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There's nothing quite like that first proper autumn day out! Pumpkin picking season kicks off at the very start of October and runs right through to Halloween, and this year there are more brilliant options right on our doorstep. We have rounded up the best pumpkin patches in and around West Berkshire, plus two firm family favourites just over in Oxfordshire that are always worth the short drive. Cobbs Hungerford Pop-up Pumpkin Patch Cobbs at Hungerford, A4, RG17 0SP 🗓️ Open daily from Friday 23rd to Saturday 31st October, 10am–3pm 🎟️ No booking needed — just turn up, choose your pumpkin (small, medium or large) and pay on the way out Pumpkins go on a first-come-first-served basis while stocks last, so they recommend visiting earlier in the run rather than leaving it to Halloween Pumpkin Carving (in the Play Barn) 🗓️ Alternate days over half term: 24th, 26th, 28th and 30th October 🕐 Three session times each day: 9:45am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm (each session runs 2.5 hours) 🎟️ £15 per child — booking essential via cobbsplaybarn.co.uk Includes: free play in the Play Barn, a sweet treat and unlimited squash, plus a pumpkin to pick, carve and take home. There's also a Spooky Craft Session (25th, 27th, 29th October) if carving isn't your thing — £10/child, 2-hour sessions with a Halloween spider craft to take home, same booking process. While you are there: the farm shop café is well worth visiting as well as the Indoor Play Barn to burn off extra energy. Hallcourt Farm, Midgham Family-run and full of festive charm, Hallcourt Farm's pumpkin patch includes a Wild Woodland Trail and Halloween pumpkin carving in their themed barn. It's easily reached from Woolhampton, Thatcham and Reading, so a great option if you're this side of Newbury. 📍 Midgham, West Berkshire 🗓️ 17th–19th October, then daily 23rd–31st October 2026 🎟️ Book online in advance Wasing Estate, near Aldermaston If you fancy something a little more magical, Wasing's Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Woodland Trail is a proper family favourite. You'll wander an enchanting woodland trail past a life-sized fairytale pumpkin carriage, spot woodland creatures, make a wish at the wishing well and explore the mysterious Witch's Apothecary, before heading to the rustic pumpkin patch (wheelbarrow in hand!) to choose your pumpkin. There's an outdoor café serving warming pumpkin soup too, perfect for chillier mornings. 📍 The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD 🗓️ Selected dates, 16th–31st October 2026 Berkshire Farm Girl, Newbury Right on our doorstep in Newbury, Berkshire Farm Girls' pumpkin patch pairs plenty of pumpkins with a maize and sweetcorn maze. Keep an eye out for extras on selected dates including a monster machinery weekend, horse-drawn carriage rides and face painting. 📍 Newbury, RG18 9LS 🗓️ 2026 dates and tickets available via their website Millets Farm Centre, near Abingdon A long-standing favourite for West Berks families, Millets Farm's pumpkin field opens with thousands of homegrown pumpkins to choose from, plus spooky props and photo opportunities. Grab a wheelbarrow and take your pick of shapes, sizes and colours, whether you're cooking or carving. For an extra bit of magic, their Pumpkins by Night event runs in the maze complex with a spooky woodland trail, live actors and entertainment (this isn't a scare night, so it's still very much family-friendly). 📍 Kingston Road, Frilford, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 5HB 🗓️ PYO Pumpkin Patch: 3rd–4th, 10th–11th, 17th–18th and 22nd–31st October 2026 🗓️ Pumpkins by Night: 16th–18th and 23rd–30th October, 5–10pm (last entry 8pm) 🎟️ Booking essential, prices vary by date; pumpkins charged separately (£1–£10 depending on size) 🐾 Dog friendly on 31st October only High Lodge Farm, Culham (near Abingdon) If you've followed along with our own family camping adventures at High Lodge, you'll know it's a magical spot right on the banks of the Thames — and their Halloween pumpkin picking is just as lovely. Head into the witchy woods via their sunflower graveyard, spot hidden letters along the trail for a free sweet treat, then choose from thousands of pumpkins of every shape and size at the pumpkin patch. Sledges, wheelbarrows and baby barrows are all on hand, and The Toot serves up hot drinks and locally baked treats to warm up with. For older kids (or braver grown-ups), their Pumpkin Nights let you explore the woodland trail after dark and pick your pumpkin by torchlight. 📍 High Lodge Farm, Abingdon Road, Culham, Oxfordshire, OX14 3BN 🗓️ Selected dates throughout October 2026 (popular sessions sell out, so book early) The Little Play Lounge – The Little Harvest Festival The Little Harvest Festival brings pumpkin picking, little ride-on tractors, hay bales, harvest games and seasonal fun for younger children. There's an autumn trail, a pumpkin patch, and self-led outdoor activities to enjoy at your own pace 📍The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Padworth Common 🗓️ 10, 11, 17 & 18 October 🎃 Our Top Tips for Pumpkin Picking Day Book ahead – most patches now run on timed tickets, and popular dates (especially half term) sell out fast. Dress for mud – these are all working farms, so wellies over trainers every time. Bring your own bags – some farms ask you to carry pumpkins yourselves rather than take wheelbarrows to the car. Check the small print – pushchairs and wheelchairs can struggle on uneven ground, so it's worth checking accessibility with the farm directly if this affects your visit. Wrap up warm, grab your wellies, and have loads of family fun. 🎃

