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Outdoors Events Today

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Pangboune to Wallingford via Goring Stunning Thames Path walk
Pangboune to Wallingford via Goring Stunning Thames Path walk
A most glorious and stunning 11.5 mile gently undulating walk that takes in wonderful Pangbourne, Coombe Park and the Goring Gap - one of the most beautiful and dramatic stretches of the River Thames ! Please arrive by 9.05am so as to facilitate the purchase of group return train tickets for the 9.38am train that arrives at Pangbourne at 10.33am. Train ticket : Pangbourne return Or you may decide to drive. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 by Saturday in advance by bank transfer, details available upon request. No PayPal. Please use the toilets on the trains as much as possible as there shall be no toilet stop at Pangbourne train station. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/ boots or trainers. We shall have a lunch break in delightful village of Goring and then have a drink in wonderful Wallingford. We shall aim to take the bus at 4.52pm from Wallingford to Reading followed by the subsequent train to London. Some of us shall be staying over in Wallingford for the Oxford to Abingdon walk on Sunday. 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.
⛰️ (Lake District) Hiking Scafell Pike – The Highest Mountain in England
⛰️ (Lake District) Hiking Scafell Pike – The Highest Mountain in England
################# **This hike is now FULL.** **We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/12gIZWTLfA3zQsx1fb0lpv1zOWP2vC5tq/view?usp=drive_link) to help answer your questions.** ################# The Lake District is England's largest national park and by far the most popular in the UK. Every year, some 19 million people pitch up to explore the region's mountains and countryside, and it's not hard to see why. Its postcard panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes has been stirring the imaginations of visitors for centuries. In 2017, the Lake District was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining the likes of the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon on the illustrious list. It was the UK’s first national park to be given such status. On the first day of our trip, we'll summit Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England, rising to 978 metres above sea level. We'll do our walk from Wasdale valley, which offers the shortest and the most popular approach to the peak. The route starts at almost the sea level, by ascending alongside Lingmell Gill. After crossing the river, the path then leads to Hollow Stones and Lingmell Col, before the final rocky ascent to Scafell Pike. Throughout the whole hike, we'll enjoy superb views of Wast Water, England's deepest lake, the surrounding peaks and dramatic crags. After the hike, we'll drive to our hotel, where we'll have dinner and rest. Sunday will be much more relaxing! Today's walk is low-level, and will take us around two of the prettiest lakes in the Lake District – Grasmere and Rydal Water. We'll visit the large cavern of Rydal Cave, with its stepping stones. This famous Lakeland beauty spot is actually man-made, and is the result of slate quarrying over 200 years ago. We'll climb Loughrigg Fell (335m) and enjoy amazing panoramic views (it's often from the lower hills that you get the best views!). The hike will finish at Grasmere village, where we'll have lunch and visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – an absolute must-do in the Lakes! **ITINERARY** **Saturday:** **06:45** Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station) **07:00** Sharp departure **07:00-14:30** Transfer, with two stops at services (30 and 15 minutes) **14:30-19:00** Hike to Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head (difficulty: [Difficult](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view?usp=sharing), distance: 9km, ascent: 910m) **20:00** Check-in at Premier Inn Whitehaven Hotel, dinner and free time **Sunday:** **07:00** Breakfast **08:00** Departure **09:00­-13:30** Rydal Water and Grasmere circular walk, via Rydal Cave and Loughrigg Fell (difficulty: [Moderate](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view?usp=sharing), distance: 11km, ascent: 530m) **13:30-15:00** Lunch in Grasmere, one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District; free time to visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and buy souvenirs **15:00** Departure **19:00** Stop at services for dinner **21:00** London, Hammersmith **DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT** Please note that this trip requires a good level of fitness. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential. **PRIVATE ROOM** The default option is a shared twin room at the hotel (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender). A small number of private rooms, for your own use, is available for £30 extra – let us know if you would like an upgrade! **TRANSPORT** As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **LUGGAGE** You can bring two small bags with you: one cabin size personal item bag (up to 10kg) and one smaller hiking backpack to fit under the seat. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus. **BOOKING** To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£20 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Lake District). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours. Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited Sort Code: 20-17-20 Account Number: 63116514 We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the [attendees list](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/313570314/attendees) of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue. **THE PRICE OF £278 INCLUDES** * Transport throughout the trip * Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver * Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader * One night's accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender) * Professional event organisation * Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders * Admin fee * 20% VAT **THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance) * Food **HOW TO CONTACT US** For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours. Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip. **WHAT TO BRING** * Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support * Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers * Gloves/hat/cap * Water bottle (min 1L) * Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip * Walking poles (optional) * Gaiters (optional) * Second pair of comfortable (non-hiking) shoes for minibus journeys * Comfortable clothes to change after the hike **REVIEWS ⭐** We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an **average event rating of 4.8 out of 5**. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better! **JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA** This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next! [Facebook group link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/220802492121957) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/london_social_hiking/) **REFUND POLICY** You can check our refund policy [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny-b2NmMzBlpCiKjzkqC2vJEisxlORpn/view?usp=drive_link).
