Priory Park in Southend is a great park for all ages. There is lots to do including a large, fenced off playground suitable for toddlers and bigger kids, duck pond, walled gardens and the historic Prittlewell Priory. Southend City has some excellent parks. Many parks in Southend-on-Sea have free parking, perfect if you are looking for a FREE family day out in Essex. Check out the Parks of Essex Instagram Post on Priory Park Where is Priory Park? 📍Priory Park Victoria Avenue Southend-on-Sea SS2 6NB 🅿️ Parking - Where to park for Priory Park Free parking in car park on Victoria Avenue, Other off street parking in surrounding streets without parking restrictions. This playground has FREE PARKING Find over 50 playgrounds and parks with Free Parking HERE 🛝 Playground at Priory Park The great thing about the playground at Priory Park is that the large, fenced off playground is suitable for children of all ages. There are large wooden climbing frames with slides, metal climbing structures, toddler climbing frames, sit on springy equipment, a merry-go-round, spinning play equipment, seesaw and lots of swings. The play area is spacious. There are benches inside the play area. This playground could do with a revamp but it still has lots of good quality equipment. Bandstand at Priory Park The traditional bandstand is stunning and located next to the car park and cafe.⁣ In the Summer there are regular, FREE weekend musical events held at the Bandstand - Music in the Park at Priory Park. Visit the Southend City website and check out the What's On guide for the latest listings. Priory Park Lake There is a fishing lake at Priory Park. The lake is also full of ducks. Courts and Pitches at Priory Park There are also tennis courts, football pitches, basketball courts, table tennis tables and other open spaces. Prittlewell Priory The historical Prittlewell Priory museum is also located inside the park. There are regular events held at Prittlewell Priory throughout the year and especially throughout the school holidays. Events at Priory Park There are also various events in Priory Park such as Circus and Oktoberfest! The Southend City website   has the latest listings. Where to eat at Priory Park There is a cafe at the park but it is not rated highly. Bring a picnic! Other playgrounds close to Northlands Park Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! Chalkwell Park Blenheim Park Belfairs Nature Reserve Priory Park features in our guide to the best playgrounds in Southend - Top 10 Playgrounds in Southend-on-Sea. Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ✅ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ✅ 🚻 Toilets ✅ ♿ Accessible ❌ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ✅ ⏰ At least 1 hour Last Updated December 2024

Wallasea Island is a magical landscape of marshland, lagoons, ditches and sea. The remote RSPB Nature Reserve is perfect for peaceful walks and incredible bird watching opportunities. There are several walking trails. Did you know you can pick up the Burnham Ferry  from Wallasea Island to Burnham-on-Crouch? The passenger ferry takes you from Essex Marina on Wallasea Island to Burnham Marina. From the Marina you can explore Riverside Park. RIverside Park is home to several great play areas , one of which was newly opened in September 2024. Where is Wallasea Island 📍RSPB Wallasea Island Creaksea Ferry Road Rochford SS4 2HD 🅿️ Where to Park at Wallasea Island Free car parking in car park. Car park open daily, 8am-dusk (or 8pm whichever is earlier). There are two Blue Badge spaces located closest to the trail entrances at Wallasea Island. Is Wallasea Island Dog Friendly? There are no dogs permitted on Wallasea Island, other than on the Allfleets Marsh Trail (public footpath). The Allfleets Marsh Trails runs from car park for 3 km along full length of northern seawall. Facilities 🛝 Playground ❌ ☕ Cafe ❌ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ❌ ♿ Accessible - ❌ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ❌ ⏰ 1 hour+ Post last updated December 2024

