The Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• two swings
• ladders
• a high tower
• thatched huts
• tunnels to explore
• a play boat
• the Bamboozalom – a living maze made from bamboo
• climbing trees
• a Giant’s Table picnic area
• picnic tables. 

 

Nearest Town: Lyndhurst
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO43 7GL

Adult Cost Range: Suggested donation from £8
Child Cost Range: Suggested donation from £4.50
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, picnic areas, shop, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

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

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

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2022

 

Puttles Bridge

Next to the car park is a bridge you can paddle and picnic at.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ober Water Trail

Alternatively try the waymarked and circular walk called the Ober Water Trail that starts and finishes at the car park.

 

 

 

The 1 mile route is aimed at families and takes you through the trees, along the Ober Water and over bridges.

 

Nearest Town: Brockenhurst
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO42 7QB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Choose a buggy that can handle stony paths.

Parking: There is a small car park next to the river but this can be very busy. 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Ponies, fish, butterflies and other insects, rabbits and birds.

Information Written: July 2022

 

The Play Equipment

The play equipment is said to be suitable for children between the ages of 4 and 8 years old and includes:

• a train called the Ash Express 
• a mouse springer
• a rope climbing frame
• a seesaw
• swings
• toddler swings
• a roundabout
• a multiplay with a slide, a ladder, monkey bars and a climbing wall
• a smaller multiplay with board games, easy to climb steps and a little slide
• rubber logs to jump on
• seats for adults.

 

The Sports Equipment

Next to the play area (up the hill) is a playing field with a basketball net, a football goal and a wooded area.

 

 

 

On the hill next to the play area is a skate park, tennis courts and a basketball net and a kick wall. 

 

 

 

The Basingstoke Canal

The beautiful Basingstoke Canal flows along the back of Wharf Road (the main road through the shops).  There are often ducks, swans and geese here.

To find the canal you have to walk along Ash Hill Road towards Ash shops. Cross Wharf Road and then the canal is in front of you.  Be careful as these roads are often busy.

 

The Ash Ranges

This is a large heathland nature reserve where you could be lucky enough to spot lizards, snakes, slow worms, birds and insects. In late summer it is carpeted in purple heather.

Please note: The ranges are used by the MOD and cannot be visited when red flags are flying, the red beacons are lit or the access gates are locked.  Please see the Ash Ranges website for full details.

One of the entrances to the Ash Ranges is next to the tennis courts.  

Nearest Town: Ash
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU12 5DN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe on nearby Wharf Road. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are two car parks at GU12 5DN – one is next to the Recreation Ground and the other is a little further up Ash Hill Road and next to the skate park and tennis courts.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2022

 

Spotting The Deer

The chances of seeing some deer are good as they are fairy tolerant of humans but they are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

 

 

According to the New Forest website, the deer are fed a snack of maize regularly anytime between 12.30pm and 2.30pm from April to September.

 

The deer can appear anywhere but, as the meadow is large, they could be far away.

 

 

 

The Viewing Platform

We saw the deer as soon as we reached the viewing platform. There were three eating in the meadow and another four or five in the trees. They were beautiful, with spotted backs reminiscent of Bambi.

 

 

As we watched, more and more appeared – lying in the shade, springing across the meadow and feeding out in the open.

We even saw a baby feeding from its mother, which was delightful. It was easy to understand why this is one of the most popular spots in the New Forest.

 

The Deer Watch Trail

The viewing platform is very close to the car park. It can be found by following the Deer Watch Trail (0.5 miles), which starts in the picnic area.

It is a very short trail – we crossed the road and arrived at the deer viewing platform after walking for less than 5 minutes along a fairly easy path with a gentle slope.

 

Along the fence at the side of the meadow are some benches and other places to stand and observe the deer. To reach these you need to go a little way down the hill.

 

The Other Trails

From the viewing platform you can choose to venture further into the forest by following two other marked trails – The Jubilee Trail (1 mile) or the Radnor Trail (2 miles).

