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California Country Park

4.4
·2k reviews·Finchampstead, United Kingdom

A 100-acre natural haven with a beautiful lake, woodland walks, and an amazing adventure playground for kids. :parkwithtrees:

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Paddling pool fun!

CrowdMedium
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Lake view

California Country Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Paddling pool fun!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 100-acre natural haven with a beautiful lake, woodland walks, and an amazing adventure playground for kids. :parkwithtrees:

4.4
(2k reviews)

"A true gem offering a wonderful blend of natural beauty and well-thought-out family facilities."

Vertical photo
TIP

Download the Parking App

Skip parking machine hassles by downloading the app before you arrive. :iphone:

Book Paddling Pool Access

In warmer months, the paddling pool is popular; booking might be required. :water_wave:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Longmoor Lake Walk

Longmoor Lake Walk

Central Lake

A gentle, accessible path around the lake offers lovely views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Perfect for all ages. :lake:

Adventure Play Area

Adventure Play Area

Near the Cafe

Two distinct zones: Sensory Garden for younger kids and Wild Wood with a treehouse for older adventurers. :playground_slide:

Woodland & Bog Walk

Woodland & Bog Walk

Eastern side of the park

Explore ancient woodland and a boardwalk over a SSSI bog, offering a serene escape into nature. :forest:

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & App Convenience

Parking at California Country Park can be paid for via machines or a dedicated app. Some visitors found the machines tricky, so downloading the app beforehand is recommended for a smoother entry and exit. :iphone:

Family Fun Focus

This park is a haven for families, with a fantastic adventure play area for various ages and a popular paddling pool (booking often needed in summer). Plan for a full day of activities! :family_mm:

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Paddling pool fun!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, off-peak
Why
Fewer crowds, more peace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Download the Parking App

Skip parking machine hassles by downloading the app before you arrive. :iphone:

Book Paddling Pool Access

In warmer months, the paddling pool is popular; booking might be required. :water_wave:

Pack a Picnic

While there's a cafe, bringing your own food is great for longer stays. :sandwich:

Dog-Friendly Features

The park has a dog wash station, making it convenient for pet owners. :dog:

Tips

from all over the internet

Download the Parking App

Skip parking machine hassles by downloading the app before you arrive. :iphone:

Book Paddling Pool Access

In warmer months, the paddling pool is popular; booking might be required. :water_wave:

Pack a Picnic

While there's a cafe, bringing your own food is great for longer stays. :sandwich:

Dog-Friendly Features

The park has a dog wash station, making it convenient for pet owners. :dog:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about California Country Park's beautiful scenery and excellent family facilities, particularly the adventure playground and lake walks. While parking can sometimes be a minor hassle, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a great value day out for all ages. :star:

"Beautiful place!! Great walk around the lake and doesn’t take too long with benches all the way around, and a dog wash. Fun play area for the kids with obstacles, slides and a zip line. Cafe looked lovely, unfortunately didn’t get chance to eat there. My only negative would be the parking machines that took 10 mins to try and pay with before giving up and downloading the app."

Ben West

"We spent some time in the play park, my youngest was fascinated watching a chap who was fishing, and we saw a squirrel (we don't have them where we are from so very exciting!!). A lovely little spot to while away a few hours for just the cost of car parking."

Clare Barber

"Very pleasant place to visit. Particularly suited towards children with the play area and even quite large padding pool. They lake itself is mostly pretty, but in one or two places has a slimy surface. Parking is £2.40 (as of writing August 2025) per hour."

Nigel Davey

What People Like

Beautiful lake walks
Fantastic adventure playground
Great for families

What People Dislike

Parking machine issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

California Country Park is located in Berkshire, UK. It's accessible by car, with clear signage from major roads. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable if not driving. :car:

Yes, there is ample parking available. Payment can be made via parking machines or a dedicated app. Visitors have noted that the app can be more reliable than the machines. :parking:

The park itself is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering plenty of daylight hours for exploration. Specific facilities like the cafe or play areas may have their own operating times. :clock:

Absolutely! The path around Longmoor Lake is gentle and accessible, making it perfect for pushchairs and wheelchairs. :stroller:

Yes, dogs are welcome at California Country Park. There's even a dog wash station available for after your pet has enjoyed their walk. :dog:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the park itself is typically free. However, there is a charge for parking, which can be paid hourly. :ticket:

Parking is charged per hour. As of August 2025, it was around £2.40 per hour, but it's always best to check current rates on arrival or via the park's app. :moneywithwings:

The adventure play area is free to use for all visitors, included with your parking fee. :child:

During warmer months, the paddling pool is very popular and may require booking in advance. Check the park's official website or information boards for details. :water_wave:

Information on discounts or concessions is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the cafe or information point if you have specific needs. :question:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

