Superworm Trail at Alice Holt Forest. We have long been fans of the Julia Donaldson books and although Charlie may now be a little old at nine. Harry is still a huge fan. The fact that Superworm had been on the TV over Christmas he was incredibly excited to visit the Superworm Trail at Alice Holt Forest. We have done a number of the trails before enjoying ZOG, Stickman and The Gruffalo over the years. In fact, the Gruffalo is still there so make sure you drop by to see him if you are intending on visiting the Superworm Trail.
READ MORE – The Gruffalo Trail Alice Holt Forest
Complete Guide to the Superworm Trail at Alice Holt Forest
Where is Alice Holt Forest?
Alice Holt Forest is part of the forestry commission and is located on the Surrey, Hampshire border. It is around 4 miles from Farnham which is the closest town. It is one of the largest surviving ancient woodlands in the South of England. You can find it using the address – Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, GU10 4LS.
Parking at Alice Holt
The website says that you should aim to arrive before 10.30 am or after 2 pm at peak times to get a spot. We arrived around 12.30 and instantly wished we had paid attention to this point. The car park was on a, one in one out basis. But it is huge especially around the back of the cafe. Thankfully it moved pretty quick with a lot of people leaving having spent the morning in the woods. Parking is not cheap. A whole day costs £12, we stayed for two hours can it cost £5. They also have off-peak prices. All done by a number plat recognition with contactless pay stations in the car park behind the cafe.
Amenities at Alice Holt
Part of the attraction of Alice Holt is that they have great amenities. Not only is there a large car park, they also have a great central area. With a large toilet block and cafe. The cafe sells a selection of snacks and drinks. There is also a large outside seating area. When we visited there was a little BBQ on th patio selling pulled pork bamps and hot dogs. Although it was really busy with long queues to get into the cafe we had no trouble finding seating outside. The hot dogs and baps were exactly what we needed before heading off on the trail. There is also a large wooden play area and information office.
What do you get in the Superworm Trail activity pack
It is the Information Office where you can pick up your trail activity pack. It costs £3.50. Charlie at nine was quite happy to give the trail activity pack a miss. In the kraft paper bag which doubles up as a picture to colour you get:
- A forest superhero mask
- 7 creature facts cards
- An activity sheet to complete at home
- Stickers – we were also given some extra ones from the cashier
- Pencil and crayon
- Trail leaflet
Harry loved his little bag, and although the mask did not last long. The stickers and trail themselves are a big hit. Plus he likes to read about animals and insects so the fact cards have also been used already. He even designed his own – Superworm himself! At each point on the trail (6 in total), you take the crayon and do a rubbing. If you wanted to complete the trail with your own paper and crayons then you could save £3.50 which does add up when you have multiples.
Superworm Trail at Alice Holt Forest
The trail itself is easy to follow. It starts just beside the cafe, just in front of the play area. There is a big sign that says start here with a superworm picture. The trail has been specifically designed around the Habitat Trail. Which is a short trail of around half a mile on an easy gradient. Ideal for little legs and you could go round it with a buggy as many parents were. But the best bit is that there are multiple play areas around the trail. So the kids have plenty to keep them occupied. The boys love every play element and they are more than suitable for both ages.
There are six points on the trail. Each celebrates a creature or inset which made an appearance in the book. There is a brass rubbing for each one which corresponds with the creature in some way. There is also a description that includes suggestions for activities both to do on the trail and at home. The whole trail took us about an hour and a half with the boys enjoying a play at each stop and completing the trail. We didn’t rush.
Play areas on the Habitat Trail at Alice Holt
The five-play areas are:
- An obstacle course that includes all sorts of elements of climbing and a couple of slides
- Giant wooden tubes that are a lot of fun for climbing in and if you are brave on
- A wooden nest
- A woodpecker and a lookout
- An owl with a fireman’s pole
Other things to do at Alice Holt Woods
As well as the Superworm trail there are lots of other things to do at Alice Holt Forest for all ages. There is an additional large play area next to the cafe. It includes wooden pirate boats and swings along and is always popular. With a whole host of trails, you are bound to find one that suits you. Whether you are looking for cycling, running or walking trails. There is everything from easy access to something which is more challenging. You can even go fishing and horse riding within the forest. Although if you are going for the Superworm trail then make sure you do not miss out on the Gruffalo sculptures.
READ MORE – The Gruffalo Trail Alice Holt Forest
Have you visited Alice Holt Forest?
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