Finding yet another activity that both Mum and daughter can enjoy two weeks into the holidays is not always easy unless it involves a trip to Costa Coffee, Wagamamas or a mint magnum. So when a friend suggested a visit to a Sculpture Park that I'd never even heard of (despite living in Surrey for 30 years) we were happy to give it a go.
I envisioned a small park that might take half an hour to traipse round and then lunch at a Pub. I think Eloise imagined slides, swings and maybe a a zip wire or two! I had no idea that we would find such a hidden gem in The Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park though. It literally is an outdoor gallery set in woodland in Churt, a tiny village in beautiful, rural Surrey.
Each piece of sculpture or carving is set on or just off a meandering trail of about 2km long. You can stumble across anything from an alligator to a shetland pony and many outlandish and beautiful creatures in between. Each piece is different and everything is for sale. Ok so 'forget about the price tag'.
There are endless sculpters and artists represented and the variety of materials used ranges from recyled wellies and horse shoes, iron and stone to sheet metal, ceramic and driftwood. From intricate to minimalist, from tiny to scarily huge! This Park has something for everyone!
The thing I loved the most though was the calm and tranquility of the setting. There were very few people in the park...we literally had it to ourselves. The girls, both 9yrs were more than happy running between sculptures and following the numbered trail. When fatigue set in their interest was immediately renewed by taking their own photos and video with our iPhones.
The path wasn't always easy to follow, but that didn't matter as losing yourself amongst the trees and streams is pure joy. The only thing I would say if you were to take young children is keep them in sight. There are a few small lakes which are deep in places and the park can seem quite remote at times.
It truly is a magical and stimulating place. It is closed Mondays, but is open for most of the year. It's not too expensive to get in either. Just £6 for adults and £3 for children. Take a picnic and easily spend the best part of a day there. If you go, do let me know if you enjoyed the visit as much as we did.
Janne x
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