California Country Park boasts an excellent adventure play area with two zones: the Sensory Garden for younger children and the Wild Wood for older ones, featuring a treehouse and zip line. The paddling pool is also a major hit in summer. :child_playing:

Yes, Longmoor Lake is a well-stocked coarse fishery, offering opportunities for relaxed fishing. There are 33 designated swims available. :fishingpoleand_வத:

Visitors often spot swans and ducks on the lake. The woodland areas are home to squirrels, and the bog is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with unique mosses and plants. :duck:

Yes, there's a short, accessible walk around Longmoor Lake (under a mile) and a longer 2.2-mile Woodland Walk that goes through varied terrain. :hiking_boot:

The path around Longmoor Lake is designed to be accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it a good option for those with mobility challenges. :wheelchair:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Jacksons Café is located on-site, offering food and drinks with views of the lake. It's described as lovely by visitors. :coffee:

The cafe offers a range of food and drinks, suitable for a casual visit. Visitors have mentioned it looked lovely and served delicious items. :croissant:

Yes, the park has ample space for picnics, making it a great spot to enjoy your own food amidst nature. :picnic_table:

While the cafe offers a good selection, it's likely you can also find smaller snacks or treats available, especially during peak season. :ice_cream:

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but most cafes nowadays offer at least some vegetarian choices. It's best to check the menu on arrival or contact the cafe directly. :leafy_green:

📸 📸 Photography

The path around Longmoor Lake offers beautiful reflections and opportunities to capture swans and ducks. The adventure playground provides colourful, dynamic shots, and the woodland trails offer atmospheric nature photography. :camera:

Yes, especially the woodland walk and the bog area, which is an SSSI. You can find unique plants and potentially spot squirrels and various birdlife. :bird:

The adventure playground is a prime location for capturing children's enjoyment, with its slides, zip line, and climbing structures. :child_playing:

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy. :noentrysign:

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant colours of the playground. :sunrise:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

California Country Park is a dream for families! The adventure play area is a major draw, with separate zones for younger and older children, including a fantastic treehouse and zip line. Don't miss the paddling pool in summer (book ahead if needed!). The accessible walk around Longmoor Lake is perfect for strollers, and spotting ducks and squirrels is always a hit. Pack a picnic to make the most of the day, as you can easily spend hours here. :family_mm:

🚶‍♀️ Nature Lovers & Walkers

For those who enjoy a good walk, the Woodland Walk offers a more immersive experience through ancient trees and over a boggy SSSI. The Longmoor Lake circuit is a gentler option, providing lovely water views and birdwatching opportunities. The park's diverse habitats mean you can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, making it a pleasant escape into nature. :hiking_boot:

🎣 Anglers

Longmoor Lake is a recognized spot for coarse fishing, stocked with a variety of species. It's known for being a relaxed environment, perfect for pleasure fishing or introducing beginners. With 33 designated swims, you should be able to find a good spot to cast your line and enjoy a peaceful day by the water. :fishingpoleand_வத:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Natural Beauty

California Country Park is set within 100 acres of rich woodland and heathland, offering a diverse natural landscape. The centerpiece is Longmoor Lake, a picturesque body of water perfect for leisurely strolls. The accessible path around the lake is just under a mile, making it ideal for families with pushchairs and those seeking a gentle walk. You'll often see swans, ducks, and other birdlife gracing the water. For a more immersive nature experience, the Woodland Walk is a 2.2-mile trail that winds through ancient woodland. This path includes a boardwalk over Longmoor Bog, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This area is a haven for rare mosses and plants, providing a tranquil and serene atmosphere for visitors. :evergreen_tree:

Family Fun & Adventure

This park truly excels as a family destination, with a standout adventure play area designed to engage children of all ages. It's thoughtfully divided into two main sections. The Sensory Garden is geared towards younger children, featuring interactive water play, musical elements, and gentle climbing structures, all centered around a colourful pirate ship. For older, more adventurous kids, the Wild Wood offers a larger wooden treehouse, challenging climbing frames, and a thrilling zip line. During warmer months, the paddling pool is an enormous hit and a fantastic way for little ones to cool off. With ample space for picnics and on-site dining, it's easy to spend an entire day here enjoying the facilities. :child_playing:

Fishing and Relaxation

Longmoor Lake is not just for admiring; it's also a popular spot for relaxed family fishing. The lake is well-stocked with coarse fish, including roach, perch, tench, and even some good-sized carp and pike. It's an ideal environment for introducing children to the hobby or for seasoned anglers looking for a peaceful session. There are 33 designated swims available, providing comfortable spots to cast a line. The picturesque setting adds to the enjoyment, making it a pleasant way to while away a few hours. :fishingpoleand_வத:

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