These meander through the forest, past ornamental trees, towering redwoods and old, gnarled trees. Along the way there are places to build dens and play in the leaves.

 

 

A Steep Hill

With the exception of the Deer Watch Trail, each of the trails start with going down a fairly steep hill and end with going back up it.

We managed it both ways with a buggy but it took effort, especially with other children toddling around the buggy. There is a bench half way up if you need a rest.

 

 

Deer Everywhere!

Shortly after finding the Gruffalo, an eagle-eyed child suddenly shouted, “A deer!”. At first I couldn’t see anything…

 

 

 

…and then I saw them, three deer about ten feet away, moving slowly and silently through the trees towards the feeding area. We were all mesmerised – I have never seen the children so silent and still! It was a magical moment to share with them and a perfect end to the day.

 

Nearest Town: Lyndhurst
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO43 7GQ will take you as close as possible but be sure to follow the signs once they appear.

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic area, barbecues, toilets and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: With the exception of the steep hill, I did not have any access issues with an all-terrain buggy.

Parking: There is a car park but this can become congested during busy times.
Cost of Parking: Free with a box for donations.

Wildlife You Might See: Deer, insects and birds.

Information Written: June 2017

 

The Play Equipment

The play equipment is for children under 12 years old and includes:

• toddler swings
• two rocket springers
• a multiplay with two slides, easy to climb steps, a ladder and a corkscrew pole
• two games boards – noughts and crosses and spinning planets
• a sun, a moon and a star painted on the floor.

 

 

Choice of Walks

From the Twyford Close Play Area you have a couple of choices of walks, which you can also cycle or scooter. 

 

Elvetham Heath

Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve is a short walk away. Leave the play area from the gate under the trees. Follow the path to the left and it will take you over a road and then down a hill.

The gate to the nature reserve is a little way down this path and on the left. 

 

A Second Play Area

If you stay on this path, you will eventually come to the Post Haste Play Area.

This takes about ten minutes at an adult pace.

Nearest Town: Elvetham Heath
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU51 1JU

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: You can park on the road by the play area. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Cows, birds, insects and squirrels. 

Information Written: February 2017
Information Checked: June 2022

 

 

 

 

The Fairy Doors

The fairies could be anywhere. We found them hiding in tree stumps, amongst flowers and under bridges.

To date we have only found about half of the fairy doors scattered throughout the gardens!

 

 

How Many Will You Find?

To add to the excitement, there are so many hidden fairy doors that you are unlikely to find them all! Some are marked on the map but many are not, making each visit a fresh adventure.

 

Did you spot the fairy door in the main photo?

 

 

 

How about now?

 

 

 

 

There it is – it’s Ken’s Tiny Potting Shed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can You Guess Who Lives Inside?

Many doors are named, with some hinting at the type of fairy living inside – Ken’s Tiny Potting Shed, James’ Tool Shed, Beetle Bar, Tulip Treehouse, and The Little Furzey Potting Shed.

 

 

Each door is unique, many with delightful details – tiny green wellies outside, a kennel and bone, a cat flap, a potting shed with plant pots, or The Furzey Fairy Ferry Company’s door that lists sailing times and rules next to a tiny boat.

 

 

Write to the Fairies and Receive a Reply!  

Inside the Furzey Gardens’ Gift Shop, you can buy a card to send to the fairies using the Fairy Post Box. Collections are made at 2am.

 

 

 

Once the fairies receive your letter they will write you a response. My children loved this interaction and were thrilled to receive their letters in the post.

 

 

 

 

Gorgeous Gardens

Even without the fairy doors, Furzey Gardens would be a spectacular place to visit. Paths wind and twist around the gardens, which were bursting with character and colour.

There is a pond, bridges and a recreation of Furzey’s gold-winning Chelsea Flower Show Garden. 

 

 

The Paths

The gardens are ideal for a walk with children – not too big, with plenty of variety and different areas to explore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easier Access Path

There is an easier access path marked on the map of the gardens, which you can either pick up at the gardens or download from the download the Furzey Gardens map from their website.