HILLY HIKE 22km Bourne Valley - the Mills, Orchards and Knights Manors of Kent
HILLY HIKE 22km Bourne Valley - the Mills, Orchards and Knights Manors of Kent
📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 14 miles (22km) • Grading: [Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) • Ascent: 450m • Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub 📍 **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:30am, leave 8:45am for the 8:55am train • Return: 6:36pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • Hike through the lush **Bourne Valley** in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Pass the vast **Fairlawne Estate** — a 17th-century mansion now home to a Saudi Prince and once used for royal horse training • Follow the **Greensand Ridge** and hike along sections of the historic **Greensand Way** • Visit **Old Soar Manor** — a 13th-century knight’s dwelling and English Heritage site • Admire traditional **Kentish cobnut orchards** and colourful apple orchards • Explore ancient hamlets, mills and woodlands including the historic **Basted Mill** site • Visit **Shipbourne Common**, a designated Special Landscape Area 🥾 **Hike Description** Our adventure begins at **Borough Green**, whose heritage stretches back over 2000 years. From here, we follow the tranquil **River Bourne**, meandering through orchards, meadows, and the rare Kentish cobnut groves. The trail soon ascends into **Yopps Green**, where we pause to enjoy sweeping views across the valley’s patchwork of fields and woodland. Continuing along the **Greensand Ridge**, we pass historic hamlets and mills before arriving at the magnificent **Fairlawne Estate**. This grand 17th-century country mansion sits within over 1,000 acres of parkland and gardens. Once famed as the training ground for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s horses, today it is the private residence of a Saudi Prince. After lunch, our route carries us deeper into the valley past the remnants of Kent’s milling heritage, where rivers once powered a chain of **paper mills** for centuries. We then make our way through shady chestnut woodland to reach **Old Soar Manor**, a 13th-century fortified knight’s dwelling preserved by English Heritage. The final stage of the hike leads us past the dramatic gorge of the River Bourne and the atmospheric remains of **Basted Mill**, before crossing **Shipbourne Common**, a Special Landscape Area, and returning from this rich blend of history, landscapes and hidden gems in the heart of Kent. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [KEVIN](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07918 329854 🍽️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒**What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) 📄 **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
HIKE 20km Chichester - Coastal paths, Estuaries, Bosham Village & Ferry ride
HIKE 20km Chichester - Coastal paths, Estuaries, Bosham Village & Ferry ride
📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 12 miles (20km) • Grading: [Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) • Ascent: 20m • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours • Cost: £36 (includes guided hike + ferry + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the mid-afternoon stop, and at the end pub 📍 **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:30am, leave 8:50am for the 9:05am train • Return: 7:15pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • Explore **Chichester Harbour** — a 3,700-hectare estuary and designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, teeming with wildlife • Take a **ferry ride across the historic Chichester Channel**, famously painted by J.M.W. Turner • Stroll through **Chichester Marina**, one of the South Coast’s most vibrant harbours with over 1,000 boats • Visit **Chichester**, an ancient Roman city fortified after AD 43 • Enjoy peaceful coastal scenery, wildflower meadows, and serene waterways 🥾 **Hike Description** Our adventure begins in the historic **Roman city of Chichester**, whose roots stretch back nearly 2,000 years. From here, we set out toward **Chichester Harbour**, the largest natural estuary in South East England and a protected wildlife sanctuary. The harbour’s expansive tidal waters and