Something for all ages at Stonor in Oxfordshire

Set in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, the location of Stonor Park alone is impressive and as you drive up to the main entrance, you get a glimpse of the many attractions on offer for all ages. 

We began as all great days out should - with tea and coffee refreshments (there are lots of options) - to suss out our surroundings and what to do when. Our small people in tow had their own ideas and were soon exploring the newest feature of the Tumblestone Hollow playground, the ‘Magic Spring’ which opened last year. Complete with hand pumps, sluice gates and more, the little ones had lots of fun playing with the water and sand while we enjoyed our hot drinks. 

Tumblestone Hollow, Stonor’s adventure playground, opened in 2021 but the idea was in the making long before then. In a previous interview, current custodian William Stonor said that when he and his wife took over in 2016, the first thing that they embarked upon was installing an adventure playground. Described as a ‘beautiful, magical place to play together’, you can see why Tumblestone has been such a big hit with children. There is everything you could want from an adventure playground - climbing nets, bridges, look-out decks, slides and more. 

It was important to William and his family to create a strong narrative too - which they have done with the books about Tumblestone Hollow and the people that live there written by best-selling author Amy Sparkes. 

Our little ones ranged from two to four-years-old and they absolutely loved it; the playground is said to be enjoyed by all ages but especially for those up to the age of 12. 

Other highlights at Stonor

After much persuading, the delicious ice-cream helped, we managed to squeeze in a look around the beautiful gardens at Stonor. Just an aside on food and drink, there is plenty to choose from including wood fired pizzas from The Rumble Hut which looked incredible. There is also The Pantry café which is located in the 13th century hall inside Stonor House which has a selection of drinks and cakes. 

There are three gardens to explore - the 17th century Italianate Pleasure Garden, complete with clipped box hedges and serene ponds, the former Old Kitchen Garden which was designed and nurtured by Lady Camoys into a new flower garden, and then the Arboretum behind the walled gardens. 

Stonor House itself is also full to the brim with history. Home to the Stonor family for more than 850 years, it’s one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. You can see objects collected from around the world as well as maps and documents showing generations of service to the country. Highlights include the grand Gothic revival hall and the long gallery which opens onto the Italianate gardens. 

Visitors can also head to the original Chapel of the Holy Trinity, built in the late 13th century on the site of a prehistoric Stone Circle. Still celebrating mass and weddings to this day, the chapel features a series of artworks by Jozef Janas, a Polish prisoner of war in World War Two. 

With something for all ages and tastes, Stonor made for a great family day out ticking all the boxes for our group.