Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

Situated on the banks of the Thames, Runnymede Pleasure Grounds offers easy access to the River Thames.

It has an expansive field

and huge car park.

At one end there is a statue of Elizabeth II

and at the other, a cafe and little seasonal go karts.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Splash Pad

This refreshing paddling pool is for children to the age of 11 years. 

The water is very shallow in most places and deepest in the centre by the cone, where it came to my mid-calves.

Boat Trips 

Various boat trips are available up and down the River Thames.

You can also walk along the Thames Path.

The Runnymede Memorials

The water-meadows of Runnymede are where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215. 

There are a number of interesting memorials to discover in the meadows and woodland.

The Paths

To reach the memorials you have to cross a meadow. 

There are steps up to the JFK Memorial and the view point.

The path along the River Thames is bumpy and uneven in places and can be muddy.

You can read about our visit to the Runnymede memorials here.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Play Area

The Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Play Area equipment includes:

• swings 
• toddler swings
• a climbing multiplay for older children
• a multiplay for younger children 

• a roundabout
• a springer seesaw
• a traditional seesaw
• seats.

Nearest Town: Old Windsor, Egham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: TW20 0AE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, cafe, ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Runnymede Pleasure Grounds is buggy friendly but the walk to the Runnymede Memorials is trickier and takes you over grass and uneven paths.

Parking: There is a large car park. There is another National Trust car park at the other end of the meadows.
Cost of Parking: Pay and display. The National Trust car park is free for members.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, and butterflies.

Information Written: May 2021
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Runnymede Pleasure Grounds in Egham, near Chertsey and Windsor, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Selbourne Common

Selbourne Common is covered in towering trees, wildflower meadows and a hidden pond.

As you walk around, an occasional gap in the trees reveals a beautiful view across the Hampshire Downs, as if to remind you how high up you are.

The Zig-Zag Path

This path was cut by the naturalist Gilbert White and his brother in 1753 to make accessing Selbourne Common easier.

The Selbourne Hanger

The Zig-Zag path is on the steepest side of the hill, called the Selbourne Hanger. It is covered in precariously balanced trees.

The ascent is fairly gradual and not a challenging climb. We climbed for about ten minutes before reaching the top. 

The Views

The path seems never-ending but the higher you climb, the more rewarding the view.

By the time you reach the top, the views are breathtaking and the well placed bench is the perfect place to relax and enjoy them.

Go Wild

There are plenty of plants and animals for children to discover – stag beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects as well as birds, orchids and fungi.

Nearest Town: Selbourne, near Alton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 3JR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Either bring a picnic and blanket or alternatively, check out the Selbourne Arms, which is next to the car park. 
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets in the car park but nothing on the common.

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: We did not bring a buggy with us and were glad we hadn’t – the Zig-Zag path is steep and narrow with frequent steps. 

Parking: There is a car park behind the Selbourne Arms pub. From this car park, follow the ‘Footpath to Selbourne Common’ signs, which lead you down a shady footpath to the start of the Zig-Zag path.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, stag beetles, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: June 2025

Our visit to Selbourne Common in Selbourne, near Alton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Stockbridge Common Marsh

As you enter, you pass a National Trust sign that says ‘The Lions Den’ and I have absolutely no idea why! 

The common is mainly grassland where you can walk and picnic during dry weather.

A tributary of the River Test flows along one edge. 

If you look carefully you may spot brown trout.

Paddling 

Children can have a little paddle by the bridge 

but they may not be alone!

Stockbridge Town

If you cross the bridge and walk a short way, you come to the pretty town of Stockbridge. 

The River Test flows through the town, past shops and places to eat. 

The Paths

The paths are flat and easy to walk on but can become boggy and muddy during wetter weather. 

Nearest Town: Stockbridge, near Andover and Winchester
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO20 6JA 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: You might be able to use an all terrain buggy.

Parking: There is a car park but it can be very busy. 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects; herons, kingfishers and other birds; brown trout,  other fish and pond life; cows and water voles.

