We’re very lucky to have the beautiful Wendover Woods on our doorstep. Pre-children we loved going for long walks and taking in the scenery, and although those days are on the back-burner for now, Wendover does a great job of catering to families too.
How Much Does Wendover Woods Cost?
The Forest is situated in the beautiful Chiltern Hills, giving great views across the landscape. There is a large purpose-built car park – you can pay for the whole day on arrival or just for the time you’ve been there when you leave. You can also pay for a pass if you’re a frequent visitor. If you’re on foot / 2 wheels there’s no access cost to Wendover Woods, so the car park is the only fee you have to pay.
Wendover Woods Superworm Trail
Just across from the car park there’s an information kiosk where you can get leaflets about the various walks and trails, as well as purchase special activity packs. We last visited to try out the new Superworm trail.
You don’t have to purchase anything to enjoy it, but we decided to get the activity pack, which has paper and crayons to complete rubbings, information and activity cards to do at home later, stickers and explorer ‘glasses’ to wear too. If you have, as I do, a slightly reluctant walker with you, it’s a great way to keep them going!
Is There a Cafe at Wendover Woods?
Behind the kiosk is a playground with swings and climbing apparatus, and just across the path are the (clean and plentiful) toilets, and the large cafe. There’s some indoor seating, lots of outdoor tables and a brilliant view across the hills on a clear day. They serve sandwiches and light lunches such as jacket potatoes, as well as hot drinks. There’s a pretty good selection of kids lunchboxes and snacks available too, and they provide drinking water for dogs by the outside tables as well.
Wendover Woods Play Parks and Adventure Trails
Next to the cafe is another play area with a small play house and slide and balance beams to climb on. We usually start with the swings, go for our walk, and end with the promise of a snack at the cafe and time on the slide!
In terms of walks, as well as freely exploring, there are lots of designated trails around the woods. Some are quite steep and bumpy, but there is a long smooth path suitable for pushchairs that incorporates the Play Trail. Having two young ones, we always take this route these days! There are two options – long and short, with designated natural wooden play stops along the way.
Some of these are climbing frames and balance beam types of apparatus, and there are some more unusual ones as well, like the mud kitchen/laboratory, badger sett tunnels, and everyone’s favourite, the Fort. We also really like the play suggestions, such as building a den with what you can find around you. We always end up collecting twigs and leaves for ‘projects’ back home, and setting up tiny hedgehog/fairy/worm homes as we go around!
Wendover Woods Gruffalo Trail
There is also the Gruffalo trail, which is not suitable for prams, but great for those who love the story. You can reach the Gruffalo statue without going round the trail (just down from the cafe). There are some beautiful carved wooden benches nearby too, so it’s a good spot for a picnic.
Go Ape at Wendover Woods
For the more adventurous there’s a even a Go Ape course, which has a designated children’s challenge for 6-10 year olds – one for the future for us.
It’s brilliant to have such a huge natural beauty spot so close by, with plenty to keep little ones interested in the outdoors, even on a frosty January morning!
