Netley Park

Royal Victoria Country Park stands on the site of Netley Hospital, a vast Victorian military hospital that was the world’s longest building. 

Today, all that remains of the quarter of a mile long building is the central chapel, but by walking around the park you can get a sense of its enormous scale.

This photo was taken from one end of the hospital building – the chapel was the middle of the building, there was a whole other wing on the other side!

Southampton Water

The country park overlooks Southampton Water, which has a busy, slightly industrial feel – boats of all sizes regularly sail past and there is what looks like a refinery on the opposite shore.

The Beach

The shingle beaches are covered in little shells.

We collected about thirty in ten minutes.

There are ramps down onto the beach for easy access. In other places you have to jump!

Rock Pools and Crabbing

It might not look like it, but rock pools form amongst the pebbles along the beach.

If you look closely, you may spot a crab!

We managed to find quite a few.

Then let them go and watched as they buried themselves again.

Royal Victoria CP Story Trail

The Royal Victoria Country Park Story Trail is called “Time Trouble at Royal Victoria Country Park“ and follows Professor Nutrino, a Time Agent, as she battles to fix a tear in time…with a little help from your children.

And There’s More

The park also has fields to play in

a miniature railway called the Royal Victoria Railway

a permanent orienteering course (course map available from the Visitor Centre), family activities and a fairy garden…

…with a huge picnic table guarded by a wizard!

The Cedar Rooms

Next to the play area is the Cedar Rooms, a restaurant and cafe with a large outdoor seating area. We had a delicious, wood fired pizza.

The Paths

The fields were dry and the paths were flat and easy to push a buggy along.  

Some still show signs of the past.

Royal Victoria CP Adventure Play Area

The Royal Victoria Country Park Adventure Play Area play equipment includes things like:

• a large wooden fort with slides, tunnels, nets, a wobbly bridge and easy to climb ramps
• lots of different swings
• a roundabout
• a music wall
• a multiplay for younger children.

Nearest Town: Netley, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO31 5GA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: The Cedar Rooms cafe and restaurant or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice creams, picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are several, good sized, pay and display car parks around the park.
Cost of Parking: From £1.80 per hour to a maximum of £4 per day

Wildlife You Might See: Deer, ducks, seagulls, waterbirds and sea creatures.

Information Written: May 2017
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley, near Southampton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Locks Ride Splash Pad

The splash pad has jets of water

and overhead buckets that gradually fill with water and then suddenly spill down onto the people below.

The Beach Area

The beach area has sandy play areas

and picnic tables and barbecues that can be pre-booked.

There are also toilets.

Opening Hours

The Locks Ride splash pad has set opening hours so be sure to check before you go. 

It is often very busy during hot weather.

Locks Ride Play Area

Much of the play equipment in Locks Ride Recreation Play Area is built over the sand and includes:

• climbing nets to scramble over and under
• a spider’s web net
• a rope bridge
• a balance beam
• a slide set into a hill
• a basket swing
• zip wires a trampoline.

Beside the play area is a multi-gym, two football pitches,

a cricket pitch and a pavilion.

Nearest Town: Winkfield Row, Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG42 7NJ

Opens: The splash pad is open daily from mid-May to mid-September. The play area is open daily.
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Picnic tables or the cafe.
Facilities: Ice creams and toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: August 2017
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Locks Ride Recreation Ground Splash Pad and Play Area in Winkfield, Bracknell, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

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.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

The splash pad is right on the banks of the River Thames, in Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.

It has an expansive field

and huge car park

with a cafe.

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.

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 and the Splash Pad 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.

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.

Jocks Lane Splash Pad

Water jets spray in all directions from the splash pad, which is surrounded by benches, sun umbrellas and a cafe.

In the sunshine, Jocks Lane has that holiday vibe.

Further details can be found in the Jocks Lane Recreation Ground post.

Splash Pad Restrictions

There are some restrictions on the use of the splash pad – only children under 8 years are allowed to use it before 5pm and there are no balls or inflatable toys allowed. 

You must wear swimming suits and swimming nappies (if necessary).

The Recreation Facilities

Jocks Lane Recreation Ground also has numerous other things to do, including tennis courts,

mini golf

and a miniature railway, which operates on certain days of the year.

Jocks Lane Recreation Ground Play Area

Jocks Lane Play Area has a range of equipment including:

• toddler swings
• swings
• a place for a tyre swing (but no tyre when we visited)
• a swinging seesaw
• a multiplay for younger children with a tunnel and a slide

• game boards
• musical pipes
• a fire engine with little tunnels
• a roundabout.

