The Look Out Discovery Centre

The Look Out Discovery Centre has over 90 activities suitable for children of all ages. Toddlers and younger children love the indoor stream, mini supermarket and particularly Built It! Older children through to adults will be fascinated by the hands-on science exhibits and puzzles.

 

Forces and Movement Zone

It’s time to lift off! Launch a hydrogen rocket or send a huge hot air balloon skyward. See the world suspended mid-air by our Bernoulli blower.

 

Body and Perception Zone

Challenge your body and brain. Test your reaction speed on Batak, or create an amazing design with our art machine. Can you solve the jigsaw of the human body?

 

Woodland and Water Zone

Play with boats in our indoor stream. Learn some incredible facts about our local wildlife. Become fascinated by the colony of busy leaf-cutter ants. Please note that the Woodland and Water Zone is outside but under cover.

 

Build It! Zone

Become a member of The Look Out construction crew by helping to build the new house at The Look Out. Great teamwork is required. Use the rubble chute, wheelbarrows, design a house or drive the dumper trucks. Lots of fun. Please note that the Build It! Zone is outside but under cover.

 

Adventure play area

Our fantastic adventure play area features the infant play trail which is suitable for younger children aged between 3 and 6 years old. The play area for older children aged 7 to 11 years old has a magnificent fort as its centrepiece. Our all-ability play area is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible. The tables and seating, which surround the area, are perfect for picnicking in fine weather.

 

Walks, trails and cycling

Situated in more than 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodland, The Look Out Discovery Centre is the perfect starting point for a wide variety of walks, trails and bike rides suitable for adults and children of all ages and abilities. 

 

Trail guide

The Family Discoverer's Trail is available from The Look Out reception area. It includes a planned route with information and activities for along the way. Discover forest treasures with this nature trail for 8 to 12 years olds - the price is £1.50.

 

Cycle network

There is a 24.2 kilometre cycle network suitable for all abilities from families cycling for fun to highly-skilled riders. The start of the cycle route is signposted from The Look Out. There is a map at the start of each ride for cyclists to follow a numbered route. If you have ridden in with your bikes and would like to explore the forest on foot, bike racks are available by the entrance of The Look Out.

 

Orienteering

We have an orienteering course available for only £1 per course. The course starts and finishes at The Look Out with three suggested courses of 2.5km, 4.3km - or 6.9km for the most adventurous. Please ask at reception for the orienteering map and course information.

 

Mountain bike hire

Mountain bike hire is available at The Look Out courtesy of Swinley Bike Hub, which is open daily from 9am. The last hire time is 3pm on Monday to Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.

Bikes are available for children aged 6 and over.

 

Go Ape!

The classic and original tree top adventure. Take to the trees and speed down zip slides, part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings - all set high above the forest floor.

You can also enjoy forest segway, from two legs to two wheels - for the ultimate forest experience on a rugged all-terrain Segway. It's a totally unique way to tackle the trails in the forest.

 

Horse riding

Horse riding tracks in Swinley Forest should be accessed via Swinley Park, Swinley Road, Ascot SL5 8BB.  Please note that there is no horse box parking available at The Look Out Discovery Centre. Valid annual riding permits are required for those wishing to ride these tracks.

 

For further information on pricing and opening hours please see the website.