Winchester Parks Review: Oram's Arbour Playground
Oram's Arbour Playground, is a small play area located within a larger field in the Fulfood area of Winchester, near Winchester Station. The park has a really interesting history as it was an enclosed settlement during the Iron Age, now it is a field on a slope and a very chilled place to hang out.
Age Group
Equipment is aimed at all ages: not the easiest place to take younger children though.
Getting there and parking
Nearest car park I think is the station, otherwise it is in a residential area so best to check out before your visit.
Equipment
Big / high climbing frame with wooden bar bridge, chain stairs and chain bridge
Basket roundabout
Lower rope climbing frame.
Little horse bouncer
Small slide
Basket swing
Toddler swing
See saw operated by standing and jumping on it.
Small wooden train/
Road track (bring your scooters!)
Two spinning polls
5 benches
2 picnic tables with 2 benches each
Watch Out For
The big climbing frame. It is a piece of equipment aimed at older children, however it is in the middle of the park and little children just want to go on it. For this reason, I had avoided taking my children to this playground, as it was stressful to keep them safe around the big frame. However now they are older, they love the challenge that the big frame provides and I think we will be visiting a bit more often.
On the day we visited I noticed the gate didn’t close by itself so it is worth keeping an eye on that if your child is a runner.
Shading
We went in July in the morning, during this time of day there was decent tree shade for me to sit in, and due to the position I imagine the shade would increase as the day goes on.
Toilets
I believe the nearest public loos would be at the train station.
Picnic Area
There is lots of grass within the fenced in playground for people to sit on, plus the two picnic tables and the field surrounding the playground.
Coffee
As far as I can tell, there are no cafes in the immediate area - however there is a coffee stand at the station and there is the lovely Leaf and Bean Cafe on Stockbridge Rd. Plus it really isn’t far from the High Street, it takes us about 15 minutes walk to The Square with little feet (its downhill towards town).
The View and Atmosphere
Whenever we have visited we have found Oram's Arbour to be a really peaceful playground and park. It is surrounded by pretty trees and houses and there is a nice view from the top of the grassy slope.
We have been doing our own park trail during the holidays, starting at Oram's Arbour and going down to Abbey Gardens (plenty of loos there) and then stopping by North Walls on the way home. They all have something different to offer in terms of equipment which my girls love.
Insider’s View
I don’t know anyone who lives in this particular area but I can see this park seems to be a really nice meeting place and community resource, so if you are considering moving to Fulflood - please know - you will love this park! It is also within walking distance from Winchester Station / Royal Hampshire Hospital and St Pauls Doctors Surgery (she says from experience!), so if you have an appointment or are waiting for someone on the train - you might find this playground rather handy.
About the Author:
I (Evie Winter) am a local Mum, photographer and blogger as well as a former childcare professional.
I passionately believe all children should be given access to safe, good quality playgrounds, and with that in mind I have been reviewing local Winchester playgrounds to encourage people to visit them. I have been going in my spare time with my young children, and I’ve done my best to research and give the correct information. If you have any suggestions or corrections, please send a polite email to hello@eviewinter.com.
Many Thanks. Evie
