151 of the best family parks in the UK
Children love a good park to explore and play in, but what makes a great park can vary, from the latest play equipment to vast areas of open space to run around.
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We've found the best parks all around the UK, from the best parks to have a picnic in to the parks that will keep the family entertained all day.
18 parks with amazing adventure play areas
1 We can't wait to explore the brand new Fort Douglas in Dalkeith Country Park near Edinburgh. We've heard it has magical turreted treehouses, secret tunnels, and lots of adventurous fun.
2 There's a new playground at Alice Holt Forest in Surrey, too. The Timberline Play Trail is bursting with fun challenges.
3 Aldershot Park in Hampshire has two great play areas with a dedicated area for toddlers, and one for older children.
4 Not far from Kensington High Street, Holland Park, in London's Kensington, has a fab adventure playground with an array of climbing frames, giant see-saws and swings.
5 Gheluvelt Park in Worcestershire has great playgrounds, with separate areas for tots and teens, allowing all ages to play safely. There's an outdoor gym so mum and dad can play, too.
6 Former RAF base, Hornchurch Country Park, in Havering, has a spitfire as its focal point. Other play equipment incudes Hurricane and Pendulum swings, a Revolva, G-force and Black Beards Ladder.
7 The locals love the beautiful, well-kept Bedford Park, which has two great play areas.
8 Valley Gardens in Harrogate has a big and busy playground for all ages. There's a popular skatepark and paddling pool, too.
9 The Woodland play area at Holkham Park in Norfolk is simply amazing, with walkways, a tower, and a creepy tunnel.
10 Heartlands, Cornwall, boasts the biggest free adventure playground in the county and is based on Cornish folklore, including the legend of the local giant ‘BOLSTER’.
11 Hengrove Park in Bristol is the biggest free play park in the South West. It has everything from sand and water play to jungle play in a huge dome.
12 A huge wooden pirate ship is the amazing centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground within Kensington Gardens. Surrounding by sand, water and wigwams, it's a magical place where imaginations can soar.
13 Dock Park in Dumfries boasts a new, brightly coloured play area, and a Peter Pan crazy golf.
14 Explore the Grow Wild space in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, with its tunnels, climbing structures and walkways leading through to a story den, music-making space, slides and lots more.
15 Mowbray Park in Sunderland has an unusual Alice in Wonderland themed playground, including a giant walrus statue that the children love to climb on.
16 Come and see Essex's longest play trail at Great Notley Country Park. At 1.2km, it promises lots to explore for all ages.
17 Big Park Peacehaven in Sussex has two natural playgrounds and a state-of-the-art skatepark, which provide fun challenges for all ages.
18 Check out the biggest and brightest play area in Bolton. Work around the play trail's challenging equipment at Moses Gate Country Park.
15 parks for cooling off in summer
1 King George Recreation Ground in Bushey, Hertfordshire, is an award-winning park with a paddling pool for under 8s in the summer season.
2 Check out Wimbledon Sprinkler Park in Merton. A colourful splash pad with lots of sprinkler fun.
3 Rutland Water is the largest man-made lake in Europe. Have a picnic on the beach, build sandcastles, and, at certain times of the year (if you're brave enough), have a swim.
4 You'll find a fab pool on Brighton's west pier. Kings Road Playground has an enclosed area with a playground, too - perfect for preschoolers.
5 Lochore Meadows Country Park in Fife is a fantastic free park where you can paddle in the loch and play on the lochside beach.
6 Known locally as 'Happy Valley', a modern waterplay area has replaced the former paddling pool at Siloth Green, Cumbria. The new ‘splashpad’ design has a brightly coloured rubberised safety surface, with interactive water jets, fountains, and sprays galore.
7 Try out the brand new splash park at The Quarry Park in Shrewsbury - it looks fab.
8 Highbury Fields in Islington, London, is a busy park with water play features and a sand pit.
9 Make sure you come prepared for the fun splashpad, which has an artificial beach, a desert island, play fountains and water cannons, at Riverside Park, Durham.
10 Wyndham Park in Lincolnshire has a traditional paddling area alongside a modern splash pad with lots of play features and fountains.
11 Bury Lodge Gardens in Enfield has a huge sand and water play area. It's great fun to make friends and work together to pump the water around.
12 Enjoy the urban beach at Bishop's Park, Fulham, alongside a splash pad with lots of interactive water features.
13 London Fields Park in Hackney is a popular park with two playgrounds and a paddling pool. There's also a lido for the whole family to cool off in.
14 Known as the 'People's Park', Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets has a fabulous splash pad with fountains, pumps, a shallow stream and other water features that the kids will love to explore.
