Review 2014: The Vyne

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The Vyne, National Trust

Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9HL
We went to the Vyne last weekend and had a fabulous time. It was when the weather was gorgeous and it felt like the first day of spring.
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We spent a long time in the Walled Garden, playing on the toys and talking to the chickens.

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We then went to the Hobbit play area and had a brilliant time!

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We finished off our morning lying on our picnic rug on the lawn in front of the house, people watching and looking out for aeroplanes!

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Play

There is LOADS to do at the Vyne. As soon as you walk in, there are the lakes which have HUGE black fish in. You then walk over the mini waterfall (at least, I think that’s what it’s called).

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Keep walking up the main path, towards the house and on your left is the Walled Garden.

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There are bouncing toys and mini tractors that you can play on and picnic tables which have different types of tracks laid out (don’t forget your toy cars for this!).

 

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We also had a look in the green house and spent some time looking at the chickens.

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As you come out of the walled Garden you walk towards the house through a promenade of trees. I love this bit! Lol.

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As you walk towards the house, you pass the tea rooms and you can also sit outside as there is an outside booth selling ice creams, etc.

Behind the Gift Shop is the new Hobbit play area. It’s fantastic and I want one of the tunnels for our garden! Miss NHM enjoyed flinging herself down the fireman’s pole with Daddy to catch her at the bottom!

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We spent a long time lying on our picnic blanket on the lawns and people watching. There is also the forest behind, Morgesten Woods, which is lovely to walk through, but not much fun without an off road pushchair. We didn’t make it here this time.

Tips

I wouldn’t take anyone under the age of 5 into the house. This is because I wouldn’t want to control an under 5 in a stately home that it isn’t practical to take pushchairs into. However, you can borrow a hip carrying infant seat, which might be a good solution for very small little ones.

Get here early, to avoid the crowds. If the weather is nice, you will get the pick of the best deckchairs which are laid out on the lawn between the house and the main lake.

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Food

Is excellent but pricey. We took a picnic with us but I have eaten here before and the Sunday lunches are very yummy.

Facilities

Are excellent and all eco.

Baby Facilities

The baby changing facilities are also excellent quality.There is one near the entrance when you arrive and one behind the restaurant.

Parking

Is free and there is loads. If you can’t find a space in the main car park then park in the overflow which has loads of space

Prices

  • £7.50 for adults to enter the grounds only.
  • Children under the age of 5 are free or £4 over the age of five
  • £22 for a family ticket.If you plan to visit a lot of National Trust properties, it may be worth investing in a year pass. Check out the details from last years Season ticket post.

Rating out of 5

5 out of 5 because we had such a lovely day, although I’m sure this was helped by the lovely weather.
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Other Reviews

Reasonably Priced Afternoon Tea’s

I’m always looking for new places to visit. I live by the philosophy “variety is the spice of life!” So I’ve been searching for some new coffee shops to visit. I have my old favourites (Roses Tea Shop and the Tea Parlour) but it’s always good to find some new places.

If you are looking for somewhere a bit different to the usual Costa “Packet”, Cafe Nero’s or Starbucks, then check out the list of Cafe’s below:

The Parlour Tea Room – Viables

I LOVE It here. I haven’t been in a while but the cakes are awesome and if you are hungry I totally recommend the Farmer’s package. It comes on the cutest cake tray’s and there’s LOADS to eat.

You need to book in advance though as it’s so popular now. The best way to book is to phone up.

Little Roses Cafe behind Elm Tree Garden Centre, on the way to Tadley

I love the Little Roses Cafe but I haven’t been for such a long time! I hope it’s as good as it was when I used to go on maternity leave. I’ve written about Little Roses before HERE. They used to have excellent baby changing facilities and I hope they still do!

Newlyns Farm – just off Junction 5 of the M3.

I like Newlyns Farm for a cuppa and a cake. Plus, if the piglets are out, they are great fun to watch!

M&S Cafe – Chineham

I like the cafe in M&S in Chineham because it’s free parking, the cafe has loads of space and seating and it has very serious air conditioning which is perfect in a heatwave! lol.

The men’s toilets also have babychanging facilities which is a plus in my book. The free crayons and drawing paper always go down a treat.

We sometimes go here for dinner as they always have a couple of meals on the menu and it’s always really quiet in the evenings.

The portions are smaller than average but I quite like this. The meals are quite healthy though and the options for little one’s are good quality meals which can also be purchased from M&S Simply Food downstairs.

The Tea Bar – top of town

I still haven’t been here yet, but I hear great things about it.

Milestones Cafe

I haven’t been here either! However, the 1950’s cafe looks fab!

Wyevale Garden Centre cafe, Sherfield on Loddon

I’ve been here a few times recently and it’s quite nice but the meals are expensive and the facilities for children are no longer as good as they used to be.

It’s nice to go for a cuppa though, especially if it’s nice weather and the garden is open.

The Dome Cafe

Another place I haven’t been too but have heard great things about. Lovely concept and great to support the local community.

The Departures Lounge – on the road to Alton

I’ve only been here once but the time I went it was lovely. The food was good quality and the cakes all home made.

The novelty factor is the airplane that is coming out of the back of the cafe. Awesome for toddlers who are obssessed with airplanes, like mine is! lol.

Are there any other Cafe’s you can recommend in the area?

Related Links

Luxury Afternoon Tea in and around Basingstoke