Rowan Field

Rowan Field has open grassland

 

 

 

 

a pond and 

 

 

 

 

the Blackwater River running along one edge. 

 

 

 

 

The field also has benches, a small seating area and a path around the outside.

 

 

 

 

The A331

The A331 dual carriageway splits Rowan Field in two so there is a continuous rumble of traffic.

 

 

 

These two parts of the field are joined by a footbridge, which we enjoyed crossing to watch the traffic whizzing underneath.

 

 

 

Other Things to Try

From Rowan Field you can try three different things: 

 

Shawfield Recreation Ground

To find Shawfield Recreation Ground from Rowan Field, walk down Shawfield Lane and turn left onto the unsurfaced road on your left.

Follow this road until you come to a little path on your right. This will take you to Shawfield Rec. 

 

Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area 

To find Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area from Rowan Field, turn left and walk up the bridge over the dual carriageway.

At the end of the bridge, turn left and when you read the field, cross to the right. Ivy Road is on the other side of the river.  

 

The Blackwater Valley Path

You could also have a walk along the Blackwater Valley Path.

The section at Rowan Field is surfaced so you can scooter and cycle too. 

 

 

 

The Paths

The path around Rowan Field is not surfaced and can be muddy.

 

 

 

 

The field can be muddy and boggy in places so you may need wellies when you visit. 

 

 

 

 

Parking

There are two car parks you can use. The first is on Shawfield Lane in Ash (GU12 6QY) but it was chained shut when we visited.

There are a couple of spaces near the gate and you could also try to park on Shawfield Lane itself.

The second car park is at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area (GU12 4XG), which has several spaces.

Nearest Town: Ash
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU12 6QY or GU12 4XG (see above for parking details)

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

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

Parking: There are two car parks you can use – please see above. 
Cost of Parking: Free

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

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: August 2023

 

This play area has:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a long slide
• a roundabout
• a rocking horse
• a climbing frame
• a seesaw
• a short obstacle course
• seats.

 

There is also a basketball court, football pitches and a cricket pitch

 

 

 

 

 

and also a picnic table.

 

 

Nearest Town: Pirbright, near Woking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU24 0JE

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the two pubs by the green.
Facilities: None

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

Parking: There are two car parks next to the play area. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans and geese.

Information Written: April 2016
Information Checked: June 2021

 

Broadwater Park Play Area

The play area is for children to the age of 14 years old.

The equipment for younger children includes:

• a multiplay and slide a bridge
• a wooden climbing frame with a slide
• a wooden play house 
• a sand pit with sand play equipment and mushrooms
• a play house with seats and puzzle boards
• a Simon says machine
• toddler swings
• a springer seesaw
• a car and motorbike springer
• a spinning cup.

 

The play equipment for older children includes:

• a climbing frame with bars and a climbing wall
• a spinning ring
• equipment to balance on
• swings.

 

Broadwater Park Recreation Ground

Next to the play area are picnic tables and

 

 

 

 

a large field with cricket pitches.

 

 

 

 

 

Also Broadwater Park Multi Use Games Area

 

 

 

 

and tennis courts.

 

 

 

Broadwater Park

This is a large park with fields, a tarmac path you can scooter on,

 

 

 

 

a pond next to the play area where you can feed ducks

 

 

 

 

and a huge lake with another picnic area. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths are generally flat and easy to walk on. Some are surfaced and others are muddy.

Nearest Town: Godalming
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU7 1HR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

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

Parking: Car park next to the park and near the play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: July 2022

 

Ducks, Ducks and More Ducks

Fleet Pond is a pretty place with lots to explore – boardwalks, jetties, three different trails, a beach with a paddling area and lots of ducks, swans and waterbirds.

There are also some great paddling spots.

 

 

Passing Trains

The reserve is quiet and peaceful, except the path along the northern shore of the lake, which has high-speed trains rocketing past it at regular intervals. This was a bit of a surprise at first but my children found it exciting.

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths are surfaced and easy to push a buggy along but were very muddy in places. There are also stretches of boardwalk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hampshire County Council’s Story Trails

*These are walks with interactive stories to read along the way, as told by a cute character called the Story Snail.

Each Story Trail is about one mile long and is divided into numbered story sections that you read out as you reach number markers along the trail.

 

 

 

Finding a Copy of the Story Trail

To follow the Story Trail you need a free pack that you can either borrow from a specified place (with a Hampshire Library card and a £20 returnable deposit) or download a story trail from the internet in written or audio form. Each pack has a map to follow and the trail itself is marked with arrows and/or pictures of the Story Snail.