The Stanway Lakelands Community Centre has great faculties including a cafe, inclusive playground, sensory room and full Changing Places facility. Check out the Parks of Essex Instagram Post on Stanway Lakelands Centre Where is the playground Stanway Lakelands Centre? 📍 Stanway Lakelands Centre 2 Western Approach Stanway Colchester CO3 8DX Google Maps Link Playground at Stanway Lakelands Centre 🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Stanway Lakelands Centre There is a car park with free car parking at Stanway Lakelands Centre This playground has FREE PARKING Find over 50 playgrounds and parks with Free Parking HERE What play equipment is there at Stanway Lakelands Centre? This inclusive playground has lots to offer! There is a large sandpit with a wooden climbing frame running through it. The climbing frame has slides, variously climbs and a ramp. Other equipment includes swings, ride on equipment and roundabout. Sandpit at Stanway Lakelands Centre Lakelands Centre The play area is not enclosed, and next to a car park. There are picnic tables and benches around the play area. Inclusive play equipment at Stanway Lakelands Centre There are a variety of swings including accessible swings and nest swings. There is also a floor trampoline. There is sensory and musical play equipment. Summer Holiday Events at Stanway Lakelands Centre 🌞 Activities suitable for children aged 4-12 Inflatable Days are 1 hour sessions Soft Play Bus 30 minute Sessions First session of every activity is SEN HOUR- reduced numbers BOOK HERE The Sensory Room at Stanway Lakelands Cente Small sensory room with lights and bubbles available to drop into inside the centre, no pre-booking required. Best for babies to toddler age. Are there toilets at Stanway Lakelands Centre? Toilets (including accessible and baby change) inside leisure centres. There are full Changing Places toilets. Is there a cafe at Stanway Lakelands Cente? There is a cafe inside the leisure centre. There is hot and cold food and drinks. Tea is served in proper tea sets which is a lovely touch! I also had a cheese scone which was brilliant. Other playgrounds close to Stanway Lakelands Cente? Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! Castle Park, Colchester Swift Avenue Playground NEWLY RENOVATED Swift Avenue Playground NEWLY RENOVATED More Inclusive Playgrounds Wat Tyler Playground, Pitsea Belhus Woods Country Park, South Ockendon Check out the Parks of Essex Directory - A-Z of over 100 Essex parks Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ✅ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ✅ ♿ Accessible ✅ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ✅ ⏰ 30 minutes - 1 hour Post last updated June 2024

