Boulters Lock

Boulters Lock is a picturesque place to watch the lock lift and lower boats as they travel the Thames.

 

 

 

 

Ray Mill Island and the Thames

Ray Mill Island is surrounded by the Thames. When we visited, the river was swollen and flowing very fast.

 

 

 

 

This does give a visit an exciting edge but note that there are no barriers along the edge of the river.

Ray Mill Island can also flood so be sure to check the Ray Mill Island website before you visit to make sure it is open. 

 

 

 

 

The Wildlife

Ray Mill island is full of wildlife. Ducks, swans, geese, Canada geese and very cute mandarin ducks all roam confidently, as do the squirrels, which are especially brave on this island and can bite!

 

 

 

Animal Enclosures

In a corner of the island there are animal enclosures, which house guinea pigs, parakeets, finches

 

 

 

 

also lovebirds and other small birds.

I am not really sure why these enclosures are there but the children seemed to enjoy them.

 

 

 

 

 

Paths and Sculptures

Scattered around Ray Mill Island are pathways, sculptures, benches and bridges. There is also a series of wooden animals to track down.

 

 

 

 

The Play Area

There is a small play area with a wobbly bridge that children can climb and play on. 

This play area is said to be for children from 3 to 8 years old. 

 

 

 

Riverside Gardens

About a ten minute walk down the road is Riverside Gardens Play Area, which has a zip wire, sand pit, cafe and mini golf, as well as the usual play equipment.

 

 

 

Sail the Thames

Next to Riverside Gardens is Maidenhead Promenade, where you can catch a boat to Windsor at certain times of the year. There are also boats to rent nearby and walks up and down the Thames Path.

Nearest Town: Maidenhead
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: SL6 8PE

Opens: Daily but the island can close if the River Thames is high. 
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There is a seasonal cafe on Ray Mill Island and you walk past the Boathouse Restaurant on the way in. 
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets, seasonal cafe, ice cream and snacks.

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

Parking: Boulters Lock car park (SL6 8JN), which is a short walk away.
Cost of Parking: From 50p for three hours.

Wildlife You Might See: Guinea pigs, parakeets, finches, lovebirds and other small birds. Also ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and geese.

Information Written: March 2017

 

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

 

The 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. I find it an ideal place to let the children run around and explore. 

 

 

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

 

The Engines

Didcot is home to a large collection of locomotives from the Great Western Railway. Many of these have evocative names like Trojan, Teddy Bear, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Fire Fly and Lady Of Legend.

 

 

 

Steam Days

The engines can be seen on any visit but are operational only on certain days of the year, when they can be seen shunting or pulling carriages.

To see when the engines are running, please see the Locomotive Roster on the Didcot Railway Centre website.

 

 

The Buildings

The Centre still has many of the original buildings from the Great Western Railway Engine Shed that was built in 1932, including the engine shed, turntable and Coal Stage. 

 

 

 

The Engine Shed

My children loved being inside the Engine Shed and enjoyed being able to climb inside the cabs. We couldn’t believe the size of the engines.

Some have wheels taller than I am – I had no idea! 

 

 

Coal Stage

This was built to give the engines water and coal and you can often see engines being coaled during an operational day.

 

 

 

 

The Branch Line

This is a short, operational railway line that runs from Didcot Halt station, past a signal box, to a transfer shed. 

 

 

 

 

The Main Line

At half a mile, this is the longer of the two operational railway lines and runs from the main platform to Oxford Road station.

You can either alight here and walk back through the Centre or stay on for the ride back. 

 

 

Day Out with Thomas

We visited during December for a Day Out with Thomas, which is a day when Didcot is taken over by Thomas the Tank Engine, the Fat Controller and friends. 

 

 

It was a magical day. We met the Fat Controller before riding on Thomas the Tank Engine to meet Father Christmas. 

 

 

 

 

Pendon Museum

If you are interested in railways then consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Pendon Museum, which is home to some exquisitely modelled railway landscapes.

 

 

 

Mistakes?

I would be the first to admit that I don’t know much about trains and railways.

If I have made any mistakes in this post then please let me know so I can make the corrections! 

 

Wilgrove Halt Play Area

Conveniently located next to the picnic area, Wilgrove Halt is small play area for children from 2 to 12 years old that has trains and train station offices to role play in.

 

Nearest Town: Didcot
County: Oxfordshire
Nearest Postcode: OX11 7NJ

Adult Cost Range: Various
Child Cost Range: Various
Free if: Under 3 years

Opens: Various times throughout the year. Please see the Didcot Railway Centre website for details.

Where to Eat: Try the cafe, a local pub or bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice creams, picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

Parking: Large car park
Cost of Parking: From £1.40 for the first hour.

Information Written: December 2019

 

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. I find it an ideal place to let the children run around and explore. 

 

 

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

 

South Lake

A walk around South Lake’s landscaped gardens takes you past the lake with its fountain, bridge, and ducks

 

 

 

and through a wooded area with an amphitheatre, story telling seat, and hidden pet cemetery.

 

 

 

South Lake has two play areas: the Toddlers’ Play Area with its musical stepping stones,

 

 

 

and the fun Hedgehog Park with its long slide.

 

 

 

 

North Lake

North Lake is wilder, with woodland, a long lake, a boardwalk over a small marsh

 

 

 

and South Hill Road Play Area, a large adventure play area with zip wires, climbing nets and a balance course.

 

 

 

Orienteering

There are two orienteering courses available at South Hill Park. One leads you around South Lake and the other around North Lake.