15 California Country Park in Berkshire has a good-sized paddling pool to cool off in.
8 parks super for cycling
1 South Norwood Country Park in Croydon is a lovely flat park with cycle paths, perfect for new riders.
2 You'll find Beddington Park in Sutton is an ideal park for learning to ride a bike or scoot around, too.
3 West Park in Wolverhampton is a traditional Victorian park on the flat, so great for children who are just finding their confidence on a bike or scooter.
4 Imagine you're at the seaside with a visit to the amusement arcade, with fish 'n' chips and ice cream, after a bike ride around the lake at Hollingworth Lake Country Park, near Rochdale.
5 Escape to the country and have a cycle ride at this lovely The Rising Sun Country Park in Tyneside.
6 Sandall Park in Doncaster is great for learning to ride a bike, or scooting around the lake.
7 Explore the family-friendly cycle trails of varying lengths at Capstone Farm Country Park. There's also a mountain bike trail for the more adventurous.
8 Pick up a leaflet from the Cycle Hire shop at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, and explore the parkland and lake on your own or rented bikes. There are 20 miles of cycle routes.
17 parks with trails and treasure hunts
1 Put on your walking boots for this 4.5 mile sculpture trail through the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Reward yourself at Beechenhurst Lodge with a picnic, an ice cream and a play on the adventure playground.
2 Kelsey Park has a huge array of wildlife. Call in at the information centre for a free nature trail leaflet, and see what you can spot.
3 Spot a fairy door, a rabbit’s foot or a friendly face on the Wood Folk Walk at Hardcastle Craggs in West Yorkshire.
4 Yorkshire Sculpture Park is one of a kind, being Britain's first and only permanent sculpture park. There are many hidden treasures to hunt for, and it's family-friendly because you can touch the sculptures.
5 Walking can be lots of fun at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough. Pick up a Discovery pack at the visitor centre, along with spotter and trail sheets, and away you go.
6 Did a UFO really land in Rendlesahm Forest in Suffolk? Follow the UFO trail to find out more ...
7 At Rushmere Country Park in Bedfordshire, you'll discover a giant seat and fairy doors, all on a buggy-friendly trail.
8 Take a stroll round Norfolk Heritage Park in Sheffield and spot the sculptures along the way.
9 Parc Glynllifon in Gwynedd is a fab park for hide-and-seek and exploring. Try the treasure hunt, or how about orienteering?
10 The Animal Puzzle Trail at Coed y Brenin Forest Park in mid-Wales is buggy-friendly and takes you down by the riverside, where you can stop for a picnic. Although, we've heard the locally-sourced venison burgers in The Forest Café are delicious.
11 Calling all geocachers! Priory Park in Surrey has a trail of seven caches to find, taking you all around the park.
12 Take a walk through the woodlands at Towneley Park in Burnley to find the wooden sculptures.
13 Download the Chatelherault Global Treasure App to your phone and explore Chatelherault Country Park, Lanarkshire, by following clues, and then claim your reward at the end.
14 Wander through Michaelswood, Shetland, stopping at the little play areas along the way. The pirate ship is sure to be a favourite.
15 Enjoy a bird's eye view of Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire, 15 metres high, on the Tree Top Way.
16 There are trails galore at Loughgall Country Park, in County Armagh, whether you want to cycle, get fit, explore nature or go horse riding. Why not download the exciting new Ecotrail booklet?
17 At Sheringham Park in Norfolk, tracker packs are available, complete with binoculars, stickers and lots of activities to keep you busy on your walk around the park.
8 parks for farmyard fun
1 Hainault Forest Country Park, in Redbridge, is home to Foxburrows Farm, a free entry farm zoo with lots to see.
2 Young children will love the Pets Corner at Newcastle's Jesmond Dene, home to animals of all shapes and sizes.
3 Walton Hall & Gardens has a mini zoo within its fantastic park. The Hall was actually featured in the BBC production 'Our Zoo'.
4 Tŷ Mawr Country Park has all the fun of the farm. Meet Carlos and Pedro, the llamas that guard the sheep from foxes.
5 You'll find a lovely Pets Corner on the western side of the Abbey Park in Leicester. It's free to enter.
6 Golders Hill Park in Barnet has a free zoo, with a growing collection of rare and exotic birds and mammals. Meet the laughing kookaburras, ring-tailed lemurs and ring-tailed coatis.
7 Call in at the Animal Antics Rescue Centre at Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Hounslow, to learn about the rescued animals.
8 Head down to Home Farm at Temple Newsam Park, near Leeds, to meet hundreds of child-friendly farm animals. As well as pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and ducks, you'll find rare breeds, too.
