At the heart of everything we do is a belief in building community and access to the countryside, it underpins what inspired us to open our doors. Six years later, we are delighted to introduce our new Poetry & Play Trail at The Yard: a nature-inspired outdoor experience designed to spark imagination, creativity and adventure for children and families. Bringing together poetry, storytelling and natural play, the trail invites The Yard visitors to explore, discover and connect with the landscape around them.
The trail weaves poetry through Chilton Manor Farm, creating moments of reflection, storytelling and adventure along the way. The trail is free and accessible to customers of The Yard. You are welcome to purchase a map and activity booklet at The Yard for £3 for those wishing to engage more deeply with the trail as a family activity.
The Yard Fete
In May 2026, we celebrated the launch of our Poetry and Play Trail with our very first Yard Fete – a joyful celebration, bringing together the spirit of a traditional countryside fete with the creativity, community and fun of The Yard and Chilton Manor Farm.
From face painting, a dog show, Yard BBQ + bar, family yoga, Bon & Rose gelato and live music; it was a wonderful day celebrating everything we love about our space and the community that makes it so special.
Hester Marriott Photograpy
The Poetry and Play Trail was made possible thanks to support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. Their investment has helped us create a space that embraces the outdoors and supports creating meaningful experiences in nature.
We also would love to thank Jemima Mills and Amanda Grapes for the beautifully designed poetry trail and map, as well as Natural Play Scapes for creating and building our amazing play trail.
Pop into the cafe for a Poetry Trail Map and Activity Sheet.
