Outdoor Fitness

# **Hike to Polesden Lacey Manor & Denbies Vineyard (Surrey Hills AONB)** Join us for a scenic North Downs hike following good undulating paths through woodland, heathland and meadows in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We’ll take in Polesden Lacey Manor, Ranmore Common and Denbies Vineyard before finishing with an optional pub stop near Box Hill & Westhumble Station. *** ## **🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info** **Meeting Time**: 09:10 London Victoria Station next to the information booth platform 12 **Trains:** London Victoria 09:41 → Box Hill & Westhumble, arriving 10:37 **Tickets:** Return to Box Hill & Westhumble (buy in advance or on the day) **Lunch:** Pack lunch, snacks (lunch at Polesden Lacey) **Hike Start:** 10:40 Box Hill & Westhumble Station **Hike Finish:** Around 16:30 at Box Hill & Westhumble Station Return Trains: Every 30–40 minutes 🚆 Train fare is **not included** – please purchase your own return ticket in advance or on the day. *** ## **Hike Overview** **Grade:** Beginner / Intermediate **Distance:** 18 km (12 miles) **Ascent:** 330 m **Hiking Time:** Approx 5 hours **Terrain:** Undulating paths through woodland, meadows, heathland & vineyard trails **Pace:** Social, steady **Hike Leader:** Gary – 📞 07968585224 \| 📩 golondongary@hotmail\.co\.uk *** ## **What to Bring** ✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes ✅ Waterproof jacket & layers for changing weather ✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water ✅ Train ticket / Contactless / Travelcard *** ## **What to Expect** This Turkey Burner hike explores a classic section of the **Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty**, starting near **Box Hill & Westhumble Station** and following part of the historic **North Downs Way**. The route passes through rolling chalk downland, ancient woodland and open meadows, showcasing characteristic scenery of the Mole Valley. A highlight is the approach to **Polesden Lacey**, an Edwardian country house set within landscaped gardens and parkland, offering elevated views across the surrounding hills. After lunch, the route continues along woodland tracks and quiet valleys towards **Ranmore Common**, a high ridge with panoramic views across the **North Downs**. The trail then descends into **Denbies Wine Estate**, the largest vineyard in England, with 265 acres of vines thriving on chalky, south-facing slopes. Denbies is a major regional landmark and popular visitor destination. The hike ends near **Box Hill & Westhumble Station**, making it an ideal countryside adventure for walkers travelling from London. *** ## **Stay Connected** 📱 WhatsApp: 07968585224 📩 Mailing List: [Go London](https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk/contact) 🌐 Website: [www.golondonhiking.co.uk](https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk) 🎟️ Eventbrite Page: [GO London Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/go-london-hiking-17576718759) 📸 Instagram: @golondonhiking 👍 Facebook Page: [Go London Adventure](https://www.facebook.com/GoLondonAdventure/) 👥 Facebook Group: [Go London Hiking](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/) 📜 **Terms & Conditions** By signing up, you agree to our full T&Cs including our cancellation and refund policy. View T&Cs. *** London hiking, hiking group London, walking group London, hiking meetups, countryside walks near London, UK hiking group, weekend hikes from London, day hikes London, public transport hikes, nature walks London, Surrey Hills hikes, North Downs Way, Polesden Lacey walk, Denbies Vineyard walk, Box Hill hikes, beginner hikes London, expat hiking group

Gain practical playing experience at the beginners/improvers games sessions on Wednesdays 7pm at the fantastic sports hall at Pimlico Academy in central London. These badminton games sessions are for beginners and improvers who want to play fun and friendly games with other players of a similar ability. The sessions are 1 hour long, we play on 4 courts with the best Yonex 600 fast plastic shuttlecocks. Just bring your own badminton racquet. To ensure that we have a stable number of regular players every week, these games sessions must be block booked in advance. You need to book your place on our website using a bank card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Note that we manage bookings and post updates on the booking page on our website, not on meetup: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/](https://playfit.co.uk/w/badminton/) If you have any questions then contact us here: Whatsapp: [https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1](https://wa.me/message/WMVRULBIR7TJA1) Email: [https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact](https://playfit.co.uk/w/contact) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our badminton sessions, new locations and get exclusive offers: [https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter](https://playfit.co.uk/newsletter)