saltmarshes are alive with birdlife, making it one of the UK’s richest coastal habitats. We follow a scenic trail past the **Bosham Channel**, a picturesque stretch of water that has inspired painters, poets, and writers for centuries. Soon we reach the **Chichester Channel**, once used as a wartime shipping passage and immortalised in a painting by **J.M.W. Turner**. Here we cross by the traditional ferry, a unique highlight of the day and a chance to admire the waterway up close. Arriving in the old village of **West Itchenor**, our route continues to the bustling **Chichester Marina**, home to more than 1,000 boats and one of the South Coast’s most vibrant harbours. From here, our path meanders past ancient villages, coastal meadows, and historic sites before concluding with a refreshing visit to a local pub — the perfect way to end this coastal journey. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [BEA](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07345 241215 🍽️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒**What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) 📄 **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
Seven sisters spectacular coastal hike, ending in picturesque East Dean
Seven sisters spectacular coastal hike, ending in picturesque East Dean
**This is a challenging hike with several options to shorten if needed.** Hike the Seven Sisters, the Chalk Cliffs of Sussex, one of the most scenic coastal regions in the south downs of England. **GRADE:** Intermediate / Challenging 23 km 13 miles 670m of ascent and approx 7 hrs hiking time without breaks. This is a spectacular coastal hike with breathtaking views of the dramatic chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in south-east England, ending in East Dean, a beautiful South Downs village close to Beachy Head and Birlig Gap beach, where Sherlock Holmes went to retire! The name "Seven sisters", according to a legend, comes from seven sisters who lived on these limestone formations, each of them had a house between these hills. In fact there are now eight cliffs as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion. Starting in the pretty town of Seaford on the Sussex coast we follow the coastal path passing the Martello Tower and follow the Vanguard way to Seaford Head. We undulate along the sea cliffs to drop down to the Cuckmere Estuary and wildlife reserve, stopping for lunch at the cafe and visitor centre. Later we join the South Downs Way and enter the Seven Sisters Country Park where a steep climb leads us to the trig point at Cliff End. From here we follow the cliff edge path over the Seven Sisters cliff to Birlig Gap. After Birlig Gap there is a steady climb past Belle Tout, a former lighthouse, and onto the spectacular Beachy Head with possibly the finest views in Southern England. We then make our way inland towards East Dean picturesque village where we can finish our hike in a delightful old smugglers pub, before making our way back home! From East Dean we can take the bus, the Coaster 12/12A/12X service from East Dean Bus Shelter to Eastbourne. These buses are very frequent and operate up to every 10 minutes. Details can be found here: [Coaster 12X - Eastbourne - Brighton | Brighton & Hove Buses](https://www.buses.co.uk/services/BH/12X#disruptions). Journey time: 22 min and cost: approx £3. In Eastbourne there is a regular train service to London Victoria, every 30 minutes. **COST**: £10.00 organiser fee pay on RSVP **MEETING POINT & TIME**: 08:20 at Victoria station, in front of the main train ticket office. Second meeting point at 10:20 at Seaford station. **TRAINS**: Trains from London Victoria station. We will take the 08:54 to Seaford via Lewes, arriving at Seaford at 10:19 (journey time 1hr 25 min, 1 change at Lewes). We will return from Eastbourne. You can purchase group save tickets (minimum group of 3) or with Network railcard approx at approx £28, return train tickets for Eastbourne. **WALK STARTS**: 10:20 at Seaford station **WALK FINISHES**: Approx 18:00 at East Dean. We take the bus to Eastbourne and from there the train back to London. **Hike Leader**: Fofi This is a challenging hike with several options to shorten if needed. **What to bring**: packed lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing, and hiking footwear. **Kit list**: click here (https://www.meetup.com/GO-London/pages/Kit_List%27s/) **Terms and conditions**: by signing up to a GO London event you are agreeing with our terms and conditions and participation statement. Click here (https://www.meetup.com/GO-London/pages/Terms_And_Conditions/) **To view our full calendar**: https://www.meetup.com/GO-London/events/ **Facebook page**: https://www.facebook.com/GoLondonAdventure/ **Facebook group**: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/
Hiking and Camping in Snowdonia Wales - Official Campsite Booked Mountain
