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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
MoreCapture the Castles at Frimley Lodge Park, Frimley
Your quest at Frimley Lodge Park is to capture the castles and secure two treasure chests. But be warned, these are protected by a sandy moat patrolled by a crocodile...
MoreTame the Tube Slide at Yateley Green Play Area, Yateley
Sitting on the edge of Yateley Green is a brightly coloured play area with a skate park, climbing area and large tube slide and a lily pond. The play equipment...
MoreTry the Spooky Maze at the Pumpkin Picking Patch, Fordingbridge
Fordingbridge Pumpkin Picking Patch is full of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. There is also a Halloween Maize Maze – daytimes are child friendly but things...
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...
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...
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...
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 and...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreDiscover Medieval Warfare at Corfe Castle, Wareham
Sitting high on a hill, Corfe Castle guards a gap in the Purbeck Hills, and is a fun castle to explore. Corfe Castle dates back to about 1066 and the Norman invasion of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreBuild Sand Castles at West Wittering Beach, Near Chichester
On a sunny day, the sparkling, white sands and cool, blue waters of West Wittering Beach make you feel like you are abroad. The sand is soft and makes great...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreStorm the Fortress at Municipal Gardens, Aldershot
Municipal Gardens Play Area is a place to let your imaginations run free. Can you sail your pirate ship past seals, sharks and an octopus to a kingdom with a...
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...
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...
MoreCatch the Story Characters Hiding in Leighton-Linslade
Something magical has happened in Leighton-Linslade. Storybook characters, and their belongings, have escaped from their books and hidden themselves...
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...
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...
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...
MoreHighcliffe Play Area, Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch
Highcliffe Play Area has a colourful and well-equipped playground and is near to Highcliffe Beach. The play equipment includes a multiplay with a big slide and...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreFind a Secret Passage into the Hever Castle Adventure Play Area
Hever Castle has a fabulous adventure play area centred around a huge wooden castle – can you find the secret passage into the castle, dodge 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreChilbolton Cow Common, Chilbolton and Wherwell
Chilbolton Cow Common is a tranquil and picturesque place to explore, walk, have a little paddle in the River Test or a play at the nearby War Memorial Play...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreSteam Along the Pinewood Miniature Railway, Crowthorne
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreBefriend the Dragon of Butser Hill, Horndean, Near Petersfield
The Queen Elizabeth Country Park Story Trail* is called “The Dragon of Butser Hill“. The story follows the adventures of a knight, a dragon, a giant and a maiden who lived...
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...
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...
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...
MoreFind Fossils and a World-Class Sunset at Bracklesham Bay
Bracklesham Bay is probably the place we love to visit the most. As the tide falls, a huge stretch of sand opens up and you can find fossils just lying on the...
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...
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...
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...
MoreRelax and Watch at Baby Club, Everyman Cinema in Winchester
A baby-friendly cinema screening of a new release film in a cinema with sofas? It sounded too good to be true but Baby Club was wonderful. I loved...
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