The summer holidays are winding down and it's back to school for most of us, but that doesn't mean the fun stops! September is packed with brilliant family events across West Berkshire, from the last few days of summer shows to the start of a whole new season of theatre, art and outdoor adventures. Here are some of our top picks to get in the diary this month. As always, do check individual venue websites before you head out as dates and details can change. Happy September! 🍂 🎪 Family Festivals & Shows 🎪 Newbury Show When: 19th & 20th September Where: Newbury Showground A firm favourite in the local calendar. The Newbury & District Agricultural Society's big weekend celebrates farming and rural life with livestock parades, arena displays, artisan produce and plenty to keep the kids entertained. A brilliant, big day out for the whole family. Deblozay When: 5th September Where: Starting at the Corn Exchange, Newbury An outdoor performance journeying through Newbury town centre - a spectacular, free way to see the town come to life. 🎭 Theatre & Live Shows 🎭 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang When: Final week, running until 13th September Where: Watermill Theatre, Bagnor Cost: From £15 Your last chance to catch the Watermill's gorgeous production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang before it finishes its run. A world-class show in the most magical of settings - if you haven't been yet, September is the month to book. Wonder Gigs When: 11th September Where: The Old Library, Corn Exchange Newbury An interactive music show for under-5s and their grown-ups, created by Filskit Theatre. Toe-tapping covers, props, puppets and plenty of dancing along - the perfect first taste of live music for little ones, and a lovely way to see the newly opened Old Library. Comb When: 12th September Where: The Old Library, Corn Exchange Newbury Ockham's Razor's Charlotte Mooney brings her enchanting one-woman show to the Old Library as part of its opening season. There's a Monster in Your Show When: 19th & 20th September Where: Corn Exchange Newbury Tom Fletcher's much-loved Who's in Your Book? characters come to life on stage - music, monsters and mayhem for the whole family. 🎨 Arts & Crafts 🎨 Abstract Street Art Workshop with Kevin Waite When: 5th September, 10am - 12noon Where: City Arts, Newbury Cost: £35 (siblings get 25% off a second ticket) Renowned graffiti artist Kevin Waite guides children 8+ and teens through acrylic techniques to create their own piece of abstract street art on canvas to take home. Art Course for Kids When: Starting 14th September (Monday course, running to 19th October) Where: City Arts, Newbury A half-term's worth of Monday sessions exploring different artistic techniques - a lovely way to build confidence and creativity beyond the classroom. Clay Skills for Kids - Autumn Term When: Starting 22nd September (running to 8th December) Where: City Arts, Newbury A hands-on autumn term learning proper clay and pottery skills with City Arts' brilliant tutors. Pottery Painting & Pottery Pals - Blue Beetle Ceramics When: Open Wednesday to Saturday, drop-in and bookable sessions all September Where: Blue Beetle Ceramics, Thatcham Cost: From £5 Not just for the school holidays! Blue Beetle's Thatcham studio runs pottery painting for all ages plus their lovely Pottery Pals sessions - a relaxed way to spend a September afternoon getting creative. Small Wonders: Reimagining British Art When: Opens 11th September (running to 15th November) Where: The Base, Greenham A brand new exhibition opening at The Base this month, exploring British art in miniature and unexpected forms - a great free family outing, with the gallery always worth combining with a play in the grounds and a stop at the Honesty Café. 🌳 Outdoors & Nature 🌳 Family Pond Dipping When: Running into early September (check the BBOWT events page for exact dates) Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham Cost: £6 per child plus booking fee Catch the last of the summer pond dipping sessions before autumn sets in. Explore the wildlife pond and see what creatures are living on and beneath the water - great fun for ages 4+. Nature Discovery Centre grounds and trails When: Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham Even without a booked session, the Nature Discovery Centre is a wonderful free-roam September outing - feed the ducks, explore the adventure playgrounds, walk the lakeside trails and warm up afterwards in the Lakeside Café. Keep an eye on their events page for family walks and toddler sessions added throughout the month as the trust's autumn programme gets going. As always, do check individual venue websites before you head out as dates, times and prices can change. Have a wonderful September! 🍁

Post written by West Berkshire Family Life It was so lovely to visit the new playground at Shaw House. A beautiful wooden structure with plenty for the children to do, from a large netted swing to balance beams, slides and musical elements, there is something for every age. It has been built on wetpour surfacing (that lovely spongy, rubbery ground you often see on modern playgrounds), which is soft underfoot and safe for little ones who take a tumble. There is a little house and slide for toddlers and a larger slide for older children with the whole playground suitable for children up to the age of 12. The playground has been designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, with sensory features and an accessible carousel alongside the more traditional equipment, and its centrepiece is a play structure inspired by the Great Hall of Shaw House itself, tying it beautifully into the history of the site. The day we visited, the grounds were also home to the Altered States open air sculpture exhibition. Fabulous artwork in such a picturesque setting, with pieces dotted across the Orangery Lawn for you to wander round and admire. Altered States runs from Saturday 1st August to Sunday 27th September 2026, 11am to 4pm, seven days a week, and entry is free. There are historic rooms to explore inside the house as well as a small children’s play and craft room. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for children’s activities running throughout the holidays; there are usually some exciting crafts events on, perfect for a fun morning activity. For the full picture of what’s on at Shaw House and elsewhere across the district this summer, check out the West Berkshire Family Life What’s On guide. There is free parking on site, a café, a coffee and ice cream van open at weekends, so you are well set up for refreshments! Between the new playground, the sculpture exhibition and the house itself, and the beautiful grounds Shaw House makes for a really lovely family outing together. Where: Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR Times: Open weekdays 10am to 4pm, Weekends 11am to 4pm Cost: Adult: £9 /Child (age 4 to 17): £6 /Under 4s: free/ Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): £25 If you are a West Berkshire resident, discounted rates apply: • Adult: £6/ Child: £4/Family ticket: £20