## Explore Kent’s Countryside: Woods, Deer & History ### **Quick Intro** Join us for a guided walk through the beautiful Kent countryside, where rolling hills, ancient woodland, and sweeping parkland create the perfect escape into nature. This is a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air, and explore one of Kent’s most picturesque landscapes on foot. Starting from Knole House Car Park, beneath the magnificent setting of **Knole House**, we’ll head out through parkland and past Knole Park Golf Club, making our way towards Fawke Common and Bitchet Common through open fields and peaceful woodland. Following stretches of the Greensand Way, we’ll gradually loop back toward **Knole Park**, enjoying far-reaching views and tranquil countryside along the way. This walk offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and charming rural scenery — ideal for anyone who loves exploring Kent on foot. ### **Schedule** **Date:** 22 April 2026 **Meet and Start Time:** 10:00 meet for 10:15 am start **Walking time:** 4 hrs (incl. lunch break) **Walk Leader:** Ian Henderson ### **Location** **Meeting point:** Knole House, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP **what3words:** [///shelf.buns.credit](https://what3words.com/shelf.buns.credit) **Car Parking:** Charges not included ### **Route** **Terrain:** Mixed **Distance:** Approximately 10.4 km (6.5 miles) **Walk Type:** Circular ## **Your Kit List** * Suitable footwear (preferably walking boots or sturdy shoes, no flip-flops) * A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers, if you have them) for rainy days * Drinking water and a packed lunch * Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions) * Suitable walking attire ## **Important Notes** * Friendly dogs welcome (on leads; owners responsible at all times). * We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day. * Cancellation policy states: Full payment becomes due if a user cancels within 4 days of the activity. Any person cancelling outside of 4 days, will receive a credit available to use within 90 days. Cancel at least 4 days before the event to receive a credit note for a future walk, valid for 90 days.

**Join a FREE outdoor fitness session in East London.** We combine light running (or walking) with simple strength training in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. No experience needed — all levels welcome. **What to expect:** * Warm-up * Bodyweight strength training * Run or walk option * Cool down 📍 Location: King Edward Memorial Park - E1W 3HT ⏱ Duration: 60 minutes 🎯 Goal: improve fitness, lose fat, and build strength First session is FREE. Spots are limited — book your place.

**Advanced booking is required** \- find out more on our website \[[www.silverfit.org.uk/elephantandcastle](www.silverfit.org.uk/elephantandcastle)] **Meet Up is a means for promotion and *not a way to sign up* to this session.** ### **Activity: Yoga - A Gentle, Open-Level Class for All Abilities** **Venue:** Elephant and Castle Community and Engagement Hub, Upper floor, Castle Square, 40 Elephant Road, London, SE17 1EU **Day:** Wednesday **Time:** 10.15am-11am session, please arrive from 10am. **Instructor:** Heather **Description of session:** Boost your flexibility and strength while calming your mind and body in this relaxing yoga session. Suitable for all, each class includes a gentle pranayama (breathing meditation) to deepen your experience. **Price:** This session is free, with an option to donate to Silverfit at the check out. Advanced sign up is essential to regulate numbers. *** For more information about this session please email the Project Manager at - **info@silverfit.org.uk** Learn more about **Silverfit Charity** on our website [www.silverfit.org.uk](http://www.silverfit.org.uk/)

**Advanced booking is required** \- find out more on our website [https://www.silverfit.org.uk/ashburton](https://www.silverfit.org.uk/ashburton) **Meet Up is a means for promotion and *not a way to sign up* to this session.** **Venue:** Ashburton Park, Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon CR0 6RX, meet at Ashburton Hall. **When:** Wednesdays, meet at 9.15am for 9.30am start **Price:** £3 to pay in person on the day **If you need Nordic Walking poles provided by the instructor** For those who need to borrow poles it is essential that you sign up to the sessions beforehand so instructors know how many sets of poles they will need, this will help avoid any disappointment. Please turn up at least 20 minutes before the session so that everyone can catch up beforehand and enjoy a full session - especially those who need to be set up with poles. Nordic Walk instructors will not normally delay the session for latecomers. *** For more information about this session please email the Project Manager at - **info@silverfit.org.uk** Learn more about **Silverfit Charity** on our website [www.silverfit.org.uk](http://www.silverfit.org.uk/)

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **London Fields, Hackney, London, E8 3EU** **at 6:15pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 6:30pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:15pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

Have you ever wanted to explore and savour as many food places within an event? If so, this may be the right one for you. Welcome to the FOOD Crawl where you have the opportunity to explore and savour the food from some of the places we may visit. 

