The Trails

Various trails criss-cross Alice Holt Forest. Some are easy access, others are wilder.  Some are flat, others have steep hills. They are all marked and there are free maps available.

Story Book Trails

Alice Holt Forest is one of the venues that hosts story book activity trails based on the books of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 

Trails have included The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, The Highway Rat and Zog.  At the time of writing, there is a Superworm Trail.  

You buy a map bursting with activities to try along the trail – drawings to colour, puzzles to ponder and woodland things to spot.  

Along the way you also come face to face with characters from the stories, including the Gruffalo, Stick Man and the Gruffalo’s child.

The Timberline Play Trail

The 1km long Habitat Trail leads you past both adventure play areas 

and also hides huge play sculptures.

The Adventure Play Areas

Alice Holt has two adventure play areas.

Playwood Adventure Play Area is next to the cafe and has large wooden climbing frames, slides and swings.

Timberline Adventure Play Area is a five minute walk from Playwood and is a huge, circular obstacle course with wooden climbing frames, slides, bridges and nets. 

Other Activities

Alice Holt also has an Activity Centre and Shop that offers cycle hire 

table tennis 

volleyball 

and badminton.

There is also orienteering 

Go Ape 

and lots of picnic spots to try.

The Cafe 

This is located next to the main entrance and Visitor Centre.  You can its picnic tables to eat food you have bought there or brought from home. 

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 4LS

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

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

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Various, starting from £3 for one hour. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, tadpoles, frogs, birds, insects and the odd story book character.

Information Written: March 2016
Information Checked: February 2025

Our visit to Alice Holt Forest and the Alice Holt Adventure Play Areas in Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Thursley Common Fire

At the end of May 2020, a fire tore through the boardwalk area of Thursley Common. Lots of trees and vegetation were lost and so was the boardwalk, with its Dragonfly Trail. 

This is a picture of Moat Pond before the fire.

This is a picture of Moat Pond after the fire.

Happily, the Dragonfly Trail has been rebuilt!

Moat Pond

We start our visits at Moat Pond, with its pine scent and marauding ducks.

In the autumn it is surrounded by fungus – we spotted 50 different types last autumn! (I’m sure it goes without saying but we never touch fungus, we just look at it). 

The Dragonfly Trail

This leads you along the boardwalk and over the peat bogs. 

Along the way you can spot lots of insects and lizards 

and also sundews.

The Trails

When we want a short visit we walk around Moat Pond and watch the wildlife from one of the many little beach-like areas. 

If we are after a longer walk, we venture along one of the marked trails. 

The Wildlife

Thursley Common teems with nature and you can almost always see something wonderful.

From spring to autumn, you can see animals on every visit, including animals such as dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, and spiders. 

On one visit there were thousands of tiny toads hopping across the paths in every direction. 

The Lizards

The lizards are easiest to see when warming themselves on the boardwalk during sunny days. 

Can You Spot the Lizards?

To ready your eyes for lizard spotting, have a look at the photo of a log below. There are three lizards hiding on it – how many can you spot?

Answers highlighted below!

Two are hiding here:

And another here:

Thor’s Den

There is nearby a play area called Thor’s Den on the edge of Thursley Common. You can walk there from Moat Pond but it is quite far so you may prefer to drive (GU8 6QD).

Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: Up to 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly – we use an all terrain buggy as some areas are sandy and there are roots along some of the paths. 

Parking: There are lots of places to park along the road and a few car parks. We use the Moat Pond car park (GU8 6LW) as it is closest to Moat Pond. 
Cost of Parking: Free but a donation using a parking app is suggested.

Wildlife You Might See: Toads, frogs, wood ants, dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, spiders, grasshoppers and ducks.

Information Written: July 2019
Information Checked: October 2024

Our visit to Thursley Common National Nature Reserve is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path is 23 miles long, marked by signposts and divided into 12 sections.  

These sections follow the river, are not circular and do not finish where they start.  