Equipment for Older Children

There is also equipment for older children:

• a climbing frame obstacle course
• a spinner
• swings that spin
• a zip wire.

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 2BH

Opens: Daily from May half term until the summer holidays. Please see their website for full details.
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, cafe, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Car park
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Jocks Lane Recreation Ground Splash Pad in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Jocks Lane Recreation Ground

The Jocks Lane Play Area has a range of equipment including:

• toddler swings
• swings
• a place for a tyre swing (but no tyre when we visited)
• a swinging seesaw
• a multiplay for younger children with a tunnel and a slide

• game boards
• musical pipes
• a fire engine with little tunnels
• a roundabout.

Equipment for Older Children

There is also equipment for older children:

• a climbing frame obstacle course
• a spinner
• swings that spin
• a zip wire.

Jocks Lane Splash Pad

Water jets spray in all directions from the Jocks Lane Splash Pad, which is surrounded by benches, sun umbrellas and a cafe.

In the sunshine Jocks Lane has that holiday vibe.

Splash Pad Restrictions

There are some restrictions on the use of the splash pad – only children under 8 years are allowed to use it before 5pm and there are no balls or inflatable toys allowed. 

You must wear swimming suits and swimming nappies (if necessary).

The Recreation Facilities

Jocks Lane also has a number of tennis courts, a five-a-side football pitch,

basketball courts and a kick about area,

table tennis tables

a multigym

and a sports field.

There is also a miniature golf course,

a riverside walk to Jocks Copse and Tinkers Copse

and a miniature railway that is run by the Bracknell Railway Society.

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 2BH

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, cafe, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Car park
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: July 2025

Our visit to Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, Play Area and Splash Pad in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Thursley Common Fire

At the end of May 2020, a fire tore through the boardwalk area of Thursley Common. Lots of trees and vegetation were lost and so was the boardwalk, with its Dragonfly Trail. 

This is a picture of Moat Pond before the fire.

This is a picture of Moat Pond after the fire.

Happily, the Dragonfly Trail has been rebuilt!

Moat Pond

We start our visits at Moat Pond, with its pine scent and marauding ducks.

In the autumn it is surrounded by fungus – we spotted 50 different types last autumn! (I’m sure it goes without saying but we never touch fungus, we just look at it). 

The Dragonfly Trail

This leads you along the boardwalk and over the peat bogs. 

Along the way you can spot lots of insects and lizards 

and also sundews.

The Trails

When we want a short visit we walk around Moat Pond and watch the wildlife from one of the many little beach-like areas. 

If we are after a longer walk, we venture along one of the marked trails. 

The Wildlife

Thursley Common teems with nature and you can almost always see something wonderful.

From spring to autumn, you can see animals on every visit, including animals such as dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, and spiders. 

On one visit there were thousands of tiny toads hopping across the paths in every direction. 

The Lizards

The lizards are easiest to see when warming themselves on the boardwalk during sunny days. 

Can You Spot the Lizards?

To ready your eyes for lizard spotting, have a look at the photo of a log below. There are three lizards hiding on it – how many can you spot?

Answers highlighted below!

Two are hiding here:

And another here:

Thor’s Den

There is nearby a play area called Thor’s Den on the edge of Thursley Common. You can walk there from Moat Pond but it is quite far so you may prefer to drive (GU8 6QD).

Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: Up to 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly – we use an all terrain buggy as some areas are sandy and there are roots along some of the paths. 

Parking: There are lots of places to park along the road and a few car parks. We use the Moat Pond car park (GU8 6LW) as it is closest to Moat Pond. 
Cost of Parking: Free but a donation using a parking app is suggested.

Wildlife You Might See: Toads, frogs, wood ants, dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, spiders, grasshoppers and ducks.

Information Written: July 2019
Information Checked: October 2024

Our visit to Thursley Common National Nature Reserve is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path is 23 miles long, marked by signposts and divided into 12 sections.  

These sections follow the river, are not circular and do not finish where they start.  

Blackwater Valley Path Section 1: Rowhill Nature Reserve to Pea Bridge 

Section 1 starts at Rowhill Nature Reserve car park

and leads you past the boggy source of the Blackwater, 

where it then follows the infant river.

The path leads onto the streets 

and footpaths of Badshot Lea 

and Aldershot. 

Section 1 ends at Pea Bridge, where section 2 begins.

Rowhill Nature Reserve

Rowhill Nature Reserve is a captivating nature reserve of ancient woodland with stumps to balance on,

trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

The Source of the Blackwater

The source of the Blackwater River is a bog marked by an information board.  

