Up we go, are you sure this is the best way to get to the top?

The Bythams Spinney, just outside of Little Bytham (near Stamford) is one of my favourite ‘finds’ since Little Miss came along. It’s a small woodland area that has been developed by volunteers into a great outdoor space for kids with play equipment, a fire pit, picnic tables, an orchard and heaps of space to run around in.

What’s at the Spinney?

There’s plenty to do at the Spinney for kids of all ages. The play equipment is really great, with two big slides built into a slope, swings, zip wire, wobbly bridge, climbing frame, look-out tower and a small area for under 5s, with a smaller slide, seesaw and little hut. You won’t find much bright plastic play equipment here – it’s all mostly made from wood to blend into the landscape.

When we went earlier this year, Little Miss mainly played in the under 5s area, but this time she was all over the big slides and zip wire. And she’s got to do it all herself, so up the muddy slope she goes. I’m tempted to help her, but I know I’ll get turned away with a ‘NO Mummy, I can do it myself’. She’s going through that phase. I just have to be prepared with the wipes to clean up her hands when she slips over. Bizarrely enough, although she loves playing in the mud, she hates getting dirty hands. Go figure!

The wobbly bridge is another favourite with Little Miss, as well as running up and down the wooden ramp to the look-out tower. I can imagine older kids would have heaps of fun playing among the trees and building dens.

Zip wire fun

We’ve never had a picnic at the Spinney, but there are a few tables dotted around the site. There is also a fire pit and built-in barbeques which anyone can use.

I’ve only ever been during the week, and usually we are the only ones there. I guess on a nice weekend, it would be a lot busier. I do hope so, as it really is a great place to spend an afternoon, and all for free as well!

All the important bits

Location
The Bythams Spinney is just outside of Little Bytham on the Creeton Road (B1176). The entrance is slightly obscured if you’re coming from the Little Bytham direction. Once you leave Little Bytham, you go over a small hill, then the entrance is just there on your left.

Car parking
There is a small car park off the main road and it’s free to park. It’s not a very big car park though so might get quite busy on a nice weekend.

Eating and drinking
Bring your own lunch and have a picnic in the woods. There’s also the fire pit and barbeque area if you’re feeling really adventurous.

Facilities
There are no toilets on site. The paths are all buggy friendly with a hard, even surface. They do get a bit muddy in wet weather.

My ratings

• Value for money: 5/5 (it’s free)
• Fun factor (kids): 5/5
• Fun factor (parents): 4/5

Sliding, swinging, climbing, building and running – all outdoors, and it’s all free. The Spinney ticks all the boxes for me!