Paddle in the Ober Water at Puttles Bridge, New Forest

Puttles Bridge is a beautiful spot in the New Forest where you can explore the woods and find places to paddle. 

Chilbolton 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 Area.

Paddle 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.

Paddle and Play in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton

Flood Meadows hides a beautiful surprise – nestled away behind the trees is the young River Wey. Here the river is so near to its northern source that the water is shallow and slow-flowing and offers a shady place to splash, paddle and pond dip. 

Paddle 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, a clear pond and fern lined paths that twist and turn through the trees. 

Find 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 paddling, sand castles and fossil finding before the tide comes in and then fairy door hunts, adventure play and a nature walk. Or if you just want somewhere to relax, just sit back and enjoy the view.

Enter 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 National Trust sign that says ‘The Lions Den’ and I have absolutely no idea why! 

Discover Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton

There is so much to do at Royal Victoria Country Park – paddle in the sea, follow a story trail, puff along on a miniature railway, tackle the orienteering course and enjoy The Royal Victoria Country Park Adventure Play Area.

Enjoy the Bridges and Boardwalks of Fleet Pond

Fleet Pond has plenty to explore – boardwalks, jetties, three different trails, a beach with a paddling area, a story trail, and lots of ducks, swans and waterbirds. 

Wade 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 called The Mystical Tale of Nevi-Wesh, the remains of a WW2 airfield, and lots of wildlife. The River Avon Water flows through the area and makes a peaceful spot for a paddle.  

Splash, 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 ponies and on to a bridge, where it becomes the Lymington River. 

Slosh 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 New Forest. 

Walk 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 coast. 

Meet Peppa Pig in Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park

Paultons Park has two splash parks – a large splash pad with tipping buckets, fountains and water shooters and another smaller one called Muddy Puddles.

Romp Around the Hogmoor Inclosure Natural Play Area

Hogmoor Inclosure has a large and varied wooden play area where you can choose sandy play, wild play, adventure play and natural play! 

Discover 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 Avenue, Kingfisher Carr, The Brickworks and Chestnut Glade.

The Blackwater is in its infancy here so more a stream than a river.

Enjoy 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 picnic, paddle, see ponies and hunt for fossils. You will definitely need your wellies!

The brook was a stream when we visited so it’s more splashing around than wading through.

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

After much thought, I divided all adventures into the following categories, listed below in alphabetical order.

Adventure Type

Age Ranges

Buggy Friendly

 Cost of Entry

County

 Facilities Available

 Indoor Adventures

 Nearest Town

Star Rating

Time Needed

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Where will you go?

Animal Adventures

Best Adventures

Bike Adventures

 Castle Adventures

 Country Park Adventures

 Creative Adventures

 Dinosaur Adventures

Film and TV Adventures

Fossil Adventures

Free Adventures

Historical Adventures

Indoor Adventures

 Magical Adventures

 National Trust Adventures

 Pirate Adventures

 Play Adventures

Scooter Adventures

Seaside Adventures

Storybook Adventures

Top Rated Adventures

Train Adventures

 Walking Adventures

 Water Play Adventures

 Wild Adventures

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

When you would prefer not to be outdoors, but would still like to go out for a bit, consider these activities.

Indoor Activities

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Here are the adventures you can have within about a 10 mile radius of the following places:

Farnham

Guildford

Petersfield

Farnborough

Alton

Godalming

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Here are the counties we visit most often, with the activities we have found in each.

Surrey

Hampshire

Berkshire

 Sussex

 Dorset

 London

 Hertfordshire

Oxfordshire

Wiltshire

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

O to 3 Years

4 to 6 Years

7 to 10 Years

 11 to 12 Years

 13 Years and Over

 All Ages

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Here is a list of activities divided into groups by what’s available at the venue.

Picnic Tables

Ice Cream Sellers

Cafes, Pubs and Restaurants

 Snacks Available

Barbecues and Pizza Ovens for Hire

Toilets on Site

Accessible Toilets on Site

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

These are all places I have been able a take a buggy without any problems.

Buggy Friendly Activities

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

This is our breakdown of how long we think we would need to allow to enjoy each of the activities. It’s a rough guide only though and times will vary a lot for each family.

Less Than One Hour

One or Two Hours

Three or Four Hours

Half a Day

A Full Day

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

I have noticed over the years that some venues don’t charge for entry but instead impose a high parking fee. To allow for this, I have split free activities down into those that charge for parking and those that are completely free.

Free Entry

Free Entry with Free Parking

Free Entry with a Parking Charge

Entrance Fee

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

In the end, I decided to use ratings as they can convey a lot of information quickly. The criteria I use to give a rating can be found here.

Here are the activities we have tried and how we would rate them.