9 parks terrific for tots
1 Fassnidge Park in Uxbridge, Greater London, has a super park for little ones, with a play area and a water splash park, too.
2 There are three play areas at Bruntwood Park, East Cheshire, with one dedicated to toddlers. The cafe is close by, too, serving delicous cooked breakfast - perfect for brunch at the weekend.
3 Milton Country Park in Cambridgeshire offers a choice of play areas, including a fenced-off area for under 5s.
4 There's lots to do at Elsecar Park in Barnsley, but we bet you'll want to have a go on the Tango swing. It's a new type of swing seat, where a parent can swing with baby/toddler.
5 High Lodge at Thetford Forest Park, Suffolk, offers lots for tots, from the Tree-mendous Toddler Tower to the giant instruments of the sound trail that weaves through the forest.
6 Stamford Park in Tameside has a fantastic little play area, with lots for tots, including cradle swings and a sandpit.
7 Bushy Park in Kingston-upon-Thames has a large sandpit, so don't forget your bucket and spade. Also for little ones, there are cradle swings, a see-saw and turtle drum.
8 Close to Kirkwall Cathedral, Brandyquoy Park is a popular stop-off for families with little ones. The sandpit is a favourite.
9 Worden Park in Lancashire has a huge playground with plenty of equipment for toddlers. There's also a sandpit, complete with sand diggers.
14 parks perfect for picnics
1 Radwell Meadows Country Park in Hertfordshire is a beautiful country park perfect for a walk and a picnic. It has a wacky play area, too, great for bigger kids.
2 Explore the buggy-friendly paths and Gruffalo trail at Thorndon Country Park, Essex, before enjoying a barbecue or picnic in the dedicated area.
3 Pinner Memorial Park in Harrow is the perfect park for a family picnic. There's a well-equipped play area, lots of ducks and an aviary, too.
4 The stunning gardens in the Lady Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park are the perfect spot for a summer picnic.
5 Southwark Park, London, is a busy, traditional park with lots of open space for ball games and a picnic.
6 Take a walk on the beach at Wirral Country Park, Merseyside, and then soak up the views while having your picnic or barbecue overlooking the Dee Estuary.
7 Queen Elizabeth's Country Park in Hampshire is perfect for a special occasion or summer celebration. Take a picnic or hire a family hearth for a BBQ.
8 Peatlands Park in County Tyrone is a lovely park with many paths and wooden walkways to explore, and lots of picnicking options.
9 Enjoy at picnic in the lower part of Beacon Hill Country Park, Loughborough. Nearby, you'll find delightful wooden sculptures and a natural play area to explore.
10 Market Bosworth Country Park, Leicestershire, has lots of space for ball games and kite flying. It's perfect for a picnic or BBQ, too.
11 Find the cunningly hidden animals on the Animals of the Forest Sculpture Trail at Queenswood Country Park, Herefordshire. There are lots of picnic benches along the way.
12 At Lower Leas Coastal Park in Kent, enter the Wild Zone for your BBQ or picnic, but don't miss the Fun Zone, with the largest adventure play area in the south east.
13 Victoria Park is Salisbury's oldest park still retains its traditional feel. It has a large play area and plenty of space nearby for your picnic blanket.
14 RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon is a delightful place, with lots to keep the children entertained, including play areas and woodland walks, and plenty of secluded picnic spots.
8 parks you can visit whatever the weather
1 Children love the adventure playground and the massive sandpit at Clifton Park in Rotherham. If you need to take shelter, head up to the museum, which house family-friendly exhibitions.
2 Pollok Country Park is a big city park that's great to escape to for a walk or a picnic. It's home to Pollok House and the Burrell Collection, so a good option if you're expecting a shower.
3 A secret forest, a crocodile swamp and an amazing adventure course are some of the adventures you can have at Kelburn Country Park, Ayrshire. There's an exciting indoor playbarn and cafe, too.
4 Alexandra Park, Greater London, is a busy park with panoramic views of London's skyline. There's lots to do indoor and out, from riding Segways and tree climbing to ice skating and soft play.
5 Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to explore the beautiful park at Belfast's Botanic Gardens. With the Palm house and Ulster museum within the park, it's an all-year-round place to visit.
6 Oakwell Country Park, West Yorkshire, is great for walking and playing, but with a visitor centre and a house to take a look at, too, you can visit whatever the weather.
7 Visit Brampton Park, Staffordshire, come rain or shine. There's plenty to do outdoors, but there's also a free museum to visit, and a soft play centre and cafe, too.