This summer, Reading town centre has gone thoroughly prehistoric. The Reading Dino Trail runs from Friday 25th July to Sunday 23rd August 2026, and it is completely free to take part. Nineteen giant dinosaurs, built entirely from toy bricks, are hidden across indoor venues and outdoor spaces throughout the town, from a towering stegosaurus made of 180,000 bricks to a collection of much smaller, much cuter baby dinos. We decided to make a day of it, and it turned out to be an easy and very enjoyable free day out. Getting there Reading is well connected, so there are plenty of ways to arrive. We parked at the Oracle, which has convenient Drive In Drive Out parking right in the middle of everything, but there are several other car parks around the town centre too, including Broad Street Mall. If you’d rather leave the car at home, the bus is a great option. Reading Buses run frequently into the town centre, and throughout August 2026, children aged 5 to 15 can travel free on participating local bus services as part of a national scheme running from 1st to 31st August. It’s worth checking with your bus operator which routes are included. Once you are there, the trail map is easy to get hold of; pick one up from right next to the dinosaurs at the Oracle. It’s a lovely spot to start, and while you are there it’s worth grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat. Several places around Reading are advertising children eat free this summer (terms and conditions apply so worth checking before you order). We picked up our trail map and set off. It’s an easy trail to follow for all ages, with the map guiding you clearly from one dinosaur to the next, so you are never quite sure which corner the next one will be round. It took us just over an hour to find half of the dinosaurs, weaving in and out of shops and squares as we went. The whole trail is buggy friendly, which made a real difference with little ones in tow, and there is no reason you need to do it all in one visit. We are already planning to come back another day to track down the rest; splitting it across two shorter outings suited us far better than trying to rush round in one go. Along the way we picked up some brilliant dinosaur facts too, it turned the trail into a proper little learning adventure without ever feeling like hard work. What struck us most was the sheer detail in each model. Every dinosaur is made entirely from toy bricks, and some of the larger ones took a team of four builders more than 400 hours each to construct! Standing next to them, you really appreciate the scale of the work that’s gone in. Along the way, independent businesses across Reading are giving away free dinosaur trading cards; there are 25 to collect in total. We picked ours up simply by popping into a couple of shops as we passed. There is also a competition running alongside the trail. Hidden letters are tucked among some of the dinosaurs, and once you have found them all, you can piece together a mystery phrase and enter online for a chance to win some dino-mite prizes. Full details and the entry link are on the What’s On Reading Dino Trail page. We had a genuinely great time. It’s free, it’s flexible, it’s easy to follow whatever the age of your children, and there’s enough going on to fill a day or split across two. If you are looking for something to do with the family this summer that won’t cost you a penny, the Reading Dino Trail is well worth the trip. Where: Reading Dino Trail When: 25th July – 23rd August 2026, Reading Town centre Cost Free to take part More info and competition entry: whatsonreading.com

Summer Holidays are here, and there is so much going on across West Berkshire. Plenty of Festivals and loads of family fun to take part in. Here are some of our top picks of events to enjoy over the coming months. We will keep adding events throughout the next 2 months, so be sure to check back for some inspiration! 🪅Family Festivals and Fetes🪅 Shaw House Summer Fair When: 19th July - 11am Where: Shaw House, Newbury Cost: £2 - Pay on the door. Children £1 (Free for children aged 3 years and under) Crafts, face painting and family entertainment set against the gorgeous backdrop of Shaw House. A lovely, relaxed summer Sunday outing. Royal Picnic at Shaw House When: 16th August -10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Where: Shaw House Cost: Free Starting with a live show of singing and dancing, you will then be able to meet and have photographs with the magical princesses and characters whilst enjoying your picnic outside. Sessions will last approximately 90 minutes including a 30-minute show. Suitable for 3–8-year-olds but younger and older children are welcome Lambourn Carnival When: 30th August Where: Lambourn The Lambourn Carnival is just part of the whole Lambourn Festival that runs from around June to September. 