South Stoke 

South Stoke is the epitome of park planning, in my humble opinion. Not only is the park really lovely, but located right next to it is the village shop - which is actually a shipping container and, the crowning glory, the holy grail of all parks - a clean and cared for toilet! I could barely contain my excitement.

South Stoke is about a 15 minute car journey from Didcot. I had never been there and was directed there by a resident of North Stoke village, as we found there is no park there. To get to South Stoke, take the second right off the A4074 as it intersects with the A4130 (coming from Didcot if you turn left you'll be going towards Crowmarsh Gifford, turning left leads you towards Reading). You will pass The Springs Hotel on your right. Continue past the signs for North Stoke for a couple of miles. Turn right at the next junction (the signs direct you off to Woodcote on your left). You will find yourself on Ferry Road. Continue underneath the railway bridge, through the village, bearing left. Drive past the church on your left, the school, and the Perch and Pike pub. Take the next left (the park is signposted) and you will find you are going back under the railway. The park is the next entrance on your left. 

This park appears to have been designed with the knowledge that people will travel there. There is a lot of parking. 

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

This park has a couple of lovely communal features that are at first intriguing. For instance there is a pit that resembles something you might find in the village from the film 'The Wicker Man', and there is a large iron torch planted in the middle, lit on special occasions. I have been told the pit is used on bonfire night. South Stoke is a few miles from anywhere but not that far away! 

The shop sells hot drinks and hot food, in addition to the usual stuff you'd expect to find. In common with most other community shops (Brightwell cum Sotwell, East Hagbourne, East Hendred spring to mind) the ladies who staff the shop are very helpful and rightly, proud. 

Equipment suitable for older and younger children.

Shade and swings

Zipwire easy to use but apparently 'not very fast'.

Communal foci. 

We stayed in South Stoke park for over two hours. My children played with a succession of other visiting children and had a truly marvellous time.

The Church was being renovated so unfortunately I couldn't get in. That and the pub are very good reasons to go back. 

I have since learned that the pit is in fact a bbq. Obvious if you're not me:) 

The village has a school and a very active Facebook page. 

Nearby parks

Ipsden, Woodcote, Checkendon.