Woodchester Park & Play Trail

Beautiful secluded wooded valley

The tranquil wooded valley contains a 'lost landscape' with remains of an 18th- and 19th-century landscape park with a chain of five lakes. Park Mill Pond is the last of these lakes and features a man-made island that is now a heronry. Large carp can also be seen in the waters.

Secreted away in the surrounding woodland, you'll find an old Boat House, built in the early 19th century. It was restored in 1998 and bats now roost in the roof space, emerging at dusk to hunt over the lake. The wood also hides a disused quarry, which was in use until the early 1900s and provided stone for the Woodchester Estate.

The restoration of this varied landscape is an ongoing project. Waymarked trails (steep in places) lead through picturesque scenery, passing an unfinished Victorian Mansion (not National Trust).

The Woodchester Park Play Trail is based in a lovely woodland setting, along a short, circular waymarked walk.

At the woodland Play Trail you'll find wobble beams, stepping logs, a see-saw, wooden hop-scotch, balance bridges, rope swings and of course a climbing frame or two.

The play trail comes alive with laughter and enthusiastic shrieks most weekends and there's always a great atmosphere during the school holidays.

Remember to wrap up warm and bring wellies.