Outdoor Activities
When your kids have an urge to let off some steam, here in the South East there is no excuse for them not to get active and let their imagination run wild.
Children’s tastes and interests are as eclectic as their parents, and there is plenty to satisfy both: of course the beautiful beaches and parks are a big draw, but there are also plenty of other outdoor attractions where they can cut loose, while parents chill out and keep an eye on their progeny.
Featured Outdoor Activities
Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire
It’s not just the adults that get to have fun at Ascot Racecourse! With five dedicated family racedays throughout the year, a day at the races can be enjoyed by all of the family. Whether you are watching the race eagerly from the sidelines, or enjoying the entertainment away from the course, a day at Ascot is fantastic fun and a brilliant change for your average day out.
Bedgebury National Pinetum, Kent
Bedgebury is perfect for cycling, walking, riding and playing in a spectacular world of trees. The National Pinetum is the world's best conifer collection and a beautiful place to walk and picnic in all seasons. The 2000-acre Bedgebury Forest offers family cycling, mountain-biking, riding, walking, Go Ape and adventure play for all ages and abilities. For healthy outdoor activity in a beautiful setting, Bedgebury is in a class of its own.
Exbury Gardens, Hampshire
Exbury Gardens is a spectacular 200 acre site offering families a fantastic outdoors adventure with over 20 miles of pathways, three woods and parkland to explore. The Steam Railway is the highlight of the day for most families. The 20 min journey around the north-east corner of the Gardens commences at Exbury Central Station and Children are encouraged to look out for the railway’s woodland creatures made out of moss, including rabbits, a squirrel, deer, and a New Forest pony.
Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure
Take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set up to 120 feet above the forest floor. Go Ape offers two to three hours of tree top fun. It’s a great way to get outdoors and have some fun. There’s no greater rush than the great outdoors, so whether your tribe is a stag do, birthday party, corporate event or simply a day out with the kids, we make our courses as fun and as accessible as possible.
Isle of Wight with Wightlink Ferries
With more than half of the Isle of Wight classified an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you might have a hard time knowing where to stay exploring! Families can use Wightlink’s ‘Secret Wight’ guide to find miles of virgin sand, rock pools, flora and fauna and even dinosaur bones that have been hidden for millions of years. Take a Wightlink ferry across to the Isle of Wight for a real sense of setting off on a trip overseas then set out on foot for an outdoor adventure.
Kent Life, Kent
Kent Life near Maidstone is one of Kent's premier heritage farm attractions. With over 28 acres of rich and vibrant Kent history families can immerse themselves in its fascinating heritage as they tour the historic houses and meet the colourful characters that lived there. Let the kids run wild in the exciting outdoor play area or take a drive on one of our electric quad bikes. Enjoy fun activities and animal encounters on the village green.
Painshill Park, Surrey
Painshill Park offers visitors a 158-acre wonderland. Magnificently restored – with a mystic mix of awesome views, surreal follies, serpentine lake and historic plantings – it is one of Europe’s most important 18th century landscape gardens. Visit the amazing Crystal Grotto, the Ruined Abbey, the magical Gothic Temple and an exotic Turkish Tent. Throughout the year families can enjoy entertaining events and holiday activities.
River Thames
The River Thames is an endless source of outdoor adventures. There are plenty of passenger boats offering river trips up and down the Thames, whether you are hiring a boat of an hour, a day or a long weekend. The Thames Path National Trial follows the river for 184 miles from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea, passing through peaceful water meadows, rural villages, historic towns and cities. Dust off the walking boots or the bicycle and explore the trail with your family.
VisitBuckinghamshire
Enjoy a day out in the fresh air by enjoying any number of fun outdoor activities in Buckinghamshire. With the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a huge choice of walks, rides and cycleways, numerous Country Parks, treetop forest adventures and the River Thames, the hardest decision will be what to do first.
