Tuesday 30 September 2014

West Ilsley


I was told that West Ilsley was worth a visit and it is. A lovely little playground - with cows looking over the fence, a large green and a pub. Take some duck food  - there's a pond, too. 

Find this park on the google map I made for you. 

To get to West Isley is really simple. Go south (from Didcot) down the A34, take the first slip road, go over the bridge following the directions to West Ilsey - you'll be travelling along Bury Lane for a little while. When you get to the village, turn right along the 'Tour of Berkshire'. The park is on your left hand side. You really can't miss it - it is really easy to find. 

There's no designated parking, we parked along the road outside the farm but the road isn't busy.

My children really enjoyed this playground and we were there for 1.5 hours. I really like that the swings are sectioned off a bit from the rest of the equipment and in a corner.




There is equipment for children of all ages, little swings, big swings, a big slide, little slide:
















The pub - The Harrow - is the white building in the centre of the page. They very kindly allowed my children to use their facilities. 

Nearby: 

You can get to the Ridgeway from Bury Lane. There is designated parking either side of the road. 


Monday 1 September 2014

Hampstead Norreys

To get to Hampstead Norreys follow the road around from Compton. You can either continue on down the main road all the way through Compton, or take the road right just before you get to Compton. Either way will do. 

Find this park on the google map I made for you. 

It took a fair while to find this park and recreation ground because the village is so long and I went the long way around to it - the road from Compton is basically a loop. However, if you have been to the Living Rainforest then you'll most certainly be able to find it. It is right next to the school. There's loads of room for parking next to the village hall.

This park's equipment is a bit more grown up compared to Compton's. There's lots of seating and more shade. The park is not enclosed, unlike East Ilsley's or Compton's. I don't recall seeing any 'no dogs allowed' sign, although there is an extensive list of other things that are prohibited, see below. I think 'F' (below) might be difficult to enforce unless there is a person collecting smart phones at the entrance to the recreation ground. 

There is a lot of adult equipment in this park, too. 






Massive recreation ground.
















It's for adults, too:) 

I haven't gotten around to finding out about toilets yet - but I shall shortly. 

Nearby parks:



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Compton


Compton is the next village down from East Ilsley. You will see a sign near the pond. 

Find this park on the google map I made for you. 

The recreation ground in Compton is near the village hall. This is signposted - this sign can be seen from the main road. If you are coming from East Ilsley you will be turning right onto Manor Crescent, then first left into Burrell Road. There is loads of parking behind the village hall. It is not apparent that theere is a large parking area, you do have to drive passed the village hall first - keep your eyes peeled. 

This park is new. It is metal, laid out in a long strip, just like Woodcote's park, and also has very little shade in the afternoon. This park has equipment for young children. My son didn't fancy the climbing frame - he said it was too small - but the 'merry go round' - the same as you'd find in Florence park - is pretty fast. 












Nearby Parks:


East Ilsley
Hampstead Norreys

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East Ilsley

Okay - not Oxfordshire but in my defense it IS really close. East Ilsley, for those who don't know, is off the A34 Southbound between the Milton Interchange and Newbury. It is closer to the Chilton slip road if you choose to access the A34 that way. East Islel village has 'one way' roads. As usual I didn't know where the park is but I do know by now that they are usually either next to the village hall or next to the school. In this instance the recreation ground can be found next to the school. The school can be found on Church Hill. You will need to drive passed the village pond - it's on the corner, you can't miss it - continue straight ahead onto Cow Lane then turn right onto Church Hill. You'll se the sign for the school and the park is at the end of the road.

Find this park on the google map I made for you. 

There is no designated parking. We parked on the road.





Zip wire is currently out of action.



Lots of shade in this park:) 



Climbing frame for little ones.







Swings for little ones.



Looks like fun:) 



For bigger children.















The field in the background is another public recreation field. 

My son decided he needed the loo, which was perfect because the landlady of The Swan has agreed to allow the use of her loo. 




Nearby Parks


Compton
Hampstead Norreys

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