🎭Theatre and Cinema🎭 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang When: Running all summer (until 13th September) Where: Watermill Theatre, Bagnor Cost: From £15 The Watermill's production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the theatre trip of the season. A gorgeous setting, world-class production, and an iconic story that kids (and grown-ups) absolutely love. Make sure to book ahead. The Gruffalo and Stick Man - The Vine National Trust When: 17th July 11:00-12:00 (gates open at 10) Where: The Vyne, Basingstoke Cost: £12.89. (under 12 - £9.80) An amazing family outdoor cinema experience. Bring a blanket or camping chair (and of course a picnic) and watch the incredible tales of The Gruffalo & Stickman on a giant open-air cinema screen. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Workshop When: 24th July and 21st August Where: Watermill Theatre Cost: £18 Work alongside professional cast members and industry creatives to discover the characters, songs and routines from the main house show. Invent a Play When: 27th - 29th July Where: Watermill Theatre Cost: £150 Use your imagination and build creative ideas, characters and stories to invent your very own play to share with family and friends in the beautiful Watermill gardens! For ages 5-11 Play in a Week When: 3rd-7th August and 10th - 14th August Where: Watermill Theatre Cost: £250 Join the Watermill Theatre this summer for a week of drama to create your own original play! The Jungle Book When: 10th August, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: Shaw House, Newbury Cost: £10 to £15 Outdoor theatre at Shaw House and The Jungle Book. A perfect summer evening for the whole family, set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful buildings in West Berkshire. 🌳Outdoors 🌳 Summer Safari Family Trail - Nature Discovery Centre When: 1st - 31st July Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham Cost: £2 per child Pick up a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and set off around the Nature Discovery Centre grounds to discover the amazing habitats and wildlife that live there.. Follow the trail, answer fun wildlife questions, look for clues left by nature and see how many creatures you can spot along the way. Nature Tots: My 5 Senses - Nature Discovery Centre When: 2nd, 3rd and 4th July Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham Cost: £8 per child & booking fee. Accompanying adults free. Explore the nature reserve and enjoy wildlife themed activities suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years. Teen Rangers - Nature Discovery Centre When: 18th July Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham Cost: £8 per child plus booking fee. Wildlife and seasonal themed activities for teenagers to explore and engage in the great outdoors! Sessions last for 2 hours and are packed full of fun activities to teach you all about the fantastic natural world that surrounds you. Family Pond Dipping Summer holiday When: 22nd & 29th July and 5th,12th,19th, 26th August Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham Cost: £6 per child + booking fees A workshop of exploration, nature and wildlife learning. This activity is for ages 4+ years - (not suitable for younger children, although other children can attend with an adult who can separately supervise). 👪Family Fun and Crafts 👪 Newbury Pride Family Craft Morning When: 11th July - 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: Free, drop-in Celebrate Newbury Pride at this free, drop-in family craft morning where you can make and decorate a rainbow hanging decoration. Festival Earrings/Jewellery with Mandy - City Arts When: 18 July – 10am to 12 noon Where: City Arts Cost: £27 or 10am to 2pm – £48 Choose between a 2 hr workshop to create your pair of festival earrings or a longer workshop (4hr) to make a whole set of 3 pieces of festival jewellery (it can include earrings) with belly chains, necklace and bracelets. Manga Day at City Arts Newbury Learn to Make your Own Comic Strip When: 19th 11am to 12:30pm Where: City arts Cost: £25 This workshop is suitable for children 7+. This workshop will introduce you to the secrets of cartoonists. You will create your own cartoon character with funny expressions and will then learn how to structure and create a funny comic strip to bring your character to life. Learn to Draw Cool Manga Faces When: 19th - 1 to 2:30pm Where: City Arts Cost: £35 This workshop is suitable for children 10+. Explore manga and anime! Manga is a cartoon based drawing style used to create graphic novels and comics in Japan. Graffiti Day 2026 When:18 July - 10:30am to 3pm Where: Growing Together- Cottismore Park Cost: Children (age 8+) – £35 per child. Adult session – £45 Each person gets their own large board, with two graffiti-style initials pre-sketched by a talented artist. Art Adventure Trail - Shaw House When: 21st July - Every day throughout the school summer holiday Where: Shaw House Cost: Free, Suggested donation £2 Adventure through the grounds of Shaw House to find artistic prompts. Following your exploration, you’ll have a collection of your own drawings! Suitable for ages 3 – 8 years old, younger and older visitors welcome. Holiday Art Club When: 22 - 24 July Where: The Base Cost:: £12.50 This holiday, join The Base's art club for a fun-filled adventure! Clay Creation - Blue Beetle Ceramics When: 23rd July, 10:15 – 12:15 Where: Blue Beetle Ceramics Make your very own clay Turtle Children Friday Art @ the Art Hub - City Arts When: 24th July and 21st August 11am to 12:30 pm Where: City Arts Cost: Suggested donation of £5/child These sessions are for children 8 years old and over. These sessions are specially to encourage children to try something new, arty, engage with others and improve their well being. Crafting with Optical Art When: 25th July Where: The Case Cost: £25 Have fun experimenting with different crafts to create optical illusion art Fairy Gardens - City Arts When: 28 July – 10am to 12noon Where: City Arts Cost: £15 This workshop is suitable for children 4 to 12 years old (Parents/carers must stay with children under 7) Build your very own fairy garden or miniature tree house garden. Create toadstools, magical paths and creatures that live in your enchanted space! Summer Family Activity Days When: 29th July - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Where: Shaw House Cost: £2.50 - Pay on the door Beautiful beasts. Make an animal, real or imaginary, from polystyrene shapes, pipe cleaners, paint pens and other craft materials. Creative Craft Mornings When: 31st July - 10am-1pm Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: £2.50 | Drop-in Clay creations. From air-drying clay, create and decorate a Roman inspired oil lamp. Summer Family Activity Days When: 5th August - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Where: Shaw House Cost: £2.50 - Pay on the door Brilliant birds. Make a ‘stained glass’ effect bird from a card template. Add colourful cellophane and tissue paper to make it ready to display in a window at home. Creative Craft Mornings When: 7th August -10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: £2.50 - Pay on the door Porcelain perfection. Choose from a selection of ceramic hanging decorations (subject to availability on the day). Decorate with porcelain pens and embellish with the other available craft materials. Tie - Die - Blue Beetle Ceramics When: 11th August Where: Blue Beetle Ceramics Drop off available for 12+. T-Shirts will either be available to take home ...wet 'n' dyed on the day. Summer Family Activity Day When:12th August - 10:00-2:00pm Where: Shaw House Cost: £2.50 - Pay on the door Minibeast mansions. Construct a simple minibeast mansion and then decorate with paint pens. Creative Craft Mornings When: 14th August - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: £2.50 - Pay on the door Wooden wonders. Choose from a selection of wooden craft kits (subject to availability on the day) and decorate with paint sticks and other craft materials. Creative Craft Mornings When: 21st August -10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: £2.50 - Pay on the door Cool collages. Design a 3D picture (collage) on card using lots of different craft materials including stickers, doilies, lace, ribbon, pom poms, patterned paper and card, pieces of felt, fabric and foam sheets as well as plenty of glue! Creative Craft Mornings When: 28th August -10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Where: West Berkshire Museum Cost: £2.50 - Pay on the door Rocking it! Decorate a painting stone with acrylic paint pens in the design of your choice. Rocket Propelled Games When: Various events throughout the summer. Whats on for little ones: Walk, Talk, Picnic and Play When: 28th July, 10:30am Where: Linear Park Join our story and co for a Walk, Talk, Picnic and Play Picnic and Play When: 4th August, 11:00 Where: Pangbourne Meadows A relaxed morning of picnic and play The Best Start Family Hub Thatcham Holiday Sessions: Yogi Littles Jungle Safari Yogi Cruisers When: 27th July Where: Woolton Hill Church Hall A super fun session for crawling & toddling babies Join Yogi Littles for jungle-themed yoga, movement and adventure with their safari circuit Under the Sea Baby Yoga When: 10th August Where: Woolton Hill Church Hall A magical ocean-theme baby yoga session. Join Yogi Littles for peaceful, relaxing movement, stretching and sensory play Teddy Bear’s Picnic Baby Massage When: 12th August Where: Woolton Hill Church Hall A cute, cosy baby massage session. Join Yogi Littles for massage, sensory play and calm connection Boogie MItes: When:21st July and 10th, 17th, 24th August Where: Waterside Centre Older Siblings are welcome over the summer Nature Sound Seekers: When: 14th and 28th August Where: Nature Discovery Centre As always, do check individual venue websites before you head out as dates and details can change. Have a wonderful Summer☀️

Post written by West Berkshire Family Life If you are looking for a brilliant (and easy!) day out that's not too far from home, Abbey Meadows in Abingdon has become one of our absolute favourites and this morning's visit reminded us exactly why. It's only about 30 minutes from Newbury, which makes it a really easy trip, and there's SO much packed into one spot: a fantastic play park, riverside walks, a splash park, an outdoor pool and even a bit of history thrown in. Honestly, you could spend a whole day here and still not run out of things to do. Getting There & Parking We usually park near Waitrose, which is paid parking but really handy for the park. It also means we can pop into Waitrose beforehand to grab some picnic goodies and if you're a Waitrose member, don't forget your free take-away coffee while you're there. (bring your own take away mug) Scooting Past the Ruins From the car park, it's a lovely little scoot (or walk!) down to the park past the abbey ruins. A fun bit of local history for the kids as you pass: those "ruins" you see dotted around Abbey Gardens aren't actually the remains of the original abbey. They are known as Trendell's Folly, a 19th-century garden feature built to look ancient. That said, some of the stones are genuinely old and are thought to have come from nearby St Helen's Church. The real Abingdon Abbey dates all the way back to the 7th century and was once one of the wealthiest monasteries in the country. From there, it's over the bridge and past all the ducks which is always a highlight with little ones, who could happily spend twenty minutes just watching the water and ducks. The Play Park This play park is one of our favourites in the area. There's a great climbing frame for the more adventurous kids, a smaller, gentler area for little ones who aren't quite ready for the big stuff, a zip wire that's always a hit, and mini trampolines that the kids love. There's honestly so much to do that you could easily lose an hour here without even noticing. A Walk and Picnic Under the Trees After a good play, we headed off for a little walk through the park. This stretch of Abingdon is so pretty, with great paths that are flat, buggy-friendly, and perfect for pottering along at toddler pace. We found a lovely spot under a tree for our picnic before heading back to the park for round two. Splash Park Fun We finished off our visit at