I found out about the Tetsworth Outdoor Learning Charity in Oxfordshire when the lady who runs it got in touch with me. She’d seen my review of the playground next door and invited me to go down and see what they’re all about.
It’s a natural outdoor play space that’s open all the time, but they also do a forest school on Mondays. We were very kindly invited down to a session to do this review, but they had no input into the contents and didn’t see the review prior to publication.
What’s on site
I’m not really sure what I was expecting, but Tetsworth Outdoor Learning Charity wasn’t what I expected! It’s a smallish wooded area with various things hidden around such as a rope swing and a tunnel. There’s different paths to explore around the woodland and little hidden dens.
Middle and Smallest Child spent most of their time in the mud kitchen. Except it’s not a mud kitchen, it’s a charcoal kitchen. This is where all of the ashes from the fire pit get put. The kids were covered in coal dust but the end of it, but it was actually easier to clear up than mud!
Overall I would say that it’s a little bit rustic, but it’s supposed to be a natural play area rather than a structured play area. As long as you, and the kids, are aware of that everyone will be happy.
The forest school area
There’s a main central area where the fire circle is as well as a ship and a wendy house. This is where the craft and cooking activities of the forest school take place. During our visit the craft activity was making corn dolls and we got to cook popcorn over the fire. Bug hunting kits are always available.
There are various different types of forest school. The one at Tetsworth Outdoor Learning Charity is quite relaxed and unstructured. It’s about letting the kids explore the outdoors for themselves. Heather, who runs it, does guide the activities but more of the two hour sessions will be about doing whatever the kids want to do.
Check the Facebook page for the latest sessions but typically they run from 9.30 – 11.30 each Monday. There are sessions for home educators running from 12.30 – 2.30. £5 per child, £3 per additional child.
Our Tetsworth Outdoor Learning Charity review
Smallest Child had an amazing time. Middle Child enjoyed most of it, but he did start to get bored towards the end. Realistically I’d say his age (10) is the max age that would get much out of the forest school here.
Admission cost
Admission to the site generally is free. The forest school sessions are £5 per child, £3 per additional child.
Parking / How to get there
Parking – At the social club
Address – (for parking) Sports & Social Club, Marsh End, Tetsworth, Thame OX9 7AU
Toilets
None on site currently
What else is there to do nearby?
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Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
