Chapel Lane Playing Fields in Thorrington are so lovely. There is lots of open space, courts and the green is very well maintained. The playground was refurbished in February 2023. The equipment is great quality! Where is Chapel Lane Playing Fields, Thorrington Park? 📍Chapel Lane Playing Fields Thorrington Colchester CO7 8HG Google Maps Link 🅿️ Where to park at Chapel Lane Playing Fields No car park. There is unrestricted parking on surrounding roads. Please park considerably. 🛝 Playground at Chapel Lane Playing Fields The playground at Thorrington has a few pieces of equipment. There is a large climbing frame with a slide, pole and variety of climbs. There is a climbing hut, with seating inside. There are also swings and a roundabout. Courts and Pitches at Chapel Lane Playing Fields There is a football pitch at Chapel Lane playing fields. There is also a basketball court and hoop. Where to eat/drink at Chapel Lane Playing Fields There is no cafe, but plenty of space for picnics! Are there toilets at Chapel Lane Playing Fields There are no public toilets Other playgrounds close to Chapel Lane Playing Fields Pawsons Playground, Brightlingsea 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

This playground may be a little tucked away but it is a great playground. There is so much play equipment and the variety of play equipment makes it suitable for children of all ages. Check out the Parks of Essex Instagram Post on the Halstead Road Playground Where is the Halstead Road the playground? 📍Halstead Road Play Area Kirby Cross Frinton-on-Sea CO13 0LR Google Maps link How to find the Halstead Road playground This playground is accessed via a path just after Kirby Primary Academy. It is not the easiest playground to find! 🅿️ Parking - Where to park for the Halstead Road playground There is no car park There is unrestricted on street parking on Halstead Road, which is a residential street 🛝 What playground equipment is at Halstead Road playground? This playground has so much going on! There are various climbing frames for children of different ages and abilities. There is a merry-go-round, seesaw, swings including a nest swing, baby swings and a long swing. There is a balancing equipment and sensory equipment. The playground is enclosed and there are picnic benches. This playground has equipment for toddlers and would also suit teenagers as some of the equipment is quite challenging. Where to eat and drink There are no catering facilities in the immediate vicinity of the Halstead Road playground. Are there toilets at Halstead Road playground No there are no toilets at Halstead Road Playground Other playgrounds close to Halstead Road playground Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! Frinton Park Playing Fields Bath House Meadow Playground, Walton-on-the-Naze Check out the Parks of Essex Directory - A-Z of over 100 Essex parks 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ❌ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ❌ ♿ Accessible ❌no accessible parking, facilitates, limited accessible play equipment 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ❌ ⏰ Spend 30 minutes - 1 hour Post last updated May 2024

You can find the Wind in the Willows Trail at the beautiful Hanningfield Reservoir. There are a series of wooden sculptures and brass rubbings along the woodland trail at the Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre, There is also a garden area outside the visitor centre with Mr Toads caravan and other photo opportunities. Watch the Wind in the Willows Trail Reel on the Parks of Essex Instagram Page Where is the Wind in the Willows Trail in Essex? Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre, Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay, CM11 1WT Google Maps link How much is Parking at the Wind in the Willows Trail? Free car parking at the large car park. What facilities are at the Wind in the Willows Trail?? You pass through the visitor centre to start the trail. There is a shop, cafe and toilets inside the visitor centre. Toilets include accessible and baby change. There is also a gift shop with Wind in the Willows souvenirs and other nature based gifts. How much does the Wind in the Willows Trail cost? Entry to Hanningfield Reservoir is free, donations are welcome to support Essex Wildlife Trust. Recommended donation - Adults £3, Children £1, Family £5. Trail maps cost just £1 at the visitor centre, making this a very cheap day out. Is the Wind in the Willows Trail accessible and is the trail buggy friendly? The trail is well sign posted and the trail grounding is a mix of predominantly gravel pathways. The trail is mainly flat and therefore passable for wheelchair users or with a sturdy buggy. What age is it the Wind in the Willows Trail suitable for? Te simple trail is suitable for younger children. However there is plenty to explore in the woods for older children too. How long does the Wind in the Willows Trail take to complete? The trail is 1.2km in length and takes 30 - 40 minute to complete. Is the Wind in the Willows Trail Accessible and Buggy Friendly? The trail is flat. It is in the woods so the ground is naturally a little uneven and very muddy. The EWT state the trail is accessible and buggy friendly, although it would be very difficult in wet weather. Is there a playground at the Wind in the Willows Trail? There is not a playground close to the Wind in the Willows Teail. However, you can walk through the woodland and around the Reservoir to Hanningfield Waterside Park, where there is a cafe and playground. Waterside Park is about 45 minutes walk through the woods. If you are driving, Waterside Park is a 5 minute drive away - Hanningfield Reservoir Waterside Park, CM3 8HX Read More about Hanniningfield Waterside Park HERE What else is there to do at Hanningfield Reservoir? The Reservoir is home to many birds and therefore you will find plenty of birdspotters. There are bird hides along the route. A lovely opportunity to enjoy bird spotting. More Trails If you love a Julia Donaldson character trail, you can check out the Essex Stick Man Trail! There is also an Essex Peter Rabbit Trail at Langdon, another Essex Wildlife Trust site. 10 Popular Days Out Posts 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 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