Everything you need to know about The Stick Man Trail at Weald Country Park, Brentwood, Essex. The Stickman Trail is based upon the Julia Donaldson classic, which is illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The Essex Stick Man trail was revamped in May 2023. There is a series of new wooden, sculptures located close to the car park and around the lake at Weald Country Park. You can find classic Stick Man characters. If you want to see the Stick Man Trail in action - you can check out the Stick Man Trail on Instagram - Watch the Stick Man Reel on the Parks of Essex Instagram Page Where is the Essex Stick Man Trail? Weald Country Park Weald Road Brentwood CM14 5QS Google Maps Link Where to park for the Stick Man Trail There are several car parks around Weald Country Park. The best car park for the trail is the car park for the visitor centre. Car parking charges at the Sick Man Trail Up to 1 hour £2.80 Up to 2 hours £4 Up to 4 hours £5.20 All day £6.30 Pay via MiPermit - Code 702104 What facilities are there at Stick Man Trail There are toilets, a cafe and visitor centre at Weald Country Park. They are all conveniently located close to the car park. There are accessible toilets and baby change. The cafe is open from 9am - 3.30pm. There is seating inside and outside. Hot and cold food and drinks are available at the cafe, as well as gifts and Julia Donaldson merchandise. How much does the Stick Man Trail cost? The trail consists of several sculptures located around the lake at Weald. There is no charge for the trail. Stick Man booklets with directions and puzzles are available from the cafe for 50p. Is the Stick Man Trail accessible? All-Terrain Tramper mobility scooters are avilable to hire from the visitor centre for free. To book call 01277 261343 or pop into the visitor centre. The play equipment is not accessible. There is an accessible toilet located opposite the cafe, close to the car park. There is accessible car parking. Is the Stick Man Trail buggy friendly? The trail is around the lake. The pathway is gravel and mainly flat. However the path from the car park to the lake has a large slope. What age is it the Stick Man Trail suitable for? Stick Man lovers of all ages! The wooden sculptures are very well done and make good photo opportunities. However, they are not interactive and there are no clues. Older children may not be as interested as younger children. How long does the Stick Man trail take? The trail takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete. Is there a playground at the Stick Man Trail? There are two play areas at Weald Country Park. The first play area is next to the car park. There are baby swings, a nest swing, a sand area and a stoney area with lots of balancing equipment. Is best for children up to 10 years old. There is a further play area on the opposite side of the lake. It is best suited for children 4 years old and older due to the height of the equipment. There is balancing equipment and a challenging climbing frame with a large slide. Neither play area is enclosed. There are Deer at Weald Country Park? Visit the Deer at Weald Country Park! The deer are located at the bottom of the play area, which is close to the car park. You can buy deer food from the cafe for £1 to feed the deer through the chutes provided. What else is there to do at Weald Country Park? Weald Country Park is a mix of open grassland and woodland. It is great for walking and cycling. There are plenty of opportunities for den building in the woodlands. The lake is home to lots of wildlife including ducks and swans. Is Weald Country Park dog friendly? Weald Country park is dog friendly. Owners are asked to keep their dogs on leads whilst walking around the lake. There is a tap and dog bowls at the visitor centre. More Days Out in Essex We have lots of great days out in Essex recommendations! Here is a list of popular days out in Essex. 10 Popular Days Out Posts Top 10 Family Friendly Beach and Riverside Playgrounds in Essex Take a trip on a UNICORN at this Park - The Magical Unicorn Lake Compairing the TWO Essex Gruffalo Trails Mersea Island with Children! The Best Playgrounds and Play Areas on Mersea Island Top 10 Playgrounds in Southend-on-Sea Visit this Park with a FREE FARM The Burnham Ferry: Wallasea Island to Burnham-on-Crouch The Best Woodland Playgrounds in Essex The Essex Peter Rabbit Trail The Longest Play Trail in Essex More Trails If you love a Julia Donaldson character trail, you can check out a Gruffalo Trail! There is also an Essex Peter Rabbit Trail and a Wind in the Willows Trail , both at Essex Wildlife Trust sites. Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration - A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex Post Last Updated January 2025