Blackwater Valley Path Section 1: Rowhill Nature Reserve to Pea Bridge 

Section 1 starts at Rowhill Nature Reserve car park

and leads you past the boggy source of the Blackwater, 

where it then follows the infant river.

The path leads onto the streets 

and footpaths of Badshot Lea 

and Aldershot. 

Section 1 ends at Pea Bridge, where section 2 begins.

Rowhill Nature Reserve

Rowhill Nature Reserve is a captivating nature reserve of ancient woodland with stumps to balance on,

trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

The Source of the Blackwater

The source of the Blackwater River is a bog marked by an information board.  

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into Stickleback Pond. 

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater is a small stream along section 1 

that has little waterfalls and spots to splash in. 

Once you leave the reserve, the river becomes a little wider and deeper and there is no access. 

The Paths Along Section 1

I found the paths within Rowhill Nature Reserve easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. 

The paths through Aldershot from pavements to footpaths. 

Some of the footpaths were narrow but they were all flat and easy to use.

There are some road crossings, which you need to cross with care.  Please see the Section 1 route description for full details. 

Would We Go Back?

We really enjoy Rowhill Nature Reserve and visit regularly but for me, the walk beyond the reserve does not add much as you do not really see the river.  I don’t expect to visit this part of section 1 again. 

Where to Next?

Downstream – Section 2:  Pea Bridge to Shawfields

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Rowhill Nature Reserve: GU11 3BD
Nearest Postcode for Pea Bridge: GU11 3RD or GU11 3QJ (see below under Parking for details).

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

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

Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD), which can be busy. To park near Pea Bridge you can either park on the road near Tice’s Meadow (GU11 3RD) or park in the car park at Brickfields Country Park (GU11 3QJ) and walk down.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: May 2024

Our visit to Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot to Pea Bridge in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Rowhill Nature Reserve

There are stumps to balance on, trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

The Source of the Blackwater

The source of the Blackwater River is an area of bog. It is next to the pond and marked with an information board.  

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into… 

Stickleback Pond

…Stickleback Pond, which has a small dam and waterfall. 

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater quickly becomes stream-sized 

and has little waterfalls and spots to paddle in.

Den Building

The paths wind through deciduous woodland with a spot for den building…

Rhododendron Avenue

…and along Rhododendron Avenue before coming to a tranquil meadow and field surrounded by trees.

The Paths 

I found the paths easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. There are paths that are narrow in places but they were all just ok for my narrow double buggy.

There are two paths that both start from the car park on Cranmore Lane:

1. The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path starts at the end of the car park near the white house and meanders through the reserve staying close to the River Blackwater.

This is Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path and is not a circular path and follows the river out of the reserve at Parkland Grove.

2. The Nature Trail

This is about 1.5 miles long and is marked by a series of posts, starting at the field centre (the wooden building next to the car park).

This is a circular path and begins and ends at the car park on Cranmore Lane.

This trail leads up over steps and a steep hill but these can be avoided if you follow the Blackwater Valley Path to the source of the River Blackwater, where the two paths meet up.

A copy of the nature trail can be found on the Rowhill Nature Reserve website, which marks the steps and an easy access, special needs path that can be accessed from Parkland Grove (GU9 9HA).

50 Things to Do

You could also tackle the 50 Things to Do at Rowhill Copse sheet the reserve have put together.  

How many can you complete?

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU11 3BD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

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

Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD). This can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2024

Our visit to Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Stockbridge Common Marsh

As you enter, you pass a National Trust sign that says ‘The Lions Den’ and I have absolutely no idea why! 

The common is mainly grassland where you can walk and picnic during dry weather.

A tributary of the River Test flows along one edge. 

If you look carefully you may spot brown trout.

Paddling 

Children can have a little paddle by the bridge 

but they may not be alone!

Stockbridge Town

If you cross the bridge and walk a short way, you come to the pretty town of Stockbridge. 

The River Test flows through the town, past shops and places to eat. 

