Wellington Country Park

 A few months ago, one of our granddaughters (aged 9) asked if we would take her camping in our small campervan. I think it was the idea of sleeping in the roof bed that appealed the most. So, a few days ago, we picked her up and made our way to Wellington Country Park which was not too far from home if she didn't take to outdoor living. With onsite camping and plenty of activities (some of which were available after hours to campers), it seemed the ideal introduction to camping.

We quickly set up camp in a wood clearing with plenty of help from the GD ...

Photo 1: Camp Setting

... before heading off into the Country Park to see what was on offer. But not before admiring the red deer less than 50 feet away from our camp (and behind a wire fence) ...

Photo 2: Red Deer Stag, Wellington Country Park (30/11/25)

A Day Ticket costs £23.95 for adults and children (under twos are free) which seemed quite expensive. Similar Day Tickets for nearby attractions such as Thorpe Park and Legoland start at £29 if bought online in advance. Camping fees vary between £46.50 and £57 per night plus £21.95 per person making the two-night stay around £180.

With forest trails, playgrounds, animal farm, sand and water play areas, and crazy golf, there is plenty of free stuff to do. The narrow-gauge railway cost £1 per person for an entertaining five minute ride (two trips) and the Welly Wheels (electric quadbikes for kids) was £3 for two circuits (didn't try). Plenty of cafes, refreshment booths and clean toilets.

Figure 1: Park Layout

The dinosaur trail - with added noise effects - is a must for any dinosaur-mad kids ...

Photo 3: T-Rex, Wellington Country Park (30/5/25)

Photo 4: Triceratops, Wellington Country Park (30/5/25)

Apart from the Double Caramel Magnum ice lolly and the narrow-gauge railway, our granddaughter enjoyed the nature trails as much as anything else.

Photo 5: Stag at Rest, Wellington Country Park (31/5/25)

Photo 6: Inquisitive Red Deer, Wellington Country Park (31/5/25)

Photo 7: Stag on the Move, Wellington Country Park (31/5/25)

There were also lots of 'interesting' insects ...

Photo 7: Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonfly, Wellington Country Park (31/5/25)

... although the GD was less keen on the night-flying ones that made their way into her sleeping compartment!

The GD also learned several new skills such as washing up ...

Photo 8: Washing Up the Tea Dishes

... and putting together a camping chair ...

Photo 9: Assembling the Camping Chair

But her proudest achievement was to get a red deer stag to stop eating and look up for the camera by making a simple clicking noise!

Video 1: Deer Whispering to Camera-Shy Red Deer Stag

We were very lucky with the weather (warm and sunny) which makes all the difference when camping. Despite the relatively high cost, I highly recommend the Wellington Country Park and its associated camping facilities. It is worth pointing out that, in our opinion, the country park is aimed at families with young children with the children's activities geared towards under 10s.