Fun For The Good | Blog #9

QUICK REVIEW (with pictures):

California Country Park | Finchampstead | Berkshire

We recently visited California Country Park in Berkshire. It offers free (aside from parking costs), outdoor fun, with an opportunity for all ages to enjoy time in nature.

Here’s my quick review of California Country Park:

Location

California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40 4HU. Directions.

Car park

There are around 300 parking spaces. For the first three hours, it costs £2.40 per hour (£7.20 total) or a flat rate, £9.60 daily charge.

I will say, there was some confusion in our group about how and when to pay for parking. I paid at a machine when I arrived and received a ticket, but my friends paid differently – one paid by phone on arrival and the other “checked in” and paid at the end. So just check carefully when you arrive.

Depending on where you park, it could be a 30 second walk to the main play area and cafe, or a five minute walk.

California Country Park description

“California Country Park covers 40 hectares and is set within 100 acres of ancient bogland and lowland heath. It offers scenic walks, wildlife watching, fishing and more.”

Steph Martin Creative description

“Country park, with lakeside play area, seasonal paddling pool, cafe and walking trails.”

Overall rating

8/10 We went when the paddling pool was closed (out of season) and the weather was a bit overcast. However, we still spent an easy four hours there, enjoying the play park and wandering around the lake. Aside from parking costs (if you’ve driven), you don’t need to spend any money.

However, if you did go when the paddling pool was open, you do need to book in advance and there is a cost. More details below.

Activities

Play areas

There’s a big park, with lots of activities. It’s laid out into two key areas:

The Sensory Garden includes climbing frames, slides, musical instruments, a water feature, swings and trampolines.

The Wild Wood has a zip line, tree house with slide, balance beams, ropes and monkey bars.

Paddling pool

The park has a large paddling pool, which opens seasonally. You have to book your space and each session runs for 1 hour 45 minutes.

They charge per child and adults who need to be in the pool with their children also need to book and pay a small fee. Swimming costumes need to be worn but there are no specific changing areas, so you’ll need to plan for that. There are toilets onsite.

Lake and hiking trails

There’s a small lake, which has a paved footpath. You can’t walk adjacent to the lake the entire way around – instead, the circular walk takes you through the forest.

There are a number of hiking routes, but not all would necessarily be suitable for wheels because they’re not hard-surfaced and would get muddy if it’s rained.

Places to eat

Jackson’s California Lake Cafe offers breakfast, hot and cold food, snacks, ice creams and drinks.

Outside, you can enjoy a picnic, with benches situated around the park.

Accessibility

If you’re a wheelchair user, I would say some of the park would be a bit difficult to navigate – the car park doesn’t have great paths all the way through and The Wild Wood playground is wood-chipped.

However, there are a lot of smooth, paved areas, including in most of the play area and around the lake. Some play equipment is suitable for wheelchairs and there is a changing places facility.

Return rating

10/10 would go again.

Cost

It’s free to visit the park. Prices for the paddling pool are from £3.15 per child and £1.30pp for adults entering the pool to help. Parking charges start from £2.40 per hour.

You can find out more about California Country Park at www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/california-country-park

Let’s connect

If you think Steph Martin Creative (that’s me!) can help your business, charity or community-focused organisation with their communications, please drop an email to hello@stephmartincreative.com.

Follow Steph Martin Creative:
LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Read my other blog posts

Home