 

 

 

The Play Area

The Furzey Gardens play village has wooden equipment, including thatched huts with ladders and tunnels to explore, two swings, a wooden climbing frame and a play boat. 

 

 

 

The Alpacas

There is also a wildflower conservation area grazed by alpacas.

 

 

 

 

Minstead Trust

To top it all off, Furzey Gardens is run by a charitable trust that supports and helps people with learning disabilities, some of whom work in the gardens.

 

Nearest Town: Lyndhurst
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO43 7GL

Adult Cost Range: Suggested donation from £8
Child Cost Range: Suggested donation from £4.50
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, picnic areas, shop, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

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

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

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2022

 

Spider Island

Spider Island is a small island in the River Avon Water, which was shallow and slow flowing when we visited. The river banks can be muddy so bring wellies.  

The island is on the right in this photo.

And no, we didn’t see any spiders there!

 

Finding Spider Island

To find Spider Island, follow the circular walking route marked on the Nevi-Wesh Story Trail map.

About halfway along the walk (roughly 45 minutes at a child’s pace) you come to a wooden bridge. It is marked FB on the map.

Spider island is to the right of the bridge. 

 

The Story Trail

The Mystical Tale of Nevi-Wesh is a story trail that takes you on a journey around Magpie Bottom to meet magical creatures – including bogarts, fairies, a goblin and a woodland troll – learn to cast a spell, discover Spider Island, and defeat a witch.

 

The Paths

The paths are easy to walk along and range from surfaced to muddy and bumpy. There are a couple of small hills.

 

Nearest Town: Ringwood
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: BH23 7EQ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: The paths are surfaced in places and muddy in others.

Parking: Holmsley Walk car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Ponies, wood ants, mini-beasts, butterflies, rabbits and birds.

Information Written: April 2021

 

Play Equipment

The play equipment includes:

• a multiplay wagon with a double slide, easy to climb stairs, a ladder and a telescope
• a springer seat
• an elephant springer
• two swings (but no toddler swing).

 

 

Choice of Walks

From the Post Haste Play Area you have a few choices of walks, which you can also cycle or scooter. 

 

Elvetham Heath

The gate to part of Elvetham Heath Nature Reserve, is next to the play area if you fancy some wildlife spotting or cow spotting. 

 

 

 

A Second Play Area

Alternatively, turn left out of the play area and onto the path that runs between the heath and the play area. You will eventually come to the Twyford Close Play Area.

This takes about ten minutes at an adult pace.

 

 

Finding the Duck Pond

Your second option follows the same path between Post Haste Play Area and the heath. This time take the gate on the left.

 

 

 

This path will take you across the heath, over a boardwalk

 

 

 

 

to a duck pond

 

 

 

 

 

and carved picnic tables.

 

 

 

 

 

It takes about fifteen minutes to reach the duck pond at an adult pace.

The path is stony.

 

 

 

Finding Post Haste Play Area

To find the Post Haste Play Area from St Swithins Road, use the wide footpath at the top of the road. 

 

 

 

 

This takes you to a gate to Elvetham Heath and also to the Post Haste Play Area.

 

Nearest Town: Elvetham Heath
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU51 1GL

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is no car park but we were able to park on the nearby St Swithins Road (GU51 1GL), between Stephyns Road and Turbary Road.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Cows, birds, insects and squirrels.

Information Written: February 2017
Information Checked: June 2022

 

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 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

 

The equipment includes:

• toddler swings (with short ropes)
• a very small slide for young children with musical chimes and cogs
• a larger slide and multiplay with bridges and an abacus
• two deer springers
• a seesaw
• a basket swing
• a roundabout
• a zip wire
• a picnic table
• seats for adults.

 

 

Note that the larger slide is best suited to older children – it does not have easy to climb stairs and has a high, wobbly bridge.

 

Nearest Town: Thursley
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6QD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

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

Wildlife You Might See: Insects and birds.

Information Written: March 2017