Hankley Common

Hankley Common has beautiful views and some of the finest heathland in Southern England, all criss-crossed by a network of paths. 

We have stumbled across lizards, onto film sets and down steep, sandy hills. 

The Atlantic Wall

Hidden in the trees near Upper Car Park is the Atlantic Wall, which was built by Canadian soldiers in 1943. 

This was used to train soldiers to overcome the German defences they might face in northern France. 

Dragon’s Teeth

Scattered through the nearby trees are pyramid-shaped anti-tank obstacles, which were also used for training.   

James Bond

Hankley Common was one of the locations used for James Bond’s childhood home in the film Skyfall.  

Thor’s Den

There is a nearby play area called Thor’s Den, which is on the edge of Thursley Common, just a short drive from Hankley Common.

 

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:  2 hours
Buggies:  I wouldn’t bring a buggy here as there are sandy hills to navigate. 

Parking:  There are two car parks that can both be found from Thursley Road. The first is called Upper Car Park and can be found using post code GU8 6LW. It is at the top of a little side road that comes off Thursley Road on the double bend (opposite a sign that says “Hankley TRG Area DZ Huts”). The second is called Thursley Public Car Park, which can be found using post code GU10 2LQ and is towards The Sculpture Park end of the road. 
Cost of Parking:  Free

Wildlife You Might See:  Birds, lizards, deer and insects.

Information Written:  November 2020
Information Checked:  May 2025

 

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

 

Warning: Steep and Uneven Paths!

…but it is not an easy walk and involves steep hills.

This walk isn’t for everyone and should not be chosen without careful thought. 

The Walk to Combe Bottom 

Trying to locate the quarry myself was the really exciting part, and actually took me two visits. 

But for anyone without the luxury of time, here are the directions. 

From West Hanger Car Park there are two ways to walk down the hill to Combe Bottom but be warned, the hill is very steep – it’s not called West Hanger for nothing…

Route 1:  Along the Road

Walk out of the car park to the road. Turn right onto Staple Lane and then right again onto Combe Lane. 

Follow Combe Lane down the hill, around a sharp bend to the right and you will come to this sign on the left. 

Please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

Route 2:  Straight Down West Hanger

Leave the car park by the path on the left and walk into the woods. 

After a short walk through the woods, you meet a trail running to your right. 

Be careful – the trail is very steep and uneven 

and the path may be used by mountain bikers. 

Near the bottom of the hill you will see the road. 

This is Combe Lane and it runs along the bottom of the hill. 

Cross the road and walk a short way to the left, until you see the Combe Bottom sign on your right. 

Again, please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

Finding the Holloway

From the Combe Bottom sign, follow the wild path for five to ten minutes, under trees, 

through brambles patches

and into a holloway. 

If it isn’t too overgrown, you might be able to spot the pillbox on your right. 

The route to the quarry is near the end of the holloway, up the steep bank on your left. 

If you reach this sign and the end of the holloway, you have gone too far. 

To the Quarry!

You should now be standing on top of the steep bank with the holloway behind you. You will notice a second holloway in front of you, which seems to run parallel to the first. 

Believe it or not, this is the path to the quarry!

Follow this to the left until you come to a fallen tree blocking the way. This is the entrance to the lowest part of the quarry. 

A Neolithic Quarry

The only information I can find about this quarry is that it dates back to the Stone Age, or Neolithic period, and was used to quarry flint. 

Today it is a huge, bowl-shaped hole in the hillside with steep sides. 

Flint Tools

As you walk back up to West Hanger car park, and pause for the odd rest or two, keep an eye out for flints lying around or amongst the roots of trees. 

You may spot a flint tool!

Have a look at the Wessex Archaeology website for details of the types of flint to look out for. 

Combe Bottom

Combe Bottom is part of the enchanting Shere Woodlands and sits at the bottom of West Hanger hill.

There is not much to see unless you would like to find the quarry. 

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford, Surrey Hills
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9TE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or use one of the picnic tables. There is also a mobile cafe that visits (please see their website for details). 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Definitely not! 

Parking: West Hanger Car Park.
Cost of Parking: Free

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

Information Written: August 2023

Our visit to the Neolithic flint quarry in West Hanger and Combe Bottom in Shere Woodlands near Guildford and in the Surrey Hills is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum 

At the heart of Beaulieu is the National Motor Museum, which as you’d expect is packed full of cars 

and some motorbikes.

