Description
Secret Garden in the Ham is a small, nurturing outdoor stay and play space in Merstham for young children and their families.
Created by me, Gemma, an early years teacher and mum, with a passion for outdoor play, slow pedagogy and a curiosity approach, the garden offers a calm, welcoming environment where children can explore and play freely and follow their natural curiosity, with their grown-ups close by.
This is not a structured or overstimulating space, but a gentle, nature-based environment where children are given time and freedom to be - to dig, pour, mix, create, imagine and connect with the world around them.
Each session offers open-ended, hands-on play inspired by the seasons, weather and the children themselves. Activities may include mud, sand and water play, loose parts and imaginative play, nature exploration, digging, planting and simple seasonal invitations. The focus is on the process of play and curiosity, not the outcome.
The garden is intentionally ever-evolving, shaped by the children, families, seasons and natural environment. Sessions run all year round, encouraging children to experience the outdoors in all its forms - from sunshine to puddles. Welly boots and waterproofs are recommended, and a change of clothes and towel are a good idea.
This is a small, intimate space where families can feel comfortable, seen and supported. It is also a place for parents and carers to slow down, connect and enjoy being present with their little people.
Inclusivity sits at the heart of the garden, with a commitment to growing an accessible space for all, supported by ongoing efforts to seek funding and opportunities as it continues to develop.
Come as you are, take things at your own pace, and enjoy time together in a space where curiosity is encouraged and a little bit of magic can be found in the everyday. I look forward to welcoming you and growing this space together 🌿
Gemma x
The garden entrance is on the right-hand side of our driveway. It is accessible for buggies and wheelchairs, and there is a buggy shelter which can fit approximately 6–8 buggies.
Please note this is an outdoor space with uneven, natural ground in places (grass, soil and paving), so suitable footwear is recommended. Welly boots and waterproofs are encouraged, especially in wetter weather.
There are currently no toilet facilities on site. Nearby toilets are available at Merstham Recreational Ground (Weldon Way) and Merstham Hub Library (Portland Drive).
Street parking is available outside and nearby - please park considerately with our neighbours in mind.
If you have any additional access needs or questions, please feel free to get in touch - I’m always happy to help.
Booking info & prices
Sessions take place in a calm, outdoor garden environment designed for open-ended play and exploration. • Sessions cost £6 for the first child, with siblings £2 each • A 10% discount is applied when booking a full term (first child only) • Babies who are not yet walking attend free of charge but must be included within your booking • All bookings must be made in advance via Happity and are non-refundable and non-transferable What to expect: Each session is gently structured while allowing children the freedom to follow their own interests. We may begin with a short story, song or rhyme to settle into the space before moving into open-ended, nature-based play. Children are invited to explore a variety of natural materials and experiences, including mud, water, sand and seasonal provocations thoughtfully set up to spark curiosity and imagination. These invitations are open-ended and responsive — if a child discovers a worm, for example, it may lead us into a shared moment of exploration or even a spontaneous worm hunt. There is no pressure to participate in any particular activity. Children are free to move, explore and engage in a way that feels right for them. As the session draws to a close, we come together to care for the space - returning resources to be washed or placed back thoughtfully. This supports children in developing independence, responsibility and respect for their environment. Sessions end with a gentle, familiar signal to support children with the transition, helping them to feel secure and understand what to expect. • This is a stay and play session - children remain the responsibility of their accompanying adult at all times • The garden is a natural space with uneven ground, plants and wildlife, so please dress appropriately (welly boots and waterproofs are recommended) • Sessions run in most weather conditions and will only be cancelled if it is unsafe to do so Practical information: • There are currently no toilet facilities on site. Public toilets are available nearby at Merstham Recreational Ground (Weldon Way) and Merstham Hub/Library (Portland Drive) • Tea and coffee are available for a small donation - please bring a lidded cup if you’d like one • Please help us care for the space by treating resources and nature with respect, and taking any rubbish home with you If your child has any additional needs you would like to share ahead of your visit, please feel free to get in touch - I’m always happy to help.
Prices
- Secret Garden Stay & Play - Tuesday AM - Single Session: £6.00
- Secret Garden Stay & Play - Tuesday AM - Summer Term 1: £32.40
Siblings & Discounts
- Secret Garden Stay & Play -Tuesday AM - Single Additional Sibling Session: £2.00
- Secret Garden Stay & Play - Tuesday AM - Single Additional Sibling - Summer Term 1 : £12.00
Booking info & prices
Sessions take place in a calm, outdoor garden environment designed for open-ended play and exploration. • Sessions cost £6 for the first child, with siblings £2 each • A 10% discount is applied when booking a full term (first child only) • Babies who are not yet walking attend free of charge but must be included within your booking • All bookings must be made in advance via Happity and are non-refundable and non-transferable What to expect: Each session is gently structured while allowing children the freedom to follow their own interests. We may begin with a short story, song or rhyme to settle into the space before moving into open-ended, nature-based play. Children are invited to explore a variety of natural materials and experiences, including mud, water, sand and seasonal provocations thoughtfully set up to spark curiosity and imagination. These invitations are open-ended and responsive — if a child discovers a worm, for example, it may lead us into a shared moment of exploration or even a spontaneous worm hunt. There is no pressure to participate in any particular activity. Children are free to move, explore and engage in a way that feels right for them. As the session draws to a close, we come together to care for the space - returning resources to be washed or placed back thoughtfully. This supports children in developing independence, responsibility and respect for their environment. Sessions end with a gentle, familiar signal to support children with the transition, helping them to feel secure and understand what to expect. • This is a stay and play session - children remain the responsibility of their accompanying adult at all times • The garden is a natural space with uneven ground, plants and wildlife, so please dress appropriately (welly boots and waterproofs are recommended) • Sessions run in most weather conditions and will only be cancelled if it is unsafe to do so Practical information: • There are currently no toilet facilities on site. Public toilets are available nearby at Merstham Recreational Ground (Weldon Way) and Merstham Hub/Library (Portland Drive) • Tea and coffee are available for a small donation - please bring a lidded cup if you’d like one • Please help us care for the space by treating resources and nature with respect, and taking any rubbish home with you If your child has any additional needs you would like to share ahead of your visit, please feel free to get in touch - I’m always happy to help.
Prices
- Secret Garden Stay & Play - Tuesday AM - Single Session: £6.00
- Secret Garden Stay & Play - Tuesday AM - Summer Term 1: £32.40
Siblings & Discounts
- Secret Garden Stay & Play -Tuesday AM - Single Additional Sibling Session: £2.00
- Secret Garden Stay & Play - Tuesday AM - Single Additional Sibling - Summer Term 1 : £12.00