There is a fantastic toddler friendly playground at Compass Gardens! The playground is brightly coloured and in great condition. You can find rugby and cricket pitches, a skate park, basketball court and outdoor gym equipment. If you want to see more about Compass Gardens - you can check out the Compass Gardens Post on Instagram - Check out the Parks of Essex Instagram Post on Compass Gardens Where is Compass Gardens 📍Compass Gardnes Ferrers Road South Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford CM3 5GU Google Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Compass Gardens Free parking in car park ⁣ This playground has FREE PARKING Find over 50 playgrounds and parks with Free Parking HERE Playground at Compass Gardens My kids loved this brightly coloured, enclosed playground! The playground has a nautical theme. There is a large pirate ship with different climbs and slides. There are swings, a seesaw, zipwire and spinning equipment. There is a climbing frame for smaller children and also ride on equipment. There is lots of brightly coloured animals and objects in the flooring, which my kids seem to always love. The flooring is also super springy and feels very safe for kids that always take a tumble Accessible play equipment includes sensory equipment and roundabout. The equipment here is in such good condition. There are benches inside the play area and picnic benches just outside on the grass. What else is there at Compass Gardens? There is also a skate ramp and playing fields at Compass Gardens Where to eat and drink at Compass Gardens @pantryphoebes a lovely cake truck which serves hot and cold drinks, sausage rolls, scones, cookies, brownies and incredible home made cake. My son (who adores cake) said "this is the best cake in the world". Prices are incredibly reasonable- £3 a slice of cake and £1.20 for a tea. Find @pantryphoebes in the car park. Saturday and Sunday 8am - 2pm (closed first Sunday of the month) Are there toilets at Compass Gardens Public toilet block behind the rugby club (a good 5 minutes walk over the fields). No baby change and no accessible toilets Other playgrounds close to Compass Gardens Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! RHS Hyde Hall 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 Last Updated May 2024

If you love a woodland walk, you will love Norsey Wood! There is plenty of wildlife and lots of information about what you can spot at this nature reserve. Visit during bluebell season for a spectacular carpet of bluebells. Where is Norsey Woods 📍 Norsey Woods Billericay CM11 1HA 🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Norsey Woods Free Parking in car park This playground has FREE PARKING Find over 50 playgrounds and parks with Free Parking HERE Trails at Norsey Woods There are several trails at Norsey Wood. There family friendly trails not too long. There is a trail, which is 2km in length. The easy access trail is accessible and buggy friendly, it is 1km long. The pathway is well lined and hard under foot. Trail leaflets can be picked up at the Information Centre. Cafe at Norsey Woods There is currently no cafe or regular catering facilities at Norsey Woods. Phoebes Pantry used to operate at Norsey Woods. They now have their own shop, or you can catch them at Compass Gardens in South Woodham Ferrers . Theres an excellent playground at Compass Gardens. Toilets at Norsey Woods Toilets at the entrance to the car park area, including accessible toilet. No baby changing facilities. Picnic Area at Norsey Woods One of our favourite things about the Woods is the covered picnic area, located close to the car park. Perfect for snack stops whatever the weather! Other playgrounds close to Norsey Woods Lake Meadows Park, Billericay Victoria Park, Basildon   Howard Park, Basildon   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 ✅ ⏰ Spend 30 minutes - 1 hour Post last updated May 2024 Basildon Council Website

These beautiful, ancient, woodland are managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. You can read more about the history of the woodlands on the Essex Wildlife Trust Website. Where is Pound Wood 📍Pound Wood St Michael's Road Thundersley Benfleet SS7 2UW 🅿️ Where to park for Pound Woods and Tile Woods There is no car park for either part of the woods Very limited parking on St Michaels Road and Bramble Road in lay bys. Bluebells at Pound Wood Visit in the Spring time to witness the beautiful bluebells. There are circular gravel paths around the reserve. Keep to the designated paths to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Other parks close to Pound Wood Priory Park Belfairs Nature Reserve 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 ✅ ⏰ 1 hour Last Updated May 2024