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into Stickleback Pond. 

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater is a small stream along section 1 

that has little waterfalls and spots to splash in. 

Once you leave the reserve, the river becomes a little wider and deeper and there is no access. 

The Paths Along Section 1

I found the paths within Rowhill Nature Reserve easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. 

The paths through Aldershot from pavements to footpaths. 

Some of the footpaths were narrow but they were all flat and easy to use.

There are some road crossings, which you need to cross with care.  Please see the Section 1 route description for full details. 

Would We Go Back?

We really enjoy Rowhill Nature Reserve and visit regularly but for me, the walk beyond the reserve does not add much as you do not really see the river.  I don’t expect to visit this part of section 1 again. 

Where to Next?

Downstream – Section 2:  Pea Bridge to Shawfields

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Rowhill Nature Reserve: GU11 3BD
Nearest Postcode for Pea Bridge: GU11 3RD or GU11 3QJ (see below under Parking for details).

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD), which can be busy. To park near Pea Bridge you can either park on the road near Tice’s Meadow (GU11 3RD) or park in the car park at Brickfields Country Park (GU11 3QJ) and walk down.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: May 2024

Our visit to Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot to Pea Bridge in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Rowhill Nature Reserve

There are stumps to balance on, trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

The Source of the Blackwater

The source of the Blackwater River is an area of bog. It is next to the pond and marked with an information board.  

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into… 

Stickleback Pond

…Stickleback Pond, which has a small dam and waterfall. 

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater quickly becomes stream-sized 

and has little waterfalls and spots to paddle in.

Den Building

The paths wind through deciduous woodland with a spot for den building…

Rhododendron Avenue

…and along Rhododendron Avenue before coming to a tranquil meadow and field surrounded by trees.

The Paths 

I found the paths easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. There are paths that are narrow in places but they were all just ok for my narrow double buggy.

There are two paths that both start from the car park on Cranmore Lane:

1. The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path starts at the end of the car park near the white house and meanders through the reserve staying close to the River Blackwater.

This is Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path and is not a circular path and follows the river out of the reserve at Parkland Grove.

2. The Nature Trail

This is about 1.5 miles long and is marked by a series of posts, starting at the field centre (the wooden building next to the car park).

This is a circular path and begins and ends at the car park on Cranmore Lane.

This trail leads up over steps and a steep hill but these can be avoided if you follow the Blackwater Valley Path to the source of the River Blackwater, where the two paths meet up.

A copy of the nature trail can be found on the Rowhill Nature Reserve website, which marks the steps and an easy access, special needs path that can be accessed from Parkland Grove (GU9 9HA).

50 Things to Do

You could also tackle the 50 Things to Do at Rowhill Copse sheet the reserve have put together.  

How many can you complete?

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU11 3BD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD). This can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2024

Our visit to Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot 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.

Ashford Hangers

This is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.

Ashford Stream 

The path from the parking spot follows Ashford Stream, which is shallow enough in places to paddle and splash around.  From April to June, the smell of wild garlic fills the air.

Lutcombe Pond 

A gentle five minute stroll takes you to a small bridge and then to Lutcombe Pond, which has unusually clear water and a dam you can walk over.

Onwards or Upwards?

The path forks after the little bridge and each route takes you deeper into the reserve. 

Route 1: Onwards Over the Bridge

The path over the bridge skirts the base of the Ashford Hangers, which is a flat and easy walk. 

This path has many side shoots that will take you up to the top of the hangers, including this side shoot straight up Shoulder of Mutton Hill, which really is every bit as steep as this photo makes it look! 

Route 2: Upwards to Hangers Way

The path to the left of the bridge takes you past Lutcombe Pond, directly up the hill and on to Hangers Way, 

which leads to the top of Shoulder of Mutton Hill

and also to Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill. 

The Paths

The paths along Ashford Stream and around Lutcombe Pond are fairly flat but can be muddy.  You can reach the pond with a buggy.

Beyond the pond, the paths up the hill become steep and narrow in places. 

The paths over the bridge and along the foot of the hangers are wider and flatter.

Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: You can take a buggy to the pond but the paths beyond this point are steep and/or narrow. 

Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) and next to the stream. 
Cost of Parking: Free

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

Information Written: April 2019
Information Checked: January 2024

Our visit to Lutcombe Bottom, the Ashford Stream and Lutcombe Pond in the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Paultons Park

Paultons Park itself is a family theme park that also has 

dinosaurs to spot

animals to watch

adventure play areas and splash pads

a wide variety of rides for all ages 

and a train and several garden walks for anyone who prefers something a little more gentle. 