the splash park. It's a fairly simple set-up with no huge structures or fancy features, but sometimes the simplest things are the most fun, and the kids absolutely loved it. Free to use too, which is always a bonus on a warm day out. Outdoor Pool We didn't make it to the outdoor swimming pool this time, but it's right there in the same spot — a heated 25m open-air pool with lovely views over the Thames, offering both lane swimming and more relaxed family sessions. We will definitely be back to try it another day. For up-to-date prices and opening times, it's best to check the Better website directly. Our Verdict Abbey Meadows really does have a bit of everything. History, a brilliant play park, riverside walks, a splash park and a pool, all within a short stroll of each other. A brilliant half or full day out for families, and well worth the 30-minute drive from Newbury. The postcode for Abbey Meadows/Abbey Gardens is OX14 3JE (Abbey Close, Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire). OX14 3JE is the one to use for satnav/parking near Waitrose

Post written by Sabrina, owner of Early Daze Hampers I’m Sabrina and I launched Early Daze Hampers in 2025 after being made redundant from my corporate job whilst on maternity leave with my second daughter. When my first daughter was born in 2021, I’ll be honest, I felt quite prepared for her. And I was overwhelmed by beautiful gifts for her. What I wasn’t prepared for was me. I was so naïve to the recovery process. I didn’t know I might have stitches, I would bleed a lot, my body would be exhausted from what turned out to be a 52 hour labour! It shouldn’t have been surprising that, 10 days postpartum, I came out in hives from sheer exhaustion. That was the point at which I decided; my next friend to have a baby I would gift her a box full of things she really needed to support her physical and mental recovery. But it didn’t exist. There were gifts with socks, candles, bath salts, baby toys or outfits. All gorgeous and well-meaning – but not the things she actually needed, or even had the time to use! So that’s when Early Daze Hampers was born. Initially just an idea, then old parcel boxes filled with useful items whenever friends had a baby. It took me being made redundant to finally invest in it as a business. I conducted some market research on items that new parents found genuinely useful, I tested products on friends and began purchasing stock. Early Daze Hampers are filled with the genuine essentials:  A water bottle, to keep hydrated  A dimmable night light for those middle-of-the-night feeds or nappy changes  Nipple cream  Reusable breast pads  Vaginal or caesarean relief pads, the list goes on. There are pre-filled hampers, a build your own option or digital gift vouchers. And I’m always on the lookout for new items that help postpartum recovery so I can include them in future. One of my best, oldest and most talented friends, Sara, created my logo and my stunning keepsake hamper boxes. The inside lid includes illustrations of the various feeding positions (because I honestly didn’t even realise there was more than one until long after I’d had my first daughter!). My logo includes a prominent E and Z - the initials of my two girls (now 5YO and 2YO). Not long after launching the business, I realised I wanted to do more for postpartum. It’s a lonely time filled with far too many Google searches and conflicting advice. And so, I launched Early Daze Coffee Mornings. Every Wednesday morning at The Swan in Streatley. I work with a range of postpartum experts who support with breastfeeding, maternal mental health, pelvic health, sleep and more. It’s set up for new parents with newborns up to 6 months old. You can book, or register your interest, via my website. I am so proud of Early Daze. Of what it means to be a Mum. To champion postpartum recovery in a way I never thought I’d be able to. And I would never have had the opportunity if it wasn’t for my redundancy – so every cloud, I guess. West Berkshire Family Life members enjoy 10% off all hampers at earlydazehampers.co.uk.

Post written by Aggie from Emmett Bloom Estates I am a mum to a two year old and I run two businesses in West Berkshire. An estate agency and a coaching program for women. I do it in a four day week, with Fridays protected for family. That sentence sounds cleaner than it felt to get here. Before this, I spent years in corporate sales, then built a telecoms franchise from scratch. Two shops, twenty people, seven days a week. I was good at it. I was also running on empty in a way I kept telling myself was normal. It ended with a hospital stay and a diagnosis that forced me to stop completely. Stopping was the best thing that ever happened to me professionally. In the quiet that followed, I got honest about what I actually wanted. I moved to West Berkshire in 2021, with no contacts and no network, and started again in property. I went independent, built Emmett Bloom, and then found out I was pregnant. I did not pause. I handed in my franchise notice near the end of my pregnancy and launched the business properly with a newborn at home. I worked in between naps. I worked through the night. I worked in the hours when the rest of the world was asleep. What made it possible was not hustle. It was systems. Knowing exactly what needed me and what did not. Letting go of the idea that doing everything myself was the same as doing it well. That is what I now teach other women through my BLOOM program. Not a productivity hack. A genuine restructure of how you run your business so it stops running you. If any of this sounds familiar, you can join the wait list for BLOOM at aggiebloom.co.uk/waitlist-join and be first to hear when doors open. To find out more about Emmett Bloom Estates, head here Aggie also offers West Berkshire Family Life Members a free 30-minute Get Market Ready call with checklist, plus VIP Buyers Club access for early previews, priority viewings and discreet updates on West Berkshire homes.

