Nestled deep within a forest that straddles Surrey and Hampshire lies a quaint village with an unusual name.
On the fringes of Farnham – a town recently hailed as one of the top places to live in the Muddy Stilettos guide – Bucks Horn Oak is an idyllic spot for family life.
The delightful hamlet is in the heart of Alice Holt Forest.
The woodland boasts a myriad of trails and exciting play areas to explore, including unique Gruffalo Sculptures.
Each wooden figure has been carved into a distinct pose, bringing the beloved children’s tale by Julia Donaldson to life right in the heart of the forest.
Young visitors can look forward to spotting an owl, snake, squirrel, fox, and of course, the Gruffalo himself.
Entry to Alice Holt is free (though parking charges apply), making it a fantastic destination for cycling, running, bug hunting, den building, and games of hide and seek.
For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, there’s also a Go Ape adventure course offering a thrilling perspective on the woodland.
If all that activity works up an appetite, a café is open daily from 8.30am.
It serves a wide selection of hot and cold locally sourced food, including daily specials, as well as scrumptious cakes, freshly baked pastries and a variety of Fairtrade drinks, reports Surrey Live.
The village is a fantastic destination for families, with Birdworld being one of its main attractions.
This wildlife park boasts two penguin exhibits – Penguin Island and Penguin Beach – as well as a safari train, daily events, and opportunities for feeding and interacting with animals.
Open from 10am to 4.30pm every day, Birdworld will unveil a new flamingo enclosure this February half term, adding a splash of pink to its colourful array of attractions.
Adjacent to Birdworld is the Haskins Forest Lodge Garden Centre, an ideal spot for a leisurely browse and a chance to enjoy a scone and a cup of tea in its restaurant. The garden centre welcomes visitors from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10.30am to 4.30pm at weekends.
Well-behaved dogs are permitted, and facilities include baby changing rooms, toilets, disabled access and free parking.
According to RightMove, the average house price on Binsted Road, one of the village’s main thoroughfares, over the past year was £1,450,000.
This represents a significant increase of 57% compared to the 2022 peak of £925,000.
Top spots to visit in and around Bucks Horn Oak include: Haskins Forest Lodge Garden Centre, the Bluebell pub and the Ball and Wicket pub.