The Phillips Memorial Park Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a multiplay and slide with nets and easy to climb stairs 
• a wooden climbing frame with a net
• an obstacle course 
• swings
• toddler swings

• a basket swing
• a little wooden slide for smaller children 
• a boat
• a spinning cup
• seats.

The play area is in a large field with a meadow, pond and a riverside walk. 

Nearest Town: Godalming
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU7 1HR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat in one of the local cafes, pubs or restaurants.
Facilities: Picnic table, toilets, accessible toilets, snacks, ice cream.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Crown Court Car Park is next to the play area.
Cost of Parking: From £1.10 per hour. 

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to The Phillips Memorial Park and Play Area in Godalming is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Moor Road Play Area

The pirate and sea-themed play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings 
• spinning swings 
• a basket swing 
• a rope swing
• a pirate ship multiplay with slides, a tube slide, bridges, nets and a built in zip slide
• a multiplay shaped like another pirate ship with a cannon and telescope
• a slide lighthouse
• other smaller multiplays for younger children with slides and activities 

• a wobbly pirate ship
• sea creature springers 
• an obstacle course 
• accessible roundabout 
• a trampoline
• a spinning climbing frame 
• puzzle boards
• seats and picnic tables. 

Sports Facilities

Next to the play area is a large field with football pitches and a multi-gym.  

There is also a BMX pump track, which some children use scooters on as well as a multi-use games area with basketball nets.

Cove Brook

Running along one side of the recreation ground is Cove Brook, which has a two mile long path running along it. 

Nearest Town: Farnborough
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU14 8HW

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park next to the play area. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: February 2023

Our visit to Moor Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in Farnborough is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Municipal Gardens Play Area

Municipal Gardens has a range of newly refurbished equipment that provides a challenge for children of all ages but is only recommended to the age of 12 years.

The play equipment includes:

• a fortress climbing frame with a tube slide, climbing walls, bridges, poles and nets
• a games area with anagrams, four in a row and reversi as well as a kitchen hob and kaleidoscope
• a second slide for younger children
• a network of houses for smaller children to climb around and play in
• toddler swings
• double swings

• swings
• a rope swing
• a tyre swing
• a balance course
• a roundabout
• a spinning disc

• a wobbly pirate ship with a steering wheel
• sea creature springers
• a seal seesaw
• a Cinderella seesaw
• a picnic table
• seats.

Municipal Gardens has a multi-use games area and you can play basketball, football, hockey and cricket. There is also a skateboarding area and an outdoor gym. 

There are also gardens and open areas to walk through and picnic in.

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU11 3EP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There no car park but you can usually find a space on one of the nearby residential roads. Be sure to find one that does not have parking restrictions. We try Cargate Avenue (GU11 3EP), Upper Elms Road (GU11 3ES), Cargate Hill (GU11 3AA), The Warren (GU11 3AB) and Lansdowne Road (GU11 3ER).
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: August 2023

Our visit to Municipal Gardens Play Area in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Sandhurst Memorial Park Play Areas

The play equipment is divided between two areas, one for younger children and another for older children.

The enclosed area for younger children has:

• toddler swings
• springers
• a seesaw
• a roundabout
• a sand play area with chutes and pulleys

• a swing for wheelchair users
• a small multiplay with a ramp and a slide
• a multiplay with ropes to climb, a ladder and a slide
• a larger multiplay with a slide, steps, a fireman’s pole, a bridge and a little house
• boards with games and puzzles
• a zip wire.

The area for older children has equipment including:

• a long slide set into a hillside
• climbing rocks
• a basket swing
• swings
• spinning swings
• a wooden climbing frame
• an obstacle course.

Sports Areas

Dotted around the park are football pitches, tennis courts, cricket facilities, a basketball court and a skate park.

Near the skate park is a cafe with a seating area that serves refreshments and ice creams.

The Pond

Behind the play area is a picturesque pond covered with ducks, swans, gulls and coots.

Go Wild in Sheperd Meadows

Sandhurst Memorial Park also has some wild areas. In the corner is Seeby’s Copse, an area of ancient woodland, and at one end is Shepherd Meadows, a beautiful nature reserve with fields full of wild flowers and butterflies as well as the River Blackwater.

To find the Shepherd Meadows, take the path to the left of the play area and follow it past the pond, where you will pick up signs to the reserve.

Pick a Car Park

There are two car parks. The first is next to the play area (GU47 9BJ).

The second is on Marshall Road (GU47 0FJ – will take you past the car park, which is on the opposite side of the road than the residential houses). This is the car park for Shepherd Meadows and it is about a twenty minute walk to the play area.