But mainly there are cars –

old cars 

new cars 

record breaking cars 

and famous cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 

Mr Bean’s mini 

and Del Boy’s three wheeler. 

There’s even a car shaped like an orange!

The Monorail 

Beaulieu is also home to the oldest monorail in England, 

which glides above the attractions 

and through the museum building!

Open-Topped Bus

This dates from 1912 and drives you gently around the grounds. 

Ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

At certain times of the year you can book a ride in a replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and also in Mr Toad’s car from the film The Wind in the Willows. 

Have a look at the Beaulieu website for full details. 

World of Top Gear 

There’s also an exhibition of the cars created on ‘Top Gear’.  

Little Beaulieu Adventure Play Area

Probably our favourite part of the visit was Little Beaulieu, the adventure play area, 

which is a labyrinth of secret passages and bridges, 

slides, and walkways. 

The Grounds and Cafe

On top of all that, there are gardens to explore

with Alice in Wonderland shaped bushes 

and a cafe.

Nearest Town: Hythe, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO42 7ZN

Adult Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, cafe, shop, picnic areas, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

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

Information Written: January 2023

Our visit to Beaulieu National Motor Museum in the New Forest is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

St Martha’s Hill and Colyers Hanger

Accessible only on foot, St Martha’s Hill has been a place of worship since Norman times and its beautiful views makes it easy to see why.  

At the very top is St Martha-on-the-Hill church.

The Paths

The paths to the top of the hill are sandy, steep and uneven in places. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the top at a child’s pace. 

The Other Trails

There are other trails shown on the information board and in the car park, one of which is easy access. 

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8PZ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: About two hours.
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring one as there are uneven paths and sandy slopes, which can be steep. 

Parking: There are two car parks, one at Halfpenny Lane (GU4 8PZ) and another on Guildford Lane (GU5 9BQ).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, reptiles butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to St Martha’s Hill in Guildford 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.

Lepe Country Park

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.

Meadows

Alternatively, walk towards the east end of the beach past wild flower meadows on one side and the sea on the other.

This is a buggy friendly route that leads you to the beach, Lepe Point and Stansore Point, where the path becomes much sandier.

Lepe Point Nature Reserve

Lepe Point Nature Reserve, is a protected area of woodland and meadows with a boardwalk, pond and bird hide.

Stansore Point

Stansore Point is a good place to sit and enjoy the view, whether you want to watch huge ships cruise The Solent or gaze across at the Isle of Wight.

D-Day Remnants

There are D-Day remnants near Stansore Point, including pier heads, construction platforms and slip ways.

You can see pictures and find further details on the New Forest Remembers website.

Fossil Finding

At Stansore Point it is also possible to find fossils of shells, plants and mammal bones, including mammoth bones. I understand it is best to look when the tide is out and to bring wellies in case the clay is exposed.

Have a look at the UK Fossil Collecting website for full details.

You can also have a look at the western end of the beach where you can find fossil shells and corals. 

Dinosaur Footprint

Inside the Visitor Centre is a dinosaur footprint, which was found at Lepe. It is on the floor on the right of the desk by the window.

Fairy Door Trails

There are two trails to choose from – one through the Sensory Garden and another across the wild flower meadows and cliffs. 

The doors are marked on a map and are each in a different type of tree with a little explanation about the kind of fairy living inside. 

Lepe Beach

There is a family beach area, which is a very short walk from the car park. 

Further down the beach, low tide reveals a spit of land where we found crabs amongst the rocks, dug holes to catch the sea, built up huge sand castles and found interesting stones, including one of the bone shaped ‘fossils’ mentioned above.

Lepe Country Park Adventure Play Area

The Lepe Country Park Play Area is a wooden adventure play area with equipment that includes:

• a swing
• a toddler swing
• a basket swing
• insect shaped springers
• a seesaw
• play houses
• a double slide with easy to climb stairs
• an obstacle course with logs, stumps, ropes and nets
• a wooden climbing frame
• a snake balance trail
• picnic tables
• seats.

Nearest Town: Exbury, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO45 1AD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: There are some pathways that are buggy friendly along the seafront.  The beach itself can be hard to push a buggy along because it is divided by wooden posts, many of which have rotted to near sand level and are splintered in places.