Everything you need to know about the Essex Peter Rabbit Trail, based at the Langdon Nature Discovery Centre. Watch the Peter Rabbit Trail Reel on the Parks of Essex Instagram Page   We love the Peter Rabbit character trail at Langdon Nature Discovery Park. There are a series of wooden characters along the trail including all the Peter Rabbit favourites such as Jemima Puddleduck and Benjamin Rabbit. Where is the Essex Peter Rabbit Trail? The Peter Rabbit Trail can be found at the Essex Wildlife Trust Langdon nature reserve The address for the Peter Rabbit Trail is: Langdon Nature Discovery Park Lower Dunton Road Basildon SS16 6EJ Google Maps Link Where to Park for the Peter Rabbit Trail There is free car parking in the large car park at the Peter Rabbit Trail. Find over 50 playgrounds and parks with Free Parking HERE How much does the Peter Rabbit Trail Cost? Entry to Langdon Nature Reserve and therefore entry to the Peter Rabbit Trail is free. Essex Wildlife Trust welcome donations the wildlife conservation charity. Trail maps cost just £1 at the visitor centre, making this a very cheap day out. How long does the Peter Rabbit Trail take? The trail takes round 45 minutes to complete. There is a hard pathway around the majority of the trail although it is muddy in places. Is the Peter Rabbit Trail accessible and buggy friendly? The Peter Rabbit Trail is mainly on hard pathways. However there are sections of the trail that enter grass/wooded areas so may not be accessible for wheelchair users. What facilities are at the Peter Rabbit Trail? There is a visitor centre at Langdon Nature Park. Inside the Centre is a cafe, toilets (including accessible and baby change) and gift shop. There are plenty of Peter Rabbit souvenirs in the gift shop including clothes and books. Is there a playground at the Peter Rabbit Trail? No, there is not a playground at Langdon Nature Discovery Centre. What age is it the Peter Rabbit Trail suitable for? The wooden sculptures are very well done and make good photo opportunities. However, they are not interactive and there are no clues. Older children may not be as interested as younger children. There are several character trails in Essex including those based on Julia Donaldson classics The Gruffalo Party Trail and The Stick Man Trail . Langdon Nature Discovery Park The Langdon Nature Reserve is maintained by the Essex Wildlife Trust . The Langdon Nature Discovery Centre is set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises of woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. Is the Peter Rabbit Trail Dog Friendly? We met lots of dogs on our walk. The park is very dog friendly, other than in the visitor centre. More Trails If you love character trails, you can check out the Essex Stick Man Trail! There is also an Essex Wind in the Willows Trail at Hanningfield Reservoir, another Essex Wildlife Trust site. 10 Popular Days Out Posts The Essex Splash Park Guide Take a trip on a UNICORN at this Park - The Magical Unicorn Lake Compairing the TWO Essex Gruffalo Trails Mersea Island with Children! The Best Playgrounds and Play Areas on Mersea Island Top 10 Playgrounds in Southend-on-Sea Visit this Park with a FREE FARM The Burnham Ferry: Wallasea Island to Burnham-on-Crouch The Best Woodland Playgrounds in Essex The Longest Play Trail in Essex Everything you need to know about the Stick Man Trail Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration - A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex

Nevendon Recreation Ground is a large park is Wickford. The park is home to the Wickford Skate Park, large playing fields and a basic, but popular children's playground. Where is Nevedon Recreation Ground? 📍 Nevendon Park Nevendon Road Wickford SS12 0QG Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park Nevendeo Park Free Car Parking available at he Nevendon Centre   Play Area at Nevendon Park The play area at Nevendon Park is enclosed. There are several climbing frames, a slide and monkey bars. There is also balancing equipment, a roundabout and swings. Wickford Skate Park Wickford Skatepark can be found within Nevendon Recreation Ground. The concrete skatepark is a good sizen and has a variety of ramps. If you are looking for a skate park in Essex, check out our guide: Essex's Best Skate Parks, Scooter and BMX Cycle Spots . Where to eat and drink at Nevendon Park There is no cafe at Nevendon Park Are there toilets at Nevendon Park There are no public toilets at Nevendon Park Other playgrounds close to Nevendon Park Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by!   Memorial Park, Wickford   Runwell Park, Wickford Meadowcroft Garden Centre, Wickford   The Wick Country Park, Wickford   Essex Wildlife Trust Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park Check out the Parks of Essex Directory - A-Z of over 100 Essex parks   Facilities   🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ❌ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ❌ ♿ Accessible ❌ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ✅ ⏰ 30 minutes - 1 hour Post last updated April 2025

Grove Road playground has facilities for infants to teenagers. There is a unique balance obstacle course. The skate park is also a highlight of the park. 📍 Address Tiptree Skate Park Grove Road Tiptree Colchester CO5 0JL 🅿️ Parking Yes, free - small carpark and on street parking Facilities ☕ Cafe - NO ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop - NO 🚻 Toilets - NO ♿ Accessible - NO 🪑 Picnic Tables - NO 🏃‍♀️ Playground - YES - slide, monkey bars, climbing frame, swings, 🐶 Dog Friendly - NO Skate Park Website

