Out & about

UPDATE: Due to the current pandemic we have had to put a number of restrictions in place for the PYO, which we hope you will understand and support. Other than our farm shop, and a limited takeaway offering, the rest of the farm (including our toilet facilities) remain closed in line with government guidance. In order to enter the PYO, you will need to buy a fruit voucher in advance which has a timed entry slot to enable us to control numbers on site. This will cost £4 per person and the £4 value can be redeemed at the till against the fruit that you have picked. If you do not pick enough fruit to meet the whole value of the £4 voucher, no refunds will be given. Example basket prices will be shown on entrance. There will be no vouchers available to purchase on the door so if you do not have a voucher, please do not travel to the farm for PYO. This fruit voucher charge is non-refundable so please bear this mind before purchasing should you miss your slot or are unable to visit for any reason. We are looking forward, as much as you, to the carefree days of fruit picking, but for now our priority is keeping everyone safe. At the moment our PYO cannot operate as the usual fun family day out but it can still enable you to have access to the freshest fruit available. We hope to be able to relax these restrictions as soon as guidance allows.

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 you enter the jetty
➡️... 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.