Hiking and Camping in Snowdonia Wales - Official Campsite Booked Mountain
**🌄 Wales Snowdonia Hiking Camping Adventure Weekend 🏕️.** **⛰️ Mount Snowdon Hiking & Luxury Camping Experience 🔥** **✨ Free Campfire Experience Included ✨** Join us for an unforgettable weekend adventure in beautiful North Wales as we explore the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, hike the highest mountain in Wales, enjoy a relaxing luxury campsite experience, and spend the weekend surrounded by mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls, and incredible scenery 🌿🌄📸 This event is designed for friendly, adventurous people who enjoy hiking, nature, camping, photography, and exploring the outdoors in a small well-organised group 😊 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📍 **EVENT OVERVIEW** 🏕️ Luxury official campsite booked 🚿 Hot showers & toilets available 🔥 Campfire experience included ⛰️ Mount Snowdon summit hike 🥪 Breakfast & packed lunches included 🚐 Transfers in Wales included 📸 Amazing photo opportunities 👥 Small group size: Maximum 5–6 people ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **🌟 ABOUT THE CAMPSITE** We have booked what we believe is one of the BEST official campsites in Wales for this event ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is NOT wild camping. You will have access to: 🚿 Proper hot showers 🚻 Clean toilets 💧 Water refill points 🏕️ Safe official camping facilities 🌌 Beautiful mountain surroundings All camping equipment provided by us is high quality equipment only — no cheap low-quality gear. ⛺ Our tents are spacious, reliable, weather-resistant, and designed for comfort and durability. 🛏️ The air beds provided are also high quality for a much more comfortable night’s sleep outdoors. We take pride in making the camping experience enjoyable, organised, comfortable, and beginner-friendly 😊 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏔️ **ABOUT SNOWDONIA & MOUNT SNOWDON** Snowdonia National Park is one of the most spectacular natural areas in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧🌿 The park is famous for its dramatic mountains, glacial lakes, waterfalls, forests, valleys, and rugged landscapes. It covers more than 800 square miles of protected natural beauty and attracts hikers and adventure lovers from all over the world 🌍 ⛰️ Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres high. On clear days, the summit views are absolutely incredible and can stretch across Wales, England, Ireland, and even the sea 🌤️📸 Snowdon has become one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the UK and completing the hike is a fantastic achievement 🥾🔥 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🚆 **TRAVEL PLANS** We have 2 groups travelling to Wales on Friday: 🚆 TRAIN GROUP Leaves London around 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Friday evening Arrives at Bangor Station around 9:30 PM 🚗 CAR GROUP Leaves North London at approximately 8:00 AM Friday morning ⚠️ Limited spaces available in the car group. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📅 **WEEKEND ITINERARY** 🟢 FRIDAY EVENING 🏕️ Arrive at campsite ⛺ Pitch tents 🔥 Relax and settle in 🌌 Prepare for Saturday’s main hiking adventure ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🟢 **SATURDAY – MAIN MOUNT SNOWDON HIKE** 🥣 Breakfast served between 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM 🥾 Hike starts from campsite at approximately 9:30 AM 📏 Total hike distance: Approximately 9 miles ⬆️ 4.5 miles ascent ⬇️ 4.5 miles descent ⛰️ Hiking Difficulty: Moderate to Energetic 🕒 Estimated hiking time: ⬆️ Around 4 hours uphill ⬇️ Around 4 hours downhill 📸 Additional time for breaks, lunch, photography & rest stops Total day duration approximately 10 hours. This is a circular route, meaning we descend using a different scenic path from the ascent route 🌄 ⚠️ Please follow the hike leader at all times for safety and organisation purposes. 