This brightly coloured playground can be found beach side at Brightlingsea beach. Check out the Parks of Essex Instagram Reel on Pawsons Playground Where is Pawsons Playground? 📍 Pawsons Playground Brightlingsea CO7 0HH Google Maps link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park for Pawsons Playground Brightlingse Promenade Way Car Park, CO7 0HH 1 hour - £2 2 hours - £3 4 hours - £5 Over 4 hours - £7 MiPermit Code 706023 🛝 What playground equipment is at Pawsons playground? This playground has a strong beach/nautical themed. Equipment includes two ship climbing frames, climb-on equipment, baby swings, swings and a nest swing and a zipwire. The playground is fenced off and there are benches.⁣ The playground is suitable for toddlers to teenagers. Is Pawsons playground close to the beach? Pawsons playground is located next to Brightlingsea beach. There is a paddling pool section which is always filled with water. The beach itself is quite muddy. It is surrounded by beach huts. There is a toy donation/beach toy recycling point inside the playground What else is close by? 🛹 There is a Skate ramp on the other side of the road 🏊‍♀️The playground is close to Brightlingsea Lido, the outdoor pool was built in the 1930s and is now run by a charity. The Lido is open in the summer months. 🦀 Crabbing at Brightlingsea Beach - Brightlingsea Beach is a great crabbing spot! Where to eat at Brightingsea Beach/Pawsons Playground Closest food options are the cafe at the Lido and Batemans Cafe, which is close to the beach in the opposite direction. We ate at Bateman's Cafe - chips, BLT and tuna roll. Prices were reasonable. Food was fine. Are there toilets at Pawsons Playground Brightlingsea beach? There are toilets close to the playground and car park including baby change and accessible toilets. Other playgrounds close to Pawsons Playground Brightlingsea Beach Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! Check out the Parks of Essex Directory - A-Z of over 100 Essex parks Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ❌ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ✅ ♿ Accessible accessible parking, facilities, limited accessible play equipment 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ❌ ⏰ Spend 30 minutes - 1 hour in playground, extend your stay by visiting the beach or Lido in summer months Post last updated May 2024

Last month we were invited for a ride of the magical unicorn boats at Barking Park. We loved the experience! The unicorn pedalo boats seat up to 5 people. Life jackets are included in the cost of boat hire. The children loved steering the boat and feeding ducks, who came right up to the boat. The lake is located right next to a cafe, toilets and playground, so you can spend a great few hours at this park! If you would like to hear more about the playground at Barking Park CLICK HERE Where is the Magical Unicorn Lake? The Magical Unicorn Lake is located in the middle of Barking Park. 📍Magical Unicorn Lake Barking Park Barking IG11 8TA Where to park for the Magical Unicorn lake? 🅿️ Parking South Park Drive Car Park - Free Parking Long Bridge Road Car Park IG11 8TA - enter through the main Barking Park gates. Two hours free parking Up to 4 hours- £2 Up to 6 hours £4 Pay by phone App When is the Magical Unicorn Lake open? 📅 Opening Hours 1st of April till the end of October Open on all weekends, Public and school holidays and any sunny days during term time between, weather dependent. 11am - 7pm How much does it cost to visit the Magical Unicorn Lake? 💰 Price 20 or 40 minute slots Children over 2 from £5, Adults from £7 Family of four from £22 for 20 minutes Find out More about the Magical Unicorn Lake by visiting the website HERE. Other seasonal attractions at Barking Park 💦 Barking Splash Pad Barking Splash Pad is open from May. They offer 90 minute sessions which start at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Children over 2 from £8, Adults from £5. 🏰 Bounsea - Giant inflatable bouncey castle! Opens from April 30 minute sessions. Children 5-15 £9, Children 2-5 £7, Adults £11 Where to eat and drink at Barking Park? The Big Friendly Coffee is located next to the playground and lake. The cafe sells hot and cold drinks, ice cream and other sweet treats. They also serve pizza. Toilets at Barking Park Toilets located close to the lake and cafe. Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration - A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex

Shoebury Park is a brilliant Southend park with so many facilities - a playground, big skate ramp, playing fields, gardens and basketball courts. Shoebury Park is a great spot to feed the ducks. Plus free parking! This playground has FREE PARKING Find over 50 playgrounds and parks with Free Parking HERE Where is Shoebury Park? 📍 Shoebury Park Elm Road⁣ Shoeburyness⁣ Southend-on-Sea⁣ SS3 9SF⁣ Google Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Shoebury Park Free car parking in car park of Elm Road ⁣ Shoebury Park Playground The playground has equipment suitable for children a variety of ages and is in excellent condition. The enclosed playground has a ship/pirate theme.⁣ Equipment includes climbing frames, balacning equipment, spinning equipment, slides, baby swings, ride on equipment, climbing walls, a zipwire and merry-go-round. There are picnic benches and benches inside the playground Skatepark at Shoebury Park There is a good size skate ramp at Shoebury Park. Fishing Lake and Duck Pond at Shoebury Park There is a fishing lake which also has lots of ducks. The majority of the pond is fenced off. Facilities at Shoebury Park Other facilities at Shoebury Park include basketball court, outdoor gym, BMX ramp and football pitches. Where to eat/drink at Shoebury Park There is no cafe, but plenty of space for picnics! Are there toilets at Shoebury Park There are public toilets at Shoebury Park. Other playgrounds close to Shoebury Blenheim Park Belfairs Nature Reserve Priory 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 ✅ ⏰ At least 30 minutes - 1 hour Last Updated April 2024