Information Written: June 2022

Our trip to Stockbridge Common Marsh in Stockbridge, near Andover, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle dates back to about 1066 and the Norman invasion of England.  

It has plenty of history to enjoy, including arrow slits, oubliette dungeons and soaring walls,

medieval warfare equipment for children to try out 

and also a 1,000 year old murder mystery – who killed King Edward?

Swanage Railway

Corfe Castle sits next to the Swanage Railway line and you can see the trains steam past.

This full-size heritage railway operates a range of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as historic carriages.

Nearest Town: Corfe Castle, near Wareham
County: Dorset
Nearest Postcode: BH20 5EZ

Adult Cost Range: Free with National Trust membership. Various prices for non-members. Please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Free with National Trust membership. Various prices for non-members. Please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years or with National Trust membership.

Opens: Various times throughout the year. Please see their website for details.

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, try the cafe or one eat at one of the nearby pubs.
Facilities: Cafe, shop, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Some of the castle is buggy-friendly but there are also slopes, steps and narrow walkways in some areas.  

Parking: There are a few car parks to choose from, including a National Trust car park, as well as a few parking spaces in the village.
Cost of Parking: Varies depending on the car park you choose. The National Trust car park is free for members.  

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Corfe Castle in Swanage is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

St Catherine’s Hill

St Catherine’s Hill used to be called Drakehull (or Dragon Hill) and is  a sacred site that dates back thousands of years to the Stone Age. 

In the 14th century a chapel was built here, which now lies in ruins.

Sacred Spring

At the bottom of St Catherine’s Hill by the River Wey is a sacred spring that was believed to cure sore eyes. 

Next to it is a little plaque and a poem:

“Your upward path, my downward flow 

Are fixed by law divine, 

My task is to refresh your soul, 

Yours to discover mine”

River Wey Navigations 

The River Wey flows past St Catherine’s Hill. 

You can follow the River Wey Navigations footpath along the river (if you are looking at the river then follow the path to the right)

and on to St Catherine’s Lock.  

St Catherine’s Lock

When at the lock, you can either turn around and go back to the car park the same way you have come or cross the river 

and follow the footpath back to Shalford Park, 

passing St Mary’s Church, Shalford. 

This route is wilder than the path along the river, with obstacles like fallen trees 

and streams. 

Finding St Catherine’s Hill

As you leave Shalford Park car park, head to the line of trees on your right 

and follow the footpath that leads through the trees and on to the River Wey. 

Once at the river, cross the bridge 

walk past the spring and up Ferry Lane to the main road. 

St Catherine’s Hill is on your left and will take you up to the church.

Nearest Town: Guildford 
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU3 1LJ is the nearest postcode but parking is on the other side of the River Wey at GU4 8AA.

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Generally buggy friendly but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There is a car park at Shalford Park (GU4 8AA).
Cost of Parking: £4 per day. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to St Catherine’s Hill and St Catherine’s Lock in Guildford is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Waggoners Wells

On a walk around Waggoners Wells you will find three beautifully blue, man-made pools  

a waterfall 

slopes to clamber up and slide down

tangles of tree roots to explore 

and ducks, ducks, ducks!

You might also be lucky enough to spot some of the giant fish that live in the pools. 

The Wishing Well

The wishing well is at the lowest end of Waggoners Wells, a little beyond the last pool. A plaque on the wall commemorates the poem “Flower in a Crannied Wall” by Tennyson, which is believed to have been written here in 1863.

The wishing well is marked on the map board near the car park stairs. It is easy to find – follow the main path past the three pools and the wishing well is in the wall of the nearby house. It took us about ten minutes to walk there. 

The Paths

The paths are generally flat 

with some steps in places.  

Nearest Town: Headley Down, near Hindhead
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU26 6DT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free 

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours 
Buggies: The main paths are relatively flat and easy to walk on but there are steps in places. 

Parking: There is a car park, which you reach by driving through a ford!
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, fish and insects.

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Waggoners Wells in Headley Down is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Kestrel Corner Play Area

Kestrel Corner Play Area is a wooden play area that is an easy ten minute walk from the house. 

