EVERY family enjoys a good day out and in Cumbria we are blessed with so much to do, however sometimes parents just want to opt for a trusted classic that is fun, accessible and most importantly free!
A good play park can keep the kids amused for hours and parents get a chance to enjoy a little break, (or unleash their inner child) but finding the best ones can be a challenge.
So, whether it's a small play area, a place with play activities for a range of ages or one with disabled facilies that you are looking for; we've been asking parents to recommend their favourite parks in and around Carlisle and West Cumbria.
Here are some of the best - and everything you'll need to know about them.
If you know of a park that should be on the list, then don't forget to let us know.
Park on the Green, Silloth
The Park on the Green was recommended repeatedly as a firm family favourite and with so much to do there it makes for a fabulous day out for all ages. Silloth Green has recently been awarded a Green Flag award for the tenth year running, a prestigious accolade that has only been given to four parks in the whole of Cumbria.
Avril Quinn visits regularly and told us, “Silloth has a great park which is very disabled friendly, and The Green is great with a huge expanse of grass to play on.”
What's in the play area?
There is a woodland area situated within the pine trees which has an array of adventurous activity equipment including rope bridges and climbing frames all sympathetically woven amongst the trees. Aimed at children aged five and above there are plenty of surrounding picnic tables and a woodland walk.
For younger children there’s the Pirate Ship area featuring tunnels, a slide and a variety of upper and lower deck activities. One of the features that makes this park so popular is that is fully accessible for children with disabilities. The open plan design means that children of all capabilities can immerse themselves in imaginative games both inside and outside the ship.
What facilities are nearby?
There are toilets, cafes and shops all within walking distance as well as a BMX track and during the summer months a “Splash Pad.”
Dalston Recreation Centre
What's in the play area?
A little tricky to find if you’ve never been before (it’s located off The Green), but it’s worth the effort as it boasts what must be one of the largest slides in Cumbria – its huge!
There’s something for toddlers right up to older children with equipment ranging from swings and roundabouts up to swinging ropes a mini zip line and even gym equipment.
There are toilets in Dalston centre (just a five-minute walk away) as well as a variety of shops. Parking is available right by the playground.
Fitz Park, Keswick
What's in the play area?
Popular all year round with residents and visitors this park has it all, including views of Skiddaw.
Located just over the River Greta the fully enclosed play area which is separated into different age ranges has something for everyone including a huge sandpit. Laura Johnson’s three year old refers to it as the “sandy park” and loves to play in the fabulous toddler area.
For older children, the zip wire is great fun and there are some fun activities that parents can take part in too. Kate Skirrow of Cockermouth rates the park for youngsters with disabilities and takes her son there to use the nest swing. “There are very few parks with disabled facilities other than Keswick, Allonby and Silloth and often they are so busy it’s hard to get to use the equipment.”
The Keswick Museum café is right next to the park and has toilets for café patrons use. The shops are a short walk away and there’s disc parking on the roadside.
Allonby
What's in the play area?
As well as Victorian and Edwardian charm, Allonby also has a great fenced playground with a stunning view across the Solway. The equipment is nicely spaced out amongst picnic benches and there are climbing frames, balance frames, springers, an air rider, a slide, roundabout and an accessible swing.
What facilities are nearby?
A big plus for the play area is that there are public toilets next to it as well as a fish and chip shop next door plus pubs and an ice cream shop within a five minute walk.
Bitts Park, Carlisle
A popular favourite choice for parents and children of all ages, Bitts Park is a haven of fun right in the centre of our city. The large Green Flag play area is extremely well maintained and has so much equipment it would be impossible to list it all here. Favourites amongst people we spoke to include the huge tunnel slide and climbing frame, trampoline, sandy area and accessible swing.
What facilities are nearby?
There are toilet facilities, a splash park (in the summer months) plus for older children a skate park, an outdoor gym, mini golf and tennis courts.
St Bees
What's in the play area?
This is the most picturesque park in Cumbria! Located in an elevated position just above Seacote Beach this playground is a true adventure for children of all ages. Families all over the region love this park and are happy to travel to it. A well maintained area for younger children sits at the top of the hill including accessible swing, and below that for older kids there’s an agility course, spinning chairs and even a twin zip wire.
What facilities are nearby?
There are two large car parks, toilet facilities and a café, shop and hotel with bar and restaurant.
Other popular playgrounds with parents included:
Shiver Me Timbers, Maryport,
Vulcans Park, Workington,
Hammonds Pond, Carlisle,
Allhallows Park, Fletchertown
Embleton Park, Embleton
Parton Park, Parton
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