Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coombe-abbey-coventry"><strong><a href="https://www.coombeabbey.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Coombe Abbey (opens in a new tab)">Coombe Abbey</a>, Coventry</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1680" height="1120" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/GO-APE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/GO-APE.jpg 1680w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/GO-APE-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/GO-APE-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/GO-APE-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/GO-APE-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/GO-APE-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1680px) 100vw, 1680px" /></figure>



<p>This country park is home to lots of hidden little parks, high ropes climbing and even <a href="https://goape.co.uk/locations/coventry">Go Ape</a> for the braver youngster.&nbsp;Strapped in with all the latest safety gear watch your little one swing through the treetops like a modern-day Mowgli, and if you’re feeling brave go and join them.&nbsp;Park entry is free with added charges for Go Ape.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20089/parks/405/sutton_park">Sutton Park</a>, Sutton Coldfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/08/Untitled-design-2177.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-54656" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/08/Untitled-design-2177.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/08/Untitled-design-2177-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/08/Untitled-design-2177-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/08/Untitled-design-2177-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s two big parks here &#8211; one at Town Gate and another at Banners Gate. Extra points for the huge swathes of space (2,400 acres to be exact) for kids to run around like hooligans, play football, visit the donkey sanctuary and skim stones on the lake. It&#8217;s also just next door to one of Muddy&#8217;s favourite pubs, <a href="https://www.thefouroaks-royalsuttoncoldfield.co.uk">The Four Oaks</a> (which is super dog friendly too if you&#8217;re taking Fido). So, what are you waiting for? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birmingham-botanical-gardens-edgbaston"><a href="https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk">Birmingham Botanical Gardens</a>, Edgbaston</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50537" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/09/Untitled-design-849-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This place is absolutely stunning with glasshouses, Japanese gardens and tropical rainforests. When you’ve finished exploring them head to the play area where there’s a hand-carved totem pole, climbing structures,&nbsp;discs to jump on, ropes to climb, slides and a sandpit area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannon-hill-park-moseley"><a href="http://www.cannonhillpark.co.uk">Cannon Hill Park</a>, Moseley</h2>



<p>This park just outside Brum has two great play areas for kids to go wild in. One by the Midlands Art Centre (MAC to you and me) and the other by Pershore Road car park. When you’ve finished there then there’s a fun fair, mini golf, swan pedal boats, 80 acres of formal gardens to explore, 120 acres of conservation area and a natural amphitheatre. The gardens were designed by TJ Gibson, whose other work includes Battersea Park in London.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-adventure-playground-compton-verney"><strong><a href="http://comptonverney.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Children's Adventure Playground (opens in a new tab)">Children&#8217;s Adventure Playground</a>, Compton Verney</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Compton-Verney-play.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45470" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Compton-Verney-play.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Compton-Verney-play-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Compton-Verney-play-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Compton-Verney-play-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Compton-Verney-play-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hidden away in the Christmas Tree Plantation (it already sounds exciting!) is Compton Verney’s adventure playground.&nbsp;Children of all ages can climb, swing, explore and whizz along the pines on the zip wire. Dreamy, shame it’s just for kids. Access is included with day pass admission so make a day of it by exploring the art gallery and beautiful Capability Brown grounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meriden-adventure-playground-chelmsley-wood"><a href="https://meridenadventureplayground.com">Meriden Adventure Playground</a>, Chelmsley Wood</h2>



<p>This adventure play area has heaps for kids to do &#8211; think&nbsp;towers, platforms, ropes, swings, tunnels, poles, bridges and a zip wire. There are big sandpits and a fire pit where children can learn how to cook.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even better it&#8217;s completely free! It&#8217;s ran by volunteers and visitors are asked for a donation to help with the site&#8217;s upkeep. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-houlton-play-area-rugby"><strong><a href="http://houltonrugby.co.uk/whats-here-now">Houlton Play Area</a>, Rugby</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Houlton-play.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45472" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Houlton-play.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Houlton-play-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Houlton-play-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Houlton-play-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Houlton-play-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Houlton is a new development in Rugby and also has a brand spanking new play area. Built mainly from wood it includes a tower, bridge, sandpit, swings, slides and climbing equipment.&nbsp;For when they finally get bored there’s an area for team games and – thankfully – loads of space for picnics so you can still keep an eye on the kids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/cannock-chase-forest/childrens-play-area-cannock-chase">Cannock Chase</a>, Cannock</h2>



