Moors Valley Country Park

Situated 10 miles north of Bournemouth, this has become one of the most popular parks in the south of England. It is a great place to take children, with a wide range of activities and play equipment to enjoy.

At the heart of the park is the visitor centre, an 18th century timber barn which houses Seasons Restaurant (for freshly cooked breakfasts, light lunches and homemade cakes),  The Country Shop (selling a wide range of countryside and natural history related items and gifts), the cycle hire centre, information point, exhibition area and Wardens’ office.

A few minutes walk from here is the Adventure Play Area for older children and a special Castle and Sand Area for toddlers.  Next to the Play Area is a large, picturesque lake and grass area suitable for picnics and outdoor games.

Within the Forest itself there is a Play Trail consisting of 8 wooden play structures situated on a 3/4 mile walk and, half way along it is the Tree Top Trail consisting of a 5 metre high wooden walkway running for 200m through the tops of the trees providing a unique view of the forest.

Moors Valley Railway was one of the first developments at the park and is now The South's longest, fully signalled narrow-gauge steam railway taking passengers on a 10 minute journey around the play area and alongside the lake. There is also a model railway shop at the station.

Finally, Moors Valley is home to an 18-hole golf course covering 6337 yards together with a 4 hole pitch and putt course and practice facilities open to everyone and a new high wire forest adventure called Go Ape! which involves travelling from tree to tree strapped into a harness, both of which should be booked in advance.

So, whether you want to entertain the children, play golf or take a beautiful countryside walk, Moors Valley Country Park is the perfect place to do it.

More information at www.moors-valley.co.uk, www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk and www.goape.co.uk