8 Wow! Where do we start? Happy Mount Park, Morecambe, has so much to do. Outdoors there's an adventure play area, a fab splash park, a train ride, trampolines ... we could go on and on. But there's a super cafe and a pirate themed indoor play centre, too, making it a great choice if the weather is a bit iffy.
21 parks where you can stay all day
1 Known as the ‘People’s Park’, you can easily spend a day at Saltwell Park in Gateshead. There's a pets corner and a maze, and in the summer, hop on a train ride or have a go on the bouncy castle.
2 Hartsholme Country Park is a favourite in the Lincoln area, with free parking. After a wander around the lake, there's a super little playground and good, flat, green space for picnics and ball games.
3 When you've tired of the water activities, you'll find the largest playground in the borough of Bexley at Danson Park. There's also pitch 'n' putt, or why not enjoy a snack or a meal at one of the park's many eateries.
4 Queens Park in Brent is a much-loved Victorian park, with a paddling pool in its playground, and there's also a small zoo.
5 Enjoy a lovely day out in this park beside the Thames at Lammas Park. How about a game of mini golf, or, in summer, take a train ride or run around in the spray ground.
6 Climb the hill at Greenwich Park for one of the best views of London. Home to The Old Royal Observatory, the Observatory Planetarium and the National Maritime Museum (free entry), as well as lots of lovely open space, you can easily spend hours here.
7 The biggest park in Guernsey, Saumarez Park, is popular with adults and children, alike. There's a great adventure playground and an outdoor gym, too.
8 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, is so much than just a park. It's an activity centre with lots to do, from taking a trip up to ArcelorMittal Orbit or playing on the cutting-edge adventure park to simply having a picnic. In the summer, there's even a tropical beach, complete with seaside attractions.
9 St Ives Estates in Bradford is a beautiful country park with trails through woodlands, open moor, and a wildflower meadow. There are sculptures to spot and a pond for fishing or pond dipping. Enjoy a picnic near the adventure playground.
10 Coram's Fields in Central London is a very safe and well looked after park that's only open to children and their parents. With lots of play areas, sandpit and paddling pool, and a lovely cafe, too, you'll most certainly want to stay all day.
11 Carnfunnock Country Park in County Antrim really has the best of both worlds. There are over 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and spectacular coastline. But the park boasts a whole host of attractions, too, and most are free. Family golf, outdoor games and an exciting adventure playground are just a few of the fun activities to tempt you.
12 Known locally as The Bunny Park, there's lots of space for children to run around at Brent Lodge Park. There's also a maze, a playground, and an animal centre.
13 Lodmoor Country Park is a great day out with a playground, outdoor gym, bird and wildlife charity RSPB reserve, sealife centre, family pub and lots more.
14 For the active, there's a BMX track and eight large climbing boulders at Summerhill Country Park in Hartlepool. But for those looking for something a bit more sedate, have a wander around the ponds, look out for sculptures and the Iron Age roundhouse replica.
15 Brockwell Park in Lambeth has an adventure playground for all ages. It has a massive sandpit, paddling pool and rock pools promising hours of fun.
16 Muiravonside County Park, West Lothain, has woodland and parkland. There's also a mini demonstration farm, a sculpture trail, children's play area and a café at the Visitor Hub courtyard.
17 There's loads to do at Markeaton Park, Derbyshire. Have a paddle in the outdoor splash pool, taking a ride on the Mundy Express, hire out a boat on the lake and play a round of crazy golf.
18 Cedars Park in Hertfordshire is a beautiful park with all sorts to do, from natural play areas to a pets corner where you can stroke the rabbits.
19 Enjoy a lovely family day out at Coate Water Country Park, Wiltshire. There's a wildlife reserve with bird hides, a pitch and putt, splash park, play area, mini golf, miniature railway, cafe and much more.
20 Explore the vast grounds of Margam Park, South Wales. Take a train ride, go geocaching or follow the farm trail. There's a fairytale village, too, with miniature houses all with fairytale themes. So cute!
21 There's so much to do at Cutteslowe Park, near Oxford, you'll have to stay all day. From geocaching to train rides there's something for everybody.
5 parks with a lake
1 There are lovely walks around the lake at Black Park Country Park in Buckinghamshire. Visit on a Sunday morning to see the model boats on display.
2 Dunorlan Park in Kent has an amazing boating lake, with pedalos and kayaks for hire during the summer. It's great for pond dipping, too. What can you find?
3 The activity centre at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Berkshire, hires out kayaks, dinghies and pedalos, perfect for some summer fun.
4 Home to the largest inland beach, Cotswold Country Park is a great alternative to visiting the seaside. There are lots of activities to have a go at on the lake, from hiring pedalos to raft building and paddle boarding.
