Aldenham Country Park in Elstree has so many activities to enjoy with your little ones. Set in 100 acres of countryside you can enjoy scenic walks, playgrounds, ride Pony’s, explore Winnie The Pooh’s home in 100 Aker Woods and meet the animals on the farm.
This was our first visit to the park and we spent 2.5 hours there exploring 100 Aker Woods and the farm. You could easily spend a lot longer there and take a picnic with you. A few areas of the park were still closed when we visited due to Covid-19 so just check before you visit to see what’s open.
100 Aker Woods
Home to Winnie The Pooh and friends this is a great area of the park to explore with your little ones. There are lots of locations from the books to find from Pooh Bears House to the sandy pit where Roo plays.
You can also play Poohsticks at Pooh Bridge. Disappointingly when we visited the water wasn’t flowing under the bridge so we were really just chucking sticks into still water but she still loved finding the sticks and chucking them in.
There’s only a short distance between each stop making it easy for little legs to walk round. We took the pram as I wasn’t sure how far the start of the trail was from the car park (and she’d been making me carry her all week) but it wasn’t too far and definitely walkable.
Unfortunately there were a few stops that were full of litter. Such a shame that some people feel the need to ruin places like this. Luckily it didn’t ruin the whole trail but it did annoy me.
Farm Park
Within Aldenham Country Park is a small working farm with the opportunity to see loads of animals on their farm trail. On the trail you’ll see alpacas, chickens, goats, rabbits, pigs, cows, sheep and more. She loved running around and seeing all the animals, especially the baby pigs and cows!
There are a few changes in operation at the moment due to Covid-19. There is a one way system in place on the trail and the petting zone, egg collecting and pony rides are not running. When everything returns to normal there are loads of interactive activities where your little ones can feed and stroke the animals.
Lake and Nature Trail
We didn’t have chance to do any of the trails this time but there are a couple of lovely trails to walk or bike round. The Lakeside Walk (just over 2km) takes you around the reservoir and the chance to enjoy some great views. The Nature Trail is a great toddler friendly walk as it’s under 1km and takes you around part of the reservoir and introduces some of the main habitats within the park.
Adventure Playground
The Adventure Playground is part of the SEND Pavillion, which is a specialist play centre for children and young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. The SEND Pavillion has a mix of indoor and outdoor play facilities but most of it is closed at the moment. The Adventure Playground was closed when we visited but has recently reopened. From 9am – 11am the playground is exclusively for SEND only. Outside of this anyone can enjoy the playground. There are three 1.5 hour slots between 11.30am – 5.30pm and you just turn up and pay on the day. It’s £3 per child and adults and under 2’s are free. For more information and slot times visit their website.
Food and Drink
They have a cafe onsite, The Farm Kitchen, but it was still closed when we visited due to Covid-19. However the Clockhouse Kiosk was open and they sell drinks, sandwiches, pasties, cakes, snacks and ice cream for takeaway. There are also picnic areas for you to bring your own lunch.
Best bits: We really loved 100 Aker Woods and all the areas to explore. She hasn’t read any Winnie The Pooh books and still loved it, so if she knew the stories I’m sure she’d love it even more. The farm is also great! It’s a brilliant size for toddlers and full of animals she loves. You could easily spend a full day here enjoying all the activities on offer.
Worst bits: The littering in 100 Aker Woods was a shame. It could do with a bit of a clean up.
Cost: Various. Parking – £4.50 for the day. Farm – £5 for adults and £4.50 for children, under 2’s are free. Adventure Playground – £3 per person, adults and under 2’s free. You can enjoy 100 Aker Woods and the rest of the country park for free.
Pram friendly: Yes
Bike & scooter friendly: Yes
Location & parking: Plenty of parking onsite at £4.50 for the day
Sat nav: WD6 3AT
