Wet and muddy in Ashdown Forest

On new year's day we always go for a walk and this new year's day was no exception. So although it was pouring with rain, we ventured out into Ashdown Forest.

It wasn't raining when we set off so we didn't take anything remotely waterproof with us. Agh! But luckily we had wellies in the boot of the car, and a battered old umbrella.

The forest is enormous - 6500 acres if that means anything to you! Making it the biggest free public space in the south-east.

It was the inspiration for AA Milne's Hundred Acre Wood in the Winne the Pooh stories. It's made up of forest and heathland, and it might very well be my favourite place in this part of the UK.

I have to admit I am normally a bit disappointed when I go for 'country' walks around Sevenoaks because you still seem so close to civilisation. You can still hear traffic and it never feels completely peaceful.

But Ashdown Forest is totally different - the views are stunning and there is no traffic noise at all (until you get closer to the car parks).

There is a pushchair-friendly walk, but we took our baby carrier and went on one of the steeper climbs.

Although the path was very clear, we managed to take a wrong turn and got a bit lost. Panic.

We soon found our way back to the path and the circular walk we took from the Forest Centre took us about an hour and a half.

It was very, very, very muddy. Calum lost one of his wellies in a big puddle (twice) and there was lots of slipping and sliding. So if with very little ones I'd recommend waiting until it's a bit drier.

Five no price tag stars for Ashdown Forest though. Even in the pouring rain. I can't wait till the spring to try it again!

Ashdown Forest
Forest Centre
Colemans Hatch Road
RH18 5JP

Free parking

Walking maps

Jumping up and down in muddy puddles . . . at Sevenoaks Nature Reserve

After a torrential downpour this morning, the sun was shining as we set off for Sevenoaks Nature Reserve.

Orla was very excited because she got to wear her new wellies for the very first time. In fact I think that could have been the highlight of her day if it wasn't for the amazing muddy puddles we found when we arrived at the reserve.

Sevenoaks Nature Reserve is a series of lakes made from old gravel pits. It's a bit of a bird watcher's paradise with little hides dotted around, and lots of different birds to look out for.

I will quite happily admit that I am no bird watcher - but I did spot a heron (whoop for my birdy knowledge) and as Orla loves everything airborne we checked out magpies and other probably much more exotic birds.

We followed the nature trail and spent a lot of our time going from puddle to puddle.

There are some lovely views across the lakes, and the visitors' centre is full of information about what you can see there at different times of the year. It's also full of stuffed birds which I find a bit creepy - especially when you can see the real thing outside.

There are lots of rules - no picnics, no bikes, no dogs, no jogging, try to keep quiet (not sure anyone with children can stick to that one!), but there are plenty of other places where you can do all those things.

Parking is free, and the cafe and visitors' centre are open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm this winter.

Sevenoaks Nature Reserve
Bradbourne Vale Road
Sevenoaks TN13 3DH

A cool time on Coolings nature trail

*** Coolings isn't free anymore! Noooo! It now costs £1.50. So not a huge dent in your pocket. Which is why the review is still here . . .***

If you've an hour or two to spare at the weekend, you could do a lot worse than visit Coolings nature trail in Knockholt.

With wallabies, pigs, chickens and sheep, it's like a mini-farm. Add its wigwams and teepees, and its lakes and woodland, and you have a very good afternoon out (as long as the weather's ok).

When we visited the wallaby joeys were just getting brave enough to come out of their mothers' pouches - very exciting! The piglets were very noisy. And the human sundial kept my four-year-old Calum entertained while I fed the baby.

The nature trail is pretty flat, although I did need some help with the pushchair over some huge tree roots.

Parking is free (hurrah!), but don't take picnics. They're not allowed on the trail. There is a cafe onsite, which is not cheap (especially for children's meals) but has quite tasty food.

Oh and don't go to the wrong Coolings! The nature trail is at Coolings Green & Pleasant not Coolings Garden Centre which is very close by.

Opening times

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 4.30pm

Map