The Best of the Best – Five Star Adventures

Top Rated – Five and Four Star Adventures

Four Star Adventures

Three Star Activities

Two Star Activities

One Star Activities

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Aldenham CP is home to 100 Aker Wood, including Winnie-the-Pooh’s house, Wol’s tree and a heffalump trap.

The atmospheric Ashdown Forest inspired A.A. Milne to write about the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin and friends.

Meet Winnie the Pooh at Aldenham Country Park Farm, Elstree

Aldenham Country Park Farm is packed full of creatures to see, including Winnie the Pooh! 

On your visit you can see farm animals, conquer the adventure play area, ride on tractors, explore 100 Aker Wood, play Poohsticks and may even be able to cuddle Winnie the Pooh himself! 

 Find Winnie the Pooh’s House at 100 Aker Wood, Elstree

In 100 Aker Wood, you can find Piglet’s house, peek inside Pooh’s house, climb Wol’s tree, dig in Roo’s sandy pit, trap a heffalump, scramble over rocks and play poohsticks.  If you are really lucky you may even meet Winnie the Pooh himself at Aldenham Country Park Farm. 

 Play 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. It also inspired E.H. Shephard’s beautiful illustrations.

What magical adventures will your visit inspire?

Create Your Own Expotition Through Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is a place to make magical memories, inspire children to run wild, and fall in love with Pooh Bear and friends all over again. 

With preparation, you will explore many of the books’ locations. 

With imagination, you will see a little boy and his bear still playing.  

Visit the Pooh’seum and Tea Rooms at Pooh Corner, Hartfield

Built in the sweet shop that A.A. Milne and his son, Christopher Robin, used to visit, Pooh Corner is the perfect place to stop for a smackeral of honey when exploring Ashdown Forest in search of Winnie-the-Pooh and friends. 

Explore the Poohscape Play Area at Pooh Corner, Hartfield

The Poohscape Play Area is a Pooh-tastic place to play before mounting your Expotition to the enchanted places of Ashdown Forest. 

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

We have found a handful of places that give a feel for this age, which (Google reliably informs me!) is called Prehistory, or the period of human history before written records.

Below are some places to imagine your way back in time.

Hunt for a Stone Age Quarry in Shere Woodlands

A Stone Age quarry hides in the deepest parts of Shere Woodlands. Tracking it down is one of the wildest and most exciting trips I have been on since starting this site and one of those rare occasions where I actually began to feel like an explorer…

 Climb to the Hill Fort on Holmbury Hill, Surrey Hills

Crowned by a hill fort built during the Iron Age, Holmbury Hill has views out to London’s towers, Gatwick Airport, the South Downs and even the glistening sea. The hill fort had ramparts with ditches of up to 4m deep and 9m wide, which are best seen in months when the braken has died back.

 Visit a Roundhouse at Museum of the Iron Age

Musuem of the Iron Age brings to life the story of Danebury Hill Fort with exhibits that include a roundhouse you can visit and Iron Age artefacts you can hold. 

 Storm 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 location with far-reaching views. It is also the setting for “Danger at Danebury Hill Fort,” one of Hampshire County Council’s Story Trails.

Defend 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 defending against attackers who want to steal your grain. It involves exploring, shouting, and running around and is lots of fun!   

Conquer 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 through dappled woodland, under tumbling heathers and past enormous ant hills.

Climb Dragon Hill, St Catherine’s Hill, Guildford

A walk to St Catherine’s Hill involves the River Wey, bridges, a lock, a sacred spring and water meadows. St Catherine’s Hill used to be called Drakehull (or Dragon Hill) and is  a sacred site that dates back thousands of years to the Stone Age.

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Here are several of our favourites – some are well known and others are hidden away.

Paddle Amongst the Ruins of Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

Scattered along the River Tillingbourne at Chilworth are what remains of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills. Today, the area has been reclaimed by nature and a heritage trail leads you through tranquil woodland, past the remaining parts of the mill to a shallow stream that is perfect for paddling.

Paddle, Splash and Play at Stoke Park Splash Pad, Guildford

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 day. 

Go 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 Common.

Hit 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 day. 

Splash and Play at Abinger Hammer, Surrey Hills

Abinger Hammer Playground is a pretty place to take a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon splashing through the River Tillingbourne. There is also a small adventure play area next to the river but no facilities so bring anything you need. 

Cross 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 you have finished bouncing across the river, you can either continue along the path to the top of Box Hill or stay down by the river for a paddle and a pond dip. 

Decisions, decisions!

Splash 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 explore and has two paddling spots to cool a hot day. I’ve lost count of the number of times we have visited.

Scramble 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… On the way to the falls there is also a little stream you can paddle in. 

