Hatchlands Park National Trust is on the edge of the Surrey hills and just 45 minutes outside Greater London. The green wide-open spaces and ancient woodland at Hatchlands Park make it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle and soak up the tranquility of the parkland.
Hatchlands Park was built in the 1750s for naval hero Admiral Edward Boscawen and his wife Frances. Since then it has housed wealthy families, a finishing school for girls and even a printing press. It is still a family home, containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and fine furniture. Also on display is the Cobbe Collection, Europe’s largest collection of keyboard instruments associated with famous composers including JC Bach, Chopin and Elgar. The house is open on four afternoons a week, between April and October. The 400 acres of rolling parkland and woodland is one of the largest country estates in the area.
From the first snowdrops in February and the glorious bluebells in the spring, to the summer wild flower meadow and glowing autumn colour, Hatchlands Park is full of interest throughout the seasons. It’s also a great place for families to enjoy – there are trails, children’s activities as well as Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren – a natural adventure area featuring hand-crafted willow tunnels, domes and balance beams and a tree house.
The Wizard Wix’s Willow Warren play area is fantastic. There’s a big treehouse, a smaller house with a pipe to climb through and so much to climb on and explore.
The children absolutely love this area and it’s a great place to spend some time and break up a Hatchlands Park visit. There are picnic benches to make the most of and the children will happily spend and hour or two playing and having a little adventure.
Myself and the little ones had a great morning here, although we didn’t manage to explore the whole park (their little legs got too tired) we had lots of fun looking at all the flowers coming into bloom, we saw daffodils and snowdrops along our route. There was also a special half term event on today where there were various nautical themed ducks hidden around the park. This added the extra bit of fun to our walk and we had great fun in trying to spot the little rubber ducks.
On a warm sunny day there are various benches scattered about so would be perfect to sit, relax and enjoy a picnic. There are also various wildlife animals which you will come across. From afar we were able to see sheep and cattle grazing.
There are two on-site cafes the Coach House Café serves takeaway drinks, cakes, snacks and lunches. The Kitchen Café has eat in or takeaway options. These are conveniently located in the main courtyard area where all the toilet and changing facilities are. You can also meet the resident donkeys Callum and Morris, who can be found in the cobbled courtyard or grazing nearby.
This is the perfect place to explore with the little ones and grab some fresh air, or the perfect place to walk your four legged friend too.
