You’ve 160 species of birds and mammals to meet at Beale Wildlife Park, plus a splash pool, narrow-gauge railway, jumping pillow, gardens and playgrounds. Or head out to Legoland to take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas with over 55 interactive rides, live shows and attractions in 150 acres of beautiful parkland.
Ride the lovely Oxfordshire countryside on the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway. Meet crocs, lizards and turtles at Crocodiles of the World. Burn some energy at Redkangaroo Reading on the 12 tennis courts, trampolines, parkour, ninja course and wipeout game. Or paint your own pots at HaaHoos Ceramics.
Have a go on the canoes, kayaks and rafts at Longridge Activity Centre, or stay dry- side and brave the leap of faith, the giant swing and the climbing wall. Learn all about nature at Warburg Nature Reserve, armed with wildlife explorer packs. Or visit Stonor Park, not for the stately home but for the epic adventure playground.
Solve the clues on the plaques and statues and complete the Marlow Mystery Trail. Take a walk in the woods at Checkendon Equestrian Centre. Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at Escape Hunt Reading. Or try climbing, kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding at Dinton Activity Centre.
Fitness fiend? Come in May and do the Tough Mudder, an international assault course designed by the Special Forces and featuring razor wire, inverted fences, and electroshock therapy. Or take to the water: hire a canoe or kayak or book a boat trip down the Thames.
Stock up on fresh fare from the Thursday Charter Market, a fixture in Henley since the 13th century. Vulture some culture on the Henley Arts Trail, with 25 venues hosting 150 artists and their work. Or walk the Thames path to Mill Meadows and March Lock. Keep going to Lower Shiplake and refuel with lunch at Orwell’s.
Try the Henley Ale Trail: download a map and visit all ten Brakspear pubs. Make it (not all in one night) and you’ll get a free pint and a t-shirt in the last one. Or just follow the Henley Trail – see an Ice Age relic, visit Dusty Springfield’s ashes, and have a gander at the mansion of former Beatle George Harrison.
Book a tasting session at Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery. Bring the river, rowing and the arts to life at the Henley River and Rowing Museum. Or come in July and watch the Regatta, a quintessential part of the British sporting summer. Pack the Pimm’s and cucumber sandwiches.