5 With a lake and a seashore, Druridge Bay Country Park in Northumberland is ideal for watersports, or just a paddle in the sea.
9 parks with a train ride
1 One of the most popular and charming attractions at Eaton Park, Norfolk, are the steam and diesel trains that run on a Sunday.
2 Barking Park, Greater London, has a fun little train that carried the Olympic torch and its bearer at the 2012 Olympics.
3 Take a ride around the lake and through this beautiful hidden gem of Queen's Park, Derbyshire.
4 Cassiobury Park in Watford runs a busy but slick operation, with one train being loaded as the other travels around the park.
5 The Royal Victoria Railway in Royal Victoria Country Park, Hamphire, has a great selection of steam and diesel miniature trains. Travel in style in the closed coaches with cushioned seats.
6 Visit Whin Park on the banks of the River Ness in the Highlands. Its 7 ¼ inch gauge Ness Islands Railway is the UK's most northerly public miniature railway.
7 Take a trip through the woods at Vogrie Country Park, Midlothian. Look out for the bears!
8 With a collection of 21 steam and diesel locomotives, a visit to Moors Valley Railway within Moors Valley Country Park in Dorset is a must for any train enthusiast.
9 Grosvenor Park in Chester is home to one of the city's most popular attractions - the miniature railway. As well as the steam and diesel hauled trains, there's the much-loved Thomas ride, and a self-drive tram.
8 parks with tree top adventures
1 Swing, climb and zip wire through the trees at the Jungle Parc high ropes course at Irchester Country Park in Northamptonshire.
2 Holme Pierrepont Country Park in Nottinghamshire has a Sky Trail at a height of 24ft, perfect for improving your climbing skills. For younger children, there’s also the Sky Tykes course.
3 Go Ape in Battersea Park, south London, takes advantage of the park's tallest trees, creating knee-knocking crossings that are double the height of most Go Ape adventures. See more details and how to book, here.
4 Willen Lake South Park in Buckinghamshire boasts having the biggest high rope adventure course in the south of England. Aerial Extreme has a series of challenging obstacles set at varying heights above the ground.
5 Brockhole in Cumbria has more than 1,500m of giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels made out of netting suspended 9m off the ground.
6 Find your inner Tarzan at Tilgate Park in Sussex. There are two courses, one for Gorillas (age 16 plus) and one for Baboons (age 10-15).
7 Haldon Forest Park in Devon offers one of the best tree top adventures because of it panoramic views of Dartmoor as you fly through the air on its zip wires.
8 The Aerial Rope Adventure at Baggeridge Country Park in the West Midlands can be found 40ft above the forest floor. You're guaranteed to have an exhilrating adventure.
11 parks with something a little different
1 St Nicholas Park in the centre of Warwick is a great park all year round. As well as a playground and paddling pool it has a Fun Park complete with rides and amusements.
2 Birmingham International Airport borders onto Sheldon Country Park. Visit the designated viewing area to see aeroplanes close up, and watch them take off.
3 Ladywell Adventure Playground in London's borough of Lewisham is aimed at 8 to 16-year-olds, and once registered, they can come and go as they please. There's a playground outdoors, but also a games area indoors, as well as lots of activities taking place in the school holidays.
4 Named after a mischievous nature sprite in folklore, and a character in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Puck's Glen near Dunoon in Scotland is an enchanting forest park, with the waymarked trails taking you past magical waterfalls and rock pools.
5 Royal Victoria Park in Bath is a beautiful park not far from the city centre. In summer, visit early morning or in the evening, and watch hot air balloons taking off into the skies.
6 Fletcher Moss in south Manchester doesn't have a playground, but children will love playing hide and seek in the woods, pooh sticks on the river, or taking a scary walk along the boardwalk over the 'croc-infested' swamp!! Psst - we've heard the cafe serves delicious homemade cakes, too.
7 On weekends and school holidays, during the warmer months, Beacon Park in Staffordshire has donkey rides, an inflatable slide and mini cars, as well as pedalos, on the pool.
8 Cosmeston Country Park is a beautiful park and nature reserve, but there's something here that makes it particularly unusual and interesting. Step back in time and wander around its medieval village. There are costumed guides and an audio tour.
9 The Wicksteed splash boat at East Park in Hull has been providing thrills and memories for visitors since 1929, and it's still as popular as ever.
10 Aden Country Park in Aberdeenshire is home to the ruined Aden mansion house, which you can investigate and explore. Imagine life living in a mansion house, or play hide and seek.
11 Children love the playground at Silverdale Glen on the Isle of Man because of its water-powered carousel. It's as popular now as it was in the Victorian era.
