Miller’s Ark might be small but it is jam-packed with animals to feed, cuddle and brush. We had close-encounters with so many animals – goats and sheep, pigs...
MoreFeel Summery at Locks Ride Recreation Ground, Winkfield
Like the setting for a summer holiday, Locks Ride Recreation Ground has a play area with sand, water, hammocks and palm trees. Much of the play...
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