Wow – what can we say, Gorse Ride playground in Finchampstead was incredible. Even us adults couldn’t believe how much there was to do here, so no wonder the children were speechless.
Situated just behind the Finchampstead Baptist Church is this amazing play area. Upon arrival your eyes will be drawn to the main climbing frame which is upon a little hill making it seem like a giant obstacle course.
The climbing castle had so many different areas to explore, there was about 4 different slides you could choose from, and each one was slightly different and aimed at different age groups. There was a lower level area which is perfect for the smaller children to explore.
There were tunnels to climb through, wobbly bridges to walk and run across, fireman pole to slide down, rope ladders to climb to the top of, peep windows. Each section of the climbing frame was great as it challenged the children to use different skills to master their way around it. Fine motor skills were definitely being used today.
Both Noah and Isabella loved the climbing area and had great fun chasing each other around it. There were plenty of areas where they could play hide and seek, or have races to see who could get around it the quickest.
There was a very unusual balance wobble stepping stone creation (I’ve no idea what it was called) but Noah and Bella had lots of fun trying to stand on the wobbly stepping stones, these were all connected to each other – so as soon as someone stepped on one the whole thing wobbled. They spent ages here playing the floor is lava, and I must admit it did look really enjoyable.
Aside from the incredible climbing area there are also swings for both older children and toddlers. An in the floor trampoline, a zip wire (which if you’ve followed us for a while, you will know this is Bella’s favourite playground activity) tunnels to climb through, and hoppers.
The multi-use games area is a fantastic facility. There is a flat track marked out in lanes which does circuit around the games area. This is perfect for walking, running, scooters and balance bikes. Noah and Isabella both had their scooters and spent ages whizzing around the track.
There are also mini football pitches (these were the perfect size for our two as little legs get tired running around a huge pitch. They also had. mini-tennis, table tennis tables, basketball and netball hoops plus some rebound panels for practising different sports. There was literally something for everyone in this area.
Plus there is plenty of seating scattered around so you can easily sit and watch the children play, or bring a picnic blanket and relax on the open green space.
There is a cafe on site with toilet facilities, however as we visited on a Sunday these were closed, so I’m unable to comment on what it was like in there. From looking through the window it did look very pleasing, and will be back to visit here soon.
