Out & about

This is a great park for a day out with lots to entertain all ages. There is a new and exciting main play area · Cafeteria with hot and cold food, drinks and ice creams · Paddling pool with splash park · Small children's play area and sandpit · Boating lake with pedal boats, rowing boats and canoes · Miniature public railway with steam and diesel locomotives · Bouncy castle and battery bikes and cars · Birthday parties available. · All children's play areas are fenced and dog free · Public car park (parking charge in summer - free in winter) · mini golf · hand boats AND MORE

A landscape of woods, meadows, ponds and paths. There are environmental play areas for children, including the Ants Nest, Snake Stepping Stones, Hollow Logs and the Trusty Oak, which offers extensive views across the whole site. The site is an ideal spot for cycling - if you don't have your own bike, you can hire one from the Forest Centre on weekends and school holidays, from April to October.

The boats are now open ❤️😃❤️ on Weekends, Bank holidays and everyday during school holidays 10 am - 6pm
PLEASE NOTE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND SAFETY OF OUR STAFF following measures have been implemented:
➡️Social distancing. Please follow the instructions when you arrive to the site.
➡️ Antibacterial hands application is mandatory before... Read more

The Gruffalo Trail is a firm favourite. Paths are buggy friendly and the trail is a pleasant walk through the woodland where all the characters can be found. No booking required. Maps are available at the visitors centre if needed.

The Pipe Major is proud to be
a family friendly restaurant with
a fantastic beer garden
and childrens play area!

Reasons to visit:
*A wide choice of tasty food
*Fantastic childs menu
with plenty of options
*Daily Carvery from 12 - 8pm
*A great drinks selection
*Buffet menus available
for large gatherings... Read more

The Thorndon Countryside Centre is situated in Thorndon Country Park. There are some fantastic walks through ancient woodland and historic deer parks which lie close alongside recently planted woodland and a landscape of small pastures. Regular wildlife themed and family events are organised throughout the year. Home of the official Gruffalo trail!

Historic, Grade II* listed Valentines Mansion is open to the public and has a fantastic programme of events throughout the year, aimed at both children and adults. These include crafts & activities for kids, including our annual fantastic Mad Hatters Tea Party, to a variety of fairs, workshops and art masterclasses for adults. Please check the Valentines Mansion website for full details.

VIP Trips for Kids is an exclusive children's Luxury Travel Service. We specialise in supervised action-packed days out to London's world-famous attractions and venues for families with children aged 5-14 Yrs old

Weald Country park is a sculpted landscape that has been a deer park and is now a Country Park offering a fantastic open space for locals and visitors. Come along to one of our many events throughout the year, take a relaxing walk and stop off for a well earned latte or cream tea in our Cafe. Children will love feeding our tame deer and sheep. Please note that the Stick Man trail has been removed but there are still several play areas around the park.

Wicksteed Park - the home of children's play - is a unique combination of 147 acres of beautiful Grade II listed parkland plus nature sites, 30 exciting rides for youngsters, extensive playgrounds, a large campsite and the UK's most popular narrow gauge railway, plus plenty of places to eat and relax.