It has equipment including:

• a wooden multiplay with a slide and musical instruments 
• a climbing frame
• an obstacle course with stumps, logs and a wobbly bridge
• toddler swings 
• swings 
• a basket swing
• a tunnel and 
• seats.

The House and Lawn

The house is picture perfect.

It has views over the surrounding hills, which you can enjoy from deckchairs. 

Natural Play Areas

Scattered along the trails are natural play areas to enjoy with stumps, logs, dens

and also a bird hide.

Nearest Town: Great Bookham, near Dorking
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6BD

Adult Cost Range: From £15
Child Cost Range: From £8
Free if: Under 5 or with National Trust membership

Opens: Daily (with some winter closures)

Where to Eat: There is a cafe, food vendors and you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, a shop, picnic areas toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a good sized car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, bees, insects and birds.

Information Written: April 2023

Our visit to Polesden Lacey and Kestrel Corner Play Area in Great Bookham, near Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The House and Lawn

The house is picture perfect 

with views over the surrounding hills, which you can enjoy from deckchairs. 

The Walks

There are various signposted walks around the gardens and wider estate.

Natural Play Areas

Scattered along the trails are natural play areas to enjoy with stumps, logs, dens 

and also a bird hide.

Kestrel Corner Play Area

Kestrel Corner Play Area is a wooden play area that is an easy ten minute walk from the house. 

It has equipment including a wooden multiplay with a slide and musical instruments, an obstacle course, swings and a tunnel.

Special Activities

As for many National Trust properties, Polesden Lacey runs activities for various age ranges throughout the year, which are listed on their website. 

When we visited there was a trail through the grounds with activities at each station, including hide and seek, cars to drive and lawn games. 

The Paths

There are various footpaths around the grounds – some are surfaced, some gravel and some earth and grass. We did not have any access problems and used an all-terrain buggy.

Nearest Town: Great Bookham, near Dorking
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6BD

Adult Cost Range: From £15
Child Cost Range: From £8
Free if: Under 5 or with National Trust membership

Opens: Daily (with some winter closures)

Where to Eat: There is a cafe, food vendors and you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, a shop, picnic areas toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a good sized car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, bees, insects and birds.

Information Written: April 2023

Our visit to Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham, near Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Fun at the Beach…

The pond has several sandy beaches where you can have fun wading, paddling and splashing. You can also pond dip, build sand castles and feed the ducks. 

The biggest beaches are on the car park side of the pond but there are a few smaller beaches in other parts too. 

…but No Swimming

Swimming is not allowed at Frensham Little Pond to protect the pond habitat, but you can swim at the nearby Frensham Great Pond. 

The Tern Cafe

The Tern Cafe is next to the pond and only a short walk from the car park. It offers snacks, drinks and ice creams and has picnic tables, some under cover. 

Bird Hide

What will you spy from the bird hide?

The Walks

Although this is called Frensham Little Pond, it is not small – it took us about an hour to walk all the way around. There are benches and a boardwalk along the way. 

There is also a Frensham Little Pond Family Trail you can follow around the pond. 

The Paths

Most of the paths were easy to push a normal buggy across. Some do have tree roots. There are sandy stretches onto Frensham Common that are tougher.

Frensham Common

Frensham Little Pond is part of Frensham Common, an area of open and airy heathland with woods and beautiful viewpoints.

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 3BT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the Tern Cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: You can push a buggy around the pond but choose one that can cope with sand and roots. 

Parking: There are several car parks but they can be very busy when the weather is warm.
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members or from £1.50 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Lots of birds, including ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and squirrels.

Information Written: March 2016
Information Checked: November 2023

Our visit to Frensham Little Pond near Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Frensham Great Pond

Swimming is permitted from one of the two sandy beaches at Frensham Great Pond. 

Frensham Little Pond

Frensham Little Pond is the smaller and more wild of the two ponds. It is a peaceful, picturesque and pine-scented place to explore. 

The Cafes

There is a cafe at each of the nearby ponds that sell snacks, drinks and ice creams.

