Although fun packed days out with the kids to various amusements park and activities are great fun, sometimes a bite to eat and a walk in nature is just as lovely.
We have some wonderful cafes and walks we would love to recommend for you to try with your families.
Reigate
Cullenders Parkside is a locally owned deli, farm shop and kitchen serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. Located on the edge of Priory Park in the heart of Reigate, it’s a fantastic spot to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee with a fresh pastry or a light bite after running around the park with the kids.
They have all the traditional breakfast options you would usually hope to find, from a traditional full English breakfast, brioche bacon butties to French toast with roasted peaches, crème fraiche and maple syrup… Personally I would go for the latter! Lunch is just as mouth-watering, with a great variety of sandwiches and hot food to pick from. Their dedicated children’s menu would temp even us! Chicken skewers with fries and salad to falafel plates and yummy cheese toasties.
For those of you that aren’t so familiar with Priory Park, it is a beautiful park in the centre of Reigate town centre with a fantastic children’s area with sand and water features in the summer months as well as a huge wooden ship to climb. A skatepark, tennis and ball courts, a croquet lawn, toilets and a carpark. The park’s beautiful formal gardens are a joy to stroll around, as is the lake and woodland – there is something for everyone to enjoy and certainly to visit as a family throughout the year.
Banstead
Chai in Banstead is one of the most beautiful cafés you will ever walk into (in our opinion!) if like us, you are obsessed with interiors then you will undoubtedly also fall in love the moment you set through the door. Think shabby chic, meets boho eclectic with a touch of warm and welcoming, a sprinkle of your typical artisan bakery meets cool brunch hangout! You may be after a speciality tea or coffee, or a fresh organic smoothie teamed with a delicious cake or pastry? Or how about a weekend brunch consisting of homemade pancakes topped with fresh berries, maple syrup and Greek yoghurt? If, you don’t have such a sweet tooth they also offer smashed avocado on hot buttered toast seasoned with garlic, lime, chilli, tomatoes, chorizo, and rocket- sounds pretty incredible right?! Their children’s menu offers some great options too, so we think this a could be great spot to fuel up before exploring Banstead’s very own Narnia Trail!
This wonderful eatery is only a five-minute drive to Banstead Woods and Narnia Trail, a lovely walk the kids are sure to love. If you are fans of the of the much-loved CS Lewis book, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe then you will recognise the large wooden sculptures depicting some iconic scenes from the story along your woodland adventure. With easy access from Banstead and a car park on site you won’t have any issues finding it. The ancient woodland area covers 250 acres, but you will find most of the sculptures along the pathway, along with many different signs for the kids to keep a look out for. See if you can spot Aslan the lion, Lucy Pevensey or even the wardrobe to Narnia!
Forest Row
If you are planning a day adventuring with the kids in Ashdown Forest this summer, then we would recommend popping into Maria’s Café in Forest Row to fill up some hungry bellies before setting off on your journey to find Christopher Robin and his friends!
Set in Blenheim Studios in the heart of the village and owned by Maria herself is this delightful café. It’s a great hidden gem to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, a light breakfast or lunch or even some delicious homemade cakes and tea! You can even order a lovely picnic hamper filled with a variety of your chosen goodies to keep you going on your journey around the woods.
Ashdown Forest is a large open area of heathland occupying the High Wield Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Also famously known for and visited by thousands every year to experience the 100 acre wood, play Pooh sticks and visit Pooh Corner! The original Pooh Sticks Bridge built in 1907 is said to have been the same bridge Milne and Christopher Robin first played the game, if you have visited before you will I’m sure have played yourself! The Pooh Walk is a great way to spend the day in the great outdoors taking you to The Enchanted Place and The Sandy Pit as well as The North Pole and Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy Place! Remember to look closely, in-between the trees and bushes so that you don’t miss anything! Of course, there are also plenty of other things you can do in Ashdown Forest such as The Bluebell Railway with the chance to ride on a steam train in an original vintage steamer!
Haywards Heath
Beech Hurst Park is not only home to beautiful gardens to let the kids run around in but it’s also well known for the Miniature Railway. Located just outside of Haywards Heath, it’s a great place for the kids to be able to ride on the on the mini steam railway. The half mile track offers great views and features two tunnels, steaming bays, a clubhouse, and workshops, covered accommodation and a coloured light signalling system- just like the real deal! It’s not only fun for the kids but also the adults! As well as enjoying the rides, they can also try their hand at helping maintain the railway and model trains. Beech Hurst Park also has a children’s playground, tennis courts and bowls.
If you build up a good appetite you could top off your day by visiting Flinders in Haywards Heath for a light snacks. This popular café provides locally sourced produce with speciality roasted coffee, made especially by Lindfield Coffee Works. Their warm apple and fennel sausage rolls are homemade as is the freshly made doughnuts and cakes. They also offer delicious afternoon tea boxes including sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiches, cakes and scones with jam and cream- the main reason we would probably visit!!
Oxted
The Deli in Oxted is a wonderful breakfast, brunch and lunch hang out. Much loved by the local residents which is a true reflection of their delicious menu. For breakfast they offer fresh sourdough with various options from scrambled eggs to peanut butter, banana, and coconut flakes. Brunch is a mix between a sausage buttie with spicy relish to soaked oats mixed with fruits and cinnamon. They also offer a variety of sandwiches, baguettes and deli specials as well as a separate menu for the little ones. Whatever you decide to go for, you won’t be making any bad choices as they are all amazing!
Just outside of Oxted town centre is Limpsfield Common. A beautiful walk to take the kids, where you will find a collection of adorable miniature houses for woodland creatures. The various trails look like they have just been picked out of a fairy tale book! On your way, you will encounter Hedgehog Hall, Peter Rabbits Post Office, Fox Villa, Beaver Bug Hotel, Owl’s House, Badger Barrack’s, and Mole’s Hole. There are tree swings made from car tyres to play on and plenty of dens to hide in- a truly magical woodland to get lost in nature!
We hope you decide to take up one of our recommendations, we would love to hear about your experience!
All these locations are covered by our offices which cover Surrey and Sussex. If you are thinking of moving or selling within Surrey and Sussex why not take a look at our current property portfolio – we would be delighted to have a chat with you about your dream home. Whether you are thinking of moving or selling, just give us a call to book a valuation – we can’t wait to speak with you!
Images are via the stunning locations and venues we have recommended, all venues have been linked.