**This guide is now too big & messy. I have now made 5 smaller guides. If you are looking for Northampton click HERE**
As a parent I have spent many, many hours in parks and playgrounds in Northamptonshire. Some are regular haunts others not so often. I have ventured to more and further as after 12 years it does get a tad boring.
To help you here is a list of all the parks and playgrounds in Northamptonshire I have visited or heard about. I've tried to give a little information about each and parking information if known. We are lucky to have a vast about of open spaces in Northampton and woodland walks.
Northampton Parks & Playgrounds
Abington Park, Northampton
Park on nearby streets. Play area, tennis courts, bowls, café.
Racecourse, Northampton
Some free car parking off the Kettering Road near the pavilion.
Bradlaugh Fields, Northampton
This was an old golf course, now popular for dog walkers and sledging in the snow. There is a barn that is run by volunteers so only open at select times, small play area and lots of open space. No parking. Some visitors use the Morrison's car park or park on the street near NSG.
Boothville Park, Northampton
Park on or near Burford Avenue and there's a little path. A nice enclosed play area and space. A mixture of new and old equipment.
Elliot Park, Sywell, Northampton
This park is off Webbs Lane park nearby and walk up. Really nice play area with a good mixture of equipment including zipwire, multiple swings, slides, roundabout and sand pit.
Two small play areas near Bridgewater Drive and Milverton Crescent. The 1st is only really suitable for pre schoolers. The other has limited equipment but lots of space near the allotments.
Boughton Pocket Park, Northampton
You can access via Howard Lane. Lovely wooden play equipment.
Eastfield, Northampton
Several entrances via Kettering Road, Booth Lane North, Grange Road and Greenfield Avenue. We access on a path next to Cynthia Spencer Hospice. Large space with basketball court, small new play area, zipwire, climbing frame and lake.
Rectory Farm Pocket Park, Northampton
Earls Barton Play area, near Harrowick Lane, Northampton
Play equipment includes skate ramp, basket swing, zip wire, swings. 2 areas with lots of green space in between. On street parking is near the youth club.
Scaldwell Park, Northampton
Near the High Street and East End in Scaldwell village. Playing field and play area with sand pit.
Hardingstone Recreation Ground, NN4 6DH
Closest road is Glebe Way. Square playing field in Hardingstone Village with good variety of play equipment. I noticed 4 entrances onto the park we used the one nearest the church.
Earls Barton Play area, near Harrowick Lane, Northampton
Play equipment includes skate ramp, basket swing, zip wire, swings. 2 areas with lots of green space in between. On street parking is near the youth club.
Near the High Street and East End in Scaldwell village. Playing field and play area with sand pit.
Hardingstone Recreation Ground, NN4 6DH
Closest road is Glebe Way. Square playing field in Hardingstone Village with good variety of play equipment. I noticed 4 entrances onto the park we used the one nearest the church.
Kingsthorpe Recreation Ground, Northampton
Milton Malsor Village Park, NN7 3AF
Lovely enclosed park in Milton Malsor. Park on the verge or streets nearby.
Radlands Plaza, Northampton
Skate Park off Bedford Road. There is free but limited parking. open all day every day, Floodlights turned off at 9.30pm.
Beckets Park (also known as Midsummer Meadow), Northampton
Off Bedford Road and near the Skatepark and Marina. Play area and café.
Great Billing Pocket Park, Northampton
Penfold Lane. Small play area next to Billing Parish if this is open toilet's can be accessed. Small car park is also available for use.
Large park with Drover's Café for refreshments.
Blacky More Park, East Hunsbury
Near Butts Road & community centre, small play area and green space.
Blacky More Park, East Hunsbury
Near Butts Road & community centre, small play area and green space.
Parklands, Northampton
Devon Way. Car park and community centre are next to the small play area. Large fields where football is regularly played at weekends.
Billing Brook Road, Cygnet Lane
Exercise equipment and small play area on the
other side of the bridge. Another small
play area is in front of Costcutter a few minutes’ walk from here.
Billing Brook Road, Crestwood Road (Thorplands)
New play area opened July 2019. No swings and
mostly for younger children. New iplay equipment was installed but when we visited
already broken. Also multi use court
which is popular for basketball/football.
Billing Aquadrome, Crow Lane, NN3 9DA
You can walk on site for free or pay to park. Several small play areas are dotted around the site and multi use court. Northampton caravan site with fairground. The Venue has food, drink, toilet's, swimming pool and small soft play area. For more information click on the link https://www.billingaquadrome.com/
Salcey Forest, NN7 2HX
Near Quinton Village. As the name suggests this is a forest with a small play area and The Forest Café. Perfect for woodland walks and space. The Treetop walk is currently closed. £1.50 for an hour and £4 all day parking charges. Often has Gruffalo trail or similar.
