Pinewood Adventure Play Area

The play equipment is divided between two areas, Pinewood Adventure and another, more traditional playground. 

 

 

 

 

The adventure play area has equipment including:

• toddler swings
• basket swings
• a small multiplay and slide for the very young
• a long rope swing
• a wooden climbing frame
• a rope climbing frame
• spinners
• a balance course with bridges, logs and ropes
• a tunnel
• a zip wire.

 

 

The Railway Play Area

The second play area has:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a small wooden train to walk along
• a large play train with a tunnel and carriages
• a play house
• a seesaw
• a long slide set into a hill
• a trampoline
• a climbing frame with a climbing wall, nets and monkey bars
• springers
• picnic tables.

 

The Cafe

There is a cafe that serves refreshments and ice cream.

 

 

 

 

Pinewood Miniature Railway

Next to the play areas is the Pinewood (Wokingham) Miniature Railway.

 

 

 

 

It does not run everyday so please see their The Pinewood (Wokingham) Miniature Railway website for details of their open days.

 

 

 

Sports Areas 

On the other side of the car park is a field with a football pitch and a trim trail with six equipment stations (all aimed at those over 12 years) and .

 

 

 

Pond Dipping

Dickie’s Pond is also nearby and has a pond dipping platform.

Pond dipping equipment (nets, information sheets, a tray and magnifying glasses) can be borrowed from the cafe by leaving a deposit of £5. Near the pond is a woodland walk, with sculptures of woodland animals.

Nearest Town: Wokingham Without
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG40 3AQ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Cafe and a picnic area. 
Facilities: Cafe, shop, ice creams, toilets, picnic area.

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

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

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, birds, insects and pond life.

Information Written: July 2017
Information Checked: July 2022

 

The Engines

The steam engines come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own style and character. My favourite was Moosejaw with its snow guard, golden bell and unusually shaped chimney.

 

 

 

Unsurprisingly, my children loved the one that looked like a tiny Thomas the Tank Engine.

 

 

 

 

 

The Track

During your ride you weave through the trees, past multi-coloured fairy doors, signals, engine sheds, a water tower and a mini viaduct.

 

 

 

 

It Can Be Busy!

The railway can be extremely busy so try not to leave your visit to the end of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

Pinewood Activities Centre

There is also plenty to do before and after your rides as the railway is at Pinewood Activities Centre, which has two play areas, pond dipping, woodland walks, a miniature railway, a cafe, a trim trail, sports field as well as various clubs and societies. 

Nearest Town: Wokingham Without
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG40 3AQ

Adult Cost Range: £1 to £4.99
Child Cost Range: £1 to £4.99
Free if: Under 3 years.

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

Where to Eat: Try the cafe or bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Cafe, shop, ice creams, toilets, picnic area.

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

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

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, birds, insects and pond life.

Information Written: April 2018
Information Checked: July 2022

 

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

 

Southwater Country Park 

At the heart of the park is a lake with a beach and swimming area. 

Please note that the beach operates a booking system during the summer holidays – please see their website for details.

 

 

Activities

It has an orienteering course and the map is available to buy from the Southwater Country Park Visitor Centre.

There is also a water sports centre where you can kayak, canoe, sail and paddle board.

 

 

Dinosaur Island 

Dinosaur Island Adventure Play Area is a dinosaur-themed adventure play area, where adventure awaits…just follow the footprints!

 

 

 

This is jam-packed with equipment, including swings, slides, things to climb, aerial walkways and a zip wire.

 

Nearest Town: Horsham, near Crawley
County: West Sussex
Nearest Postcode: RH13 9UN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: At the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

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

Parking: Good sized car park.
Cost of Parking: From Various depending on when you visit – please see their website for full details.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, lizards, butterflies and dragonflies.

Information Written: January 2017
Information Checked: October 2020

 

The Engines

The trains and carriages come in all shapes and sizes and some have names like Digby, Little John, Sgt Murphy, Ronny Rascal and Rio Grande!

 

 

 

Bonsey Lane Station

The site centres around Bonsey Lane station and the surrounding railway buildings – a ticket office, a signal box, a small shop and a cafe.