The Paths

The paths around Frensham Common vary. Some are easy to walk on, others are deep sand;

some are on steep hills and others are flat. 

Where to Start?

The easiest way to access Frensham Common is to either start at one of the two ponds or to use the little lay-by next to St Mary’s School in Frensham (GU10 3DS).

From here you can head into the woods and up onto Frensham Common. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the spot where you can see both ponds. 

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 3DS (the lay-by), GU10 2QB (Frensham Great Pond), GU10 3BT (Frensham Little Pond).

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the cafes at Frensham Little Pond or Frensham Great Pond. 
Facilities: There are cafes, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets at each of the ponds. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring a buggy – some of the paths are deep sand and there are some steep hills. 

Parking: There are a few spaces at the lay-by mentioned above and large car parks at both ponds (see above for the post codes) but they can be very busy when the weather is warm.
Cost of Parking: The lay-by is free. Parking at either of the ponds is free for National Trust members or from £1.50 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Lots of birds, including ducks, swans, coots, moorhens, squirrels and sand lizards.

Information Written: May 2022
Information Checked: November 2023

Our visit to Frensham Common near Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Two Beaches

You can paddle and swim from either beach within the area marked with buoys and ropes. Neither has much shade so you may want to bring some with you. 

Both of the beaches are near the car park, cafe and toilets. 

The first beach you come to is the larger of the two. 

The second beach is a little further from the car park and is smaller but often less busy.

Sometimes the pond has to be closed to bathers so be sure to check the Frensham Great Pond website before you go to make sure swimming is allowed.

The Cafe

There is a cafe next to the beach and car park that sells snacks, drinks and ice creams and has picnic tables. 

There are also public toilets in this building.

Frensham Little Pond

Frensham Little Pond is about a five minute drive. It offers more shady spots but swimming is not permitted there.

Frensham Common

Both ponds are part of Frensham Common, an area of heathland with beautiful views, heather and lots of paths to explore. 

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 2QB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: It is sandy so it can be hard work to push a buggy to the beach. 

Parking: There is a large car park but it can be very busy when the weather is warm – the website suggests arriving before 10am.
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members or from £1.50 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks.

Information Written: May 2022
Information Checked: November 2023

Our visit to Frensham Great Pond near Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Buscot Lock

Picturesque Buscot Lock is a working lock with a weir, bridges and swans.

The lock keepers we met were very friendly and showed my children how the manual lock works, much to their delight. 

The Thames Path

Walking from Buscot Lock to St John’s Lock took us about an hour and the paths were easy to walk along.  

We followed this circular path from the National Trust’s website. 

You walk from Buscot Village, past Buscot Lock, along the Thames Path, staying close to the river.  

When you reach the bridge you are almost at St Johns Lock.  

St John’s Lock

St John’s Lock is the highest lock on the River Thames.

It has toilets, a small picnic area and a statue of Old Father Thames. 

Old Father Thames 

Originally carved for Crystal Palace in 1854, Old Father Thames was moved to the source of the Thames in Trewsbury Mead in 1936.  

Sadly, it was vandalised and moved again to St John’s Lock.

The source of the Thames is now marked with a simple stone.  

The Trout Inn

We had lunch right next to the river at The Trout Inn,

which has a large garden and lots of tables. 

Buscot Play Area

Buscot Village Play Area has a long obstacle course.  It is conveniently located next to the Buscot Village National Trust car park and is a good place to play at the end your walk.

Nearest Town: Buscot, near Faringdon and Swindon
County: Oxfordshire 
Nearest Postcode: SN7 8DA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, eat at Buscot Village Tea-Rooms (SN7 8DA) or eat at The Trout Inn (GL7 3HA).
Facilities: There are toilets for customers at the Tea-Rooms and Trout Inn. There are public toilets at both locks.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths are fairly flat and easy to walk on.  You could take an all-terrain buggy if you don’t mind bumping up and down some stairs. 