Castle Ashby, NN7 1LQ
Grounds, menagerie, café and play area. You have to pay to enter the grounds but can use the café and play area with no charge. 23rd March to 4th November £8.50 adult and £3.75 over 5's. Under 5's are free. Family ticket £21 which is for 2 adults and 3 children. 5th November to 22nd March reduced facilities and £5 per car charge. Special events throughout the year. For more information click the link http://www.castleashbygardens.co.uk/
Delapre Abbey, NN4 8AW
No play area but loads of open space to run around and climb trees. Free parking. Only need to pay for entry to the house.
Wootton Recreation Ground
Curtlee Hill near the Wootton community & sports centre. Multi use games area and play equipment, Big playing field. Car park.
Victoria Park, St James, Northampton
We parked on Muscott Street but others are nearby. Small enclosed park with some new equipment. Big playing field and multi use court.
Semilong Park, St Andrew's Road near Uppingham Street
Small play equipment park ideal for pre schoolers.
Upton, Clickers Place near Upton shop.
Small play equipment park. Upton Country Park is a few minutes away which is a huge field ideal for a walk, bike ride and kicking a football about.
Play equipment and large playing field. The play park is split in 2 with one side more for toddlers/pre schoolers. 2 basket swings and large dragon swing. Car park is available and was very easy to park.
Additional smaller play area
Errington Park, Ryeland Road, Duston
Small play equipment area and large playing field with multi use games area. Several entrances onto the field we used Park Avenue.
Old Duston, behind St Luke's school.
Pathway off Millway takes you to a small park and playing field. Can also access via Melbourne Lane.
Duston, Sam Harrison Way
Small play area and large playing fields. Backs onto Duston United Tennis Club
St Crispin's Park, St Crispin's Drive/Frank Large Walk
Car parking available. Play equipment and large playing field.
Roade Village, near Stratford Road/High Street/library
This has been refurbished and is a lovely big space. Lots of equipment for all ages. Separate toddler area which is enclosed. Skate ramp, basketball, goal posts. Really lovely park. There's a small road next to it which we parked on along with 2 other families. Possible parking at library but check signs/restrictions.
Moulton Village, near Church Street/Church Hill
Small play equipment area/park. Appears no parking but maybe able to use the co-op but check parking restrictions.
Spratton, Smith Street near Spratton Sports and Social Club
Parking available, large playing field and some play equipment.
Pitsford Village Park, NN6 9AD turn onto Home Farm Lane.
Car park, play area and large field where football is regularly played.
Brixworth, Froxhill Crescent near St David's Clubhouse.
Parking available, play equipment and playing field.
2nd small play area is located on Spratton Road near junction with St David's Road.
Harlestone Firs, Harlestone Road, NN7 4EW
Not a park or somewhere with play equipment but great to get the kids in the fresh air. and enjoy a woodland walk and some open space. Parking is available over the road.
Yardley Hastings, Northamptonshire
Beside Bedford Road West near Yardley Hastings Garage.
Brafield-on-the-Green
Small enclosed play area with some new looking equipment beside Bedford Road. Some on street parking on Church Lane.
Cogenhoe
Cogenhoe & Whiston Village Hall and playing fields. Football pitches, multi use sports court, play area and car park. This is on York Avenue not far from the primary school. There is also a pocket park with woodland & a stream and no play equipment near Short Lane.
Denton Recreation Ground Play Area
Small play area and large playing field on Vicarage Lane beside the primary school.
Kislingbury Play Area
Near Cromwell Cottage down Beech Lane. An older play area but all equipment in working order. Lots of space and car park. Whilst we were there an ice cream van turned up too!
Little Houghton Play Area
Small play area at the end of Lodge Road
Great Houghton Play Area
Near the cricket club on Leys Lane
Bugbrooke Play Area (Paddocks)
This was a very small new play area at the end of John's Road. Good climbing frame with slide but not much else. There was a frame which looked like it might have housed a basket swing but was not there when we visited.
Flore Play Area (Brodie Lodge Playing Field)
Down Spring Lane. Car park huge playing field and good variety of equipment to suit most ages. Skate ramp and multi use court. Would be good combined with Bliss Lane Nursery which is nearby.
Ecton Village Green
The village green has a play are this is a triangular piece of land sandwiched by Wellingborough & Northampton Road and located behind The World's End pub which also has an outdoor play area.