Our journey started with a lovely chat with the Station Master, who was in full uniform. He explained about the railway, the routes and the trains.

Then we climbed on board and rumbled around the site under trees, into tunnels, past ponds and through stations. It was lots of fun.

 

Spot the Cuddly Toys

Along the way are stuffed animals to spot, grouped together by animal type. My children really enjoyed spotting these, shouting out their names as we went around.

 

 

We had two rides and then stood on the footbridge and waved at the trains passing under our feet. The trains seem to run continuously, leaving the station even when they are not full.

 

 

 

The Routes

The railway has three routes, all of which go through a tunnel. The shortest is The Suburban, which runs around the site’s perimeter. The longest is The Miler, which is a mile long route that includes The Suburban route. The Highlander goes up onto a hill, along a viaduct and over the tunnel.

 

Special Events and the weather determine which of these routes are available on any given day. It was wet weather when we visited and we opted for The Miler as The Highlander was not operating.

 

Special Events

The railway runs special event days like the Knaphill Village Show, War on the Rails, Oktoberfest and Santa Specials. For further details please see the Special Events page of their website.

 

 

 

Children Aged Under 1

If you are bringing a mixed age range then make sure you have the right child to adult ratio – we were told children under the age of 1 year cannot ride on the trains and children under 10 years old need to travel with an adult.

The ticket office is not able to take payments by card so be sure to bring cash with you.

Nearest Town: Woking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU21 2JW

Adult Cost Range: £0 to £4.99
Child Cost Range: £0 to £4.99
Free if: Under 1 as you are not allowed to ride the trains at this age.

Opens: Various times throughout the year.

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, 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 busy.
Cost of Parking: Free.

Information Written: September 2017

 

The Woodland Play Area

This quiet little play area is in the woods and has equipment for children under the age of 10 years:

• a multiplay with a slide, fireman’s pole, nets, and a climbing wall
• two springers
• toddler swings.

 

 

 

The Adventure Play Area

The much larger Frimley Lodge Adventure Play Area is about a five minute walk away.

 

 

Sports Facilities

In the woods by the Woodland Play Area is a trim trail.

 

 

 

 

Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway

The Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway weaves its way through the woods. The railway has public running days throughout the year. 

 

 

 

The Basingstoke Canal

The beautiful Basingstoke Canal runs along the top of the playing fields. It has ducks to feed and a towpath you can walk along.

 

Nearest Town: Frimley
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6HY

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, barbecues, toilets and accessible toilets. 

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

Parking: There are lots of parking spaces but it can become very busy. There is a car park next to the Woodland Play Area. To find it from the entrance, drive as far right as you can. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: April 2016
Information Checked: May 2021

 

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

 

Stansted Park 

Stansted Park has about 1,200 acres of parkland, with ancient woodland and an arboretum of beautiful, mature trees for you to explore.  

 

 

 

We didn’t visit the house but understand it has state rooms and servants’ quarters laid out as if they were still in use.

 

 

 

You only pay for the attractions you actually use.

The play area, arboretum and parkland are all free but the house, the maze and the railway all have individual costs. 

 

 

The Railway

The miniature railway rumbles around the gardens, past engine sheds and back to the cute little station, complete with signals, water tower and platform. 

 

 

 

We paid £2 for an adult and £1.50 for a child over 2 years (under 2s were free). 

 

 

 

 

The trains only run at certain times and on certain days so be sure to check the website before you go. 

 

 

 

 

The Play Area

Inside the Walled Garden is The Stansted Park Play Area, a well equipped play area where the children can play while you eat. It has swings, slides, rope bridges and a multiplay.

 

 

 

The Maze

The circular, hedge maze is a family attraction. It opens at various times of the year, weather permitting, so double-check before you visit. 

Nearest Town: Havant, near Portsmouth
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: PO9 6DX

Adult Cost Range: £10 to £14.99
Child Cost Range: £5 to £9.99
Free if: Parkland – free. Railway – free if under 2. House – under 2s are free at all times; under 16s are free when visiting during the holidays.