Parking: Pay and display car park at Buscot Lock or The Trout Inn’s car park at St John’s Lock. 
Cost of Parking: Parking at Buscot Lock is free for National Trust members; from £2 for two hours for non-members. Parking at The Trout Inn is free. 

Information Written: August 2023

Our visit to Buscot Lock near Faringdon and St John’s Lock near Lechdale, near Swindon, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Buscot Village Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a large circular obstacle course with nets, tyres, ropes, logs and bridges 
• swings
• toddler swings
• a picnic table. 

Nearest Town: Buscot, near Faringdon and Swindon
County: Oxfordshire 
Nearest Postcode: SN7 8DA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at Buscot Village Tea-Rooms.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 30 minutes
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Pay and display car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £2 for two hours for non-members. 

Information Written: August 2023

Our visit to Buscot Village Play Area in Faringdon, near Swindon, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

West Wittering Beach

West Wittering is an easy beach to visit with children. 

There is a very large car park next to the beach.  There are also a cafe, toilets and accessible toilets.

It can be very busy during warm summer days, with traffic blocking the roads to the beaches. 

East Head

At the very end of the car park is East Head, a wild spit of land managed by the National Trust with shingle and sand beaches, dunes and salt marshes.  

If you are very lucky, you may even spot a seal.

Nearest Town: West Wittering, Near Chichester
County: West Sussex
Nearest Postcode: PO20 8AJ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the one of the cafes. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: All day
Buggies: Usual beach issues – some paths are uneven and others are sandy. 

Parking: There is a large paid for car park by the beach.
Cost of Parking: Varies with the time of year.  If you book in advance you receive a discount.

Wildlife You Might See: Sea life and seabirds

Information Written: May 2016
Information Checked: August 2023

Our visit to West Wittering Beach near Chichester is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Which Route Will You Take?

When you finally manage to tear yourself away, you need to decide which direction to walk in. 

We decided to explore the rim but, if you are feeling adventurous (and don’t have a buggy with you), you can brave the path down into the punch bowl. 

Around The Rim

A walk along the rim has something for everyone to discover along the way – harrowing history for the adults, bug hunting and den building for the children and the chance to wonder at the way nature is reclaiming the old A3.  

The Unknown Sailor  

We started by taking the path up to Gibbet Hill, which is the second highest point in Surrey, and boasts stunning views across the Weald and towards London.

On this walk you come across the Sailor’s Stone, which remembers the  Unknown Sailor, an unnamed man who was murdered here in 1786 by three men he befriended whilst walking to Portsmouth.

Up Gibbet Hill

The path then leads on to Gibbet Hill, where a granite cross marks the spot that the three muderers were hung in chains. It’s a gruesome story that you can either choose to read about on the information boards or ignore.

The walk to Gibbet Hill is not particularly taxing and the views from the top are wonderful.

Along the Old A3

We then walked down to the rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl and followed the old route of the A3. Until the Hindhead Tunnel opened in 2011, this was the main road between London and Portsmouth. It had three lanes and ran around the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

Looking at it now, it is hard to believe this was ever anything but a beauty spot. It’s nothing short of spectacular.

Down Into the Punch Bowl

There are also paths down into the Punch Bowl. They are steep and uneven in places but take you through some beautiful woodland. 

Go Wild

There are plenty of places around the Devil’s Punch Bowl to stop for a picnic, hunt for mini-beasts, make dens or just stop and admire the views.

Nearest Town: Hindhead
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU26 6AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free 

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Shop, ice creams, toilets and accessible toilets but note that the toilets are only open when the cafe is.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours 
Buggies: The main paths around the rim of the punchbowl are generally buggy friendly. The paths down into the Punch Bowl are not – they are steep and uneven in places.

Parking: There is a large pay and display car park. It can become very busy during the weekends and holidays.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership.

Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, ponies, butterflies, insects and birds.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: October 2021

Our visit to The Devil’s Punchbowl in Hindhead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Natural Play Trail

The Natural Play Trail include things like:

• a tree to climb through
• a see saw made of planks and logs 
• a fort with tunnels
• log balance beams 
• ropes to climb on 
• logs to edge along 
• areas to build dens 
• areas to climb trees

Box Hill

As well as the Natural Play Trail, Box Hill also has picturesque views, mini-beasts, a cafe, Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone. 

