It’s not often you can read an enchanting story and then go and visit but that’s exactly what my son and I enjoyed today. We were lucky enough to be gifted an advance visit to the magical world of Tumblestone Hollow, at Stonor Park, and we had the unique experience of having it all to ourselves. As always, views are my own and I only share places I’d genuinely recommend to a friend. I’ve already chatted to lots of friends on the school run since getting back!
Tumblestone Hollow is the perfect family place to escape into a magical world of adventure and exploration.
Inspired by the ancient stone circle situated in the grounds of Stonor Park in Oxfordshire, the estate has spent £250,000 on “Tumblestone Hollow” – an innovative new adventure playground, and a brand-new children’s book – “The Legend of Tumblestone Hollow” – which is based around magical characters that live in and around the playground. We really enjoyed reading the book before we visited and the first thing my son shouted was “look mummy it’s the magical stones”.
Large boulders within the playground recreate Stonor’s original ancient stone circle, from which the house takes its name, adding to the mystical feel with the main wooden adventure playground behind, weaving it’s way through the trees.
The adventure playground at Stonor Park was part-funded by the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and perfect for four to twelve-year-olds. There are numerous way to venture in, climbing up a scramble wall, ladders and steps. There are two levels of walkways all connected by a quirky, gnarled central tower.
For those with an adventurous spirit you can climb up a spiral of steps to the top look-out deck, crawl through tunnels, scramble along a netted tube or along bridges. I can pretty much guarantee they’ll be tired by the end.
Nestled in the trees, Tumblestone Hollow has replaced Wonder Woods at Stonor Park but some great features still remain. The epic two tube twisty slide is a favourite and both my son and I had multiple goes.
Tumblestone Hollow at Stonor Park is perfect for families and would be a great spot to meet up with friends especially if you all have children of different ages. There’s a great little area for younger kids too so they’re not left out. One downside though is that it’s not really inclusive if you have children with additional physical needs.
It was a gloriously sunny day when we visited and the little sandpit with water feature, water pump, small climbing fort and baby swings is a great spot. There’s a bench here too so you can just sit and relax.
Eating & Drinking at Tumblestone Hollow
There are plenty of benches and picnic tables dotted around so if your kids are old enough to explore you can just sit down and chill out. If you’re looking for something to eat they’ve got a wood-fired pizza oven arriving soon and you can grab a coffee too from The Hollow Hut, the new and rustic Shepherd’s hut.
The Legend of Tumblestone Hollow
“There are so many wonderful stories and myths connected with this ancient site, Stonor is perfectly suited to storytelling and we are immensely pleased to be working with Amy” said Lady Ailsa Stonor.
I won’t give away the story, but we loved reading the book before visiting and a great way to spark imaginations before even arriving.
The Legend of Tumblestone Hollow’ is available from the Visitor Centre at Stonor.
Tumblestone Hollow at Stonor Park Events
The playground can be accessed separately to the house and gardens. They regularly run special events during the school holidays so do check their website for the latest in what’s on.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit the website: www.stonor.com