Visit South Hill Park’s website to find these maps and answers.

 

Arts Venue

The house itself is now an arts venue with sculptures, a gallery, the Wilde Theatre, a cinema and a cafe.

It hosts child friendly classes, and child friendly theatre productions.

 

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

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

Information Written: November 2016

 

Obelisk Lawn Play Area

The play area has equipment that it says is suitable for children from 2 to to 9 years old and includes:

• toddler swings
• a seesaw
• a springer
• a covered sand play area
• a multiplay with a slide, a bridge and easy to climb steps
• game boards
• fun house style mirrors and
• a partially sunken wooden ship with climbing nets, a steering wheel and a crow’s nest.

 

There are also dens in the rhododendrons to the left and right of the play area.

 

 

 

 

Adventure Play at The Savill Garden

Next to Obelisk Lawn is Adventure Play, a collection of wooden huts, tree houses and tube slides connected by bridges, climbing tunnels, nets and ladders.  

 

 

 

 

Note: Adventure Play has an entry fee.

 

 

 

 

 

The Savill Garden

A short walk takes you to the Savill Garden in one direction or the Obelisk Pond in the other.

There are lots of ducks and waterbirds to feed.

 

 

Walking to Virginia Water

A longer walk takes you through the beautiful Valley Gardens to Virginia Water Lake and the Totem Pole.

It took us about fifteen minutes to scoot there. 

 

Nearest Town: Virginia Water
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: TW20 0UJ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Cafe van next to the play area, picnic areas, restaurant in the nearby Savill Garden Visitor Centre.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets inside the nearby Savill Garden Visitor Centre.

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

Parking: Large car park.
Cost of Parking: From £3.10 per hour in the Savill Garden car park.

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects, squirrels, lots and lots of ducks and water birds.

Information Written: December 2016
Information Checked: September 2023

 

The Meadows

The meadows are a nature reserve of about 100 acres split in two by the River Blackwater and the Blackwater Valley Path.

 

 

 

 

This is a particularly lovely section of the river, with benches and angling platforms scattered along it.

 

 

 

 

The Circular Walk

There is an easy to navigate, circular walk around the reserve that takes you up one side of the River Blackwater, over a bridge and then down the other side of the river to another bridge.

This route is labelled on the reserve map near the car park.

 

 

Poohsticks

The bridges are perfect for a slow game of Poohsticks, so be sure to gather some twigs along your walk.

 

 

 

 

Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area

Adjoining the nature reserve is Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area, a well-equipped recreation ground and play area with everything from a gorgeous pond and more ducks, to football and tennis, a sand pit, a huge slide and a zip wire. It also has toilets and a cafe with a seating area.

 

 

It took us 20 minutes, walking at a very leisurely pace, to reach the play area from the Shepherd Meadows car park.

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths vary from smooth to stony to grassy. They are clearly labelled on the reserve’s map. 

I took an all-terrain buggy and did not have any access problems, although I expect the meadows may become wet in the winter.

Nearest Town: Sandhurst
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: GU47 0FJ or GU47 9BJ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or walk to the cafe near to Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area. 
Facilities: None at the reserve itself but there is a cafe, toilets, accessible toilets, a picnic area, ice creams and snacks available at Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area – so opt for the second car park if these are important.

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

Parking: There are two, free car parks and both are a good size. The first is for Shepherd Meadows itself and is on Marshall Road (GU47 0FJ will take you past the car park, which is on the opposite side of the road than the residential houses). The other is next to Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area (GU47 9BJ). To find Shepherd Meadows from this car park, take the path to the left of the play area and walk past the balancing pond where you will pick up signs to Shepherd Meadows.
Cost of Parking: Free

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

Information Written: May 2017
Information Checked: April 2023

 

Lakeside Station

At Lakeside Station there is a large adventure playground and sandy infants’ play area.

 

 

 

 

The Lake

There is also a beautiful wildlife lake with lots of ducks to feed and a picnic area.

 

 

 

 

Kingsmere Station

At the other end of the tracks is Kingsmere station, which has an engine shed, goods yard and carriage shed to explore as well as a model and gift shop. 

 

 

 

The Play Trail

The railway is located in Moors Valley Country Park, an outstanding combination of marvellous play areas, an enchanting play trail and beautiful woodland. 

Nearest Town: Ringwood
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: BH24 2ET

Adult Cost Range: £1 to £9.99
Child Cost Range: £1 to £9.99
Free if: None

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

Where to Eat: Try the onsite cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour exploring the railway and stations and the rest of the day at the Country Park.
Buggies: You can’t take buggies on the train. Moors Valley Country Park is buggy-friendly. 

Parking: Large car park but it is very busy at peak times.
Cost of Parking: Various charges, from £2 per hour.  Please see their website for full details.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, birds and insects.

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: October 2022

 

Snaprails Park 

Fields, ponds, streams and woods

 

 

 

 

 

all nestle under towering Wellingtonia trees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is also a willow tunnel, cycle-way and picnic area.

 

 

 

 

The Wildlife

On our visit we saw ducks, fish, butterflies, birds and squirrels.

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths are well surfaced and buggy friendly.

 

 

The Play Area

The play area has equipment for children aged between 2 and 14 years that includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a slide
• a roundabout
• a springer
• a climbing frame with a climbing wall
• a seesaw
• seats.

Nearest Town: Sandhurst, near Crowthorne
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: GU47 9AW or GU47 9RQ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

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

Parking: You can park on the nearby roads.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, birds and butterflies.

Information Written: August 2016