Review: Moors Valley Country Park & Forest

Our search for social distancing friendly family days out in and around Poole continued with a visit to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest.

During lockdown we went on countless country and coastal walks which our toddler thankfully loved, but we’re desperate to give her some different experiences now and Moors Valley certainly delivered.

It’s clearly a popular spot and although we arrived by 10.30am, we visited on a Saturday so the car park was already almost full, we were lucky and got a space but it was so busy, the car park was closed at around 11.30 so I recommend you arrive as early as you can or go on a week-day (although the train doesn’t run weekdays during Autumn/Winter).

The first thing to mention is that you only pay for parking (and refreshments and the train if you choose), this is such a massive value for money day out. Parking at weekends in the autumn cost from £4 to £15 for a full day. We really were astonished as there was so much to do and see.

We were a little concerned when we walked across to the visitors centre as it looked too busy to be able to stick to distancing but it was really well organised with one way systems and regular cleaning clearly taking place – although, the cleaning did mean the toilets were closed when my toddler needed to go and there was no clear signage on an alternative so we’ll be mindful of that next time we visit.

My daughter headed straight to the sandy play grounds which are close to the entrance, there’s one for small kids and bigger kids with plenty for them to experience.

They’re situated by the railway line and bridge and Florence loved waving at the train so we then purchased tickets for a ride on the authentic steam train (£2.50 per adult, £1.80 from 2 to 15 yrs), which was 20 minutes of fantastic fun, the train travelled along the banks of Moors Lake and looped around the tunnels and under the bridge.

We then took one of the shorter trails to the forest for a walk and Florence was over the moon to bump in to the life-size Gruffalo and Gruffalo’s Child which she’s been talking about ever since!

A few metres in to the forest, we found an abundance of dens and wood to build our own so we had a go and Florence enjoyed heaving the heavy logs around and having a pretend tea party inside.

The 1.5 mile route led us to the Play Trail. Only two of the four play areas within the trail are currently open due to Covid, however, the two provide more than enough entertainment.

Each have unique pieces of wooden play equipment, with different themes such as the impressive and enormous Hawk House play sculpture (the wings extend to over 18 metres long!)

After all the fun, we had a very tired 3 year old so it was time to call it a day but we barely scratched the surface. Next time we plan on taking our bikes as there are miles and miles of tracks and paths to explore.

This really is a great family day out and from the Gruffalo’s to the wooden play structures and natural beauty, it will do so much for the kids’ imaginations and it’s enjoyable for us parents too! I even plan on going back on my own sometime to do their running and fitness trails.

My tip would be to take your own food if you’re going at the weekend as the queue for the restaurant was long and to arrive as early as you can.

Hope you enjoy your visit!

Find out more about Moors Valley Country Park and Forest HERE!