One of the things I find fascinating about Watership Down is that Richard Adams based the rabbits’ journey on actual places that can still be visited today...
MoreFind “Frith on the Hills” at Watership Down, Kingsclere
Stand at the Top of Hampshire on Butser Hill, Horndean
Butser Hill is one of the highest points in Hampshire with a story trail, kite flying and beautiful views that stretch out across the South Downs and onto...
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...
MoreMeet Princesses and a Troll along the Fleet Pond Story Trail, Fleet
We went to Fleet Pond to try a story trail called “The Princess, the Pike and the Pond”, one of Hampshire County Council’s Story Trails*. I love the idea...
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...
MoreBegin at the Beginning on the Blackwater Valley Path
The Blackwater begins in the tranquil Rowhill Nature Reserve and so does the Blackwater Valley Path, which winds with the river, past the source, waterfalls and...
MoreRide in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Beaulieu, New Forest
Beaulieu is home to all things with motors – everything from famous motors and racing motors, to model motors and vintage motors. You can race model motors...
MoreMeet the Inhabitants of Thundry Meadows, Elstead
With its evocative name, connections to Thor and great online reviews, I was expecting a lot from Thundry Meadows. In many ways, I was not...
MoreHide and Seek in the Bamboozalom, Furzey Gardens Play Area
Furzey Gardens is a beautiful place to let your imaginations run free and the creative play area is no exception. The play equipment includes, a bamboozalom...
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...
MoreVisit the Pooh’seum and Tea Rooms at Pooh Corner, Hartfield
Built in the sweet shop that A.A. Milne and Christopher Robin used to visit, Pooh Corner is the perfect place to stop for a smackeral of honey when...
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...
MoreCreate Your Own Expotition Through Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest is a place to make your own magical memories, inspire your children to run wild, and fall in love with Pooh Bear again. With...
MoreSteep Recreation Ground and Play Area, Near Petersfield
Steep Recreation Ground is a small play area near Mill Lane waterfall and within walking distance of the Shoulder of Mutton Hill and the Ashford Hangers. The...
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...
MoreEnjoy the Views from Frensham Common, Near Farnham
Frensham Common is an area of open and airy heathland with woods, beautiful viewpoints and two popular ponds – Frensham Great Pond and Frensham...
MoreBe Enchanted by West Hanger, Shere Woodlands
There is something magical about Shere Woodlands. Maybe it’s the paths that twist past old, gnarled trees, secret hideouts and quiet copses. Maybe it’s the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
MoreEnjoy Ponies and Paddles at Latchmoor Brook, The New Forest
Latchmoor Brook is a shallow stream on the edge of the New Forest where you can see ponies, picnic, paddle and hunt for fossils. You will definitely need your...
MorePlay Poohsticks at Pooh Bridge, Hartfield, Ashdown Forest
The windswept purple heath and woodland of Ashdown Forest inspired A.A. Milne to write about the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin and friends...
MoreFollow the Zig-Zag Path up to Explore Selbourne Common
Climbing the Zig-Zag path to Selbourne Common feels like ascending to a magical woodland world, hidden away in the treetops from everyone but...
MoreDiscover The Black Pond of the Deadwater Valley NR, Bordon
There is nothing dead about the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve. We were surrounded by wildlife from the moment we arrived –...
MoreTrap a Sea Monster on the Salterns Story Trail, Lymington
Are you brave enough to step back in time to 1832 and help a salt farmer trap a sea monster? If so, The Story of Salterns, Sea Monsters and Saving 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...
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...
MoreEnter the Lion’s Den at Stockbridge Common Marsh, near Andover
Hidden along the banks of the River Test, Stockbridge Common Marsh is a tranquil spot for a picnic, paddle and walk. As you enter, you pass a sign that says ‘The...
MoreFind Wellington at Wellesley Woodlands, Aldershot
Wellington watches over the start of Wellesley Woodlands’ brass rubbing trail, which leads you through the woods to 10 different posts and a WW1 firing wall...
MoreWalk to Mill Lane Waterfall from Steep Recreation Ground
The mesmerizing Mill Lane Waterfall roars down a hill and under the road where it pools as the slow flowing Ashford Stream. You can walk to the waterfall...
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...
MoreWade to Spider Island at Magpie Bottom, New Forest
Magpie Bottom is a small area of woodland in the New Forest with a magical story trail, the remains of a WW2 airfield, and lots of wildlife. The River Avon Water...
MoreSave King Fisher on the Winnall Moors Story Trail, Winchester
Oh no! King Fisher has been captured by the toad army. Can you help the animals of Winnall Moors Nature Reserve to free him? “The Adventure of Winnall...
MorePond Dip at Fox Corner Wildlife Area, Near Guildford
Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area is a tranquil, 14-acre wildlife area with a pond, meadow, woods and two brooks well as bridges, boardwalks and a pond...
MoreRide the Ash Express at Ash Common Recreation Ground
Ash Common Recreation Ground and Play Area is a typical, traditional-style play area with a little play train called the Ash Express. The play area’s...