With this particular event, we will be exploring an array of Chocolatiers that revolves around Europe. We will also be savouring what they may deliver. Based on research and experience, the places we are to visit have some unique delicacies which has brought joy to the world. Here are the Chocolatiers we’ll be visiting: * William Curley patissier chocolatier * Prestat * Charbonnel et Walker So the plan is extremely simple. We’re to visit each food place and savour their unique delicacies hence the term ‘Chocolate crawl’. This is the opportunity to explore the Food places, eat, drink, make new friends but most importantly, have an enjoyable yet memorable experience. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 

WHAT - Chocolate Crawl
WHERE - Piccadilly Circus
WHEN - 2pm - 4pm
MEETING POINT - Leicester Square outside Jollibee
NEAREST STATION - Leicester Square Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk.

 Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

Seektag is a **sneaky outdoor spy game** that's like **competitive hide and seek! 🏃** The goal is to **spot other players without getting seen** (+5pts) and to tag checkpoints (+3pts) 👀 \*\*\*\*\*\*\* Watch the **Player Tutorial Video** to learn how to play! https://youtu.be/zuxzIOce8DA \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **📍 LOCATION/HOW TO FIND 📍** Meet at the Red Bridge over the river in the Coal Drops area 5mins walk north of Kings Cross train station. Look for the bright pink vest! Map: **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/ExQ6Bkwe7S4sAGGq8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ExQ6Bkwe7S4sAGGq8)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Play with a friend or go solo!** Games last 10mins and we usually play about 6 games in total. There are lots of ways to play – some people like to run around, while others like to **be more sneaky!** If you like hilarious situations, outdoor fitness, social times, group activities, games, adventures, sports or new ways to exercise, **you will love Seektag!** It's also a fantastic way to **make friends for life!** ❤️ Our Gameplay Meetups are **100% FREE** and open to everyone (kids are allowed if accompanied by an adult). We are LGBTQ+ friendly and encourage everyone to be who you are - **we love you for you!** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **📱 Get the PlayCulture App:** You'll be using the 100% free PlayCulture app to play at our meetups. Get it here: **[www.playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)** (and if you're feeling creative, start designing your avatar!) **❤️ Support PlayCulture!** If you are loving our free gameplay meetups please consider supporting us on Patreon! **[patreon.com/playculture](https://www.patreon.com/playculture)** or drop us a one-off donation **[playculture.com/donate](https://www.playculture.com/donate.php)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **REVIEWS** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Fun, engaging and intense, my new favourite workout!* \- Adrien ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *The extremely welcoming and wholesome vibes, the beyond awesome people that you could connect with immediately, I could let out my inner kid again* \- AnonymousLemur ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Seektag means feeling like a kid again!* \- Stefan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ *I had so much fun! Definitely a very welcoming environment with lots of great people. It was a great way to unwind/de-stress - AnonymousGoat* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **🚀 WHAT HAPPENS AT OUR MEETUPS? 🚀** Your friendly game leader will explain the rules and hand out your numbered vests, then we'll play some games! Games last 10 minutes, with about 5 minutes of social time in-between to laugh about who saw who and who didn’t! At the end of the meetup we get food and hang out until the owls are hooting **⚡ HOW DOES THE GAME WORK? ⚡** Every player wears a vest with a number on the front and back. Players open the PlayCulture App ([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)) and if you spot another player, put their number into the App. You can also tag zones for extra points. At the end you will see a leaderboard showing everyone’s scores **🎈 CAN I BRING MY FRIEND? 🎈** Absolutely! If you want you can stick together and play as a ninja team! Just select extra tickets if you are bringing someone with you **🥾 WHAT TO BRING** 🌊 \- Smartphone with mobile data\, fully charged battery and PlayCulture App installed \([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)) \- Comfy shoes \- Bottle of water **🛍️ WHAT NOT TO BRING 🎒** Please try not to bring a bag/backpack as we don't have anywhere to store bags. If possible try not to wear your hair down/long or wear a hoodie, as this could obscure the number on your back **📜 RULES 📜** Seektag takes place in public spaces, so please remember these rules: \- Non\-players always have priority \- Safety first: don’t do anything to endanger yourself or anyone else \- Don’t run around blind corners or across roads\, no risk\-taking\! \- Smile and enjoy\! **❤️ MORE INFORMATION 🤔** We're very happy to answer any questions you may have, just message us on Meetup, or email [info@playculture.com](http://info@playculture.com/), or visit [www.playculture.com](http://www.playculture.com/) **📷 PHOTOGRAPHY 🎥** Please note that we may film or take photos at our events, either for promotion or for our YouTube channel. By attending our events you agree to feature **📢 REMEMBER 📢** These events are free-to-attend social meetups organised by passionate people. You are responsible for yourself and for your own safety. By attending you are agreeing to our terms (available here: [playculture.com/disclaimer](https://www.playculture.com/disclaimer)) Take care out there in the big wide world, and let us know if anything is troubling you **❤️**