Nearest Town: Sandhurst, near Camberley
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: GU47 9BJ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or try the cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, accessible toilets, a picnic area, ice creams and snacks.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, butterflies, insects and birds.

Information Written: May 2017
Information Checked: April 2023

Our visit to Sandhurst Memorial Park and Play Area in Sandhurst, near Camberley, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Yateley Green Play Area

The play equipment in the enclosed area includes:

• a bus climbing frame 
• toddler swings 
• swings 
• an elephant springer
• a hedgehog springer 

• a roundabout 
• a seesaw 
• a multiplay with a slide, a climbing wall and climbing bars
• a multiplay with four slides, a fireman’s pole, nets and bridges
• an obstacle course with balancing beams, wobbly platforms 
• seats.

The play equipment in the field includes:

• a tyre swing 
• balancing logs 
• a skate park 
• a climbing area for older children with three walls 
• a zip wire 
• a large tube slide with a net bridge and a ladder.

Yateley Green

This play area is on Yateley Green, which has a pond 

fields, including a wildflower meadow and woodland. 

Nearest Town: Yateley
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU46 7RP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Toilets and picnic tables. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Yateley Green and Yateley Green Play Area in Yateley is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Ships

One ship is a multiplay with sides to climb up, nets to tackle and a hold to hide in. 

The other is afloat on a sea of sand with buckets, pulleys and chutes to operate and hidden fossils to discover.

The Play Equipment

The play equipment is suitable for children to the age of 14 years old that includes:

• a boat multiplay with a slide and nets
• a second multiplay for younger children with a slide
• swings
• toddler swings 
• a basket swing
• a wooden climbing frame with nets
• a spinner
• a sand play area with a boat, buckets and chutes.

The Sports Facilities

There is also a trim trail, a five-a-side football pitch and a skate park.

Nearest Town: Godalming
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU7 2LG

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: No car park but we parked on the road by the park’s entrance. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: July 2022

Our visit to Aarons Hill Play Area in Godalming is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Victory Field Recreation Ground

The play equipment is said to be suitable for children to the age of 13 years old and includes:

• a play train with a tunnel
• swings
• a toddler swings 
• a basket swing
• springers 
• a zip wire

• a rope climbing frame that spins
• a big slide set into a hill with the choice of easy to climb stairs or a slope and a rope
• a multiplay castle with a slide 
• an obstacle course with a rope bridge, climbing wall, nets and log swings.

Sports Equipment

There is also a variety of sports facilities:

• a multi-gym
• a basketball court
• a football pitch
• a 5-a-side football pitch
• tennis courts 
• a table tennis table.

Tom Green’s Field

Behind the tennis courts is a field called Tom Green’s Field, where you can either have a short walk or try a longer walk around Ascot.

Nearest Town: Ascot
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: SL5 7DG

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, stag beetles, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: February 2017
Information Checked: June 2022

Our visit to Victory Field Recreation Ground and Play Area in Ascot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Key – Toddler Area

The enclosed toddler area is for the under 5s and has:

• a trampoline
• a small hill with log stumps to climb on
• a playhouse with a shop window, an abacus and games boards.

The Key – Senior Play Area

The senior play area’s equipment includes a:

• large wooden climbing frame with nets, poles and a climbing wall
• large slide with a slope instead of stairs
• a rope climbing frame
• a zip wire 
• seats for adults 
• picnic tables.

The Sports Equipment

There are also a skateboard ramp and a scooter track with road markings.  

Alongside are fields, a basketball hoop, tennis courts and a football pitch. 

Nearest Town: Elvetham Heath, near Fleet
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU51 1HA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat in the nearby pub. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, pub and supermarket next to the play area that sell drinks and snacks, toilets and accessible toilets in the supermarket.

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: February 2017
Information Checked: June 2022

Our visit to The Key Play Area in Elvetham Heath, near Fleet, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Ash Common Recreation Ground and Play Area

The play equipment is said to be suitable for children between the ages of 4 and 8 years old and includes:

• a train called the Ash Express 
• a mouse springer 
• a rope climbing frame
• a seesaw
• swings

• toddler swings
• a roundabout
• a multiplay with a slide, a ladder, monkey bars and a climbing wall 
• a smaller multiplay with board games, easy to climb steps and a little slide
• rubber logs to jump on
• seats.

The Sports Equipment

Next to the play area (up the hill) is a playing field with a basketball net, a football goal and a wooded area.

On the hill next to the play area is a skate park, tennis courts and a basketball net and a kick wall. 

The Basingstoke Canal

The beautiful Basingstoke Canal flows along the back of Wharf Road (the main road through the shops).  There are often ducks, swans and geese here. 

