I loved this beautiful set of lakes, they were absolutely magical. The springs that feed the Silent…read morePool (named so for how still, clear and beautiful it is) sit at the bottom end of the lake, and at the minute, you can't (aren't supposed to) go down to the end due to some subsidence on the path. I'm not saying I went down there anyway, but it's so amazing to see a natural spring. The water is a weird, blue colour and so crystal clear that you just want to dip your feet in, especially on a lovely warm day. It's an ancient, historic and oddly mythical lake. The only downside to me is that it's so small! It doesn't take twenty minutes to walk around it.

This is a great place to eat with great views over the lake and you can watch the windsurfers and…read moreskiers. They serve a lovely carvery with a choice of three meats, usually pork, beef, turkey, gammon and occasionally lamb. There is a choice of vegetables which you help yourself to and you can have as much as you want, the roast potatoes are very tasty and well cooked. The waiting staff are very friendly and quick to serve I have never booked, I have just turned up even on a Sunday and got a table but I get there at midday and while I am there it does get busy. There is also a menu to order from if you dont fancy the carvery.

Lovely location with large lake and water sports taking place...enjoyable and varied menu and great…read morein the summer!

What a fabulous day out!! If you're into waterfowl, ponds and beautiful gardens then this is the…read moreplace to be. You need to check up on opening times because it only opens on Bank Hols, NOT Public Hols or weekends, (check out the website for August opening times). Well worth the wait in between though. Beautiful plummage and foliage set beside a Doric Temple, Gothick Boathouse, an old stone Coach house and rustic bridges, the list is endless in this country paradiseum. Without doubt you will need your camera. Free parking ands with an entry price of £6.50.(£5 for us old 'uns), I think it's excellent value.

An idyllic destination a short drive from London, Painshill Park is a great place to spend a day…read moreenjoying the beauty of the English countryside. Created by the eccentric Charles Hamilton, the park was created as a "romantic landscape". Both organized and naturalistic, the park offers many vistas, perspectives and experiences. Created with a variety of follies dotting the landscape, the park offers panoramic views and interesting scenes. Views from the Gothic Temple and the Turkish Tent are breathtaking. While exploring the man-made grotto (which is currently undergoing renovation) you can't help but be in awe of Hamilton's vision while at the same time thinking "This guy must have been totally out there to build stalactites with lathe and plaster and then cover them in pieces of crystal!". Whether walking the grounds, bringing a blanket and a book and enjoying the solitude, Painshill Park is a wonderful place to visit. Be prepared to walk, as the park is large and very hilly. It's a good climb to the top of the Tower as well. Would definitely recommend this if you need a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of London.

A grade 1 listed park, much renovated over the last 25 years, by the trust that owns it…read more Created by Charles Hamilton ,in the mid 18th century, after his 2 (obligatory) Grand Tours, he wanted to create an idyllic natural setting, around a lake, with water diverted from the river Mole. He was very succesful in this, and created a number of follies, a Grotto, and the unusual Turkish Tent. Many of the plants are of American origin, and were just becoming fashionable at the time. It's worth remembering it's a park like setting rather than a garden like Wisley. Reasonable cafe near the entrance, and the ever present gift shop. Worth chcking their website for offers, currently free entry on Wednesdays in November, children free at weekends, and A special Santa event. The Grotto is only open at the weekends. A great place for a walk on a sunny day, great views across the lake and Surrey.

Alice Holt is an amazing and large place for long walks, adventure play park for the kids, Go-Ape,…read morecycle hire and large lake and cafe area...great to go on a sunny day! Lots of different walks can be taken with a Stick Man walk for the little ones! Play park is great and can be difficult getting the younger members of the family out! There are picnic benches along the way, with some great view points too...as its large you don't feel on top of everyone on a busy day...although parking can take a while, so be aware!

A forest owned by the Forestry Commission I had to add a positive review for this place becuase…read morethey were the last place in Farnham to have Christmas trees when I left it too late. It is a lovely day out with paths and walks to suit all ages and abilities - including wheelchair friendly. It also has a cafe and plentiful parking. There are climbing frames for kids in addition to the Go Ape centre within the forest which is for big kids (death slides, assult courses etc). A good picnic location as well as a place to get Christmas trees.

I've been visiting California Country Park since I was a small child, and I still find it as…read morebreathtaking as I ever did. The forest is enchanting, with ferns and moss clearings, the nature trails are incredible, winding through the hidden bogs and woodland, and the lake is beautiful, teeming with fish and birds. Bring the children to feed the swans, meet the baby ducklings and play in the log themed playground, complete with zip line and a paddling pool in the summer. Have a cup of coffee, slice of cake or ice cream at Jackson's Cafe, and wander the park, breathing in the fresh air of true nature. It is one of my favourite places in the world, I hope you enjoy it just as much.

This is a beautiful park where you can enjoy a walk, run, picnics or photography. It's very…read morepeaceful and (I believe) free! There is a small snack stand to grab a coffee or a treat before your activity. Serene is the best word I think to describe the park. You can see the Queen's swans and dogs are allowed now, but I don't believe they need a leash the entire time. Great scenic spots for photos. I really enjoyed my visit to Virginia Water.

The Valley Garden at Virginia Water is a magical place. The "Punch Bowl" is especially gorgeous,…read morefilled with flowers and bursting colors in May. A must see. And, you won't believe that this is part of the "Greater London." Just a quick train ride away for a day trip. It is a great hiking place and paradise for photographers. The only slightly annoying issue is there are no toilets. At all. More an issue for girls than guys.

Best week of my life. I highly recommend going to the adventure playground and tell people they…read morecant go on the zip-wire fun for the whole family!

This is a big country park with quite a bit to do for younger children. As you can imagine there…read moreis lots of space to run about in, a few different play parks, a nice long walk around the lake and different nature trails signposted to keep the kids interested. There is also a ginat jumping pillow but unfortunately they don't let adults have a go! There is a good amount of picnic tables and places to sit, so definitely take a picnic and make a day of it. You'll want to stay and get your moneys worth after the price you've paid to get in. There are also a number of events that take place in the park, check their website before your visit to check if anything fun is on. There are toilets that are kept clean with good access for young kids (steps to stand on, lower sinks and hand driers) and a large shop selling all kinds of stuff, as there is a campsite within the park too. At £10 for adults and £8 for kids ages 3-10 (under 3yrs are free) during the peak summer months, it can add up to an expensive day out and when the park is full of other things that cost a bit here and there it can all add up e.g. the little train costs £1 per person to ride.

Winkworth arboretum is a lovely place for an afternoon out: established in the late 1930s by Dr…read moreWilfred Fox, it consists of a steep, narrow valley with a long lake, surrounded by woodland and meadows. It is now in the care of the National Trust. There are lots of paths to choose from, as well as a play area for children, sculptures and great views. Some routes are relatively level and easy to walk, whereas those down to the lake involve some long flights of steep steps down - and then of course back again. The children's area has rustic climbing and activity pieces - a bit like junior outward bound. On our visit there was an archery course under way for young people, which looked great fun. There's a cafe serving beverages and a limited range of snacks, cakes and ice-creams. Parking is free but there's an entry charge unless you are a National Trust member.

The best way to sum up our visit is with the words of my two young daughters, 'Can we come back…read moretomorrow?'. They loved exploring the winding paths through this 'woodland' property.