Stay & Play

Looking for a different kind of playgroup?

Join us every Thursday from 10am for an extended stay-and-play session rooted in sensory experiences, wild exploration, and unhurried time together. There’s plenty of space for snacks and chats, muddy hands and curious minds.

Expect mud kitchens and nature-based crafts dotted throughout the day, with endless opportunities to build dens, hunt for bugs and birds, or simply wander and wonder. You and your child lead the way.

TIMINGS:

Please use this as a guide, not a strict schedule*

10:00 - 12:00 Activities & Play
12:00-12:30 Picnic**
12:30-14:00 Activities & Play
14:00-14:30 Pack-down

*There will ALWAYS be a morning and afternoon focus, with different activities, games, and maybe a song or two. There will also ALWAYS be time somewhere in the middle to sit and eat together — with plenty of opportunities throughout the day for rest, top-ups, and gentle pauses.

However, the timings of each section may shift… because life :)

You can book either a half-day (morning or afternoon) or a full-day session. Beyond that, you’re welcome to come and go as suits you and your children on the day — no pressure to arrive early or stay longer than feels right.

There will be a small tipi set up as a space for children to take naps, so please bring blankets, pillows or any cuddlies that could help them feel warm, safe and comfortable.

**Please note, the picnic is not provided by Ways of the Wild - it is a potluck-style lunch made up of all the packed lunches that we bring, share and eat together. Make note of any allergens so that we can keep each other safe!

WHAT TO BRING:

We’ll be outside in all weathers, so please dress for rain or shine.

+ Waterproof shoes and waterproof overalls (even on sunny days for comfortable messy play!),
+ Spare clothes and extra layers,
+ Packed lunch, snacks, drinks, and blankets,
+ Any comforts that help you and your child feel at ease.

We usually have a dry area (such as a waterproof den or floating tarp), but on wet days, we recommend waterproof covers for backpacks to protect food, clothes, and valuables.

Feel free to bring your breakfast, your lunch, your grandma — all are welcome.

Please note: we don’t provide changing mats or a potty. There is a compost toilet and a handwashing station on site.

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Other than that, we kindly ask that you leave the toys in the pram (unless they're really cool/nerdy) and screens kept to a minimum.

Bring your curiosity and wonder. Bring an openness to boredom and frustration. Try something new. Mess it up. Share your creations, ideas, and laughter with your little ones and the community you've found.

This is more than play - it’s an opportunity to make connections, create memories, and find your own way to the wild...

See you soon <3

Our stay & play sessions are designed to be flexible, gentle, and family-led. You’re welcome to join us for a morning, an afternoon, or stay for the full day — whatever works best for you and your children. There is an overlap between the morning and afternoon sessions, so that as many of us as possible can have lunch together!

Half-Day Session (2.5 hours)

Morning: 10:00–12:30
Afternoon: 12:00–14:30

Adult: £6
Child: £6
Additional child: £4

Examples:

1 adult + 1 child → £12
1 adult + 2 children → £16

Full-Day Session (4.5 hours)

10:00–14:30

Adult: £10
Child: £10
Additional child: £6

Examples:

1 adult + 1 child → £20
1 adult + 2 children → £26

Under 18 months go FREE!

4-Week Block Booking (Save 10%)

For families who’d like to come regularly, we offer a 4-week bundle with 10% off.

Half-Day (4 sessions)

1 adult + 1 child: £44
Additional child: £12

Full-Day (4 sessions)

1 adult + 1 child: £72
Additional child: £20

Block bookings are flexible. If you miss a week due to illness or life happening, you’re welcome to attend an alternative session where space allows.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you intend to come, please ensure that you book BEFORE 7:30 am on the day of the session. We are also lastminute.com people, but we need to have enough time to pack enough resources for all attendees and adjust our plans based on the ages of the children signed up. This is not possible with bookings made 10 minutes before the session begins. So please help a sister out and book in advance!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@waysofthewilduk.com, or you can reach Katie at 07539726832.

The Conservation Area is currently closed. To find our secret site, go to the water fountain opposite the Paddenswick Tea Gardens and give us a call - one of us will come find you!