Splash and Paddle at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Splash Pad

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Splash Pad is on the banks of the River Thames and is a great place to begin a walk along the Thames Path or explore the memorials of Runnymede, including the sealing of Magna Carta.

Find 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. 

There is a stream next to Normandy Common Play Area and another one that flows past the pond.

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Here are the brass rubbing trails we have enjoyed so far.

Tackle the Mystery Brass Rubbing Trail at Lily Hill Park, Bracknell

Lily Hill Park’s picnic credentials are impeccable – it’s been voted the UK’s second most beautiful picnic spot and is also the proud owner of England’s longest picnic table carved from a single piece of wood! 

And there’s plenty to do there to work up an appetite – tackle the mystery brass rubbing trail, tell a tale at the Storytelling Throne, scurry under and around Father Oak or just explore the many habitats, paths and gardens.

Take Brass Rubbings at Lakeside Nature Reserve, Ash Vale

Hidden around Lakeside Nature Reserve are brass rubbing posts, boardwalks, an orchid meadow, woodland, and an adventure play area. Plenty to explore!

You can also find the Basingstoke Canal towpath, River Blackwater and Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path which all run near the reserve. 

Discover What’s Hiding Inside Bordon Inclosure, Bordon

Behind an unassuming exterior, lies a woodland wonderland perfect for going wild and having an adventure.

With something to explore around every corner, there’s plenty to discover, including brass rubbing trails. Each trail is marked by arrows and posts topped with a numbered brass rubbing plate.

Find Wellington and a Brass Rubbing Trail 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 complete with bullet holes and graffiti from 1941.

Play 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 trail. 

This is one of our favourite places to play and is a great choice for those days when your children need to burn off some energy.

Try 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 located, guess which animal or plant is shown in the picture, take a rubbing – as colourful as you like – and then see if you can spot the real thing as you walk through the reserve. 

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

So far we have tried two types – classic hedge mazes and also a water maze where the dead ends are jets of water.

Here are four maze adventures for you to try and all are minotaur-free… promise!

Brave the Water Maze at Hever Castle, Near Tonbridge

Hever Castle doesn’t just have one maze, it has two – a hedge maze and an ingenious water maze!

The hedge maze is a classic-style maze and took us about ten minutes of wandering around to solve.  

The water maze is ingenious. Your task is to reach the centre whilst dodging the jets of water that suddenly erupt if you step on the wrong stone.

Try the Spooky Maize Maze at the Pumpkin Picking Patch, Fordingbridge

During October, Fordingbridge Pumpkin Picking Patch is full of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and also a Halloween Maize Maze. Daytimes are child friendly but things become more spooky at night in the Twighlight Maze…

Beat the Maze at Stansted Park, Havant, Portsmouth

Stansted Park is one of those places that is a series of mini-adventures: an elegant house to explore, expansive parkland to discover and beautiful gardens with a miniature railway, mini golf course, a hedge maze and The Stansted Park Play Area.

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

Go on an Action-Packed Safari at Longleat, Warminster

Longleat is fantastic – one of the best days out I’ve had with children. We had an action-packed day full of fun, adventure and wonder, during which we hand-fed beautiful animals, safaried by land and water and conquered a huge hedge maze with over a mile and a half of twists and turns to navigate.

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Sometimes you spot fossils quickly and other times you look for ages. When suddenly you do find one, you are looking at something that has been hidden away for millions and millions of years and you are probably the first human ever to see it!

Fossil hunting is one of our favourite pastimes and below are some of the places you can try it for yourself.

Find Fossils and a World-Class Sunset at Bracklesham Bay

Bracklesham Bay is probably the place we love to visit the most.  As the tide falls, a huge stretch of sand opens up and you can find fossils just lying on the beach, including shark teeth.

Hunt for Fossils at Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch

With spectacular views, stretches of sand and clay full of fossils, it’s not hard to understand why we love Highcliffe beach. Along the beach you can spot small, grey fossil shells and also shark teeth. 

Find 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! 

Not only does it have a dinosaur footprint but it is also possible to find fossils of shells, plants and mammal bones, including mammoth bones.

Beachcomb 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. 

You can find fossils amongst the pebbles. Many of the most complete fossils, can be found at the end of the beach nearest the car park – no long walks required!

Stand 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 puddles, past a quarry and into some serious mud, finally ending at dinosaur footprints so enormous we could stand in them.

Rock 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 beach, the rockpools and sea life revealed at low tide, the nature trail you snorkel around and The Etches Collection fossil museum that you can visit during high tide. 

Bring Fossils to Life at The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge Bay

150 million years ago, the Dorset coast was a shallow, tropical sea patrolled by huge marine reptiles, predators and fish. 