Our Legoland Windsor Adventure: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go We went to Legoland Windsor last week with two four-year-olds, and we had the most brilliant day. Big smiles and almost no meltdowns (from the children, at least), and the kind of memories that make all the pre-trip logistics totally worth it. Here's our full rundown, including a few things we wish we'd known ahead of time! We visited awhile back when the kids were still toddlers and spent most of the day in Duplo Land. This time around felt completely different. At four, the boys were pretty much tall and big enough to access almost everything. We actually got to explore the whole park and go on all the roller coasters. (Some of them more times than I'd personally like to count, but the boys were having just the best time.) We used the adult and preschool ticket deal at just £29, which for a full day at a major theme park is genuinely amazing value. It's well worth checking the current ticket options on their website before you book, as deals like this can make a real difference to the overall spend. One thing to factor in though: parking is £15, which feels a bit steep but is just one of those things. The good news is you can pay via the app, which makes leaving a lot smoother. We covered a lot of ground, but if we had to pick highlights: Flight of the Sky Lion — Absolutely magical. This one had the boys talking about it for the rest of the day. Deep Sea Adventure — A lovely slower-paced ride with loads to look at, and we even spotted sharks! Little ones absolutely love it. (this was my favourite!) The Dragon — A classic Legoland rolletcoaster that has been thrilling kids for years, and still delivers. We went on this one multiple times. Our Top Tips for Legoland with Preschoolers Arrive a little early — getting in before the crowds means you can hit the most popular rides with shorter queues. The park only opens at 10am, so its not such an early! Pack your own lunch — food inside the park is pricey, so bringing a packed lunch is a totally worth it, especially with little ones who don't want to stop for long. There are plenty of picnic spots to make use of. Go during the week if you can — we are very aware that this luxury won't last much longer (kids starting school this year — how?!), so we are making the most of being able to visit attractions on quieter weekdays while we still can. The difference in crowd levels is really noticeable. Bring a pushchair or wagon — even if your little ones are good walkers, Legoland is big and the legs will get tired. Having somewhere to plonk them (and your bags) is a lifesaver by mid-afternoon. Prepare to get WET on Pirate Falls Treasure Quest — Take a poncho or full waterproof suits for the kids, and maybe for yourself too. There is a human hairdryer you can get into afterwards, but it costs £4, and didnt really make much of a difference. Would We Recommend It? Absolutely, 100%, without hesitation. Legoland Windsor is great at this age. It's loud (the music everywhere was a bit much for me), it's colourful, it's full of Lego, and your children will think you are the best parents in the entire world for taking them. For more info and bookings: Legoland (always check the website for pricing and opening times, as these might change)

June is here and it is shaping up to be a brilliant month for families in West Berkshire! From a brand new family festival right on our doorstep to outdoor theatre, wildlife adventures and plenty more! Family Festivals and Fetes The Base's Festival of Arts and Crafts 2026 When: Saturday 6th -7th June Where: The Base, Greenham Cost: Suggested donation: £2 per adult, £1 per child (under-5s free) Kick-starting the two-week festival, a craft fair featuring 50+ stalls will surround The Base building, creating a bustling high street of high-quality crafters and artists for visitors to browse. Fete on the Green When: 13th June Where: The Green, Tadley A free event for all the community with a huge craft market, food, live music, inflatables, ice cream, games and much more! Pangbourne Village Fete When: 13th June Where: Pangbourne Cost: Children under 14 - free. Adults - £3 Loads of activities including circus skills, a Bubble Fairy, bouncy castle and giant slide. The Dolphin Centre will also be offering tasters for boating activities and their climbing wall. FamFest Live – Berkshire When: 21st June | 12pm – 8pm Where: Newbury Showground, Priors Court Road, Hermitage, RG18 9QZ Cost: Under 5s free, tickets required for all. Various prices (early bird discounts) This one is HUGE and we are so excited it's coming to Newbury Showground! FamFest Live is a joyful, one-day festival created especially for families with younger children. Live music, sing-along performances, kids raves, inflatables, foam parties, interactive zones and festival food. Dogs are welcome too. Everything is thoughtfully laid out so little ones can dip in and out, and grown-ups can actually enjoy themselves. Cobbs Summer Makers Market When: 27th June 10:00-15:00 Where: Cobbs Hungerford There will also be - Children’s entertainment, Face painting (£3 per face — cash) Trim trail & sandpit. FREE entry to the Play Barn from 12pm - 4pm Family Fun Day When: 28th June Where: Thatcham, Henwick Worthy Sports Ground Great day out for the whole family. Games, vehicles, stall, ice creams! Theatre Arts and Crafts Chitty Chitty Bang Bang When: Running throughout June (26th May – 13th Sept) Where: Watermill Theatre, Bagnor Cost: From £15 Still running through June! The Watermill's production of the iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the perfect summer theatre trip. Big Green Week Craft Event When:6th June Where: Newbury Library Cost: £1 Celebrate nature and get creative. Hands on bug themed crafts. Les Misérables – School Edition When: 11th – 13th June Where: Corn Exchange, Newbury Cost: Check website for prices A school edition of one of the most iconic musicals of all time — a great introduction for older children and teens to big musical theatre. Brilliant for the family. Kennet Opera's in the great Hall at Shaw House When: Saturday 13th June Where: Shaw House, Newbury Cost: Adult £15, Child £10 A lovely summer evening event on the beautiful Shaw House grounds — not one for the tiniest ones but a gorgeous family evening out for older children and music lovers. Motionhouse Dance Theatre – BLOCK When: Sunday 21st June (FREE outdoor performance) Where: Newbury Town Centre Cost: Free! A super-charged FREE outdoor physical performance using 20 oversized blocks resembling