California Country Park

Sometimes great days out for the whole family are hard to come by. After all, everyone no matter their age has their own idea of what makes a fun day out. 

So, if you’re tasked with organising fun experiences for your family, finding something to satisfy everyone can be a bit of a challenge. 

Visit California Country Park while staying at Easthampstead Park

Thankfully Berkshire is filled with attractions, amusements, and experiences that offer a huge variety of activities to satisfy even the most discerning of little ones, one such place being California Country Park. 

Set in serene natural surroundings, with a huge play area, and popular paddling pool, California Country Park is a great day out for families, and has been for the best part of a century. 

If you’d like to visit with your family, read on to find out everything you need to know. 

The History of the California Country Park, Finchampstead

California Country Park was originally named ‘California in England’, and it was much less a play park and much more an amusement park. 

In 1931 Alfred Cartilage began to develop the area as a destination for his trips from London hosted by his horse and cart company. 

The attractions at the ‘California in England’ amusement park, and animals at the zoo he had built there, ensured this little California had the same draw as the real thing. 

When the Second World War struck however, the park was closed down to visitors, but it continued to play an important role in wartime efforts as a site for munitions productions. 

California Country Park would not stay closed for long however, as Alfred got straight back to work when the war was over. 

He designed and built many new rides on site over the next 20 years, including a carousel, chairoplane, swing boats, and the famous snake train. 

Between all the attractions, a big top circus, and a lavish art deco visitors centre, California Country Park should have been a mainstay of British theme parks. 

The amusement industry was to take an unlucky downturn in the 1960s however, and the park was sold to new owners who converted it into the humble day park and California Chalet and Touring Park that we know and love today. 

California Country Park itself has been returned to its former glory, with local families and visitors alike loving the unique play areas and fun paddling pool that California Country Park is now known for. 

Where is The California Country Park in Berkshire? How do I get There?

Location: California Country Park is located on Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) south of Wokingham.

This area is known for its beautiful scenery, and there are countless places you can connect with nature here, such as Swinley forest, only a 15-minute drive away. 

Address: California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40 4HU

By Car: If you’re travelling by car plug the California Country Park postcode into your navigation (RG40 4HU). Nine Mile Ride is the B3430 road fyi.

Parking: Once you arrive there are a number of pay and display spaces available when you arrive.    

California Country Park Paddling Pool

The term paddling pool may be slightly misleading when describing the large and refreshing children’s pool that California Country Park offers. 

Surrounded by natural scenery under blue skies, this enclosed paddling pool is a great way for the whole family to cool off on a sunny summer’s day. 

In 2023 the California Country Park paddling pool will open for summer holidays once again, so make sure to book online to secure your spot for a swim. 

A swim session is 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the ticket prices are £2.90 for all ages who are entering the water, and £1.20 for adults who would like to supervise, but don’t want to get wet. 

Don’t worry parents, comfy seating has been added to the pool area for those keeping an eye on the kids to relax as well.

California Country Park Play Area

There are 3 play areas at California Country Park each designed for family fun no matter your age. 

The spirit of the California in England amusement park is preserved in all the play areas with a dedication to frivolity and fun. 

The recently refurbished main play area is located just next to the café and lakefront, and is complete with a range of activities. 

Visitor’s favourites include the magical, musical chime walkway, and trampolines, as well as the standard play-park fixtures of swings, slides, and climbing frames. 

Next, the Sensory Garden is designed for imaginative and creative play among younger children, who can explore and learn with equipment selected for kinaesthetic experience. 

Finally, the Wild Wood is designed for older children and teenagers, with three tree houses and a range of climbing equipment. 

For any budding adrenaline junkies in the family the zip wire course is absolutely unmissable. All play areas are accessible to disabled users, and there is easy access for pushchairs too.

Is California Country Park in Wokingham Dog Friendly?

Dogs are welcome in certain areas of California Country Park, but not in the paddling pool and play areas. 

Around the park there are plenty of walks you can do with your dog, and lots of open spaces for them to play, so don’t worry, they can get plenty of exercise here.  

California Country Park Map

Check out all the relevant informaion on the California Country Park website including walking maps, camping contacts, fishing info & much more HERE

California Country Park FAQ’s

What are the opening hours of California Country Park?
California Country Park in the warmer months is open from 7am to 9pm

What is the entrance fee for California Country Park?
There is no park entrance fee just an entrance fee for the paddling pool which is £2.90 for all ages.

What is the age limit for the paddling pool entrance fee?
There is no age limit but obviously youngsters MUST be supervised by an adult.

What facilities are available at California Country Park?
At the California Country Park there are toilets, a café, playground, pool, dedicated walks, fishing, dog wash and more.

Is there a cafe or restaurant at California Country Park?
Yes, Jacksons Café is very popular whether you’re wanting breakfast, lunch or just a little naughty treat!

Visit California Country Park while staying at Easthampstead Park