This beautiful country park has so much to offer; nature walks, coastal exploration, a great adventure playground and trails. Children will love the imaginative playground and searching for shells and fossils on the beach. There are also a bird hides for keen wildlife spotters. Where is Cudmore Grove? 📍Cudmore Grove Country Park Broman's Lane East Mersea CO5 8UE Google Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to at Cudmore Grove Country Park Up to 1 hour £2.50 Up to 2 hours £3.80 Up to 3 hours £5.10 Over 3 hours £6.30 Playground at Cudmore Grove The wooden playground at Cudmore Grove is well located next to the car park and cafe. The entire play area is grassy, but there are three separate play spaces, which are based on either sand or stone. The playground at Cudmore Grove Country Park is generally suited to children of at least pre school age, much of the play area is based around climbing and it is not enclosed. There is a mix of play equipment, based around large wooden climbing frames. There are plenty of rope climbs, balancing beams, slides, climbing walls, sand pulleys and toys and wooden sculptures. Beach at Cudmore Grove Country Park The beach area is a short, flat walk away from the car park. The beach is a mix of sand and stone and there are plenty of interesting shells. Trails at Cudmore Grove Country Park There is a WW2 Trail, which includes a really interesting pillbox. You pass the pillbox on route to the beach and you are able to go inside. The trail is well sign posted. Where to eat and drink at Cudmore Grove Country Park There is a small takeaway cafe close to the car park at Cudmore Grove Country Park. The cafe mainly sells hot and cold drinks, ice creams and snacks. Are there toilets at Cudmore Grove Country Park There are public toilets at Cudmore Grove Country Park, including accessible and baby change facilities. Other playgrounds close to Cudmore Grove Country Park West Mersea Playground Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! Facilities 🛝 Playground ✅ ☕ Cafe ✅ ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ❌ 🚻 Toilets ✅ ♿ Accessible ❌ accessible parking, toilets, some pathways mostly accessible for wheelchair users 🪑 Picnic Tables ✅ 🐶 Dog Friendly ✅ ⏰ At least 1 hour Last Updated April 2024 Explore Essex Website

Blenheim Park is great for families. There is plenty of open space on the playing fields and a good playground. Where is Blenheim Park? 📍 Blenheim Park Blenheim Park Close Leigh-On-Sea Southend-On-Sea SS9 4AR Good Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Blenheim Park Free parking in car park off Mountdale Gardens Blenheim Playground Blenheim Park has a great playground. The majority of the playground equipment is aimed at toddlers and small children. There are metal climbing frames, balancing and crawling equipment, slides and a sit on tractor. The playground is enclosed. Where to eat and drink at Blenheim Park There are no catering facilities at Blenheim Park. Are there toilets at Blenheim Park There are no public toilets close at Blenheim Park. There are good food options at nearby Belfairs Park . There is an Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve Visitor Centre with a cafe and also pub at Belfairs Nature Reserve . Other playgrounds close to Blenheim Park Priory Park Belfairs Nature Reserve 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 ✅ ⏰ At least 1 hour Last Updated April 2024

Bonchurch Recreation Ground has great facilities for the local community. There is a playground, tennis courts, playground and lots of open space for picnics, dog walking or just to let off steam! Where is Bonchurch Park? 📍 Bonchurch Recreation Ground Bonchurch Avenue Leigh-on-Sea Southend-on-Sea SS9 3AS Google Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Bonchurch Park There is unrestricted on street parking on the roads surrounding Bonchurch Park Bonchurch Park Playground Bonchurch Park is an enclosed playground, but there is so much space to play inside the fences. The equipment is well spaced out. There is a metal climbing frame, swings (including baby swings), spinning, balancing and climbing low equipment and a larger more challenging climbing frame. There are also climbing rocks with nets. There are benches and picnic tables inside the play area. Other facilities at Bonchurch Park There are tennis courts at Bonchurch Park. There is also outdoor gym equipment. Both of which are free to use. Where to eat and drink at Bonchurch Park There are no catering facilities at Bonchurch Park Are there toilets at Bonchurch Park There are no public toilets at Bonchurch Park. Other playgrounds close to Blenheim Park Blenheim Park Belfairs Nature Reserve Priory 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 ✅ ⏰ At least 1 hour Last Updated April 2024