Parking: There are two pay and display car parks – one next to the play area and fairy trails and another next to the beach, Visitor Centre and cafe. These are connected by stairs that lead down to the beach but we drove between the two because we were using a buggy. We parked easily in both but it must be very busy at peak times.
Cost of Parking: For April to September start at £2.50 for one hour and an all day ticket costs £9.50.

Wildlife You Might See: Seaside wildlife, seabirds and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: September 2017
Information Checked: May 2023

Our visit to Lepe Country Park in Exbury in the New Forest 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.

Hurst Spit

Hurst Spit separates the sea and the Lymington River Estuary.  

To one side it has mudflats and salt marshes.  

To the other it has the sea and views to the Isle of Wight and the Needles. 

Swimming or using inflatables in the sea here is not recommended as the currents are very strong.

Walking to Hurst Castle

The walk to the castle is about two miles and is part of the Solent Way. It is not the easiest of walks.  Sturdy footwear is recommended and it is hard going with a buggy.

You can pick up the path to Hurst Spit and Hurst Castle from Keyhaven Car Park – just head for the Hurst Castle Ferry and then keep walking.  

Sailing to Hurst Castle

If you would like to visit Hurst Castle but don’t fancy the walk or have little ones with you, then consider the Hurst Castle ferry.  

It is a beautiful 20 minute ferry ride through salt marshes, mud flats and moored boats. 

Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle is an artillery fort that was built in the 16th century by Henry VIII to protect the Solent, Southampton and Portsmouth. 

It is one of the best preserved of Henry VIII’s castles and had an active military role until the mid-20th century.

Nearest Town: Lymington, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO41 0TP takes you to Keyhaven Car Park and if you keep driving, Hurst Spit. 

Opens: Daily

Adult Cost Range: Hurst Spit is free but there are various costs for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Child Cost Range: Hurst Spit is free but there are various costs for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Free if: Hurst Spit is free. Children under 5 years enter the castle for free.

Where to Eat: Eat at the Hurst Castle cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets inside Hurt Castle. There are no toilets available for people not visiting the castle. There is a cafe outside the castle that is available to all visitors.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Not buggy friendly. 

Parking: Pay and display car park at Keyhaven. 
Cost of Parking: From £3 for two hours.

Wildlife You Might See: Fish, crabs, seabirds and sea creatures.

Information Written: January 2023

Our visit to Hurst Spit and Hurst Castle near Milford on Sea in the New Forest, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Hurst Castle

The castle is strategically placed at the end of Hurst Spit, halfway between the mainland and the Isle of Wight. It can only be reached by a little ferry or on foot. 

It is a coastal fort so it does not look like a traditional castle. It is low to the ground to make the smallest possible target for enemy ships, 

and has thick walls to withstand bombardment.

Inside the walls is a labyrinth of passageways, stairs 

and some enormous guns on display. 

There are also some beautiful views from the ramparts.

The Ferry – Sailing to Hurst Castle

Our favourite part of the trip was the beautiful twenty minute ferry ride on a boat that takes you past salt marshes, mud flats and moored boats.

The ferries were running every 20 to 30 minutes when we visited. 

Hurst Spit – Walking to Hurst Castle

You can walk to the castle along Hurst Spit, which is about a two mile walk along the sea. This walk is part of the Solent Way.

Hurst Spit is a shingle bank that juts into The Solent, linking Keyhaven and Hurst Castle. It separates the sea from the Lymington River Estuary. 

As this walk takes you over shingle, sturdy footwear is recommended. It is hard going with a buggy.

Swimming or using inflatables in the sea here is not recommended as the currents are very strong.

You can pick up the path to Hurst Spit and Hurst Castle from Keyhaven Car Park – just head for the Hurst Castle Ferry and then keep walking.  

Nearest Town: Lymington, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO41 0TP

Opens: There are various opening times depending on the time of year. Please see the websites for details.

Adult Cost Range: Various costs for the ferry and for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Child Cost Range: Various costs for the ferry and for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Free if: Under 3 years for the ferry. Under 5 years for the castle.

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets inside Hurt Castle. There are no toilets available for people not visiting the castle. There is a cafe outside the castle that is available to all visitors.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Not buggy friendly but you could bring a buggy if you were prepared to leave it somewhere as you explore the castle, which has lots of steps. I wouldn’t take a buggy onto Hurst Spit as it would be too hard to push. 