Great Doddington near the Primary School & Memorial Hall
Play area and playing fields. Looks like there is a small car park at the memorial hall.
Parks & Playgrounds a little outside Northampton
Beside Bedford Road West near Yardley Hastings Garage.
Brafield-on-the-Green
Small enclosed play area with some new looking equipment beside Bedford Road. Some on street parking on Church Lane.
Cogenhoe
Cogenhoe & Whiston Village Hall and playing fields. Football pitches, multi use sports court, play area and car park. This is on York Avenue not far from the primary school. There is also a pocket park with woodland & a stream and no play equipment near Short Lane.
Denton Recreation Ground Play Area
Small play area and large playing field on Vicarage Lane beside the primary school.
Kislingbury Play Area
Near Cromwell Cottage down Beech Lane. An older play area but all equipment in working order. Lots of space and car park. Whilst we were there an ice cream van turned up too!
Little Houghton Play Area
Small play area at the end of Lodge Road
Great Houghton Play Area
Near the cricket club on Leys Lane
Bugbrooke Play Area (Paddocks)
This was a very small new play area at the end of John's Road. Good climbing frame with slide but not much else. There was a frame which looked like it might have housed a basket swing but was not there when we visited.
Flore Play Area (Brodie Lodge Playing Field)
Down Spring Lane. Car park huge playing field and good variety of equipment to suit most ages. Skate ramp and multi use court. Would be good combined with Bliss Lane Nursery which is nearby.
Ecton Village Green
The village green has a play are this is a triangular piece of land sandwiched by Wellingborough & Northampton Road and located behind The World's End pub which also has an outdoor play area.
Great Doddington near the Primary School & Memorial Hall
Play area and playing fields. Looks like there is a small car park at the memorial hall.
Parks & Playgrounds a little outside Northampton
Emberton Country Park, Olney, MK46 5FJ
Located near Olney village a large flat area with play areas and small caravan & camping site. Café, toilets and fishing. £4.50 parking charge April to October and £2.60 November to March. Approx 30 mins from Northampton
East street near Cowper Memorial Church. Enclosed play area with a good mixture of equipment. Zip wire outside of the area. If you walk across the playing fields towards the willow trees you will see the Victorian swimming steps. Locals paddle/swim here in the warmer months. Approx 30 mins from Northampton and can be combined with Emberton.
Lavendon, MK46 4HA
Tucked behind The Green Man Pub and near Lavendon School play area and playing fields. You can walk via Joiners Way or The Glebe. Approx 25 mins from Northampton.
Harrold-Odell Country Park, Bedfordshire, MK43 7DS
Lovely park with café, toilets and amazingly FREE parking. Café open 9am to 4pm daily.
Welland Park, Market Harborough
A little further afield but a lovely play area with café, toilets and tennis courts. Two FREE car parks with spaces for 28 and 22 cars. You can access them via Welland Road.
Rushden Lakes
Well known for it's shops Rushden Lakes also has a nature walk and small play area. The boardwalk sometimes has water sprinklers on for the little ones to enjoy and for a charge you can hire canoes, peddleboats etc. FREE parking for 5 hours.
Rushmere Country Park, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0EB
Woodland and sculpture trail. Famous for the big chair! Special events throughout the year Treetops Café. Parking is £3 For more information click on the link https://www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park
Mawsley, Kettering next to The Green
Play area and large football fields
Meadow Road, Kettering
Newly installed play area (Summer 2019)
including sand play, fitness equipment and new picnic areas.
Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ
Although this is mostly known as an amusement park which you need to pay for there is actually a large free play area for the kids to enjoy. You do however need to pay to park 2 hours £3, 2 to 3 hours £4 and over 3 £6. For more information on Wicksteed click the link https://wicksteedpark.org/
Higham Ferrers Pocket Park, NN10 8BH
Lovely park with equipment mainly suited to younger children. Lots of space for football & dog walks.
Cotton End Park, Long Buckby, NN6 7RF
10 acres of green space, assault course, zip wires, picnic tables an bird watching hide.
Mill Park Reserve, Long Buckby
A pocket park with ponds, a bird hide, butterfly garden and human sundial.
Boddington Playground, Daventry
The play area has a tree house, climbing sticks, zip wire and honeypot. Wicksteed Park designed and built the play area.
Daventry Country Park, NN11 2JB
66 hectare nature reserve, large reservoir, café, adventure playground, outdoor gym equipment, picnic spots and nature trail. £2 per day parking.