The famous Seven Sisters ! 13 miles long with at least 7 major hills and one of the best coastal walks in southern England with fabulous views ! Only attempt this walk if you are fine with dealing with so many difficult hills taking into account also the length of the walk ! Let's go with the flow ! Group return train tickets shall be purchased as from 8.50am for the train at 9.24am that arrives at Seaford at 10.48am after changing trains at Lewes. Train ticket : Seaford return Or you may decide to drive. At Seaford we shall go to the public toilets a few minutes away from the train station. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and wear boots, walking shoes or trainers. MEETUP FEE SPECIAL OFFER £5 ! Meetup fee : normally £8 payable in cash or £6 by Friday in advance by bank transfer, details supplied by private message. The walk shall commence by 11.10am after we stop off for public toilets NEAR Seaford train station. We shall have a drink at the end of the walk in Eastbourne and perhaps fish and chips too. At Eastbourne train station a small supplementary fare shall need be purchased in respect of the first part of the return journey to Lewes which was not covered by the return train ticket purchased in the morning. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

I was planning to do this on 18th April, but our favourite (and only) pub with the yummy £9.99 pizzas is fully booked that day. So I have moved it to the 25th, when the bluebells will hopefully still be there, in addition to the other attractions in this lovely wood. For those of you who perceive Abbey Wood as being a long way away, its only in zone 4, its 15 minutes & 4 stations from Whitechapel on the Elizabeth Line, covered on all free passes, and around two quid if you are a paying passenger. Situated in South East London, Lesnes Abbey Wood offers 88 hectares of ancient woodland, a park and a ruined abbey (grade two listed). There is also the Arboretum, where we can take a walk through a collection of trees from around the world, plus other attractions too. https://www.lesnesabbeywoods.org/explore/park-gardens/ I am putting this event up nice and early because I have to book tables at The Abbey Arms. So put your name down if you are definitely coming, but please do message me should you not be eating. I will be giving the pub numbers next Wednesday (15th April). So if you are one of the several who don't make up their mind until the eleventh hour, I may be able to get you in on the day but no guarantees. We're meeting at the front of Abbey Wood station, slightly later than usual at 11.15am. I expect to be at the pub between 3.30 and 4pm. If you haven't already paid for April, I ask for a nominal contribution of £2 to help cover Meetup organiser fees. No shrapnel please. RISK WARNING/DISCLAIMER: Please remember that as with any physical activity, there can be dangers associated with hiking/walking, especially around waterways, forests, farms and countryside. Your decision to voluntarily participate in this activity is an informed decision. and by attending this event you agree and accept to take sole responsibility for your own actions, your own safety, and your own belongings. Please dress appropriately, including sturdy shoes. Please bring any necessary medication with you. You will need to be sufficiently fit to walk several miles at a moderate pace. We may occasionally cross or walk short distances on roads; country and woodland tracks can be muddy or slippery; animals may be encountered on occasion. INSURANCE: If either yourself or any guests you bring along require insurance for this walk, then you must arrange this yourselves. GUESTS: If you are bringing any guests along, there is no facility on the Meetup site to record their details. Please ensure that you make them fully aware of the Risk Warning/Disclaimer and Insurance statements.