The Paths

The paths are flat and easy to walk on but can become boggy and muddy during wetter weather. 

Nearest Town: Stockbridge, near Andover and Winchester
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO20 6JA 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: You might be able to use an all terrain buggy.

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

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects; herons, kingfishers and other birds; brown trout,  other fish and pond life; cows and water voles.

Information Written: June 2022

Our trip to Stockbridge Common Marsh in Stockbridge, near Andover, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Ashford Hangers

This is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.

Ashford Stream 

The path from the parking spot follows Ashford Stream, which is shallow enough in places to paddle and splash around.  From April to June, the smell of wild garlic fills the air.

Lutcombe Pond 

A gentle five minute stroll takes you to a small bridge and then to Lutcombe Pond, which has unusually clear water and a dam you can walk over.

Onwards or Upwards?

The path forks after the little bridge and each route takes you deeper into the reserve. 

Route 1: Onwards Over the Bridge

The path over the bridge skirts the base of the Ashford Hangers, which is a flat and easy walk. 

This path has many side shoots that will take you up to the top of the hangers, including this side shoot straight up Shoulder of Mutton Hill, which really is every bit as steep as this photo makes it look! 

Route 2: Upwards to Hangers Way

The path to the left of the bridge takes you past Lutcombe Pond, directly up the hill and on to Hangers Way, 

which leads to the top of Shoulder of Mutton Hill

and also to Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill. 

The Paths

The paths along Ashford Stream and around Lutcombe Pond are fairly flat but can be muddy.  You can reach the pond with a buggy.

Beyond the pond, the paths up the hill become steep and narrow in places. 

The paths over the bridge and along the foot of the hangers are wider and flatter.

Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: You can take a buggy to the pond but the paths beyond this point are steep and/or narrow. 

Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) and next to the stream. 
Cost of Parking: Free

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

Information Written: April 2019
Information Checked: January 2024

Our visit to Lutcombe Bottom, the Ashford Stream and Lutcombe Pond in the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Normandy Common 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.

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

Our visit to Normandy Common and Adventure Play Area in Normandy, near Guildford and Aldershot, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

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.

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

Fun at the Beach…

The pond has several sandy beaches where you can have fun wading, paddling and splashing. You can also pond dip, build sand castles and feed the ducks. 

The biggest beaches are on the car park side of the pond but there are a few smaller beaches in other parts too. 

…but No Swimming

Swimming is not allowed at Frensham Little Pond to protect the pond habitat, but you can swim at the nearby Frensham Great Pond. 

The Tern Cafe

The Tern Cafe is next to the pond and only a short walk from the car park. It offers snacks, drinks and ice creams and has picnic tables, some under cover. 

Bird Hide

What will you spy from the bird hide?

The Walks

Although this is called Frensham Little Pond, it is not small – it took us about an hour to walk all the way around. There are benches and a boardwalk along the way. 

There is also a Frensham Little Pond Family Trail you can follow around the pond. 

The Paths

Most of the paths were easy to push a normal buggy across. Some do have tree roots. There are sandy stretches onto Frensham Common that are tougher.

Frensham Common

Frensham Little Pond is part of Frensham Common, an area of open and airy heathland with woods and beautiful viewpoints.

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 3BT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the Tern Cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: You can push a buggy around the pond but choose one that can cope with sand and roots. 

Parking: There are several car parks but they can be very busy when the weather is warm.
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members or from £1.50 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Lots of birds, including ducks, swans, coots, moorhens and squirrels.

Information Written: March 2016
Information Checked: November 2023

Our visit to Frensham Little Pond near Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Two Beaches

You can paddle and swim from either beach within the area marked with buoys and ropes. Neither has much shade so you may want to bring some with you. 

Both of the beaches are near the car park, cafe and toilets. 

The first beach you come to is the larger of the two. 

The second beach is a little further from the car park and is smaller but often less busy.

Sometimes the pond has to be closed to bathers so be sure to check the Frensham Great Pond website before you go to make sure swimming is allowed.