Box Hill Fort

The Box Hill Fort was one of a series of forts built in the 1890s to enable London to defend itself from invasion. It was used again during WW2. 

The Stepping Stones

The River Mole flows along the foot of Box Hill and can be crossed by jumping between the famous Stepping Stones. 

To find the Stepping Stones you can either walk down the hill or drive to the Stepping Stones car park (see below).  

From April to June the air is heavy with the unmistakable scent of wild garlic.

Nearest Town: Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcodes: Box Hill: KT20 7LB – note that his does not seem to work for all sat navs so follow signs once you start to see them. The Stepping Stones: RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for the car park as it is easy to miss. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, shop, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths around the car parks are surfaced and buggy-friendly. The paths along the play trail are muddy and uneven in places but I used an all terrain buggy without any issues. 

Parking: There are different car parks to choose from –  a couple on top of Box Hill (KT20 7LB – can be unreliable so follow signs as soon as you see them) and another by the Stepping Stones (RH5 6AE). They all become very busy and are often full by mid-morning. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £1.50 per hour for non-members.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2018
Information Checked: June 2021

Our visit to Box Hill and the Box Hill Natural Play Trail in Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Stepping Stones

Each stepping stone is big enough to make me feel confident about crossing and, as there are 17 stones, it also feels like an achievement, especially if the stones are already wet!

Bear in mind that you may not be crossing alone – some children cross confidently and others refuse and are either carried over or kept back. 

On Top of Box Hill

The Stepping Stones are at the foot of Box Hill. At the top there is lots more to do, including the Natural Play Trail, a fort, a cafe and fabulous views. 

The Natural Play Trail

Scattered throughout the woods on top of Box Hill are natural play areas that form the Box Hill Natural Play Trail. It has balance courses and a seesaw

ropes and a tunnel. 

It’s a fantastic way to liven up a walk in the woods. 

Box Hill

At the top of Box Hill there are several viewing points, a cafe, Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone but this was shut when I visited. 

Nearest Town: Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcodes: Box Hill: KT20 7LB – note that his does not seem to work for all sat navs so follow signs once you start to see them. The Stepping Stones: RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for the car park as it is easy to miss. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, try one of the nearby pubs or go to the top of Box Hill and try the cafe.
Facilities: None at the Stepping Stones. On top of Box Hill there are facilities – cafe, snacks, ice cream, shop, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: The paths around the stepping stones are muddy but fairly flat and I used a buggy without any problems but did not take it over the river. Clearly, jumping between stepping stones with a buggy would be tricky! 

Parking: Car park by the Stepping Stones (RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for signs as this is easy to miss). All Box Hill car parks become very busy and are often full by mid-morning. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £1.50 per hour for non-members.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2018
Information Checked: June 2021

Our visit to the Box Hill Stepping Stones in Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

At the Top of Box Hill

The Natural Play Trail

Scattered throughout the woods on top of Box Hill are natural play areas that form the Box Hill Natural Play Trail. It has balance courses

a seesaw

ropes 

and a tunnel. 

It’s a fantastic way to liven up a walk in the woods. 

Box Hill

At the top of Box Hill there are several viewing points, a cafe, Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone but this was shut when I visited. 

Box Hill Fort

Box Hill Fort was part of a series of forts built in the 1890s to enable London to defend itself from invasion. It was used again during WW2. 

At the Bottom of Box Hill

The Stepping Stones

The River Mole flows along the foot of Box Hill and can be crossed by jumping between the famous Box Hill Stepping Stones. 

From here you can either continue on up Box Hill or stop and have a paddle or pond dip in the river. 

From April to June the air is heavy with the unmistakable scent of wild garlic.

