Horton Country Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horton Country Park |
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Type | Local Nature Reserve |
Location | Epsom, Surrey |
OS grid | TQ 192 627 |
Area | 152.3 hectares (376 acres) |
Managed by | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council |
Horton Country Park is a large and beautiful park located north-west of Epsom in Surrey, England. It covers about 152.3-hectare (376-acre) of land, which is like having 376 football fields! This special place is known as a Local Nature Reserve, meaning it's protected for its amazing wildlife and natural beauty. The park is looked after by the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.
The park is a wonderful mix of woodlands and open spaces. It sits on a high ridge of land between two small rivers. This location makes it a great spot for enjoying nature and outdoor activities. It's found just west of Epsom town and east of Chessington, a part of London.
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Discover Horton Country Park
Horton Country Park is a fantastic place to explore. It offers many different areas for recreation and enjoying nature. You can find peaceful wooded paths and open grassy fields. It's a popular spot for families, walkers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Hobbledown Children's Farm
A fun part of Horton Country Park is Hobbledown Children's Farm. This farm has exciting adventure playgrounds with themes from old stories. It also has a small zoo where you can see many different animals. You'll find common farm animals like sheep and goats. But there are also some more unusual creatures! These include Meerkats, Nilgai (a type of antelope), Emus, and even Bactrian camels. Remember, Hobbledown Farm is mainly for families, so adults usually need to be with children to enter.
A Look Back: The Park's History
Long ago, a special train line called the Horton Light Railway used to run through this area. It connected Ewell West railway station to several large hospitals nearby. Over time, parts of the beautiful grounds around these hospitals became part of Horton Country Park. This means the park has a rich history, with some areas once being carefully designed gardens.
Walking and Exploring
If you love walking, Horton Country Park is a great place for you. A long-distance walking path called the Thames Down Link goes right through the park. This path stretches all the way from Kingston upon Thames to Box Hill station. It's a perfect way to explore the park's natural beauty and enjoy a long walk.