Parsloes Park is a large park located in Dagenham. Parsloes Park play area is home to "The Flamboyance of the Flamingoes". This quirky play area was designed by Yinka Ilori. The flamingo theme is a nod to the flamingos that used to inhabit Parsloes Park. This bright and colourful playground is so very unique and is bound to put a smile on your face.   Where is Parsloes Park 📍 Parsloes Park Ivyhouse Road Dagenham RM9 5SA Google Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park for Parsloes Park There is no car park. There is on street parking in surrounding roads - Ivyhouse Road. There are some parking restrictions on Ivyhouse Road, so be mindful. Parsloes Park Playground The play area is open and surrounded by playing fields. The equipment includes ride on flamingos, a flamingo roundabout, brightly coloured climbing and balancing equipment and a large slide. There is also a large, long swing and basketball court. Some of the equipment is starting to fade a little but my children still had a great time. There were really engaged and excited by such unique play equipment. There is no accessible play equipment. Facilties at Parsloes Park There are large playing fields at Parsloes Park. There is also a skate ramp and seperate small children's playground which is very run down. Where to eat and drink at Parsloes Park There are no catering facilities at Parsloes Park Are there toilets at Parsloes Park There are no toilets at Parsloes Park Other playgrounds close to Parsloes Park Barking Park Eastbrookend Country Park Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by!   Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ❌ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ❌ ♿ Accessible ❌ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ❌ ⏰ 30 minutes - 1 hour Last Updated July 2024

There's a BRAND NEW playground on the block... We spent a good hour here over the weekend and both children really loved it. This playground isn't suitable for a whole day out but I definitely recommend a visit if you're local or passing through. The playground is only few minutes drive from Braintree Freeport Designer Village, so a good spot to wear the kids out before hitting the shops. Where is Brain Valley Park? 📍Brain Valley Play Park Mill Park Drive Braintree CM7 1GP Google Maps Link 🅿️ Where to park at Brain Valley Park No car park This playground is behind a housing estate There is unrestricted parking on surrounding roads - Bamboo Crescent and Mill Park Drive. Please park considerably. 🛝 Playground at Brain Valley Park This new playground is suitable for preschoolers to junior aged children. There are climbing frames with slides and climbs to suit all ages. There is also a long swing. There is also ride on equipment. The highlight was the climbing cube, never seen one like that before! There are a variety of swings including a nest swing, baby swings and tandem swing. The playground is described as inclusive. However there is only one accessible wheelchair. There is a surface trampoline and sensory activity boards. Where to eat/drink at Brain Valley Park There is no cafe, but plenty of space for picnics! Are there toilets at Brain Valley Park There are no public toilets at Brain Valley Park Other playgrounds close to Brain Valley Park Rayne Park Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens Great Notley Country Park Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by!   Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ❌ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ❌ ♿ Accessible ❌ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ✅ ⏰ 30 minutes - 1 hour Last Updated May 2024

Hockley Woods are beautiful and vast. Visit in the Summer to see the bluebells! There is a great woodland playground and free parking on weekends.   Where is Hockley Woods 📍 Hockley Woods Main Road SS5 4RN Google Maps Link   🅿️ Parking at Hockley Woods Good sized car park with 80 spaces. Parking charges apply Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm - 1 hour - 30p, 2 hours - 50p, 3 hours - 70p, 4 hours £1.50, All day £3 Mobile phone payment - 0330 400 7275 quote location number - 79942 Parking is free on Sat urday, Sunday and public holidays. Over 50 Parks and Playgrounds with FREE PARKING What play equipment is at Hockley Woods adventure playground? There is a large children's playground close to the car park. The playground is largely grass and there is also a sandpit area. Most of the equipment is wooden. There are plenty of climbing frames, balancing poles and rope climbing equipment. There are also lots of slides, metal climbing equipment, ride on equipment a variety of swings. The play equipment is suitable for a variety of ages, from toddlers to older children. The playground is enclosed, and there is seating inside the playground. The playground can get very waterlogged in winter months. The newest play equipment is a large slide with a zipwire. The only accessible play equipment is a merry-go-round. What else is there to do at Hockley Woods? Hockley Woods are huge! There is so much space to explore, every time we visit we find a different route (and get a little lost). There are plenty of logs for climbing and the woods are perfect for den building. Where to Eat and Drink at Hockley Woods? There is a pub at Hockley Woods located next to the woods, The Bull. The pubs also serves lovely food. On occasion you may find an ice cream van parked in the car park. Are there toilets at Hockley Woods? There are toilets in the car park at Hockley Woods Other playgrounds close to Paradise Road Playground Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by!   King Georges Playing Fields Cherry Orchard Park Magnolia Park Check out the Parks of Essex Directory - A-Z of over 100 Essex parks    Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ✅ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ✅ ♿ Accessible ❌ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ✅ ⏰ At least 1 hour Post last updated October 2024