Peppa Pig World

This Peppa Pig themed part of the park brings the Peppa Pig stories, characters and illustrations to life and allows you to explore Peppa’s town

meet her family and friends

 ride in their trains and boats

cars and helicopters 

and even meet Peppa herself. 

Peppa Pig Prep!

Believe it or not, we visited Peppa Pig World without having watched or read anything about Peppa Pig!

We still enjoyed our first visit, even without knowing the characters, but reading the books definitely made subsequent visits more magical!

George’s Spaceship Playzone

This is a soft play area with slides and climbing frames 

as well as an area for smaller children. 

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs roam around the Lost Kingdom!

We spotted several, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Velociraptors and the staggeringly large Argentinosaurus. 

The Dinosaur Tour Co. offer dinosaur safaris by Jeep! 

Water Kingdom

Paultons Park has two splash parks – a large splash pad with tipping buckets, fountains and water shooters and another smaller one called Muddy Puddles.

Adventure Play Areas

There are three adventure play areas, including one that is themed around Mr Potato from Peppa Pig and another dinosaur-themed one where you can dig for fossils. 

Nearest Town: Romsey, Near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO51 6AL

Adult Cost Range: Various prices depending on when you go. Please see their website for details.
Child Cost Range: Various prices depending on when you go. Please see their website for details.
Free if: Under 1 metre tall

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

Where to Eat: Various restaurants, cafes and picnic areas.
Facilities: Toilets, accessible toilets, shops, cafes, snacks and ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly 

Parking: Large car parks
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife you might see: Penguins, giant tortoises, flamingos, pelicans, tropical birds, owls, fish, lizards and insects.

Information Written: July 2017
Information Checked: April 2021

Our visit to Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World in Romsey, near Southampton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Longleat’s Adventure Castle

The play area’s centrepiece is a huge wooden castle with ramparts, walkways, nets, and slides galore.

I am not going to list out all of its equipment because it had almost everything you can imagine for children of all ages.

There is also an indoor soft play area for small children.

The Splash Pad

The splash pad’s jets of water activate when you press discs in the floor – some sprayed up, some sprayed down, some formed tunnels to run around. 

Nearest Town: Warminster
County: Wiltshire
Nearest Postcode: BA12 7NW

Adult Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details.
Child Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details.
Free if: Under 3

Opens: Daily during the summer but with seasonal closures.

Where to Eat: There are various cafes and you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafes, picnic areas, snacks, ice cream, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

Parking: Large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Zoo and safari park animals, including zebra, giraffes, camels, vultures, monkeys, an elephant, rhinos, deer, lions, tigers, cheetahs, wolves, insects, hippos, seals, gorillas, bats, anteaters, otters, meerkats and wallabies.

Information Written: July 2017
Information Checked: January 2024

Our visit to Adventure Castle Play Area at Longleat, near Warminster, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Normandy Common Adventure Play Area

Large trees surround the play area, giving it a shady, peaceful feel. 

The play equipment includes:

• a slide
• various climbing frames
• swings
• toddler swings
• a swinging basket
• a seesaw

• a ground level trampoline
• a zip wire
• scramble nets
• a climbing wall
• balance beams.

Sports Facilities

There are also plenty of places to play sports:

• a table tennis table (bring your own bats!)
• a street snooker wall and court (a cross between football and snooker)
• tennis courts
• a football pitch
• a cricket ground.

Normandy Common

Normandy Common is a wooded area with an orchid meadow, pond, orchard, woods, various sports areas, and a small adventure play area.

There is a map in each of the car parks that shows you where everything is. The three main areas we visit are below but there are other little areas you can discover for yourself!

The Stream and Pond

The stream flows through the play area next to the car park on the main road. It can flow quite quickly in wet weather. Sometimes there are ducks on it. 

The pond is at the end of the stream in the woods on the other side of the road.

The Wispy Woods

We call the wooded area between the cricket pitch and the orchard the Wispy Woods because some of the enormous fir trees look feathered. It’s a smallish patch of mature woodland with a wild feel.

The Secret Orchard

The is a Traditional Orchard, a conservation area that is being preserved as a habitat for plants and animals. It is planted in grassland and managed in an organic way. 