The Cafe

There is a cafe next to the beach and car park that sells snacks, drinks and ice creams and has picnic tables. 

There are also public toilets in this building.

Frensham Little Pond

Frensham Little Pond is about a five minute drive. It offers more shady spots but swimming is not permitted there.

Frensham Common

Both ponds are part of Frensham Common, an area of heathland with beautiful views, heather and lots of paths to explore. 

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 2QB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: It is sandy so it can be hard work to push a buggy to the beach. 

Parking: There is a large car park but it can be very busy when the weather is warm – the website suggests arriving before 10am.
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members or from £1.50 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks.

Information Written: May 2022
Information Checked: November 2023

Our visit to Frensham Great Pond near Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Lyd Well

Lyd Well bubbles with surprising force, 

pumping water through the surrounding fields. 

Somehow it’s still easy to miss, hiding in a clump of trees,

behind a dry stone wall and a pool of water during wetter months 

but not during others.   

This is a seasonal spring so be careful with the timing of your visit. It is magical when bubbling but less impressive when dry. 

I have found it flowing in March 

but not this August, even though it’s been such a wet summer.

Trewsbury Mead

If you continue along the path from Lyd Well, over the fields, 

across the A433

and through a gate 

you will eventually come to a meadow known as Trewsbury Mead 

and the Source of the Thames marker.  

The Source of the River Thames…

This source is marked with a stone 

and a sign post – only 232 miles to the sea!

…Or Is It?

The ultimate source of the Thames is disputed with some saying the source furthest from the mouth of the Thames is Seven Springs in Gloucestershire.  

If you take Seven Springs as the source, it adds a further 14 miles to the length of the Thames. 

Seven Springs is a compact and easy place to visit for a paddle. It also flows throughout the year.

Old Father Thames 

In 1936, a statue of Old Father was placed in Trewsbury Mead to mark the source of the Thames.  

Sadly, it was vandalised and moved again to St John’s Lock, where it can still be found today. 

The Paths…and Stairs!

The paths leading to the source of the Thames are easy to walk on but are not surfaced and can be a little uneven 

and very muddy. 

There is a steep flight of stairs that you have to go up to cross the A433 crossing. 

I have taken a double buggy up these stairs but would not do it again.  

The stairs are very steep and lead straight on to the A433, which runs along the top.  

This isn’t a very busy road but it is fast – the cars fly past – and it’s not somewhere you would want children to stand around while you fiddle with a buggy.  

Nearest Town: Kemble or Coates, near Cirencester
County: Oxfordshire 
Nearest Postcode: GL7 6BS or GL7 6NZ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, eat at the Thames Head Inn (GL7 6NZ) or The Tavern Inn (GL7 6AX).
Facilities: None. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t take a buggy because of the steep flight of stairs next to the fast road.  

Parking: Lay-by on the A429 – as you leave Kemble heading towards Cirencester, look out for a lay-by on the left and right of the road on a bridge over the river (GL7 6BS takes you roughly there). Alternatively, have a meal at the Thames Head Inn and then walk from there.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: March 2017 and August 2023

Our visit to the source of the River Thames at Thames Head or Trewsbury Mead between Kemble and Coates, near Cirencester, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

The Gunpowder Mills were established in 1626 by The East India Company and initially built by a dam near Blacksmith Lane.

By the 1700s there were 18 watermills using huge millstones to grind gunpowder, sulphur and charcoal.

These mills were an important manufacturer and supplier of gunpowder but were abandoned in 1920 and left to go to ruin.

Further details of the history of the Gunpowder Mills can be found on the Albury History Society’s website or pick up a leaflet at the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills.

The Ruins

We started the trail at Blacksmith Lane (see below details on parking) and saw the mill pond and West Lodge, where workers were checked in.

We then walked past the remains of the Corning House, which sadly exploded in 1901, killing 6 men.

