Go Safari
Wild about birds
Xtreme Falconry will be exhibiting their birds at Mapledurham House in Reading on Sunday 22 June. The kids will be in awe of the impressive displays of birds and even get a chance to get up close and personal to ‘meet’ them. To record the special moment photographs will be taken and will be available to purchase. Normal house and watermill admission prices apply but there is no extra charge for this event. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these amazing birds in action.
If you go down to the woods today..
The National Trust is running a series of woodland walks this year just right for the family that wants to get back to nature.
Sunday 18 May (11.30am-4pm) - take your family on a guided ‘Woodlands in Spring’ walk through the woods. Leaving from the magnificent Cliveden formal gardens in Maidenhead this tour is sure to delight and inspire all members of the family. Bookings essential 01628 605069. Adults £5 Children £2.50.
Sunday 1 June (11am – 4pm) - or why not find out more about the birds at Cliveden on a bird woodland trail? The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will take you and the kids on a fascinating woodland trail, the family will be sure to learn lots of interesting facts and have fun participating in the many family activities on offer. £2 per child plus normal admission charge applies. Bookings not needed.
28 May-1 June - come and explore the nature of Basildon Park during Hidden Nature Week when there will be lots of family activities and trails available. Normal Admission Charges Apply. Booking Not Needed.
Pet the animals at Beale Park
Enjoy a day at Beale Park wildlife park. Here you will find a lots activities to enjoy from the deer park, pets corner and train rides to gardens and exotic animals including meerkats, wallabys and alpaca. New for 2008 you can also meet Peggy-Sue and Borris, two new Capybaras who have moved in over the winter! You can learn more about the wildlife, conservation and plants you see at the park in the new self tutoring education room which has themed zones and detailed worksheets especially for children. You could also grab a bit to eat at the park’s café and refreshments or you can walk along the picturesque Thames Path National Trail into Pangbourne where there are a number of family friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants (walk is around 30 minutes).
A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) costs £24.00. You can also get afloat from the park and take a 30 minute boat trip on the river with Thames Rivercruise - trips cost £4.50 for adults, £3 for children and £4 for OAPs, under 4s go free.
Chertsey Mead
Why not pack a picnic and explore beautiful Chertsey Meads? With 71 acres of parkland right beside the Thames, it’s a haven for wildlife. You can laze around in beautiful surroundings by the river and watch the world go by while the children play and spot the wildlife. You might be lucky enough to see farmland birds such as bullfinch, lesser whitethroat and skylark.
After exploring the Mead you could visit Chertsey Museum and find out more about the history of the area. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Mead and free to enter.