Fairlop Waters Country park is great for families! This brilliant country park has great accessible pathways, a large lake for watersports such as sailing, rowing and windsurfing and a large natural play area. There is also a great child friendly train which operates at weekends and the school holidays. The train at Fairlop Country Park is run by the London Outdoors Company at Fairlop Waters . Where is the Train at Fairlop Waters Country Park? 📍Fairlop Country Park Forest Road Ilford IG6 3HN Google maps link   🅿️ Parking  - Where to park for the Train at Fairlop Waters Country Park Car park at Fairlop Waters Country Park Up to 1 hour: £1.50 Up to 2 hours: £2.60 All day: £5.50 Cashless parking - RingGo When is the Train at Fairlop Waters Country Park open? The Little Train at Fairlop Waters Country Park r uns every weekend and weekdays during the school holidays (weather dependent). The Thomas train runs between 11am and 6pm. Trains run every 15 minutes. How much does the train at Fairlop Waters Country Park cost? The Train at Fairlop Waters Country Park costs £3 person. Train journey lasts approximately 15 minutes. Fairlop Waters Train tickets No prebooking. Fairlop Waters Train Route The train runs between the Bouldering Park and Ice Cream Truck. You can see the route on the London Outdoors Company Website Here . What else is there to do at Fairlop Waters Park? Aside from the train ride, Fairlop Waters Country Park has lots of other family friendly facilities. You can also find a great soft play at Fairlop Waters - Owls Play Centre . Fairlop Waters is also home to the UK's largest Bouldering Park . Other parks close to Fairlop Waters Hainault Forest Country Park Pelican Playground, Chigwell Roding Valley Nature Reserve   Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by!   Post last updated June 2024 If your little one is a big train lover they can also check out the Thomas Train at Hainault Forest Country Park .

Welcome to our first look at NEW playground at Promenade Park in Maldon. The much anticipated Valley Playground in Promenade Park was reopened following extensive renovations on 17th October 2024! Where is Promenade Park? 📍Promenade Park Park Drive Maldon CM9 5JQ Google Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Promenade Park   Up to 1 hour - £1.60 1 to 2 hours - £3.20 2 to 5 hours - £8 All Day £11 Ticket machines only accept card payments. Payments possible through Ringo App. Location Code: 21802 Valley Playground The main focus of the Valley play area at Prom Park is the large boat themed apparatus. The ship has a variety of different entrance climbs to suit all ages. The ship also has a number of slides and ground level interactive play. Elsewhere in the playground there is also an in floor trampoline, swings and a zipwire. As well as The Valley Playground, there is also an inclusive play area called The Secret Garden playground. The playground was also renovated and reopened in September 2024. For more photos and further details check out this post - Secret Garden Inclusive Playground . For more information about all the facilities at Promenade Park (including catering options, Mini Golf, Petting Zoo, Splash Park and two other playgrounds) check out our full Guide to Promenade Park Maldon . Other playgrounds close to Promenade Park Heybridge Basin Oak Tree Meadow, Heybridge   Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by!   Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ✅ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ✅ ♿ Accessible ✅ 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ✅ ⏰ 2 hours + Last Updated October 2024 Visit Maldon Website