Next along the trail are the ruins of an Incorporating Mill, with a fallen chimney and runner stones that were their sides to provide protection in the event of a blast.

There are also two bridges – a modern footbridge (that takes you to Vera’s Lane – see below notes on parking) and a swing bridge used by trams carrying coal to the mills from Chilworth and Albury railway stations.

At the end of the path we found the most complete Gunpowder Mill buildings. There are steps down into these ruins but we did not venture in very far as the floor was very uneven.

Paddling in the River Tillingbourne

The River Tillingbourne runs through this area. It is shallow with a log bridge and a large wooden snail sculpture.

It is perfect for a splash and a paddle. We waded a little way along the river and found a tree that has been made an island by the flowing water.

The Picnic Area

In a clearing in the centre of the woods we found a good sized picnic area.

The Paths

The paths around the Gunpowder Mills were generally earth and grass, which was dry when we visited but may well become muddy after rain.

We found the main paths to be generally wide and flat and we used our all terrain double buggy on them without any problems.

Keep to the Paths

We only walked on the paths because the leaflets and information boards warn that you enter this site at your own risk, you should not climb on the buildings and that there are hidden pits, water features and boggy areas around the grounds.

Chilworth Heritage Trail

If you fancy a longer walk then have a look at the Chilworth Heritage Trail, which starts and ends on Vera’s Path and leads past the ruins and ponds, up to St Martha’s Hill and then back down to the Gunpowder Mills.

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8NP or GU4 8NF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: We used an all terrain buggy but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There are a couple of parking spaces on Blacksmith Lane (GU4 8NF) opposite the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills, which is next to the little bridge. You can also park on the roadside next to Chilworth C of E Infant School (Dorking Road – GU4 8NP) from where there is a footpath, called Vera’s Path, that leads you to the Gunpowder Mills (see photo).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Frogs, toads, butterflies, insects and birds.

Information Written: August 2017
Information Checked: September 2023

Our visit to the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills in Chilworth, near Guildford, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

River Tillingbourne 

When we visited the river was shallow, slow flowing and ideal for paddling, playing and splashing. 

Some children were catching little fish in nets by the bridge. 

Picnics!

There is plenty of space for a lazy picnic next to the river.  

The Tea Rooms

Opposite the green there is a friendly tea room and shop that sells snacks, sandwiches, drinks, nets and buckets.

Abinger Hammer Play Area

Nestled behind some trees on the side of the cricket pitch, is the Abinger Hammer Cricket Ground Play Area with equipment that includes:

• a wooden climbing frame with a slide, climbing walls, nets and a fireman’s pole
• a swing
• a toddler swing
• a seesaw
• a springer
• some balance beams
• a wooden house
• a tunnel
• a rope wall.

Together these last four items can be used as a mini obstacle course.

As the name would suggest, there is a cricket pitch too! 

Nearest Town: Abinger Hammer, Surrey Hills, near Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6QP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None but opposite the green is a small shop that sells nets, coffees, snacks etc.

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

Parking: There is a small car park with about 8 spaces next to the river on Felday Road. It can be very busy during warm weather. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: August 2023

Our visit to Abinger Hammer Cricket Ground, the River Tillingbourne and the Abinger Hammer Cricket Ground Play Area in the Surrey Hills, near Dorking, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Abinger Hammer Play Area

The play area equipment includes:

• a wooden climbing frame with a slide, climbing walls, nets and a fireman’s pole
• a swing
• a toddler swing
• a seesaw
• a springer

• some balance beams
• a wooden house
• a tunnel
• a rope wall.

Together these last four items can be used as a mini obstacle course.

Nearest Town: Abinger Hammer, Surrey Hills, near Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6QP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None but opposite the green is a tea room and shop that sells nets, coffees, sandwiches, snacks etc. 