Join us for our monthly series where **Offline Women Explore the Royal Parks**, visiting one of the eight different royal parks each month. The third walk in this series will be through **Richmond Park.** This is a dedicated, phone-free, quiet space where you can disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and each other. Join our warm community of women for an afternoon walk through the Richmond Park. We will spend our time wandering the paths at a slow pace, taking in the fresh air and the views. It is a simple way to enjoy the park and engage in real conversation. We will have plenty of time to talk, share stories, and get to know one another without any digital interruptions. Leave the event feeling energized and refreshed, with a heart full of good conversation and the peaceful feeling of a walk spent in great company. Spots are limited to ensure the group remains small, intimate, and everyone has a great time connecting face-to-face.

Have you ever wanted to be immersed within either the city or nature in the form of a walk and socialise at the same time? If so, this may be the right walk for you. Welcome to another one of the WALK events where you have the opportunity to explore all the scenic routes I’ll execute whether there’s nature within, whether we get immersed within the city and feel great about yourself. 


With this particular walk, we will be walking through Crystal Palace Park from start to finish. During this walk, you get immersed within nature and familiar with the park itself but most importantly, you have the opportunity to feel healthy and stress free after this walk and possibly the opportunity to form friendships.

After this walk, if you enjoyed yourselves and still want to hang out, we can find a place nearby to continue the day. We’ll get democracy decide. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 


Starting point: Crystal Palace Park
Ending point: Crystal Palace Park
Walking length: 2 miles
Duration: 1 hour +
Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time.

WHAT - Walk through Crystal Palace Park
WHERE - Crystal Palace Park
WHEN - 6:30pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Crystal Palace Station
NEAREST STATION - Crystal Palace Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

**Come join us for some fun in the park** This is a weekly social park gathering with optional sports and board / social games. 2pm Rounders 3:30pm Social/Board games in the park- please sign up separately [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/games-friends/)[.](https://meetu.ps/e/PfHPb/z45zT/i) **How to play rounders** Not played rounders before? It's a traditional English sport for everyone, even the unsporty. Here's a video of us playing: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Bya3T5W3k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Bya3T5W3k) Rounders is a bat and ball game similar to baseball played by two teams. Your team will be either fielding or batting before swapping after the innings. When batting, the aim is to hit the ball, then try and run around the four posts. Your team gets a rounder if you make it round the four posts without stopping or getting out. You are out if when you hit the ball someone catches the ball before it reaches the ground or someone stumps a post before you get there. The rules will be explained at the beginning of each meetup with a practice round at the beginning. We play a slightly modified version of the official rules where if you are out, it's not game over for you. Your team will lose a life instead. This will give everyone multiple opportunities to bat. **It's very simple to pick up and the ball we use is very soft. We are very beginner friendly and the focus is on having fun rather than being competitive**. We attract attendees of all ages and sporting level. You are welcome to come and watch only too. We usually have a few people who do so while having a picnic and enjoying the park. **Come and meet us** Meet at 2pm in Regents Park. Here is the map of where we will be playing in the park (Cumberland Green): [https://www.notion.so/hyau/Rounders-at-Regents-Park-8bc419b72dde4aacaec3870d291636be](https://www.notion.so/hyau/Rounders-at-Regents-Park-8bc419b72dde4aacaec3870d291636be) You can also find us around here: [https://what3words.com/swim.jolly.youth](https://what3words.com/swim.jolly.youth) (just look out for our white rounders bases (long, white sticks) and you can usually spot us. Please feel free to bring food and drinks. The main rounders game will finish at 3:30pm and this is followed by social/board games or beginner friendly mixed gender football. **Social/Board Games** Please check out our [separate meetup event](https://www.meetup.com/games-friends/) for details and sign up there! **Football** For mixed gender football we aim to have roughly equal numbers of men and women and 3 ability levels (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced). There may be limited spaces for men for football as we are always oversubscribed. **Free or play for charity** Our Sunday social and rounders events are free for everyone. The organisers volunteer their time and fund for the equipment, public liability insurance, marketing and meetup costs to make this happen. We would like our events to raise awareness and money for worthwhile charities. If you appreciate our events, please consider making a donation on our fundraising page to our supported charity, War Child. To donate and for more info, please visit: [https://www.justgiving.com/page/social-sports-mix-warchild](https://www.justgiving.com/page/social-sports-mix-warchild) We will also promote fundraising pages suggested or owned by our attendees. Get in touch if you are attending and also charity fundraising.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\, reggae\. Originals mixed with 60s & 70s classics\. Getcha groove on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **bbq food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.