Parking: Pay and display car park at Keyhaven. 
Cost of Parking: From £3 for two hours.

Wildlife You Might See: Fish, crabs, seabirds and sea creatures.

Information Written: June 2020
Information Checked: July 2022

Our visit to Hurst Castle and the Hurst Castle Ferry, near Milford on Sea in the New Forest, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Samuel Franklin Cody

Samuel Franklin Cody is an exiting and charismatic local character who the museum, and its wonderfully enthusiastic volunteers, have worked hard to bring to life. 

Cody was born in the USA and became a famous Wild West showman. Later in life he became interested in kites and aviation. 

The Cody Flyer 

In 1908, Cody flew British Army Aeroplane No.1A, or The Cody Flyer, over Farnborough for 27 seconds and became the first person to fly a heavier-than-air machine in Britain. This historic moment marked the beginning of a new era for British aviation. 

The Cody Flyer Replica

Volunteers have built an impressive and full-size replica of The Cody Flyer. You can try flying it yourself in a flight simulator.

*The Wind Tunnels at Farnborough

These wind tunnels were used for research from the 1930s until the 1990s. Today these are listed buildings that you can see on a private tour, which includes visiting a tunnel that is 24 feet wide and also the Sea Plane Tank. 

I haven’t taken this tour yet but hope to over the summer. For further information on the Wind Tunnels, please visit the Wind Tunnels section of the Farnbrough Air Sciences Trust Museum website. 

Farnborough Airport

The museum is next to Farnborough Airport so you might also see aeroplanes flying over you. 

Nearest Town: Farnborough
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU14 6TF

Opens: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Cost: Free and donations are welcome.

Where to Eat: There is a coffee shop.
Facilities: Coffee shop, snacks, drinks, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

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

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum in Farnborough is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

At the Top of Box Hill

The Natural Play Trail

Scattered throughout the woods on top of Box Hill are natural play areas that form the Box Hill Natural Play Trail. It has balance courses

a seesaw

ropes 

and a tunnel. 

It’s a fantastic way to liven up a walk in the woods. 

Box Hill

At the top of Box Hill there are several viewing points, a cafe, Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone but this was shut when I visited. 

Box Hill Fort

Box Hill Fort was part of a series of forts built in the 1890s to enable London to defend itself from invasion. It was used again during WW2. 

At the Bottom of Box Hill

The Stepping Stones

The River Mole flows along the foot of Box Hill and can be crossed by jumping between the famous Box Hill Stepping Stones. 

From here you can either continue on up Box Hill or stop and have a paddle or pond dip in the river. 

From April to June the air is heavy with the unmistakable scent of wild garlic.

Nearest Town: Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcodes: Box Hill: KT20 7LB – note that his does not seem to work for all sat navs so follow signs once you start to see them. The Stepping Stones: RH5 6AE – keep an eye out for the car park as it is easy to miss. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths around the car parks are surfaced and buggy-friendly. The paths along the play trail are muddy and uneven in places but I used an all terrain buggy without any issues. 

Parking: There are different car parks to choose from –  a couple on top of Box Hill (KT20 7LB – can be unreliable so follow signs as soon as you see them) and another by the Stepping Stones (RH5 6AE). They all become very busy and are often full by mid-morning. 
Cost of Parking: Free for National Trust members; from £1.50 per hour for non-members.

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

Information Written: June 2018
Information Checked: June 2021

Our visit to Box Hill and the Box Hill Natural Play Trail in Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

 

Spider Island

Spider Island is a small island in the River Avon Water, which was shallow and slow flowing when we visited. The river banks can be muddy so bring wellies. The island is on the right in this photo. And no, we didn’t see any spiders there!

Finding Spider Island

To find Spider Island, follow the circular walking route marked on the Nevi-Wesh Story Trail map. About halfway along the walk (roughly 45 minutes at a child’s pace) you come to a wooden bridge. It is marked FB on the map. Spider island is to the right of the bridge. 

The Story Trail

The Mystical Tale of Nevi-Wesh is a story trail that takes you on a journey around Magpie Bottom to meet magical creatures – including bogarts, fairies, a goblin and a woodland troll – learn to cast a spell, discover Spider Island, and defeat a witch. 

