Upper Basildon

If you don't know Upper Basildon take a GPS or study a map beforehand. It took a while to find the actual playground. Upper Basildon is easy to get to, albeit down the ubiquitous country roads we have a lot of around here, but where the actual heart of the village - the village hall in this case is, it was hard to determine and the signs are not the best. It is a nice drive and you will see signs for many of the places referenced in this blog and in OxonKids and Pubs with Playgrounds.

Upper Basildon has probably got the poshest playground in Berkshire and certainly rivals that of Sutton Courtenay's playground on the high street. The play equipment must either be new or extremely well looked after - it is lovely. It is well spread  out, lots of play equipment and loads of seating in shaded areas, too.

You can find directions to this playground on this google map I made. Please let me know if there are any problems.

There is a large dedicated area for parking.

Pictures:

Compton

Compton is the next village down from East Ilsley. You will see a sign near the pond. 
The recreation ground in Compton is near the village hall. This is signposted - this sign can be seen from the main road. If you are coming from East Ilsley you will be turning right onto Manor Crescent, then first left into Burrell Road. There is loads of parking behind the village hall. It is not apparent that theere is a large parking area, you do have to drive passed the village hall first - keep your eyes peeled. 
This park is new. It is metal, laid out in a long strip, just like Woodcote's park, and also has very little shade in the afternoon. This park has equipment for young children. My son didn't fancy the climbing frame - he said it was too small - but the 'merry go round' - the same as you'd find in Florence park - is pretty fast. 
Nearby Parks:
East Ilsley
Hampstead Norreys
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East Ilsley

Find all parks on this blog here, on this map.

 East Ilsley, for those who don't know, is off the A34 northbound between the Milton Interchange and Newbury. It is closer to the Chilton slip road if you choose to access the A34 that way. East Ilsley village has 'one way' roads. As usual I didn't know where the park is but I do know by now that they are usually either next to the village hall or next to the school. In this instance the recreation ground can be found next to the school. The school can be found on Church Hill. You will need to drive passed the village pond - it's on the corner, you can't miss it - continue straight ahead onto Cow Lane then turn right onto Church Hill. You'll se the sign for the school and the park is at the end of the road.

There is no designated parking. We parked on the road.

Nearby Parks
Compton
Hampstead Norreys
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Zip wire is currently out of action.

Lots of shade in this park:) 

Climbing frame for little ones.

Swings for little ones.

Looks like fun:) 

For bigger children.

The field in the background is another public recreation field. 

My son decided he needed the loo, which was perfect because the landlady of The Swan has agreed to allow the use of her loo. 

East Ilsley

Find all parks on this blog here, on this map.

East Ilsley, for those who don't know, is off the A34 northbound between the Milton Interchange and Newbury. It is closer to the Chilton slip road if you choose to access the A34 that way. East Ilsley village has 'one way' roads. As usual I didn't know where the park is but I do know by now that they are usually either next to the village hall or next to the school. In this instance the recreation ground can be found next to the school. The school can be found on Church Hill. You will need to drive passed the village pond - it's on the corner, you can't miss it - continue straight ahead onto Cow Lane then turn right onto Church Hill. You'll se the sign for the school and the park is at the end of the road.

There is no designated parking. We parked on the road.

Zip wire is currently out of action.

Lots of shade in this park:) 

Climbing frame for little ones.

Swings for little ones.

Looks like fun:) 

For bigger children.

The field in the background is another public recreation field. 

My son decided he needed the loo, which was perfect because the landlady of The Swan has agreed to allow the use of her loo. 

Nearby Parks

Compton
Hampstead Norreys

If you would like this blog as an app, you can get it here.

Donnington Castle, Nr Newbury

Find all places mentioned on this blog on this map.


We drove here from Didcot. It took us about 25 minutes down the A34, so I imagine it would be quicker from Reading. 

Donnington is about 1 mile north of Newbury. I did get a bit lost going around all the roundabouts, but then Didcot is significantly smaller than Newbury or Reading and I am used to country roads, so don't be put off by me!

Not only is there a castle here but also a very obvious recreation ground and park. We didn't visit as we ran out of time, but we will go back. 

Donnington Castle is owned by English Heritage, so there is a big car park. Entry is free. 

The views are lovely: 

We stayed for three hours and the children played for the entire time. 

Castle: