Last weekend we popped to Scolton Manor for a couple of hours play. It’s such a lovely place for the kids to run around, explore and let off steam. During this visit the woodland walks and sculpture trail were closed due to high winds (although this didn’t deter many walkers) so we stuck to the play areas and sensory garden and still had lots of fun:
Visiting Scolton Manor Country Park
Scolton Manor (Sat Nav Postcode: SA62 5QL) is a country park and country house situated five miles north of Haverfordwest on the B4329 Cardigan Road. There is plenty of parking available . The woodland walks, sculpture trail and parks are free to visit, you only pay for parking (there is an additional entrance fee to the Country House too). The parking cost has increased recently but is still very reasonable as you can easily spend a whole day here:
Parking Charges
£2.50 up to 2 hours
£3.00 up to 4 hours
£3.50 all day
I can still remember when it was £1 to park all day! Season Passes are also available for £20.
Eating at Scolton Manor
The Tea Rooms (situated near the Manor House) are currently closed for redevelopment and will reopen on Saturday 30th March. In the meanwhile, there are plenty of picnic benches available in the park area and along the walk so pack a picnic . We did this at the weekend but we had to wolf it down before all our food blew away! Picnics will be more pleasurable come Spring! If you’re only planning to stay on the park side then I’d advise bringing a flask as I always fancy a hot drink while watching the kids play and it’s a long walk over to the cafe just for a coffee (years ago there was a handy hot drinks machine in the information centre).
Facilities
Thankfully there are toilets on both sides of the park, you can find them in the visitor centre and also behind the Manor House next to the cafe.
Events at Scolton Manor
Lots of events take place at Scolton Manor, keep an eye on their Facebook Page to keep up to date. During our visit there was a book sale in the Manor House and the RSPCB’s Birdwatch was also taking place.
Tips for Visiting Scolton Manor
Wear wellies- it does get very muddy during the wet weather!
If you’re planning to visit the Manor House (check their website for opening times as they close during winter) do this first before you get too muddy!
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Here are some snapshots of our play in the park:
Playground for Older Kids
The playgrounds are separated into an area for younger and older kids. The playground for older kids was redeveloped last year and we love the new equipment. The swing ride (above) was great fun!
Playground for Younger Children
This playground is aimed at younger children and has safety swings. My kids still like to pop in for a play on the “hill slide” for old times sake. They know to watch the younger children playing.
Sensory Garden
We love the sensory garden. The kids have great fun making music together. In the warmer months they love the sand pit too.
Stuck in the mud!
Dogs at Scolton Manor
Scolton Manor is very popular with dog owners as it’s a scenic place to take them for walks. Water is provided for dogs at the Visitor Centre and by the cafe. I had to laugh as when we were there one little dog had “escaped” it’s owner, we tried but failed to corner him to make him run back to the gentleman also trying to catch him. As the dog took off, so did the kids and the man to help catch him. I shouted “Don’t chase him, he’ll think it’s a game!” but they were all off. Thankfully the owner and family were ahead by the park so the dog ended up running back to them.
More Park Fun
Making Dens and Playing Hide and Seek
Every time we come here the kids are drawn to this “ditch”, over the years they have built a dam, made a crossing, made a den or played “in the trenches”. They would play here all day if they could.
They had great fun playing hide and seek in the woods.
Then it was time to go home, via a quick play in the park again, of course!
Next to the car park we could see “The Margaret”, the old steam train. I still feel sad about this. Years ago it was restored as a labour of love and had pride of place outside the old (now knocked down) museum. It’s such a shame that it’s sat here neglected now. I also miss seeing the old museum exhibits too but changes will happen.
As always it was a lovely way to spend a few hours playing with the kids! Have you visited Scolton Manor?
More Scolton Manor Posts
Scolton Manor Myths and Legends Sculpture Trail
Scolton Manor Myths and Legends Sculpture Trail
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What a beautiful place – so much to see and do –
The playgrounds look good. My girls would love them. Bet it is locely in the summer.
Lovely pics and a lovely day out. Great to see sensory equipment as well.