🍽️ After the hike we finish at a local pub where everyone can relax and enjoy dinner together. ⚠️ Dinner is NOT included in the package price. 🍺 Alcohol purchases are entirely between you and the pub. We do not organise or purchase alcohol for participants. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🟢 **SUNDAY – RELAXED EXPLORATION & DEPARTURE** 🥣 Breakfast in the morning 🎒 Packing away camping equipment 🌿 Short easy local walk nearby 🏞️ Possible visit to a nearby Welsh village or town depending on time Sunday’s walk will be short and easy — less than 3–4 hours before departure. 🚍 Train group participants will be transferred to Bangor for their journey home. 🚗 Car group participants will travel back by car. 🥪 Breakfast and packed lunch are included on Sunday. 🍽️ Dinner is not included. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💰 **EVENT PRICES** 🚆 Train Group: £250 (Train tickets NOT included) 🚗 Car Group: £295 (Return car transport included) 🎫 We may be able to help you receive approximately 30% discount on train tickets if you contact us BEFORE booking your tickets. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✅ **WHAT IS INCLUDED** ⛺ High quality tent rental 🛏️ High quality air bed rental 🏕️ Campsite rental fees 🥣 Breakfasts 🥪 Packed lunches 🚐 All Wales transport & transfers during the event 🥾 Qualified hike leader guidance 🧭 Logistical support throughout the weekend 🔥 Campfire experience ☕ Camping gas stove for hot drinks & hot meals ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ❌ **WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED** 🚆 Train tickets 🛌 Sleeping bag 🍽️ Evening pub dinners 🍺 Alcoholic beverages ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎒 **IMPORTANT ITEMS YOU MUST BRING** 🛌 Sleeping bag 📸 Camera for amazing photos 🔋 Power bank 🔦 Head torch or handheld torch 🥾 Waterproof hiking boots/shoes 🧥 Waterproof jacket 👖 Waterproof trousers 🧦 Spare socks 🧤 Gloves 🧢 Waterproof hat 🧥 Thermal layers for cold nights 🧼 Soap & shampoo 🛁 Towel 🩴 Slippers for showers 💊 Personal medication 🥤 Water bottle 🥪 Lunch box ⚠️ No WiFi signal at the campsite. 💻 Please do NOT bring laptops. This is only a 2-day trip so travel light 😊 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🥣 **FOOD PROVIDED** ✅ Vegetarian & non-vegetarian options available BREAKFAST: 🥣 Cereal 🍊 Orange juice ☕ Tea & coffee LUNCH: 🥪 Sandwich selection 🍎 Fruit 🍫 Snacks 🥤 Drink included 💧 Plenty of water refill opportunities available at campsite. 🍽️ Dinner is your responsibility at the pub after the hike. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 👤 **AGE REQUIREMENTS** ⚠️ This event is age restricted. Participants must be between 19–43 years old. 🪪 You must provide valid photo ID such as: ✔️ Passport ✔️ Driving Licence ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🩺 **SAFETY & EXPERIENCE** 🥾 Your hike leader is experienced, qualified, first-aid trained, and a trained Mountain Leader. 🩹 A first aid kit will be available throughout the trip. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📲 **BOOKING & CONTACT** ⚠️ Deposit payment required to secure your place. 📱 WhatsApp ONLY: 07590 919391 Please message via WhatsApp if you would like to join the trip or ask any questions 😊 📖 Please read our Meetup group terms & conditions on the homepage before contacting us. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER** This is a hobby hiking group and NOT a commercial business. By joining this event, participants understand and accept that they are personally responsible for their own health, fitness, safety, and wellbeing during the trip. The organiser and hike leader accept no liability or responsibility for personal injury, illness, loss, accident, or any other issue that may occur during participation in this event. By attending, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌄 Small group • Beautiful mountains • Great atmosphere • Amazing memories • Adventure awaits 🏕️🔥⛰️
Play croquet & kubb for free in St Pancras, North London!
Play croquet & kubb for free in St Pancras, North London!
