Outdoor Spaces
The Steading features a number of outdoor spaces designed to enhance wellbeing, encourage learning and provide welcoming places for community use. Used by schools, groups, families and local residents, these areas support a wide range of activities, from sensory exploration and informal gatherings to quiet relaxation and outdoor engagement.
Each space has its own purpose and character, but together they help create an environment that feels accessible, inclusive and connected to nature.
All outdoor areas are ground level and accessible.
These outdoor spaces are cared for by our gardening volunteers, whose time and effort help keep them welcoming, well maintained and full of life throughout the year. If you enjoy gardening or would like to get involved in looking after community spaces, we’d love to hear from you.
The Haven
The Haven is a peaceful outdoor space at The Steading, offering a relaxed setting for visitors to sit, meet and enjoy time outdoors. With benches, picnic-style seating and planted areas, it provides a welcoming place to pause and make use of the wider grounds.
A sheltered seating area with lighting and overhead heaters makes the space practical in a range of weather conditions and gives groups a comfortable place to gather. The Haven can be enjoyed informally by visitors, including those picking up takeaway food and drinks from The Village Café, and is also available to hire for private functions as an outdoor alternative to our indoor meeting spaces.
The Haven also includes The Steading’s beehive area. Keep an eye out for our honey, which is occasionally available for sale.
Sensory Garden
The Sensory Garden is a peaceful and accessible part of The Steading’s outdoor spaces, created to support wellbeing, curiosity and connection with the natural environment.
With raised beds, herbs and sensory planting, the space offers visitors a chance to experience different textures, fragrances and seasonal interest in a setting designed to feel calm and welcoming.
Trim Trail
Our Trim Trail and Sandpit area provides a fun outdoor space for younger children to play, explore and be active.
The low-level trail elements encourage balance, coordination and confidence, while the sandpit provides a space for digging, building and creative exploration.
Children should be supervised at all times whilst using the Trim Trail.
