Hampshire Playground Reviews
This latest review takes us to Stratford, London and is one I have been wanting to do for a long time, and I finally got my chance! Each year we go and see the relatives in London and this playground is one of our favourite places to go on this trip. Well the girls love the playground and I love Stratford, Westfield, so everyone is happy.
Picture the scene… the grandparents have suggested a meet up somewhere pretty near Southampton, and now you have to find somewhere that has something fun for three generations. You have heard of Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, and you know about the play area - but is it one that will keep the kids happy?
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.
Review of Wonky Park on Abbott’s Walk, in Abbotts Barton - an open playground ideal for play and getting a taste of the countryside…
One vital concern for families moving to a new area if what is ‘is there a new playground, and what is it like?’ if you are moving to the Highcliffe area of Winchester - you are in for a treat. The local playground just off the top of Gordon Rd has been recently renovated and is an asset to the local community.
Just like property, parks are about location, location, location and North Walls is no exception. It’s location is what makes it our most frequently visited park even though it’s park layout is a bit of a pain.
A few months ago I was at the Good Life Cafe in Kings Worthy, now called Cobbs Farm and was chatting to a couple who were driving from Devon to Northampton. They were stopping off for a bite to eat and some exercise before continuing their journey. In fact since then I have met a few people who were stopping off on their journey. Winchester and it’s parks have a great potential of not only serving locals but people travelling through.
A lot of our park trips we do just to see the park, Alresford was a bit of an unexpected treat when meeting a friends. We met up at a pop up cafe called Arlbury Cafe (with it’s great soft play, it deserves a review all of it’s own really!), the girls and I finished our visit with a walk down the beautiful river.
Since starting to review parks in and around Winchester, I have been asking other Winchester mother’s which their favourite parks are. The one that comes out top is the following - Oliver’s Battery Rec…
About Playground Reviews by Evie Winter
My background as childcare professional of 16 years and now as a mother, I understand the benefits of local playgrounds for all children, they are a place for children to be free to be themselves, to develop gross motor skills and to develop relationships with other children.
These reviews have been created through trips to playgrounds with my own daughters, they are not perfect but should give you enough information to know whether the playground would suit the needs of your children. They are based on our experience on the day, and the local info I have been able to obtain.
In regards to safety and condition of the park, my standards are high, I believe all children deserve the best and especially in council run playgrounds which are accessible to children from all backgrounds.
If you have anything to add, please email me at hello @ eviewinter . com - I am more than happy to edit, add or revise if needed, I just appreciate being asked respectfully.
Many Thanks, Evie (Local Winchester Mum)
“I think access to playgrounds should be a children’s right, there is nothing like them for including all children in society no matter how much money you have. A place when you can exercise, play, meet other children, have fun.”