**Come join other adults play the outdoor games of croquet and kubb in St Pancras Gardens, North London, for free!** No experience or equipment required, just good vibes. We play golf croquet in pairs, with the first team that scores 4 hoops being declared the winner. This short video explains the rules: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvkQ6UBOkRM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvkQ6UBOkRM) We play kubb in singles or teams and the rules of how to play can be found here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffJB_31TS_8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffJB_31TS_8) The games do not require strength, stamina, or speed - they are both games of strategy, accuracy and fun! There is a Kubb Croquet Club WhatsApp group to be kept updated on what is happening in the club in London and Folkestone. This will be shared in the event comments. **LOCATION** St Pancras Gardens, Pancras Road, London, NW1 1UL [https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXY5rVmejPWaSde36](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXY5rVmejPWaSde36) After kubb, some people may go for drinks in a nearby pub. There is a Kubb Croquet Club WhatsApp group to be kept updated on what is happening in the club in London and Folkestone. This will be shared in the event comments. **NEAREST TUBE STATION:** King's Cross St. Pancras **NEAREST TRAIN STATIONS:** King's Cross and St Pancras **BUS:** Check [https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/](https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/) Please read our code conduct, which all attendees are require to follow: **\- We play croquet and kubb to have fun \- that said please do obey the rules of the game while playing\, treat other participants with respect\, play in the spirit of the game\, and don’t argue about the rules/scoring\.** **\- By attending this event you agree that your safety and your personal belongings are your own responsibility and that the organisers are not responsible or liable for them\.** **\- The organisers are happy to show you how to play the game and use the equipment\, but it is your responsibility to use it safely\. Please return the equipment at the end of a game\.** **\- This event is open to all adults\, and attendees are expected to be respectful and inclusive\. Any abusive\, discriminatory\, confrontational or bullying behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in the attendee being asked to leave\. Everyone deserves to feel welcome\.** **\- Attendees are responsible for their own behaviour\. The organisers are not liable for the behaviour of any attendee\.** **\- Please respect the area where we play and do not leave rubbish behind\.**

Outdoors Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

London Society HIKE - Streatham Common to Wimbledon Park
London Society HIKE - Streatham Common to Wimbledon Park
Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Streatham Common to Wimbledon park. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 5. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. 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: Streatham Common station Ending point: Wimbledon Park station Walking length: 9.6km Duration: 3 hours at most Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Streatham common to Wimbledon Park WHEN - 2pm - 5:30pm MEETING POINT - Outside Streatham Common Station NEAREST STATION - Streatham Common 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.
Oxford to Abingdon Stunning Thames Path walk
Oxford to Abingdon Stunning Thames Path walk
A most glorious 9.5 miles walk - one of the most beautiful and scenic stretches of the River Thames ! Please arrive by 9.05am so as to facilitate the purchase of group return train tickets to Oxford for the 9.50am direct train that arrives at Oxford at 10.43am. Train ticket : Oxford return. Please note that I shall not be at Paddington as staying overnight in Wallingford after the walk on Saturday. Or you may decide to drive. Walk will commence at 11am. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 in advance by Saturday by bank transfer, details available upon request. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/ boots or trainers. We shall have a drink at the end of the walk in Abingdon before aiming to take a bus between 4pm and 4.30pm that arrives back in Oxford by around 5pm followed by direct train back at 5.32pm. 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.
LONDON: Epping Forest Centenary Walk: Wood Street to Connaught Water
LONDON: Epping Forest Centenary Walk: Wood Street to Connaught Water
Join Rob and Hannah as London Wildish heads along the Epping Forest Centenary Walk, exploring one of London's most treasured green spaces and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Connaught Water. Starting from Wood Street Station, we'll follow a green corridor that gradually leads us from the city into the ancient landscapes of Epping Forest. Along the way we'll spend time near the River Ching, considering how water has shaped the landscape and how people, in turn, have shaped the river over time. This is a relaxed social walk with plenty of opportunities to chat, connect with fellow Wildish members, and meet new people. Whether you're a regular on our walks or joining for the first time, you'll find a friendly group and a shared appreciation for spending time outdoors. We'll loop around Connaught Water before finishing at Chingford Station, right on the edge of Epping Forest. ## Meeting Point 📍 Wood Street Station, Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3LX 📌 what3words: ///lake.hugs.snacks Wood Street and Chingford are both served by the London Overground with direct services to and from Liverpool Street. Wood Street can also be reached via Walthamstow Central on the Victoria Line. ## What to Bring * Comfortable walking shoes or boots suitable for mixed terrain * Water and snacks * Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions * Any personal essentials you may need during the walk 🐾 Well-behaved dogs are very welcome. ## Route Details 🥾 Distance: Approximately 6 miles / 10 km ⏱️ Expect a relaxed pace with time to enjoy the scenery and conversation. As always with Wildish, this walk is about more than reaching the destination—it's about enjoying nature, discovering new places, and sharing the journey with good company.