giant Jenga pieces, exploring life in the city. Right in the heart of Newbury — stumble across it or plan your day around it, either way it'll be a brilliant moment! Outdoors Tots Teddy Bear Adventure When: Thursday 4th June & Friday 5th June | 10am – 11:30am Where: Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, RG19 3FU Cost: Check website for prices & booking Bring your teddy along to the Nature Discovery Centre for this gorgeous little session for tiny ones — finding out what all living things need to thrive, with crafts and outdoor fun. Perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Booking essential. Open Farm Sunday: Benham Estate When: Sunday 6 June, 10:00 -15:00 Where: Benham Estate, Newbury Berkshire RG20 8LR, RG20 8LR Hillfoot Farm When, Sunday 6 June, 11:00-16:30 Where: Hill Foot Farm, Chapel Row Reading, RG7 6PG Sheepdrove Organic Farm When: Sunday 6 June 10:00-15:00 Where: Warren Farm, Sheepdrove Road, Lambourn, Hungerford, RG17 7UU Leckford Estate The Waitrose Farm When: Sunday 6 June 10:00-16:00 Where: Abbotts Manor Dairy, Leckford Estate, Stockbridge, SO20 6DD Family Fun Shaw House – Open Daily When: Daily throughout June Where: Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR Cost: Adults £9 | Children £6 Shaw House has a brilliant new visitor experience for 2026 — four stunning rooms representing 400 years of history, from Tudor right through to Edwardian. There's also the special 'Dressed for Battle' exhibition featuring English Civil War arms and armour on loan from the Royal Armouries. Younger visitors can explore the grounds, play in the 16th century trees and enjoy giant garden games outside. The café is lovely too! Orida BBQ When: June 26 Where: Orida Newbury Cost: £25 per person Soak up the sunshine at our relaxed Summer BBQ. Enjoy flame-grilled favourites, seasonal sides and refreshing drinks in a laid-back, social atmosphere Rocket Propelled Games When: Various events throughout June Family Cinema Family Film: How to Train Your Dragon (PG) When: Running throughout June (until 11th June) Where: Corn Exchange Cinema, Newbury A family cinema classic — fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs. Perfect for a rainy June day. Community Events Music on the Bandstand in Victoria park When: Sunday 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th June | 3pm – 5pm Where: Victoria Park Bandstand, Newbury Cost: Free! Free live music in Victoria Park. Pack a picnic, let the kids run around and enjoy a proper old-fashioned summer Sunday afternoon. These bandstand events are such a lovely free thing to do as a family in Newbury. As always, do check individual venue websites before you head out as dates and details can change. Have a wonderful June, West Berkshire! ☀️

A blog post written by West Berkshire Family Life We headed to Arlington Arts this half term to watch Jungle Adventure: A Magical Expedition and we are delighted to say it delivered a really fun afternoon out for the whole family! The show follows Ranger Andy on a mission to return the legendary Akiki bird to its home deep in the enchanted jungle and it is every bit as whimsical and entertaining as it sounds. The kids were completely hooked from the start, and there was plenty of audience participation to keep them engaged and on their feet (quite literally at points!). It’s one of those shows where the little ones genuinely feel part of the action, which always goes down well. The humour lands just right. The magic tricks are clever, the comedy is pitched perfectly for a mixed audience, and the puns are delivered with such enthusiasm that you can’t help but laugh along! Tickets are priced at £12 for children and £15 for adults, with a family of four coming in at £48 (plus a small booking fee per ticket). We always have a great time at Arlington Arts and the ice cream went down a treat! Don’t forget, WBFL members get 20% off hot and soft drinks and snacks. To find more about whats on at Arlington Arts, head to their website

A Lifesaver Right on Our Doorstep! How has everyone been keeping cool in this heatwave? We have now visited Northcroft Lido in Newbury twice already this week, and honestly, we have had the absolute best time on both visits. It has quickly become our favourite place to spend a sunny day with the kids and friends and given it's literally just down the road, we feel pretty lucky. The Lido is a heated 50m outdoor pool set in the grounds of Northcroft Leisure Centre on Northcroft Lane. It is easy to find, and there's parking on site, though it can fill up on hot days. The parking is free for 3 hours but you need to be registered on the parking app. If the main car parks are full, there's additional parking at Northcroft Lane Car Park. Even when it's at full capacity, it somehow never feels overwhelmingly crowded. One thing worth knowing: it's very popular when the sun's out, so booking in advance is a must. You can book through the Everyone Active app, website, or call 01635 31199. As well as the pool, there's an interactive splash pad and slides, plus a lovely decked area with colourful beach huts to give it a real seaside feel. The splash pad is brilliant and kept both kids entertained for ages. The spiral flume is nearly six metres high, with the racer slides around three metres which is perfect for the slightly older or braver little ones! One of the things I really love is that there are so many different spots to set up at for the day. Whether you want to sit on the grass, find some shade under the trees, or grab a place on the decked area by the pool. On the pricing front, prices are dependent on the length of the session. They have some 1,2 and 3 hour sessions and 3 hour sessions. A one-hour swim costs £5.50 for adults, £3.85 for juniors, and just £1.30 for under 3;s. The prices vary according to peak and off peak, as well as length of session. For a better idea, check the app or website. For a full afternoon of fun in the sun, we think it's great value. (They also offer West Berkshire residents discounts, so do sign up for this on their website. There is also a café plus an ice cream stand, which definitely helped keep everyone happy throughout the day. The season runs until September, so there are still plenty of warm months left to take advantage of it. If this weather continues, we will definitely be back many more times before the summer is out. Honestly, it's just the best fun. The atmosphere is so lovely, the facilities are fantastic, and it feels like such a gem to have right here in Newbury. If you haven't been yet, what are you waiting for?