Wellington Country Park

...PARK DETAILS***

Wellington Country Park
Odiham Road
Riseley
READING
Berkshire RG7 1SP

Tel: 0118 932 6444

info@wellington-country-park.co.uk

http://www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

**Opening times as of 2007: **

The Park is open daily from February half term to early November. The times during 2007 are:

10th - 25th ...
...Little History*****

Wellington Country Park was established in 1974 by the Eighth Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Their kind intentions were to provide a large area where the population of the Thames Valley could enjoy outdoor activities, educate and discover natural history and more importantly develop an interest in the countryside itself. I think they succeeded in their quest with what I witnessed at this park.

** ... more

Last week I was privileged to be a parent helper on my daughter’s pre-school trip. The destination was not far from our home address yet I had never heard of this place before. Not only was I able to spend the day with a lovely group of pre-schoolers but I was able to take in some breathtaking scenery and fresh air.

What a thoroughly enjoyable day lay ahead for us all and this park deserves a review to encourage (hopefully) more visitors. Situated within easy reach of both the M4 and M3, the park is open daily and is well signposted from the A33.

*** PARK DETAILS***

Wellington Country Park
Odiham Road
Riseley
READING
Berkshire RG7 1SP

Tel: 0118 932 6444

info@wellington-country-park.co.uk

http://www.wellington-country-park.co.uk

**Opening times as of 2007: **

The Park is open daily from February half term to early November. The times during 2007 are:

10th - 25th February 10.00am – 4.30pm
15th - 31st March 10.00am – 4.30pm
1st April - 30th September 10.00am – 5.30pm
1st October - 4th November 10.00am – 4.30pm

Last admissions are one hour before closing. Entrance gates will be locked one hour after closing. The campsite is open daily from 15th March to 4th November.

**** Prices as of 2007****

Adults - £6.00
Children (3 -15years) - £5.00
Senior Citizens - £5.00
Family (2 adults, 2 children) - £19.50
Under 3 years of age – free

Cash, cheques or credit/debit cards are welcome. Groups of 20 or more receive a 20% discount, therefore ideal for school trips.

*** A Little History*****

Wellington Country Park was established in 1974 by the Eighth Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Their kind intentions were to provide a large area where the population of the Thames Valley could enjoy outdoor activities, educate and discover natural history and more importantly develop an interest in the countryside itself. I think they succeeded in their quest with what I witnessed at this park.

** What to Expect ***

As you approach the park, you will notice that it is very well sign posted. Follow the woodland trail into the vast car park amongst the Conifer trees. It is a very shady area and ideal for leaving your vehicle. You will need a car as I saw no bus route into the place. It is free to park your vehicle.

However as with most places in today’s world, do not leave your car unlocked and remove or hide all valuables, such as a Sat Nav.
The reception area is where you pay for your entrance to the park. It is a large pine building with heavy double doors. As well as paying for your entrance, there is a cafeteria, very small and expensive shop and toilets.

Once you have paid your ticket, you continue through the automatic security gates into 350 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside. There is so much for the family to explore, with lakes, parkland, and open spaces, woodland areas all connected by nature trails, comfortable and somewhat clean picnic sites and vast play areas for the children. You will be confused to know where to begin.

The areas for children are: Play Trail, Snakes and Ladders, Enchanted Forest, Water Play, Sand Pit, Mini Railway (costs £1 per person), Adventure Playground (older childen only), Crazy Golf and next to the reception the Toddlers Play Area. All of these are scattered around the park but you are given a map to show exactly where to go.

When we got there, my daughter and her friend ran straight towards the wet play and sand area on the left hand side. The wet play is separate from the over sized sand pit. In the wet area, the children are able to pump water up and down the wooden channels and then see it flow over the edges back into the tray underneath. Lots of splashing with hands and wet arms, but that’s all they can get damp.

The pump is suspended above a long wooden channel and it is too narrow for the little one’s to actually climb in.

They all seem to have great delight in seeing the endless water pump through the tray and back again to the bottom trough. Behind them is a beautiful view of the lakes. With lots of seating around this section, just sit down and relax whilst they get their cuffs soaking wet. The sand pit next door has a selection of mechanical machinery for the little one’s to dig with. Play in the sand and let them build a stream for the water to flow along and then disappear under the sand again. Just this area alone will provide endless entertainment.

However I would imagine on a hot weekend, this would become packed and heaving with youngsters fighting to get to the pump first. We were lucky being able to visit during the week when most people were at work and children were at school.

Further along is yet another small area where children can run through large concrete pipes, climb on an immobilised and ancient blue tractor, jump aboard a small wooden train and encourage pretend play or just sit on a mini size bench and watch their friends enjoy themselves. Around this section are more picnic benches and seats for mum and dad too so you can keep a watchful eye.

Another favourite area was the Snakes and Ladders. Walk past the large dinosaur T Rex hiding in the undergrowth and you will see an area situated on a hill of just slides and ladders. In the middle is a massive slide which is unsuitable for under 5’s as they need to climb a large wooden ladder to gain access to the top. Once at the top, the slide curls its way down through an enclosed tunnel and out onto the floor. The remaining slides are a bit tamer.