MoreGo Wild at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, Near Newbury
There’s lots to enjoy at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre – two wooden play areas, Thatcham Lake and ducks galore, a cafe with indoor and outdoor tables...
MoreSlip Through Secret Passages at Little Beaulieu, New Forest
Your mission at Little Beaulieu is to sneak past the painting with the moving eyes and slip into the secret passage behind the bookcase. But you’ll have to...
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...
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...
MoreVisit the Snake’s Head Fritillaries of Cricklade North Meadow
There is no doubt that Cricklade North Meadow is a special place. Bordered by the River Thames and the River Churn, this old hay meadow is carpeted by...
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...
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...
MoreTake Brass Rubbings at Lakeside Nature Reserve, Ash Vale
Hidden around Lakeside Nature Reserve are brass rubbing posts, lakes, an orchid meadow, woodland, and an adventure play area. You can also find...
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...
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...
MoreTry Brass Rubbing at Snaky Lane Nature Reserve, Ash Vale
Wellies on and crayons at the ready! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to search Snaky Lane Nature Reserve for 10 brass rubbing towers. Once...
MoreTwyford Close Play Area, Elvetham Heath, Near Fleet
Calling all budding astronauts… prepare to fly rocket springers, mix and match planets or captain a spaceship (also known as a multi-play unit – some...
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...
MoreSt James Avenue Play Area, Farnham Park, Farnham
The St James Play Area is one of two play areas in the beautiful Farnham Park. The play equipment is aimed at children from 0 to 14 years old and includes...
MoreTrip Trap Your Way Through Wallis Wood, Near Cranleigh
We came to Wallis Wood on the hunt for wildflowers and we weren’t disappointed. Not only did we find bluebells, wood anemones, daffodils and...
MoreFind Flashes along Section 6 of the Basingstoke Canal
One of the surprises hiding along the Basingstoke Canal are flashes – one minute you are walking along a narrow canal and the next, a beautiful lake known as 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...
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...
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...
MoreSplash, Paddle and Wade at Ober Corner, New Forest
Ober Corner is the most enchanting part of the New Forest I have found so far. Here the Ober Water meanders through the trees, past wildflowers and...
MoreDiscover the Delights of Pond Dipping, Rowan Field, Ash
Rowan Field is unusual – a nature reserve split in half by the A331. On the other side of the dual carriageway is Shawfields, an area of ancient meadow. Rowan Field...
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...
MoreSee Eight Counties from the Top of St Martha’s Hill
Some say that on a clear day you can see eight counties from the top of St Martha’s Hill! I am not sure about that but the views are picturesque and we...
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...
MoreTry Orienteering at Ambarrow Court NR, Sandhurst
Ambarrow Court’s circular nature trail twists through shady woodland, over bridges and past wildflowers. It also hides a permanent orienteering...
More“Wagons Roll” at Post Haste Play Area, Elvetham Heath
“Wagons roll!” at Post Haste Play Area, which has a multiplay stagecoach being led by an elephant springer. The play equipment includes a...
MorePaddle at Lutcombe Bottom in the Ashford Hangers, Petersfield
There is a magical patch of wild at the foot of Lutcombe Bottom that is easier to access than the rest of the Ashford Hangers. This area has a shallow stream...
MoreSearch for Sculptures at Tout Quarries, Portland
At Tout Quarries, sculptures are hiding around every corner – and when I say hiding, I mean hiding! We have visited twice and still haven’t found every...
MoreScramble to the Secret Falls, Near Dorking, Surrey Hills
Our visits to Broadmoor always make us feel like jungle explorers on an expedition to find a secret waterfall. I like to think this is because the woods have a wild...
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...
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...
MoreAdmire the Views from Newlands Corner, Guildford
Newlands Corner is one of the most spectacular picnic spots we have visited. The views are simply breathtaking. This is also the spot chosen by Agatha Christie...
MoreDare to Enter Thor’s Den at Thursley Playground, Thursley
Welcome to Thor’s Den! An exciting name for an exciting play area sitting on the edge of Thursley Common. The equipment includes: toddler swings (with...
MoreTake the Ferry to Hurst Castle, Lymington, New Forest
Hurst Castle is an artillery fort that was built in the 16th century by Henry VIII to protect the Solent, Southampton and Portsmouth. It is one of the best...
MoreGaze at the Views from Denbies Hillside, Dorking
Denbies Hillside’s panoramic views sweep up and down the valley and across to Leith Hill Tower. We spent about an hour and a half walking the Denbies...
MoreDiscover Deer at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, New Forest
If you have ever caught a fleeting glimpse of a deer and wished the experience had lasted longer, then Bolderwood is the place for you. Famous for the herds...
MoreDiscover Locks and Play Areas along the Basingstoke Canal
This beautiful walk along the Basingstoke Canal has the added bonus of three play areas, three locks and plenty of ducks! Section 5 of the Basingstoke Canal...
MoreSpot Salterns at the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve
For hundreds of years, people have used the coastal lagoons of The Solent to trap sea water and create salt. Today some can be see at the Lymington-Keyhaven...
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...