Nearest Town: Fleet
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU51 2RR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

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

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

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, waterbirds, birds and squirrels.

Information Written: January 2017

 

The Dinosaurs

We found the rest of the statues on the other side of the lake. They were fascinating – huge, charismatic, and exciting.

 

 

 

Iguanodons ate ferns, deer towered above us, ichthyosaurs hauled themselves out of the water, and one particular plesiosaur stared menacingly at us across the lake as if sizing up a potential meal. 

 

 

 

 

Research Before You Visit

The condition of the statues varies – some have been restored, others are crumbling or in the middle of being restored.

There wasn’t much information available so do some online research before you go if you are interested in dinosaurs or the history of the statues.

 

Guess Work

Don’t expect to see statues that show scientifically accurate dinosaurs. The statues were finished in 1854 and were the Victorians’ best guess of how dinosaurs would have looked. 

Some are very inaccurate – the Iguanadon’s nose horn should actually be its thumb!

We found the inaccuracy added to the fun – this is not a place that takes itself too seriously.

 

The Wildlife

We were amazed by how much there is to do in the park. We saw plenty of wildlife – ducks, geese, a grey heron, lots of parakeets as well as some of the boldest squirrels we have ever encountered.

 

 

 

 

Everything Else!

There is also a maze, a gorilla statue, a small wooded area, a large sports centre, terraced gardens with statues of sphinxes, boat hire, a cafe, and a small farm with free entry.

The boat hire and farm are not open every day so please check the website for details.

 

The Dinosaur Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a sand pit with a dinosaur egg to climb in and dinosaur bones to climb on
• two dinosaurs to climb on
• a dinosaur multiplay unit
• toddler swings
• swings
• a roundabout
• two slides
• a balance beam. 

Nearest Town: Crystal Palace
County: Greater London
Nearest Postcode: SE20 8DT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

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

Parking: There are several different car parks to choose from. We parked easily and for free on Thicket Road (SE20 8DT). You can also try the Crystal Palace Park car park, which is located just off Thicket Road near the junction with the A234.  There were some spaces but not many. There is another larger car park at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (SE19 2BB).  All of these car parks are free.
Cost of Parking: Free and there is free parking on nearby roads too.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, Indian runner ducks, parakeets and squirrels.

Information Written: January 2017

 

The Play Equipment

There is a wide choice of play equipment including:

• a climbing frame and slide
• swings
• a toddler swing
• an obstacle course with tunnels
• a climbing wall
• a rope swing
• a basket swing
• an obstacle course
• zip wires 
• a roller
• a wooden climbing frame
• a roundabout.

There is also a football goal, basketball hoop and shelter.

 

 

South Hill Park

We regularly visit South Hill Park, to play, feed the ducks, and trip trap over the boardwalk.  

 

 

 

The Other Play Areas

Sometimes we also walk over to the huge slide at the nearby Hedgehog Park,

 

 

 

or the musical stepping stones at South Hill Park Toddlers’ Play Area.

 

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 7PA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat in the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, cafe, snacks, ice cream, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a good-sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, squirrels and herons.

Information Written: November 2016

 

The Gardens

The gardens are magnificent and full of colour and life, whatever the season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love the maze-like Alpine Meadow and the Glasshouse.

 

 

 

 

 

The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse conceals a tropical world complete with a jungle canopy, desert

 

 

 

 

 

 

It also has a waterfall, a cave with an exhibition about plants and roots and even hosts free-flying butterflies during the winter.

 

 

 

 

 

The Grounds

Wisley’s grounds are extensive so make sure you pick up a map.

The many walking routes lead past orchards, view points, hillside gardens, formal gardens, wild gardens

 

 

 

several ponds, and small waterfalls as well as a walled garden with a lily pond and fountain.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are even some ducks. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Play Areas

There are a couple of places to play – a den building area

 

 

 

 

and a wild playground with an obstacle course, and bridge and rope climbing frames.

 

 

 

 

Cafes and an Indoor Play Area

Scattered around the gardens are several picnic areas and cafes.

The Glasshouse Cafe has a small, indoor soft play area, although this is not in the main part of the cafe and we have never managed to find a free table there.

Nearest Town: Woking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU23 6QB

Adult Cost Range: £15 to £19.99
Child Cost Range: £5 to £9.99
Free if: Under 5 or with RHS membership

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a large car park but it can become very busy. There are spaces for people with children near the entrance to the gardens.  
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, water birds, squirrels, birds and fish.