<p>This children&#8217;s play area includes walking trail to a fairytale kingdom, Gruffalo sculptures and play houses to clamber on top of. There&#8217;s also a shelter building area under the pretty (and huge) pine trees and if that&#8217;s not enough to tire them out, take a ball for a kick around on the huge grassy areas. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-louis-carter-play-area-nuneaton-nbsp"><strong><a href="https://www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk/directory_record/7586/riversley_park">Louis Carter Play Area</a>, Nuneaton</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An adventure park with a water feature – if that thought fills you with dread this is probably not the place for you. But this park – ran by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and nestled in Riversley Park – also contains a&nbsp;a pyramid tower, climbing frames, slides and a host of other exciting activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-umberslade-adventure-hockley-heath"><strong><a href="https://umbersladeadventure.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Umberslade Adventure (opens in a new tab)">Umberslade Adventure</a>, Hockley Heath</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Umberslade-adventure.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45474" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Umberslade-adventure.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Umberslade-adventure-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Umberslade-adventure-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Umberslade-adventure-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Umberslade-adventure-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Set in 80 acres of stunning woodland you really feel away from it all here. The kids can scream about as they tackle the low ropes, commando course or zip line, and plenty of the activities are suitable for the whole family.&nbsp;For some peaceful vibes there is archery and a nature trail and if you fancy a little break there’s even the chance to set up camp in the great outdoors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mill-gardens-leamington-nbsp"><strong><a href="https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20312/jephson_gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Mill Gardens (opens in a new tab)">Mill Gardens</a>, Leamington</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Along with a ship themed adventure playground, including sand play, there’s the opportunity for budding sailors to captain their own ship if you rent a boat at Leam Boat Centre.&nbsp; If keeping two feet on the ground is more your thing there’s also a sensory garden including plants to touch and smell and mirrors to keep the kids entertained.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bear-grylls-adventure-centre-birmingham"><strong><a href="https://www.beargryllsadventure.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Bear Grylls Adventure Centre (opens in a new tab)">Bear Grylls Adventure Centre</a>, Birmingham</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45475" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2021/06/Muddy-Bear-Grylls-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>The ultimate adventurers can follow in the steps of the great Bear Grylls at his adventure centre just next to the NEC. Think high ropes, assault courses, climbing walls and even shark diving if your little ones – and you – are feeling brave. Age restrictions are in place on some activities so check before you book.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-nicholas-park-warwick"><strong><a href="http://www.stnicholaspark.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="St Nicholas Park (opens in a new tab)">St Nicholas Park</a>, Warwick</strong></h2>



<p>Even the most intrepid explorers are catered for at this play area, owned by Warwick District Council. It is ideal for those up to the age of 12 but also has activities for little ones too.&nbsp;As the kids make the most of the&nbsp;swings, climbing frames, slides and sand pit you can sit back and relax on one of the seats outside the play area. When they ruin that zen-like vibe you had going, make sure you really tire them out by chucking them in the outdoor pool or having a play in the gorgeous expanse of St Nicholas Park.<br>Even better is it’s all completely free.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Over the border</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairy-dell-chipping-norton"><a href="https://www.fairytalefarm.co.uk/explore/">Fairy Dell</a>, Chipping Norton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/04/Untitled-design-296-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56716" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/04/Untitled-design-296-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/04/Untitled-design-296-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/04/Untitled-design-296-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;re reduced to the size of a fairy for this walk exploring giant toadstools, raised walkways and bridges, crawl tunnel, climbing wall and slides. Once you&#8217;re finished you can check out the rest of Fairytale Farm including it&#8217;s cute farmyard animals, enchanted walk and dino valley. It&#8217;s wheelchair friendly too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.blenheimpalace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blenheim Palace</a>, Woodstock, Oxfordshire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-15T174053.894.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148829" /></figure>



<p>There’s a new adventure playground in town and it’s rocking Blenheim’s Walled Garden. There’s towers, walkways, climbing walls, cargo nets, slides, swings, THREE zipwires and a river feature that kids can skip across. It’s all beautifully planted and elegantly landscaped and with a café on site to turbo charge the knackered parents, and there’s the pizza restaurant next to it – with the park to play in and the butterfly house, it’s a purpose-built day out. The downside? It costs £5-7 to get a ticket but that’s on top of the Park and Gardens Pass which costs from £66 or £90 for the year for a family of four. So, it’s something of an investment. The old playground is still there and still free and is a great playpark for littlies – just don’t let them see the new one!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackthorn-play-park-bicester"><a href="https://www.freeparks.co.uk/park/blackthorn-park/">Blackthorn Play Park</a>, Bicester</h2>



<p>Blackthorn, just southeast of Bicester, has a little known adventure playground that has a fab fort structure with various ways of ascending and pelting yourself off. There’s also a zip wire, various wobbly bridges, monkey bars and a willow den, that hopefully now will be in full leaf. Round and about, there’s a large grassy area to bang about it and interesting trees to climb.&nbsp;And it’s free.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adventure-zone-denham-park-bucks"><a href="https://www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/attraction/denham-country-park">Adventure Zone</a>, Denham Park, Bucks</h2>



<p>Denham Park – owned by Bucks Council – is home to a fab playground, more akin to an obstacle course if your little people prefer grubbing around in the dirt than pretending to lord it over their subjects in a pretend castle. There are tunnels, slides, rope walls to climb over, a zip line – think&nbsp;<em>SAS: Who Dares Wins</em>&nbsp;for the under-10s. There’s also bird spotting safaris, bug hunting, family orienteering and fishing in the park if you want to make a day of it – you just need to book ahead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudeley-castle-nbsp-cheltenham-glos"><a href="https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sudeley Castle,</a>&nbsp;Cheltenham, Glos</h2>



<p>For a full-on day out, spend a day exploring stunning (and very much not a ruin) Sudeley Castle, before the kids go careening round a miniature castle, 10-piece obstacle course, zip wire and swings at the adventure playground. Bring a picnic for the extensive grounds, too (just mind the pheasants).</p>


It’s child’s play: 18 of the best local adventure playgrounds

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