All that remains today are fossils, which can be found on Kimmeridge Bay beach or seen on display at the nearby Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life.

Enjoy 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 picnic, paddle, see ponies and hunt for fossils.

You can find (but not take) fossils along the stream and are most likely to find fossilised shells but, if you are very lucky, you may find fish remains and shark teeth.

Go Fossil Hunting at West Beach, Bognor Regis

The tide retreats remarkably quickly at West Beach, transforming it from a stone covered slope into a flat, sandy beach peppered with rocks containing fossils. 

We spotted a few tiny fossils (1 or 2mm wide) that were embedded in the hard rocks. 

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Discover a Waterfall and Roman Ruins at Virginia Water

With woods and paths to explore, places to build hideouts, scooter and cycle tracks, a gorgeous waterfall, some lost ruins from Rome, and a wooden playground, Virginia Water is a wonderful place to visit, with or without children. 

Brave the Water Maze at Hever Castle, Near Tonbridge

Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. It’s a picturesque castle that has everything a castle should have – a drawbridge, a moat and battlements – and even a castle-themed Hever Castle Adventure Play Area, complete with a secret passage! It also has beautifully manicured gardens with a couple of waterfalls.

Meet the Animals of Ray Mill Island, Maidenhead

Hidden behind beautiful Boulters Lock is Ray Mill Island, an island in the Thames where the river forks and either thunders over Boulters Weir or pools in Boulters Lock.

Walk 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 from Steep Recreation Ground. If you are feeling intrepid, you can continue from the waterfall to Shoulder of Mutton Hill in the Ashford Hangers. 

Scramble 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, jungle-like feel…

Walking to the Secret Falls, and then paddling at Friday Street, has quickly become one of our favourite adventures.

Make a Wish in the Wishing Well at Waggoners Wells

At the bottom of Waggoners Wells – beyond the blue pools, waterfalls and giant fish – is an old wishing well that is said to have inspired Tennyson and Flora Thompson.

Explore the Wonderful World of Wisley Gardens, Woking

With beautiful scenery, cascading waterfalls, lovely picnic spots, buggy friendly pathways and even play areas, RHS Garden Wisley is wonderful.

Follow the River Wey to Ruins, Locks and a Waterfall, Pyrford

This tranquil stretch of the River Wey offers you a choice of walks – in one direction is Newark Lock and the ruins of Newark Priory and in the other is Papercourt Lock and a tumbling bay waterfall. 

Wander Around Snaprails Park and Play Area, Crowthorne

Majestic Snaprails Park was originally part of an estate owned by a plant collector. Today it has a pondside walk, a colourful play area nestling beneath towering trees and a small but multilayered waterfall.

Begin 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 bridges and out onto the streets of Aldershot and Badshot Lea. 

This is a child-sized waterfall and the smallest on this list.

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

Below are eight story trails compiled by Hampshire CC. These are walks with 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 the markers along the trail.

Meet a Boggart on the Hawley Meadows Story Trail, Camberley

The Hawley Meadows Story Trail is a series of short stories about wood nymphs, water nymphs and a cheeky boggart. It is called “The Story of the Nymphs and the Boggart“ and is another of Hampshire CC’s Story Trails. 

Trap 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 Day is the story trail* adventure for you!

Help 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, called Magpie Bottom, following in the footsteps of two children as they meet magical creatures – including bogarts, fairies, a goblin and a woodland troll – learn to cast a spell, discover Spider Island and defeat a witch.

Befriend 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 around Butser Hill in the year 845. Happily, it does not have a traditional fairy tale ending!

Time Travel Along the Royal Victoria Country Park Story Trail, Netley

Royal Victoria Country Park has a story trail along which you follow Professor Nutrino, a Time Agent, as she battles to fix a tear in time… with a little help from your children.

Quest Along The Great Binfield Copse Story Trail, Basingstoke

Great Binfield, The Giant of Basingstoke is a story trail that guides you on a quest to find Great Binfield, a giant who lives in a woodland castle guarded by giant birds, stag beetles and centipedes. 

Along the way you must collect magical items, cast spells and dodge bramble traps whilst keeping an eye out for signs of the giant.

Help Forgetful Henry Along the Odiham Castle Story Trail

The Odiham Castle Story Trail is called “Henry The Forgetful”.  This is a funny story about Henry, a pilgrim making his way from Winchester to Canterbury. He has a couple of mishaps along the way that made my children laugh out loud.

Meet Princesses and a Troll along the Fleet Pond Story Trail, Fleet

We visited Fleet Pond to try out a story trail called “The Princess, the Pike and the Pond”. 

Fleet Pond was picture perfect when we visited – the sun was bright, the pond was frozen, and ducks were skating on it! 

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.