Sunday Social Hike: 11km Epping Forest Circular Trail
Sunday Social Hike: 11km Epping Forest Circular Trail
Explore Epping Forest and make new friends with a fun 11KM community hike! We organise free and paid hikes around London and the South East, with the aim of helping people get out of the city and into nature. We are building an inclusive community of like-minded people and everyone is welcome to join! Our community hikes are a great way to get to know us, make new friends, and spend some time in nature. We regularly go to Epping Forest as it's easy to reach by tube and it's truly magical. **Logistics** 📍 Meeting point & end point: outside Theydon Bois Station (Central Line) 🗓 When: 10:30AM on Sunday 7th June 💷 Cost: Free (our Epping Forest hikes are free forever!) **🌿 What We’ll See Along the Way:** This 11 km circular hike takes us deep into the heart of Epping Forest, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to ancient woodlands, rich history, and thriving wildlife. We’ll follow peaceful trails through towering trees, along leafy paths, exploring some of the forest’s most fascinating landmarks. We'll pass: * Amesbury Banks – an 11-acre Roman site with a visible high bank and ditch marking its outline * Beautiful woodland paths, seasonal wildflowers, and a chance to enjoy the forest * Occasionally we see wild deer, squirrels, kites, a variety of mushrooms, and other nature sights, but these are not guaranteed, the forest will decide! **📏 Hike Details** * Distance: 11 km (circular) * Max elevation: 269 m * Estimated duration: 3-4 hours (excluding breaks) **🧢 What to Bring** * Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots * Water (1L recommended) * Packed Lunch, snacks, something to sit on (we'll have lunch in the forest) * Weather-appropriate layers, sunscreen * Curiosity for local history and wildlife * Bring friends, drag your partner along, or come alone and leave with new friends * Optional: bring a flask of hot water - our sponsor [Cups Full Coffee Bags](https://www.instagram.com/cupsfullcoffeebags/ "https://www.instagram.com/cupsfullcoffeebags/") will be joining the hike and gifting attendees some samples - brew an americano in your flask at the start of the hike! **About Us** * Group stats: mixed gender, age range from 18–40ish * Our community hikes usually attract 40-60 people * You can find pictures of our past hikes on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/trail.therapy.uk/ "https://www.instagram.com/trail.therapy.uk/") **🍻 Optional Post-Hike Stop** We’ll end at Theydon Bois station with the option to join us for a drink at a local pub before heading home. **Legal bit** *Event details are correct at the time of publishing (E&OE). Routes and timings may vary slightly depending on weather, conditions, or group pace. This event is organised by Trail Therapy Ltd. By joining, you acknowledge that participation is at your own risk. Please ensure you are adequately prepared, dressed for the weather, and responsible for your own safety and wellbeing throughout the hike.*
BEGINNERS HIKE 15km Castles of Kent, Lullingstone Country Park & Darent Valley
BEGINNERS HIKE 15km Castles of Kent, Lullingstone Country Park & Darent Valley
**Key Info:** • Distance: 9 miles (15km) • Grading: [Beginner](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) but it has 2 long steep hills, we take these gently and wait at the top • Ascent: 290m • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:20am, leave 8:40am for the 8:55am train • Return: 5:33pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) **Highlights** • Admire **Lullingstone Castle** and its tranquil lakeside setting • Walk a scenic stretch of the **Darent Valley Path** • Pass the site of **Lullingstone Roman Villa**, dating back to around 100 AD • Explore **Lullingstone Country Park**, home to 800-year-old trees • Visit the ruins of **Eynsford Castle**, a Norman fortification from 1088 • Hike beneath the striking **Eynsford Rail Viaduct**, with its 22m-high brick arches • Stroll through three charming **Kentish villages** — Otford, Shoreham and Eynsford **Hike Description** We begin in the historic village of **Otford**, occupied for at least 3,000 years. Through the ages, it has been home to Iron Age farmers, Romans, royalty and archbishops. From here our route leads into the tranquil woods and grasslands of the Kentish countryside, reaching **Shoreham** before following the **Darent Valley Path** into the heart of the valley. The trail takes us into the beautiful **Lullingstone Country Park**, internationally important for its collection of ancient trees. Beech, ash, oak, sweet chestnut and hornbeam all thrive here, with some specimens thought to be over 800 years old. Emerging from the woodland, we arrive at **Lullingstone Castle**, set beside its peaceful lake, before continuing to the site of **Lullingstone Roman Villa** — a rare survival of a Roman estate house first built around 100 AD. From here we continue through rolling Kent fields, rewarded with views of the impressive **Eynsford Rail Viaduct**, its nine red-brick arches towering 22 metres above the valley floor. Our hike concludes in the charming village of **Eynsford**, where we explore the evocative ruins of **Eynsford Castle**, a Norman stronghold built in 1088. With its riverside setting, ancient remains and traditional cottages, the village provides a perfect finale to a day steeped in history and countryside beauty. **Guide:** • Leader: [JOHN](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07508 511026 ️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) **What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
Hosey Common morning walk 6.6 miles, moderate