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

Parking: Parking is tricky. There is a small car park with about 8 spaces on Felday Road. It can be very busy during warm weather. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: August 2023

Our visit to Abinger Hammer Cricket Ground, the River Tillingbourne and the Abinger Hammer Cricket Ground Play Area in the Surrey Hills, near Dorking, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Hogmoor Inclosure Play Area

This has a mixture of natural play equipment and adventure play equipment that includes:

• a large tube slide with a covered rope bridge and long ladders that are broken into sections by wooden platforms
• a wooden climbing frame with nets
• tree stump obstacle courses
• stones to climb on
• a sandy area with sand play equipment 
• a wide slide with a ladder 
• a spinning disc 
• spinning cups 
• three tyre swings 
• a small castle tower with a ladder 
• a swinging basket 
• swings
• a zip wire.

We could not find any toddler swings.

In the play area there is also a little pond that children paddle in.

The Cafe

Cafe Hogmoor is next to the play area and the car park and sells snacks and refreshments. 

The Bee Hive

Between the Hogmoor Cafe and the car park is a little building called the Bee Hive. Next to it are:

• musical instruments 
• a scavenger hunt
• a brass rubbing area. 

The Trails

There are a few marked trails to try that lead you past different features, including gates, activity boards and the Sentinels. 

Nearest Town: Bordon
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU35 9HN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the Cafe Hogmoor. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Some paths are uneven and others are sandy. 

Parking: There is a car park next to the Inclosure’s entrance (GU35 9HN). It can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and insects.

Information Written: October 2021
Information Checked: April 2023

Our visit to Hogmoor Inclosure in Bordon is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Sentinels

The Sentinels are wooden sculptures and there are a few along each of the marked trails. Their locations are shown on the maps by the car park, which you can photo before you set off.

The Trails

There are a few marked trails to try that lead you past different features, including gates, activity boards and the Sentinels. 

The paths are sandy and lower than the surrounding trees. There are lots of little hills for you to run up and explore in parallel to the paths.

The Cafe

Cafe Hogmoor is next to the play area and the car park and sells snacks and refreshments. 

The Bee Hive

Between the Hogmoor Cafe and the car park is a little building called the Bee Hive. Next to it are:

• musical instruments 
• a scavenger hunt
• a brass rubbing area. 

The Hogmoor Inclosure Play Area

The Hogmoor Inclosure Natural Play Area has a mixture of natural play equipment and adventure play equipment that includes:

• a large tube slide with a covered rope bridge and long ladders that are broken into sections by wooden platforms
• a wooden climbing frame with nets
• tree stump obstacle courses
• stones to climb on
• a sandy area with sand play equipment 
• a wide slide with a ladder 
• a spinning disc 
• spinning cups 
• three tyre swings 
• a small castle tower with a ladder 
• a swinging basket 
• swings
• a zip wire.

We could not find any toddler swings.

In the play area there is also a little pond that children paddle in.

Nearest Town: Bordon
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU35 9HN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the Cafe Hogmoor. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Some paths are uneven and others are sandy. 

Parking: There is a car park next to the Inclosure’s entrance (GU35 9HN). It can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and insects.

Information Written: October 2021
Information Checked: April 2023

Our visit to Hogmoor Inclosure Natural Play Area in Bordon is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

River Hamble Country Park

There are three main areas to the country park – Topfield, Manor Farm and Barnfield.

Topfield

Topfield has a dog walking field and barbecues for hire but we spent most of our time at Barnfield and Manor Farm.

Manor Farm

Within the country park is Manor Farm, a Victorian farm with costumed farm workers, historic farm buildings, free-ranging animals and antiquated tractors.

It has plenty of farm animals, including cows and calves, pigs and piglets and hens and chicks.

There are also two play areas on the farm with climb-on tractors, drivable mini-tractors, sand play tables and balance courses as well as a cafe.

Barnfield

The Barn

Next to the car park is The Barn, a visitor centre and a cafe.

The Adventure Play Area

Also next to the car park is the River Hamble Country Park Adventure Play Area, which is inspired by the Grace Dieu (see below).  It has a ship theme and equipment that includes two ships to play on with slides, climbing walls, nets, bridges and ropes. 