The Paths

The paths are easy to walk along and range from surfaced to muddy and bumpy. There are a couple of small hills. 

Nearest Town: Ringwood, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: BH23 7EQ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: The paths are surfaced in places and muddy in others.

Parking: Holmsley Walk car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Ponies, wood ants, mini-beasts, butterflies, rabbits and birds.

Information Written: April 2021

Our visit to Magpie Island, near Ringwood in the New Forest, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Didcot Railway Centre

As well as two operational railway lines and a science exhibition,

a turntable, a workshop, a World War 2 air raid shelter

and an engine shed full of enormous locomotives you can touch and, in some cases, climb into.

Didcot’s Engines

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

Steam Days

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

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

The Buildings

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

The Engine Shed

My children loved being inside the Engine Shed and enjoyed being able to climb inside the cabs. We couldn’t believe the size of the engines. Some have wheels taller than I am – I had no idea! 

Coal Stage

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

The Branch Line

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

The Main Line

At half a mile, this is the longer of the two operational railway lines and runs from the main platform to Oxford Road station. You can either alight here and walk back through the Centre or stay on for the ride back. 

Day Out with Thomas

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

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

Pendon Museum

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

Wilgrove Halt Play Area

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

Mistakes?

I would be the first to admit that I don’t know much about trains and railways. If I have made any mistakes in this post then please let me know so I can make the corrections! 

Nearest Town: Didcot, near Oxford
County: Oxfordshire
Nearest Postcode: OX11 7NJ

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

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

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

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

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

Information Written: December 2019

Our visit to the Didcot Railway Centre (on a day when the engines were operational but without Thomas), in Didcot near Oxford, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Pink Photos

If you think the photos look a little pink and dark then you’re right. We visited on an eerie day when a storm carried sand over from the Sahara and turned the sun pink!

The Lizard Trail

We followed the Lizard Trail, which is about 2 miles and marked along the way by orange posts. It starts at the main car park and is aimed at families. 

The Paths

Some parts of the paths were surfaced and others were made of loose stones, grass, earth or sand. 

It was hard work in a few places – there were hills and tree roots to contend with but we had no problems with an all-terrain buggy.

Den Building

There are lots of spots to head off the path and build a den. 

World War 2

Headley Heath was used during World War 2 in two ways. The Canadian army had a headquarters here. They created many of the paths that still crisscross the heath and stored ammunition at The Pyramids (the area you come to at marker 6 on the Lizard Trail). The heath was also used to support the Czech resistance.

Nearest Town: Leatherhead
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: KT18 6NN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There is a snack van or bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: Snack van.

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

Parking: There is a medium sized car park. 
Cost of Parking: Various charges but free to National Trust members.

Wildlife You Might See: Deer, dragonflies, grasshoppers, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: October 2017

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

Basildon Park House and Grounds

The house is surrounded by formal gardens and 400 acres of parkland and woods where you can build dens, have a picnic,

fly kites or even look for the remains of Nissen huts used during the Second World War for tank training.

The Walks

There are various signposted walks around the parkland. These routes are marked on the Basildon Park Map, which is on the National Trust’s website. 

Natural Play Areas

Along the routes are natural play areas to enjoy with stumps, logs and dens.

Special Activities

Basildon Park runs activities for various age ranges throughout the year, which are listed on their the Basildon Park website. 

The Ball Runs

During our visit there were two activity trails on. The first led you to ball runs hidden throughout the woods as well as a game where you knock over skittles with a ball on a string.  It was fantastic fun and we used the ball runs over and over again.

Art Boxes

The second was a trail of Art Boxes hidden around the grounds that were full of art equipment you can use to create pictures for entry into an exhibition in September. 

The Paths

There are various footpaths around the grounds – some are surfaced, some gravel and some earth and grass. We did not have any access problems and used an all-terrain buggy.

To reach the house from the car park, we walked for about 10 minutes through a small wooded area with a gravel path and up the driveway. 

There was a gentle flight of stairs on the way into the woods but I was able to bump the buggy up. We did not go inside the house.

Nearest Town: Pangbourne, near Reading
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG8 9NR

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

Opens: Daily.

Where to Eat: There is a cafe and you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a good sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free with entry or with National Trust membership

Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, butterflies, bees, insects and birds.

Information Written: July 2017

Our visit to Basildon Park in Pangbourne, near Reading, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.