Hosey Common morning walk 6.6 miles, moderate
Mainly through trees, couple of inclines. Down Tower Hill, through Limpsfield Common, past the halfway point of the Greensand Way, through Crockham Hill Common and past Chartwell back to Hosey Common. Early start as car park gets busy. Car share if possible. Joint walk with Sevenoaks Ramblers. Bring a snack. Short break about half way at Limpsfield Common, coffee cart and benches around cricket pitch, but no toilets. Should be finished by lunch time. Subject to walk leaders approval we do allow well behaved dogs under full control of their owner. If you wish to bring your dog on the walk, please check with the walk leader before arriving for the walk. Ramblers members are welcome on any of our walks, but we would still encourage you to RSVP on Meetup. This will give our volunteer walk leaders an idea of how many are attending, and also keep the numbers manageable. If, on the day of the walk, you are still on the waiting list and a Ramblers member, you can attend - just let the walk leader know you are coming by adding a comment '*Coming as a Rambler*'. You will find the start location via our website [Our Walks (westkentwalkinggroup.org.uk)](https://www.westkentwalkinggroup.org.uk/our-walks.html).
Free community walk (1 hour)Baker Street Station to High Street Kensington
Free community walk (1 hour)Baker Street Station to High Street Kensington
Join a fun 1-hour walk from Baker Street to High street kensington. Meet and enjoy nature together. instagram @walkieactive 13:00 MEETING POINT: Treats shop inside Baker Street station. At 13:00 Sunday 7th June. Join us for a fun in-person stroll from Baker street Station to High street kensington. This walk is perfect to enjoy some fresh air, connect with your community, and explore local sights together. Everyone’s welcome, so bring your friends, family, or just yourself! No need to sign up—just turn up ready for a relaxed, one-hour adventure.

Outdoors Events Near You

Connect with your local Outdoors community

Trails & Ales! Chestnut Ridge Metro Park / BrewDog DogTap
Trails & Ales! Chestnut Ridge Metro Park / BrewDog DogTap
**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**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.
Cookout bonfire party free camping
Cookout bonfire party free camping
🚗 **Only about 20 minutes from floating down the river! @ Shadybowl Speedway** This is one of those events you’ll be glad you showed up for. Especially since it **may be one of the last** cookout bonfire party that is held. Cookout, potluck, racing, camping, bonfire, music, games, and late-night hangs — all in one night. Com**e for a few hours or stay** for the whole thing. ## 🍔 Cookout + Potluck — 4:30 PM We’ll be hanging out, grilling, eating, drinking, and socializing before the races start. Please bring something to share **USE "SIGN UP"** so we don’t end up with 14 bags of chips and 9 packs of cookies 😅 [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) **What to bring:** * Chair, BYOB — no glass inside the racetrack, Water or youself even if you leave it in the car, **$15 cash to support the venue** by watching some of the race * Something for the potluck USE **"SIGN UP"** [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) We’ll have a grill and a **generator** available for crockpots, Instant Pots, etc. ## 🏁 Racing Starts — 7:00 PM After the cookout, we’ll head into the stands for the races. Not really into racing? Come for the drinks, stay for the wrecks 🍻 This night includes Late Models, Thunder Cars, Compacts, and a wet & wild Enduro race. Be sure to bring **water balloons to fill up and** throw during the final race 💦🎯 Please support the venue by checking out some of the racing. 💵 **$15 cash will be collected during the cookout.** Please bring exact change or a $20. ## 🏕️ Free Camping — June 5 & 6 Camping is free both nights. No tent? No problem. You can crash **in your car under the stars.** There will be a bonfire, music, games, and late-night hanging out. Please be responsible: **do not drink and drive.** ## 🎯 Other Stuff Happening * Karaoke, Beer pong, Cornhole, Bonfire, Music, Late-night hangout Have a favorite karaoke song? Let me know. ## Important Notes 📸 Photos/videos may be taken and shared on this or other platforms. ⚠️ This is a volunteer-led event. You participate at your own risk. 📵 Cell signal may be spotty, so ask questions ahead of time if needed. Stay for a bit or go all in — just don’t miss this one. **Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**
Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park