Unfortunately as this area is adjacent to the lakes, the wildlife seems to enjoy resting here and the grass is full of bird excrement. I am not talking pea size here, these are large piles of green pooh and it’s everywhere. It’s like walking in a minefield. I never saw any ducks, swans or geese as the children played but I expect in the evening when the visitors have left, they probably nest under the benches and eat the remains of the picnics that are dropped on the grass.

Next to the slides is the Crazy Golf. Pick up your child’s club by the door in the reception and grab a ball inside the basket and let the children try to work their way over small slopes and hurdles. When I was there midweek, there were several small marquees erected around the crazy golf section but I had no idea what they were for.
Many species of birds have become residents since the lake was opened. These include Canada Geese, Coots, Egyptian Geese and Great Crested Grebes. As the park is surrounded by lakes, you will easily spot some of these and the remains of last night’s food.

Remember you are not just here to let the kids let off steam. Take time to enjoy the nature trails that are all signposted, these are called:

The Woodland Trail – Blue
One of the shorter walks. This trail leads you through a grove of mature conifers and some large mature oaks.

Water Fowl – Green
A level path runs along the lakes and embankment, making this ideal for wheel chair users. Many more picnic areas in this tranquil trail as are the Canada Geese and their droppings so be warned. Fishing is allowed here so please respect the anglers around the waters edge.

Antler – Red
This takes about an hour to stroll around but this is where the deer are situated. Unfortunately when we were there they didn’t want to come out of hiding and we only spotted a handful before they darted inside the tall dark pine trees.

Bird Spotter – Yellow
Meander through coppiced birch, beech trees and conifers and breathe in the pungent smells of the forest. This is where a beautiful
Red Admiral (butterfly) rested on my toe whilst I was standing still admiring the size of the conifers. I had never seen one so close and it didn’t appear to want to leave my foot.

You won’t be able to get yourself lost as the trails all have a pathway to follow and an entrance and an exit. As long as you stick to the rules, you’ll be fine.

*** Dogs***

Dogs are allowed inside the park and should be kept on a lead if possible, especially on the Antler Trail. All responsible dog owners should pick up their dogs pooh and this park is no exception. There are pooh bins situated around the park but only by the reception area is where you can obtain your free pooh bag. You can buy a season ticket allowing you and your pooch unlimited access to the park for that season.

**** The Café*****

Situated inside the reception area, you would have noticed it coming in. I took a picnic and only purchased a tea, an ice cream and two cold drinks from here so cannot comment on the food quality. From what I saw the prices ranged from £1.00 upwards depending on what you had. Ribena juice cartons were £0.99, an ice cream was £1.80 and a tea in a polystyrene cup (yuk) was £1. The pine seating area inside was clean and comfortable.

To be honest, take your own picnic. It’s more enjoyable eating in the great outdoors and it’s cheaper too. Unlike Moors Valley Country Park which I also reviewed, this place has litter bins all over the place for your rubbish so you don’t have to take it home with you.

**** Toilets****

Only one set as far as I could see and these were in the entrance by the café. The Ladies loo is hidden in the left hand side of the café, took us a while to find it. The Gents is right in the middle of the building with a massive great arrow pointing towards it.
The toilets were cleanish, nothing beyond the call of cleanliness, just bearable. Very dark and subdued lighting inside but has adequate washing facilities and hand driers.

*** Forthcoming Events *****
I
n July the following will be happening:
Queen, U2 and Earth Wind and fire perform a concert on the 7th. Not the originals of course but one of many “copy” bands that tour the UK.
A family fun dog show on 8th
Bootleg Beatles on 14th ( I have seen these and they are excellent, well worth the ticket price), The Secret Police and Motown Show.
Firework Spectacular on Saturday 3rd November.
As far as I know, the tickets are bought at the same place where you bought your park entrance tickets or direct online via http://www.marvellousfestivals.com. Please check the website or call the customer info line prior to the day.

*** Camping***

Camping is permitted here but in a separate section to where the public walk around. As you approach the park, instead of turning left into the car park, take a sharp right where you will see a large green gate that is always shut but not locked. This is the campers section.
Facilities are for touring and motor caravans, up to 26’ and tents. Electricity is supplied on pitches, but is not supplied to the tents. Ladies’ and Gents’ washing facilities comprise toilets, showers, hot and cold water, shaving points and the essential hair dryers.
I have never used this part of the park so cannot comment. Fees vary depending on the season so please call 0118 9326 444 for more detailed information and booking conditions.

*** Conclusion****

Apparently there used to be a small holding with various animals here, but for the time being it remains closed to the public.

From what we saw and did here, I would say this place is good value. There is something for all ages and because most of the woodland has been landscaped, it provides easy access for disabled visitors and those in buggies.

I cannot comment on the staff as they were few and far between, it seems everything and everyone is centred around the entrtance. I saw no Park Rangers that day but then it was quiet and perhaps no need for them to patrol the grounds.

The one disadvantage was the amount of bird pooh and secondly, the lack of toilets further down the park. If you need the loo whilst in the red zone, it’s a long way back to the entrance.

Unlike Moors Valley Country Park, this place does not allow bikes inside. Only children’s bikes are permitted and they must be small or have stabilisers. Skate boards and wheelies are also banned.

Don’t let that put you off though; it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. 

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