Serenity at Stoke Park

When I was on maternity leave, I visited nearby Stoke Park. It was a gorgeous day so we’d had a picnic while our babies shuffled about on blankets. POD had mastered the art of being on all fours and sticking her bottom high in the air. An unusual talent which led to a nearby mother commenting “Oh my goodness, look what that baby’s doing”. I can only presume she was impressed with POD’s new found skills.

Since then we’ve only been to Stoke Park for the annual Surrey County Show. It holds other events throughout the year though including Race for Life, the Surrey County Agricultural Show, GuilFest (now Magic Summer Live) and the Guildford Lions Firework Fiesta. The latter encompassing fairground attractions, food stands, a torch lit procession and a firework display.

With Daddy out for the day, POD and I headed to Stoke Park on foot. When I say on foot, she enjoyed a nice relaxing doze in her buggy while I attempted to push it over uneven pavement with one arm.

Amazingly Stoke Park and its woodland have remained relatively intact since the 18th Century. And when you arrive you’re greeted with the most fantastic green space.

Further on people played rounders, cricket and one family had even brought their own Swingball. Others just lay peacefully soaking up the sun.

When we reached Stoke Park Gardens, the first thing we saw was an empty model boating pond with a  wooden bridge across it. Incredibly peaceful and home to a variety of ducks. They hardly moved when you past them they were so comfortable with their surroundings. Stepping stones led to a pathway below where a large paddling pool was full of excitable children.

We then stumbled upon a sensory garden full of the most wonderful flowers. And perfect grass. There was no path so I had to wheel the buggy across it to a bench. As many had done before me it appeared.

POD and I sat having our own little picnic and admiring the scenery. The tranquility of this walled garden was such a stark contrast to the noisy paddling pool less than five minutes walk away.

POD was so excited about being outside having had a few days indoors. She ran around giggling and pointing before attempting to make a bid for freedom over a wall. She smelt flowers, looked at birds and came across a bee on a Clover. Unsurprisingly she’s wasn’t a fan.

After she looked like she was going to scale a trellis, we cut our losses and enjoyed a lolly in the sunshine. The children’s play area was our final stop before embarking on our walk home via the adjoining woods. How great we have all of this just a walk away from our house.

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