Nearest Town: Normandy, near Guildford and Aldershot
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU3 2DB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None but there some picnic tables.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Generally buggy friendly but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There are two play area car parks on Hunts Hill Road. The first is on the corner with the main road (GU3 2DB). The other is further down Hunts Hill Road (GU3 2DB).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, insects, slow worms, snakes, lizards, stag beetles, glow worms, newts, frogs, kingfishers and dragonflies.

Information Written: April 2023
Information Checked: January 2024

Our visit to Normandy Common and Adventure Play Area in Normandy, near Guildford and Aldershot, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Normandy Common

Normandy Common is a wooded area with an orchid meadow, pond, orchard, woods, various sports areas, and a small adventure play area.

There is a map in each of the car parks that shows you where everything is. The three main areas we visit are below but there are other little areas you can discover for yourself!

The Stream and Pond

The stream flows through the play area next to the car park on the main road. It can flow quite quickly in wet weather and sometimes there are ducks on it. 

The pond is in the woods at the end of the stream on the other side of the road. 

To find the pond, cross Hunts Hill Road (the road the car parks are on). There is a footpath and bridge immediately on your left, which takes you into the woods and then onto Normandy Pond. 

The Wispy Woods

We call the wooded area between the cricket pitch and the orchard the Wispy Woods because some of its enormous and feathery fir trees. 

It’s a smallish patch of mature woodland with a wild feel.

The Secret Orchard

This is a Traditional Orchard, a conservation area that is being preserved as a habitat for plants and animals. It is planted in grassland and managed in an organic way. 

The boards say, “All wildlife and visitors can enjoy a variety of true and traditional fruit flavours.”

 We visited in September and found pear, apple, plum, and cherry trees. 

We also saw a mulberry bush, which I knew from the nursery rhyme but had never actually seen. 

Finding the Woods and Orchard

Leave the play area and walk over the football pitch towards the red bin. Walk over the bridge and onto the cricket ground until you reach the cricket building.

Walk across the car park to the woods and take the footpath marked as a Permissive Horse Ride.

Follow this path until you come to the entrance to the Wispy Woods on the left.

To reach the orchard, keep following this path beyond the woods, ignoring any side paths. 

There is a large bend to the right and then a smaller bend to the left and the orchard is up a slight hill and on the right. It is about a five minute walk from the Wispy Woods.

The orchard and woods are clearly marked on the car park maps. If it is your first visit, then consider taking a photo of the map with you. 

The Adventure Play Area

Large trees surround Normandy Common Play Area, making it a shady, peaceful place to play. 

The equipment includes:

• a slide
• various climbing frames
• swings
• toddler swings
• a swinging basket

• a seesaw
• a ground level trampoline
• a zip wire
• scramble nets
• a climbing wall and balance beams that together make an obstacle course.

Sports Facilities

There are also plenty of places to play sports:

• a table tennis table (bring your own bats!)
• a street snooker wall and court (a cross between football and snooker)
• tennis courts
• a football pitch
• a cricket ground.

Nearest Town: Normandy, Near Guildford and Aldershot
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU3 2DB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None but there some picnic tables.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Generally buggy friendly but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There are two play area car parks on Hunts Hill Road. The first is on the corner with the main road (GU3 2DB). The other is further down Hunts Hill Road (GU3 2DB).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, insects, slow worms, snakes, lizards, stag beetles, glow worms, newts, frogs, kingfishers and dragonflies.

Information Written: July 2016
Information Checked: January 2024

Epic Fun

LEGOLAND^® is a LEGO^® brick theme park complete with epic music, shows, models, crowds and queues.

Themed Lands

LEGOLAND^® is divided into action-packed themed lands, which combine LEGO^® brick models with rides, water fun, live shows and adventure.

Drench Towers

There is also an enormous water play area called Drench Towers and Splash Safari that has Duplo^® animals (including the polar bear, giraffe and elephant) and interactive water features like water cannons, water slides and fountains. 

Miniland

Miniland features LEGO^® brick models of cities like London, Amsterdam and Paris as well as models of the space shuttle and remote controlled boats.

Legal notice: LEGO^®, DUPLO^® and LEGOLAND^® are trademarks of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.

Nearest Town: Windsor
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: SL4 4AY

Opens: Various times throughout the year

Adult Cost Range: Various
Child Cost Range: Various
Free if: Under 90cm tall

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the cafes. 
Facilities: Cafes, drinks, snacks, ice creams, picnic areas, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: We spent a full day at LEGOLAND^® Windsor Resort and still didn’t manage to see everything!
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a massive car park.
Cost of Parking: From £8

Information Written: October 2016
Information Checked: December 2023

Our visit to LEGOLAND^® Windsor Resort in Windsor 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.

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.