Opens: Various – the parkland is open daily; the railway and the house only open at certain times. Please check their website for details.

Where to Eat: A shop, a tearoom or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

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

Information Written: October 2018

 

The Route

Each train journey lasts about six minutes. 

 

 

 

 

The trains rumble through the woods

 

 

 

 

over crossings

 

 

 

 

past signals

 

 

 

 

and under bridges.

 

 

 

 

 

It is lots of fun and made possible by the enthusiasm of the railway volunteers. All the money they raise goes towards railway maintenance and local charities.

 

Frimley Lodge Park

The miniature railway is in Frimley Lodge Park, which has two play areas, a trim trail, lots of sports facilities, and a pitch and putt golf course. 

 

 

 

The Basingstoke Canal

Next to the railway is the Basingstoke Canal, which has ducks to feed.

 

 

 

 

 

The Basingstoke Canal Centre

You can also park at the Basingstoke Canal Centre and walk to Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway along the Basingstoke Canal. It takes about 20 minutes.

Nearest Town: Frimley
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6HY

Opens: There are various public running days throughout the year. Please see their website for details.

Adult Cost Range: £0 to £4.99
Child Cost Range: £0 to £4.99
Free if: Under 3

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe in Frimley Lodge Park.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, barbecues, toilets and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 30 minutes at the railway and another couple of hours in Frimley Lodge Park.
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are lots of parking spaces but it can become very busy on public running days.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: April 2016
Information Checked: May 2021

 

“All Aboard…”

We decided to depart from Liss village, which is at the southern end of the line. 

Inside Liss railway station is a working model railway and information boards about the history of the Longmoor Military Railway and the locomotives. 

 

 

Railway Relics

Once on the line, we found an old buffer and some sort of railway cart still sitting on its rails

 

 

 

 

the abandoned station and platform

 

 

 

 

 

a picnic area with picnic tables and an obstacle course

 

 

 

 

some concrete buffers and sleepers, railway tracks

 

 

 

 

and bridges, poles and metalwork.

 

 

 

 

 

Side Tracks

All along the walk, smaller tracks shoot off from the main track and then rejoin it further down the line.

These allow the children (and willing adults) to run wild in the woodland, meadows and rivers, and give the journey an exciting twist.

 

 

Wildlife

We visited in January on a cold, frosty and muddy day, but we still saw lots of wildlife, including a green woodpecker, a gold crest, a nuthatch, blackbirds, jackdaws and squirrels as well as an enormous red kite swooping down to eat in a field.

 

 

Walk Information

The Riverside Railway Walk is 1.25 miles in one direction. It is not circular so you can start either at the northern or southern end, both of which have car parks.

 

 

 

 

 

It took us about an hour to travel one way down the track, going at a slow pace,  visiting the balance course and exploring some of the side-tracks. 

 

 

 

 

 

Walk Leaflets

When we visited guide leaflets were available at Chaplins Estate Agents, Whistle Stop Pub, Vista Vision, Jade News, Mainline Train Station Building and Liss Triangle Community Centre.

 

 

 

Starting At The Northern End – Forest Road

Find the car park on Forest Road (approximately GU33 7BX) between the bridge over the A3 and the road called Briar Wood. 

From this car park, cross Forest Road and the Riverside Railway Walk starts through the gate. 

 

 

Starting at the Southern End – Liss Village

Walk to Liss railway station, cross the railway tracks at the level crossing (this has a barrier and warning lights) and the track is on the right with an information board and a metal buffer. If you cross the river you have gone too far.

Nearest Town: Liss
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for the Northern End: GU33 7BX
Nearest Postcode for the Southern End: GU33 7AA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic area and shops in Liss village.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours – about an hour each way.
Buggies: Buggy friendly but the paths can become muddy.

Parking: The northern end has a free car park. The southern end has free parking in Liss village or a pay and display car park at Liss railway station.
Cost of Parking: Free or from £2 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds (like sparrow hawks, kingfishers, red kite, nuthatch, goldcrest, tits, green woodpecker), roe deer, foxes and squirrels.

Information Written: January 2017