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 the Fairy Kingdom at Furzey Gardens, New Forest
Furzey Gardens hides an enchanted fairy kingdom, complete with a castle, a ferry company, wooden hideouts and about 40 fairy doors scattered throughout...
MoreExplore the Poohscape Play Area at Pooh Corner, Hartfield
The Poohscape Play Area is a perfect place to play before mounting your Expotition to the enchanted places of Ashdown Forest. This sandy play area has...
MoreGo Wild at Zebon Copse Play Area, Church Crookham
Zebon Copse Play Area is a fantastic play area with modern equipment, a large playing field and plenty of nature nearby – both the Zebon Copse...
MoreSlosh Through the Woods at Millyford Bridge, New Forest
The Highland Water flows through the trees at Millyford Bridge offering the chance to paddle, climb, balance, explore, cycle or picnic your way through the...
MoreQuest the Day Away at the Adventure Play Area, Farnham Park
A visit to Farnham Park’s Adventure Play Area can be like questing your way through a fairy tale. Can you creep through the tunnel without waking the fox and...
MoreHunt for a Stone Age Quarry in Shere Woodlands
A Stone Age quarry hides in the deepest parts of Shere Woodlands. Tracking it down was one of those wild occasions where I began to feel like an...
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...
MoreConquer Soldier’s Ring and Crooksbury Hill, Near Farnham
Crooksbury Hill is guarded by Soldier’s Ring, an ancient hill fort now hidden by woodland. Climbing the hill is a mini-adventure. The steep paths rise...
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...
MorePlay and Explore at Oakhanger Play Area, Near Bordon
Oakhanger Play Area is a small but well-equipped adventure play area on the edge of Shortheath Common. It’s a great spot to play, picnic and walk. The play...
MoreSandy Play at Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area
Sandhurst Memorial Park is full of things to tackle, places to explore and activities to try, including varied play equipment, a picturesque pond...
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...
MoreJocks Lane Recreation Ground Play Area, Bracknell
The back seat gasped as we arrived at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground and it was easy to see why – the car park was enclosed by a brightly coloured play area, a splash...
MoreDiscover What’s Hiding Inside Bordon Inclosure, Bordon
Hidden behind this unassuming exterior lies a woodland wonderland perfect for going wild and having an adventure. With something to explore...
MorePlay by the Sea at Lepe Country Park Play Area, Exbury
The Lepe Country Park Play Area is one of only a handful of beachside play areas we have found and it’s a beauty, with views across The Solent and out to...
MoreFollow the Ups and Downs of Headley Heath, Leatherhead
At Headley Heath you can follow undulating trails through heathland, woodland and chalk hillside, passing ponds, view points and...
MorePaddle in the Ober Water at Puttles Bridge, New Forest
Puttles Bridge is another beautiful spot in the New Forest where you can explore the woods and find places to paddle. Next to the car park is a bridge you can paddle...
MoreFollow the Blackwater to Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire
The Blackwater Valley Path follows the River Blackwater from its boggy source in Aldershot to its end at the River Loddon in Swallowfield, near Reading. Along the way are...
MoreFind the Wey and Arun Canal in Sidney Wood, Alfold
Hidden in Sidney Woods is a stretch of the Wey and Arun canal. Now disused, this stretch of the canal has been reclaimed by nature, which makes for an interesting...
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...
MoreMeander Through Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, Winchester
Winnall Moors is a nature reserve near the centre of Winchester that is home to otters, water voles, and kingfishers, as well as meadows, reedbeds, and the River...
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...
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...
MoreExplore the Rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hindhead Common
The first thing that strikes you about the Devil’s Punch Bowl is the breathtaking view. It is impossible to do anything but gaze. There are plenty of...
MoreEnjoy the Bridges and Boardwalks of Fleet Pond
Fleet Pond has plenty to explore – boardwalks, jetties, three different trails, a beach with a paddling area and lots of ducks, swans and waterbirds. The area is a...
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...
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...
MoreLakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area, Ash Vale
Lakeside Nature Reserve Play Area is an adventure play area on the edge of Lakeside Nature Reserve, which also has brass rubbing posts, lakes, an...
MoreHelp the Creatures on the Nevi-Wesh Story Trail, New Forest
“The Mystical Tale of Nevi-Wesh” leads you along a story trail through a small area of the New Forest, following in the footsteps of two children as they meet...
MoreGet Active at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, Bracknell
The back seat gasped as we arrived at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground and it was easy to see why – the car park was enclosed by a brightly coloured play area, a...
MoreFind the Folly at the Top of Chinthurst Hill, Wonersh Common
A walk up Chinthurst Hill is guaranteed to involve some climbing – there are stairs and gentle slopes to tackle on the path and trees and tangled...
MoreFind Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill, Ashford Hangers
In 1822, William Cobbett was surprised to discover Wheatham Hill, “…out we came, all in a moment, at the very edge of the hanger! And never, in all my...
MoreKestrel Corner Play Area at Polesden Lacey, Near Dorking
There are two places to play at Polesden Lacey – Kestrel Corner Play Area and the play areas scattered amongst the trees lining the paths. Kestrel Corner Play Area...
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