Islington Road, Towcester (behind Waitrose)
Large open space with play equipment and skate park.
Wellingborough Parks & Playgrounds
Stanwick Lakes, Wellingborough, NN9 6GY
Huge play area, walks and lakes. The main play area is massive and the walk each way has some play equipment to keep the kids amused. Toilets, café, bike hire. Parking charges vary depending on time of year. Winter is £2.60 and peak summer £5.60.
Embankment Splashpark, Wellingborough, NN8 1LD
As the name suggests this is a splashpark. Only open in the warmer months usually Easter to October half term. This is FREE entry and parking. Usually an ice cream van or food kiosk open but not guaranteed. Toilet's are available.
Bassford's Recreation Ground, Raunds, Wellingborough, NN9 6EY
This is adjacent to Raunds Town Cricket Club. Gym and play equipment so suitable for all ages. Large playing field.
Amos Lawrence playing field, Raunds, Wellingborough
Large playing field and skate park.
Webb Road Play area, Raunds, Wellingborough
New equipment was installed July 2016 and creation of a dog park.
Saddlers Play area, Raunds, Wellingborough
Smaller park aimed at children under 8. Dog exclusion zone.
Croyland Park, Wellingborough, NN8 2EN
Large green space, play equipment and small car park
Had equipment especially for under 5's. Dog exclusion zone
Saffron Road Recreation Ground, Higham Ferrers, NN10 8ED
Multi use court, skate park and play area.
Irlingborough Parks & Playgrounds
Central Recreation Ground, Irthlingborough, NN9 5TT
Large play area in Irthlingborough. New equipment recently installed. Gym trail too. Park nearby Scarborough Street.
Les O'Dell Pocket Park, Irthlingborough
Small play area. Park nearby.
Randall Close Park, Irthlingborough
Small play area off Randall Close. Park nearby.
Corby Parks & Playgrounds
Fineshade Wood, Corby, NN17 3BB
Large woodland with play areas. Parking £1.50 for an hour, £4 all day. Often has the Gruffalo trail or similar.
Boating Lake Complex, Cottingham Road, Corby
Slides, spingers, rope climbing frames, no swings to my knowledge.
Café, walks, fishing, picnic areas, free car park
East Carlton Country Park, Market Harborough, LE16 8YF
Although this has a Market Harborough address it is on the border and managed by Corby Borough Council. FREE parking makes this a winner! Cafe, play area, walks and some events held here throughout the year.
Weldon Woodland Park, Corby
40 acre area with adult fitness equipment, play areas, football pitches, skateboard unit, basketball pitch
West Glebe Park, Cottingham Road, NN17 1SZ.
Corby carnival is held here annually. This year is Saturday 13th July 2019.
I am unfamiliar with large parts of Corby but found a list of over 20 parks that may help anyone local.
Abington Play Area Collingwood Avenue, Becks Green Seaford Walk, Berryfield Walk Cottingham, Breck Close Great Oakley, Burghley Drive, Butland Road, Cambridge Avenue, Cransley Gardens, Ennerdale Road, Exeter Neighbourhood Centre Counts Farm Road, Hazelwood Neighbourhood Centre Gainsborough Road, Holbein Walk, Kingsley Drive, Oakley Vale Butland Road, Ollerton Walk, Pascal Close, Rose Avenue, Shetland Way, Snatchill Merestone Road, Stavanger Close, Studfall Avenue, Talisman Motala Close, Wharfedale Road and Yardley Close. Coronation Park is a sensory garden.
Corby Borough Council parks & open spaces has the list and provides details and equipment at each site and a few images. Most of the play areas listed above are in residential areas and parking would be on side streets.
Why not PIN this guide for future reference as I'm always adding to it?
Emma xxx
P.s Always be respectful of people's drives, paths etc when parking. I do try to add some parking information if known.
Country Parks for Northamptonshire
We are lucky to have lots of Country Parks near Northampton. All country parks have car parks and facilities. The parking charges are currently £3 for up to 4 hours and £5 for over. For more information click on the link https://www.northamptonshireparks.co.uk/Pages/home.aspx
Sywell Country Park, Northampton, NN6 0QX
Brixworth Country Park, Northampton, NN6 9DG
Irchester Country Park, Wellingborough, NN29 7DL
Fermyn Woods Country Park, Kettering, NN14 3HS
Barnwell Country Park, Oundle, PE8 5PB
Why not PIN this guide for future reference as I'm always adding to it?
Emma xxx
P.s Always be respectful of people's drives, paths etc when parking. I do try to add some parking information if known.