Moving into Surrey-please give me lots on advice on where to take 4yr old DS

[rabbitrabbit]

Hello, am moving near Elstead end of July and would be very very grateful for any ideas on activities for 4yr old DS. He loves soft play, playgrounds etc so all suggestions welcomed.

I don't mind driving further afield so please feel free!

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Help please!

Birdworld which is near Farnham is great, dunno your area but if it isn't too far away it is worth a visit as is Alice Holt Forest

Thanks Bibis. Have been to Birdworld once, many moons ago, and had all but forgotten about it so will go again.
Right, am off to search for Alice Holt Forest x

just googled it, you are only about 10/15 mins away so really worth going

Just found it too! Thanks for that, it's definitely worth a visit

Spectrum Centre in Guildford

Winkworth Arboretum

Frensham ponds (though apparently, nannynick was saying you can't swim there any more)

used to walk along the canal near Ash Vale station and end up at a lovely pub

there are so many outdoorsy type places near you for walks (like devil's punchbowl etc.)

Some suggestions on mumsnet local - I will put ds to bed and then come back to this thread

bocketts farm near leatherhead. Loads to do, soft play, oudoor parks, and the animals.

the Watercress line (steam train, sometimes Thomas visits it) is in Alton

fabulous outdoor pool at Aldershot (and one in Guildford, the Lido, too)

Thanks everyone!
(Fox, do you know everything? )

Please, please keep them coming.

Re Frensham Ponds-we were there a few weeks ago and there were many people swimming. Unless it's a very recent change obviously.

My parents are in Elstead and we are in Guildford

In Godalming we like Winkworth Arborteum and the little playground and feeding the ducks by the river followed by a healthy muffin at the natural cafe ( where they have a few toys).

In Guildford Stoke Park which has a good playground, a fabby paddling pool and loads to explore.

If you like soft play there is the Kool Club in Farncombe, Little Angels in Guildford (which I hate) but the best are in Farnborough ( Fizzy Kids or Wizzy World).

Guildford has the Spectrum sports centre which is brilliant, it has three pools (one with slides), ice skating, bowling and soft play.

I have two boys, the youngest is 4 and starting school in September so if you are feeling a bit isolated CAT me.
Do you know where DS is going to school yet?

Hello Kaz, thanks for introducing yourself. We're actually moving into Peper Harow (which is close to Elstead-not that many people seem to know it.)
Ds isn't starting school yet, probably not until Y1, as he's not been very well so he'll be going to Hambledon nursery a few days a week from September-we loved it when we first visited.
I'd be very grateful if you have any recommendations re schools though as I do need to get his name down for next year.

Thanks again everyone, very much appreciated

Hi rabbitrabbit - I remember your thread from sometime ago - i thought you were moving to Chiddingfold.

Re frensham ponds - you can swim in the big lake/pond but not the little pond - which is over the other side of the road

Next to the Lido in Aldershot is the rushmoor gym - wonderful place for play gym or gym lessons.

There is also a lido (much smaller) in Petersfield

Walking - Alice Holt (fab), Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Waggoners Wells,

Great parks (kids swings and stuff), Churt and Frensham.

Paultons park is about 1 hour away (Southampton)

Will think further

Hi Indignatio, we were going to Chiddingfold but then that all fell through so now we're off to Elstead!
Thanks for the suggestions, they're going to help alot x

I live in berkshrie, but I am loving the look of the lido and frensham ponds. It's still way closer than the coast. Isn't swimming outside cold here though?

you arent so far from me in elstead

agree with birdworld and frensham ponds and the spectrum, also the herons leisure centre in haslemere has a nice pool and small soft play area

there is a nice pottery cafe in godalming

legoland is only 45 mins drive from me (i am nr godalming), so also not so far from you

fishers farm park is within easy driving distance too

Of yes, Fishers Farm and Bocketts farm are great

Frensham garden centre has a nice cafe and small playground for the kids.

Can I just mention Alice Holt again - the most wonderful place

This is a nice day out too. My dds enjoyed it.

Hollycombe Steam Collection

2 miles from the main A3 Liphook, Hampshire.
A unique collection of steam powered fun fair rides dating from the 1870's, small steam railways, traction engines, traditional farm and sawmill.

Hollycombe is also great, but do check the website before going. It is only open some afternoons as it is staffed by volunteers - never in the morning.

Godstone Farm

lol rabbit

I spent a year or so living in Ash Vale and then a fairly long time in Merrow near Guildford. Twas a while ago though.

rabbit - I live very close by and also have a 4 year old ds, I moved here a couple of years ago and have two dds' aged 5 & 7. Ds starts school in Sept.

Off the top of my head I can't think of any other ideas except that there is a soft play at the Herons leisure centre in haslemere, which is the closest and not bad.

If you'd like to meet up for a coffee with the boys it would be nice to meet you. I've never met a MN'r.

Hambledon nursery has a wonderful reputation.

Hi rabbitrabbit - not sure of the state schools in that area. Are you thinking of private or state?

The leading boys private school is Lanesborough.

If you are thinking state then it is probably a case of getting his name on a waiting list and seeing if a place becomes avaliable as the good ones will be over subscribed. Saying that there is a lot of movement in and out in this area so you should get a slot.

My parents friends have two little girls and I know they did not send their kids to the local Elstead primary as they weren't happy with it. But that is about 5 or 6 years ago so may have changed. I think they went to the primary in Chiddingfold (?)

And another recommendation - Elstead common is a great place to explore and there is even a tarmac road running through part of the common - great for cycling.