It has a ship theme and equipment that includes two ships to play on with slides, climbing walls, nets, bridges and ropes.  There is also a crow’s nest, a large rope swing and musical instruments. 

The Grace Dieu

The stretch of the River Hamble at Barnfield is the site of the Grace Dieu ship wreck. The Grace Dieu was finished in 1418 and became Henry V’s enormous flagship.

Sadly, she never sailed beyond the Isle of Wight as the crew mutinied. Instead, she was brought to the River Hamble.  In 1439, she was struck by lightning, caught fire and burned to the water level.

The size of the Grace Dieu is marked out next to the adventure play area. The mast of the ship would have been the same length!

The Trails

Waymarked trails criss-cross the country park, passing through woods, along the River Hamble and to a pontoon.

The path from the adventure play area leads you into the woods and along the River Hamble. 

The River Hamble

There are a couple of places along the path to the pontoon where you can access the river. 

People paddle, swim, kayak and paddle board but there are two things to note:

• the currents can be strong and 
• when the tide is out it can be very muddy. 

Please be sure to make all the necessary checks before you go. 

Crabbing on the Pontoon

From this pontoon you can fish for crabs with a line. 

The Barn sells the equipment you need but you have to bring your own bait. Their website has further details and some crabbing guidelines.

HMS Cricket

The country park was home to HMS Cricket, a camp built during World War 2 to house and train the assault craft crews that took part in the D-day landings of 1944.

The remains of the buildings can still be seen around the park and there is also a memorial at Barnfield.

The Manor Farm Fairy Folk Story Trail

Alternatively, try the Hampshire County Council Story Trail* called Manor Farm Fairy Folk.

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: Bursledon, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO31 1BH

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free but there is an entry fee for Manor Farm.

Where to Eat: At one of the cafes, rent a barbecue or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Ice creams, picnic areas, cafe, snacks, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

Parking: Several car parks. The ticket machines take cash but you can buy a car park ticket with a card at the Manor Farm Visitor Centre.
Cost of Parking: From £2.50 for the first hour but capped at £7.

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, birds, deer and maybe the odd fairy or two if you follow the story trail!

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: April 2023

Our visit to River Hamble Country Park in Bursledon, near Southampton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The River Hamble Adventure Play Area

Barnfield has a wooden play area with a nautical theme and two ships to sail, capture, climb the rigging and walk the plank. 

It has play equipment including:

• a long rope swing
• a musical wall
• a larger ship with a wobbly bridge, nets, ladders and a chutes and pulleys system, 
• a smaller ship with a slide and a climbing wall
• a crow’s nest with a ladder.

River Hamble Country Park

River Hamble Country Park has trails, a story trail, Manor Farm, access to the River Hamble and a pontoon you can go crabbing from. 

You might also be able to spot the remains of Henry V’s flag ship, the Grace Dieu.  In 1439 she was struck by lightning, caught fire and burned to the water level.

The ship’s size is marked out next to the adventure play area. The mast of the ship would have been the same length!

The Trails

Waymarked trails criss-cross the country park, passing through woods, along the River Hamble and to a pontoon.

The path from the adventure play area leads you into the woods and along the River Hamble. 

The River Hamble

There are a couple of places along the path to the pontoon where you can access the river. You can also go crabbing.

Nearest Town: Bursledon, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO31 1BH

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free but there is an entry fee for Manor Farm.

Where to Eat: At one of the cafes, rent a barbecue or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Ice creams, picnic areas, cafe, snacks, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

Parking: Several car parks. The ticket machines take cash but you can buy a car park ticket with a card at the Manor Farm Visitor Centre.
Cost of Parking: From £2.50 for the first hour but capped at £7.

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, birds, deer and maybe the odd fairy or two if you follow the story trail!

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: April 2023

Our visit to River Hamble Country Park Adventure Play Area in Bursledon, near Southampton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.