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Updated 23/04/21
We have had lots of requests recently about playgrounds. We have put together a list of some of the best play areas in Essex - some local to Romford, some not so local.
In no particular order...
Raphael Park, Romford RM2 5PL
Lets start on our own doorstep in Romford. The playground in Raphael has something for all ages, swings and slides, climbing equipment and a zip line. There is a kiosk selling snacks and toilets right by the play area and there are also a few picnic tables too. Street parking is free on Parkway.
Great Notley Country Park, Braintree CM77 7FS
Home to Sky Ropes and Essex's longest play trail - 1.2km - including a giant see-saw, climbing forest, tyre swings, sand pits, rope climbers, slides, forts and a water play area, making it a great place for all ages to explore. Car parking charges apply - up to 30 minutes : £1.00; up to 1 hour : £2.20; up to 2 hours : £3.50; up to 3 hours : £5.00; over 3 hours: £6.50
Bedfords Park, Havering-atta-Bower RM4 1QH
The play area is next to the free carpark and has various climbing apparatus, a rope bridge, baby swings and monkey bars for older children. Parking is free.
Hylands Park, Chelmsford CM2 8FS
At Hylands park you will find a huge Castle Adventure Playground complete with battlements and a drawbridge! Parts of this playground are suitable for wheelchair users. There is a section for under 6s and a section for those 6 and over. Access is from the entrance at Greenbury Way. Parking charges apply for up to one hour £3.35 and all day for £5 (non-residents)
Belhus Woods Country Park, Aveley RM15 5JR
This is a relatively new play park and probably one of the largest locally. There are lots of outdoor percussion instruments, climbing apparatus, slides, slings and a huge sand pit. A favourite with all ages. Parking charges apply - up to 1 hour £2.20; up to 2 hours £3.30; up to 3 hours £4.40; over 3 hours £5.50.
Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon SS16 4UH
Here you will find a large adventure playground with lots of activities and space to explore. The car park is free.
Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea CO5 8UE
There is a huge wooden adventure playground here, including a large pirate ship and a sand pit. It's a great playground to spend a few hours and can get busy at peak times. Parking charges apply - up to 1 hour £2.20; up to 2 hours £3.30; up to 3 hours £4.40; over 3 hours £5.50.
King Georges Play Fields, Brentwood CM14 5AE
This park has something for all ages. The play area for younger children has been refurbished and has just reopened in July 2020. Car parks are free for up to 4 hours.
Weald Country Park, Brentwood CM14 5QS
Just a few miles from Romford, you'll find a great adventure playground for all ages AND the fabulous Stick Man Trail. Parking charges apply - 1 hour £2.20; 2 hours £3.30; 3 hours £4.40; max £5.50
Aldenham Country Park Adventure Playground, Elstree WD6 3BA
The adventure playground is bursting to the seams with things to swing on, climb up, balance on, crawl through and zip down not to mention the water pump and sandpit area. Sessions must be booked at this playground at a cost of £3 per child (age 2+) There is also 100 Aker Wood at this venue where Winnie The Pooh and his friends live.
Stubbers Adventure Centre, Upminster RM14 2TY
This is a new adventure playground just opened in Spring 2021. It has already been hugely popular with local families. Arrival times must be pre booked on the website. There are peak and off peak prices for admission starting at £3 per person which allows visitors to stay as long as they like, full use of the park and play areas, free parking and access to the cafe.
There are so many great playgrounds - did you notice we snuck in an extra one! It's just too difficult to narrow it down to 10. If you find somewhere amazing, please contact us and we can add it to our directory!