Nearest Town: Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcodes: Box Hill: KT20 7LB – note that his does not seem to work for all sat navs so follow signs once you start to see them. The Stepping Stones: RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for the car park as it is easy to miss. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, shop, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic areas. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths around the car parks are surfaced and buggy-friendly. The paths along the play trail are muddy and uneven in places but I used an all terrain buggy without any issues. 

Parking: There are different car parks to choose from –  a couple on top of Box Hill (KT20 7LB – can be unreliable so follow signs as soon as you see them) and another by the Stepping Stones (RH5 6AE). They all become very busy and are often full by mid-morning. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £1.50 per hour for non-members.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2018
Information Checked: June 2021

Our visit to Box Hill and the Box Hill Natural Play Trail in Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Statues

There are a number of statues in the water-meadows, including twelve juror chairs 

that each commemorate key moments in the fight for freedom, 

a memorial to the founding principles of democracy 

that has principles from Magna Carta reflected in the water, 

a memorial to JFK 

and a memorial to the sealing of Magna Carta. 

The Paths

The path along the River Thames is beautiful but bumpy and uneven in places and can be muddy.

To reach the memorials you have to cross a meadow. 

There are steps up to the JFK Memorial and the view point.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds is on the banks of the River Thames, next to the Runnymede memorials.

It has a play area,

a splash pad, amusements,

boat trips and a cafe.

Nearest Town: Old Windsor, Egham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: TW20 0AE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the cafes. 
Facilities: There is a cafe at the National Trust car park with toilets and accessible toilets. Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, cafe, ice creams are all also available at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Not really buggy friendly.

Parking: The largest is at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds and the National Trust’s car park is at the other end of the meadows.
Cost of Parking: Pay and display car parks. The National Trust car park is free for members. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese and butterflies.

Information Written: May 2021

Our visit to Runnymede in Egham, near Chertsey and Windsor, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Priest’s Way

The walk to Keates Quarry and the dinosaur footprints is an easy 3/4 of a mile along paths with sea views. 

When you leave the Spyway car park head towards the sea and then turn right onto Priest’s Way in the direction of Worth Matravers. 

Keate’s Quarry

Along Priest’s Way you walk past a working quarry that is surrounded by stacks of stone. This is limestone from the local area, which has been quarried for centuries, building places like Corfe Castle and Westminster Abbey. 

“Dinosaur Tracks” This Way

A little way after the quarry you come to a gate on the right with a picture of a dinosaur and “Dinosaur tracks” written on it.

Keates Quarry is then just a short walk across the field.

Be sure to bring wellies! It was very muddy when we visited and we had to make stepping stones to reach the gate.

Dinosaur Footprints

The fossilised dinosaur tracks are believed to have originally been made by Brachiosauruses walking on a lagoon’s beach. 

Brachiosauruses were enormous plant eating dinosaurs that could grow to 30m long. They lived 145 million years ago at a time when Dorset was a tropical area covered in swamps, lagoons and forests. 

The footprints are enormous! 

We think we spotted baby dinosaur footprints too.  

Dancing Ledge and the Cliffs

From the Spyway car park you can also walk towards the sea and cliffs and then either walk down the coastal paths or just enjoy the beautiful views. 

I understand you can also see Dancing Ledge, which is an area of cliff that has been quarried into a flat ledge and has a rock pool that was created for local school children. 

Scratched Arse Ware?

Sadly, we didn’t have time to explore the rest of Spyway and discover what Scratched Arse Ware is or see Dancing Ledge but I will update this post after our next visit.

Instead we drove for 20 minutes to Dorchester to see the Dinosaur Museum.

The Paths

When we visited, the paths ranged from smooth to muddy and bumpy. I used an all terrain buggy and think you might struggle with a normal buggy. 

Nearest Town: Swanage
County: Dorset
Nearest Postcode: BH19 3HG

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: I used an all terrain buggy without any problems, although I could not push it over the muddy fields. I think some of the paths might be too bumpy for a normal buggy.

Parking: There is medium sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Seabirds like puffins, shags, guillemots and sea gulls, cows and insects.

Information Written: February 2020

Our visit to the dinosaur footprints at Spyway in Swanage is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.