Information Written: August 2016

 

The Dinosaur Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a sand pit with a dinosaur egg to climb in and dinosaur bones to climb on
• two dinosaurs to climb on
• a dinosaur multiplay unit
• toddler swings
• swings
• a roundabout
• two slides
• a balance beam. 

 

The Dinosaurs

We found the rest of the statues on the other side of the lake. They were fascinating – huge, charismatic, and exciting. For full details please see Crystal Palace Park.

 

 

 

The Wildlife

We were amazed by how much there is to do in the park. We saw plenty of wildlife – ducks, geese, a grey heron, lots of parakeets as well as some of the boldest squirrels we have ever encountered.

 

 

 

 

Everything Else!

There is also a maze, a gorilla statue, a small wooded area, a large sports centre, terraced gardens with statues of sphinxes, boat hire, a cafe, and a small farm with free entry.

The boat hire and farm are not open every day so please check the website for details.

 

Nearest Town: Crystal Palace
County: Greater London
Nearest Postcode: SE20 8DT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

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

Parking: There are several different car parks to choose from. We parked easily and for free on Thicket Road (SE20 8DT). You can also try the Crystal Palace Park car park, which is located just off Thicket Road near the junction with the A234.  There were some spaces but not many. There is another larger car park at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (SE19 2BB).  All of these car parks are free.
Cost of Parking: Free and there is free parking on nearby roads too.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, Indian runner ducks, parakeets and squirrels.

Information Written: January 2017

 

The Play Area for Younger Children

The first play area is for younger children up to the age of 12 years and has:

• a sand play area
• toddler swings
• a basket swing
• a seesaw
• a play house
• spinners
• a roundabout and
• an entertaining multiplay with three slides, nets, a climbing wall, fireman’s poles, binoculars, a loud hailer and an easy access ramp.

 

The Play Area for Older Children

The second play area is for older children and has:

• various swings
• a basket swing
• an obstacle course
• a climbing pole
• a rope climbing frame
• a trampoline
• a much larger slide that can be reached by climbing ropes, a climbing wall or a ladder and
• picnic tabes.

 

Sports Grounds

Also at the park are football, rugby and cricket pitches.

 

 

 

 

Scooters and Bikes

A scooter track runs through the play area.

 

 

 

 

 

There is also a surfaced path that runs around the outside of the play area and past the lake, which you can cycle or scooter along. 

 

 

 

The Lake

Around the outside of the play areas is a fishing lake with ducks, swans and geese. 

 

 

 

 

Parkside’s Cafe in the Park

There are also picnic tables, public toilets and Parkside’s Cafe in the Park, a cafe run by a local charity.

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path

If you fancy a walk then head over the playing fields towards the River Blackwater and the Blackwater Valley path where we found butterflies, ducks and caterpillars.

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU12 4BP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at Parkside’s Cafe in the Park. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, and accessible toilets. 

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

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

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

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: December 2023

 

The Pirate Ship Area

The pirate ship multiplay has a slide, a hammock, a cargo net, a climbing wall and easy to climb steps.

 

 

 

 

Next to it is a water play area with wheels, chutes and a water pump.

 

 

 

 

There is also a wide slide with a ramp, a spinning disc

 

 

 

 

and a rock pile and basket swing.

 

 

 

 

 

The Adventure Play Area

The adventure play area has the following equipment:

• a tube slide and wooden climbing frame with a climbing wall, a ladder, a fireman’s pole and easy to climb stairs
• a wooden climbing frame made of logs
• an obstacle course with nets, wobbly logs and ropes
• a spinning disc
• hammocks 
• musical stepping stones
• toddler swings
• swings
• a cradle swing
• a zip wire
• a trampoline
• picnic tables
• seats.

 

The Cafe

Next to the play area is Jackson’s cafe

 

 

 

 

and also a kiosk.

 

 

 

 

 

The Paddling Pool

California Country Park has a paddling pool you pay to use.

At the time of writing it was £2.90 for anyone entering the water and £1.20 for adults going in to supervise but not swim.  

This is only open during the summer.

 

 

California Country Park

As well as the adventure play area, Calirfornia Country Park has four main areas – Longmoor Lake, heathland, woodland and Longmoor Bog, an 8,000 year old mire accessible by boardwalk.

 

 

 

The Walks

The park map suggests different  walks that take you around the lake, through some woodland or over a small boardwalk. 

 

 

 

 

Scooters and Bikes

We often take bikes and scooters on a twenty minute, circular route around the lake.  

This route is surfaced and starts and finishes at the adventure play area.

Nearest Town: Finchamstead
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG40 4HU

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Various charges depending on the season. 

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, snakes, birds, ducks, swans, geese and other birds.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: February 2023