Frequently Asked Questions

We are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 51 weeks per year. The nursery will close for one week at Christmas/New Year, all bank holidays and a few inset days throughout the year.

We are initially opening Monday - Wednesday from Autumn 2025. This will increase to include Thursdays and Fridays by Spring 2026. We want to get things right from the start, so by having fewer days to begin with means we can focus on the smaller details whilst we build our waiting list and eventually operate 5 days per week.

A Day at Hidden Valley Grayshott

Please note: This is a general guide—our days vary with the weather, the children’s interests, and the opportunities that arise. Some days we’ll go on adventure walks, visit the animals on the Estate, or share special intergenerational sessions with the residents of the Huntington & Langham Estate, a renowned nursing and dementia care home we are proud to share land with.

8:00 – 9:00am
Arrival & Preparation
Children arrive at Grayshott Village Hall and get ready for their day in the woods. This is a time full of excitement and anticipation as we prepare for the adventures ahead.

9:00am
Off to Camp
We grab our safety line, have a quick chat, and remind ourselves of the rules for crossing the road. Then we set off down the footpath to our woodland basecamp.

9:25am
Campfire Circle & Morning Welcome
Once at camp, we gather around the fire square to go over the day’s plan, revisit our camp boundaries, and get ready for a day of play and discovery.

10:00am
Morning Snack
A moment to refuel and hydrate before heading back into the woods for free play, exploration, and learning.

12:00-12:30pm
Lunch Around the Fire
We sit together to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal provided by our wonderful caterers, Two Teaspoons. Just like a real camping experience, we eat with sporks from thermal mugs, dipping warm pitta breads and chatting about the morning’s adventures.

12:30 – 3:30pm
Afternoon Explorations
Creative play, themed activities, and forest adventures continue—always guided by the children's interests or weekly focuses set by the Nursery Manager.

3:30 – 4:00pm
Return to the Village Hall
We begin our walk back to Grayshott Village Hall. Timing may vary slightly with the seasons.

4:00 – 6:00pm
Wind Down & Pick-Up
Back at the hall, children change out of their forest gear, enjoy a calming story and an afternoon snack, and relax as parents arrive. Tired, happy, and full of stories from the woods—ready for home.

We welcome children aged 2 to 5 years.

Outdoor play happens in all weather, all year round—and with the right gear, it’s magical.

As part of your registration fee, your child will receive a pair of Puddleproof wader-style waterproof trousers—designed by a brilliant local company we’re proud to work with. These trousers are durable, high-quality, and specially designed to keep little explorers dry no matter the weather.
Check them out: puddleproofs.com

We live by the mantra: "There’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothing!"

That’s why we provide each family with a seasonal kit list, outlining everything your child will need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable in every kind of weather. In colder months, this includes thermal base layers, thick socks, and multiple layers under their waterproofs.

Our team is always on hand to help children adjust layers and keep warm, and they’re well trained to recognise when a child needs extra support or a break from the elements.

Safety & Identification

Each child will be given a Hidden Valley hi-vis vest as part of their uniform.
These come in different colours based on age group—making it quick and easy for staff to identify and support each child.

We embrace the weather! Inspired by Scandinavian forest schools—where children spend full days outdoors even in freezing conditions—we believe a little cold never stops big adventures!

• Rain means puddle splashing, dam building, and mud pie making.

• Chilly days bring frosty woodland explorations and discovering ice formations.

For extra warmth, we have a large bell tent with a wood-burning stove, cozy reading areas, soft rugs, and blankets. Our 10-metre basecamp also provides a fully covered, rainproof space for group activities, creative play, and storytelling.

Our Hidden Valley site is well-sheltered, but in rare cases of high wind warnings, we may need to temporarily close for safety. We will always provide advance notice, though we expect this to happen only a few times a year.

We are very lucky that the Hidden Valley site is naturally cool and mostly shaded, thanks to a dense beech and oak canopy. Sun cream is very rarely necessary, but of course will be provided if needed.

We have clean drinking water available onsite, and children will be encouraged and monitored to make sure they are keeping hydrated.

Yes - we will have a large sleep tent set up with camp beds and fleece lined sleeping bags to snuggle and keep warm whilst dozing to the sound of the forest. 

We have a toilet tent with 2 x children’s composting loos. For those still in nappies, we will provide these at no extra charge and have a designated nappy change station near the toilet tent.