To find the canal you have to walk along Ash Hill Road towards Ash shops. Cross Wharf Road and then the canal is in front of you.  Be careful as these roads are often busy.

The Ash Ranges

This is a large heathland nature reserve where you could be lucky enough to spot lizards, snakes, slow worms, birds and insects. In late summer it is carpeted in purple heather. 

Please note: The ranges are used by the MOD and cannot be visited when red flags are flying, the red beacons are lit or the access gates are locked.  Please see the Ash Ranges website for full details. 

One of the entrances to the Ash Ranges is next to the tennis courts.  

Nearest Town: Ash, near Aldershot
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU12 5DN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe on nearby Wharf Road. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are two car parks at GU12 5DN – one is next to the Recreation Ground and the other is a little further up Ash Hill Road and next to the skate park and tennis courts.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Ash Common Recreation Ground and Play Area in Ash, near Aldershot, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Manor Park Play Area

This wonderfully imaginative play area is for children under the age of 12 years.

It has play equipment including:

• swings
• a basket swings
• tigers to ride
• crocodiles to walk on
• a jeep springer
• animal springers
• logs and bridges

• wooden teepees
• small hills
• games boards
• wooden huts with nets, a tunnel and a telescope for younger children
• toddler swings that go around in a circle and
• a large multiplay with nets, a slide and a tube slide.

We had an exciting time here but all missed the traditional-style toddler swings.

Manor Park

The play area is on the edge of a park that has large fields,

a pond with ducks,

a skate park

and a fallen tree trunk to climb on.

The Sports Areas

There is also a multi-gym and tennis and basketball courts that are free to use and do not need to be booked.

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU12 4JT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: No car park but to date we have always been able to park on Church Hill (GU12 4JT), which is the road next to the play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, ducks and water birds.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: January 2022

Our visit to Manor Park and Play Area in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Play Area

The play area is for children to the age of 12 years old and has equipment, including:

• a sunken pirate ship in a sand pit
• a water play area
• swings 
• a basket swing 
• a climbing area
• toddler swings
• an aerial balance course
• a fairy tale house with a slide
• a second slide for smaller children with easy to climb stairs
• a treasure chest
• wooden hoops to climb through
• seats for adults.

Around the play area there are football pitches, a multi-use games area, skateboarding ramps, tennis courts, a basketball court and rugby pitches.

There is also a picnic bench and public toilets.

Nearest Town: Byfleet, near Woking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: KT14 7LZ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a small car park next to the Byfleet Recreation Ground and Play Area and there are also places to park along the roadside.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: September 2017
Information Checked: May 2021

Our visit to Byfleet Recreation Ground and Play Area in Byfleet is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Shere Recreation Ground

The play equipment includes:

• swings (these were missing)
• toddler swings 
• two slides
• a multiplay with puzzle boards
• two springers 
• a spinning basket
• a roller
• seats.

Next to the play area is a large sports field with:

• tennis courts
• a skate ramp 
• a marked fitness track
• a multi-gym (for those aged 14 and over). 

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9JF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There are nearby pubs and cafes or bring a picnic.
Facilities: None.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a public car park on London Lane (a small turning off Upper Street – GU5 9JF is the closest postcode I could find), which is next to the play area and we parked easily.
Cost of Parking: None

Information Written: August 2020

Our visit to Shere Recreation Ground in Shere, near Guildford, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Pirate Ship Play Area

To the right of the car park is a pirate ship in a sand pit, complete with a pulley and chute system, an anchor, and a ship’s wheel. There are also:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a long slide with easy to climb steps
• a wooden climbing frame
• a log balance course
• a spinning disc
• a tyre swing
• a rope climbing frame
• spinning swings
• child-sized picnic tables.

The Second Play Area

A short walk to the left of the car park, is a second play area with equipment that includes:

• a multiplay with ropes, a small climbing wall and easy to climb steps
• springers
• a seesaw
• a spinning disc
• a basket swing 
• a rope climbing frame 
• a climbing wall
• a DJ controller where you can mix music 
• a sensory garden.

Mill Pond

Next to the Pirate Play Area is a small area of woodland, a pond you can walk around, and ducks to feed. 

Sports Facilities

There is also a range of sports facilities, including:

• a Blue Bac Ball, which is a game where you compete against another player

• multi-use games area with a basketball net and football goal

• an Olympic Legacy wall that you can take a time trial challenge on. This wall is an obstacle course with things like a climbing wall, monkey bars, and a trapeze

• a skate park.

The Cafe

By the pond is a cafe that serves drinks, snacks and ice creams. McDonalds is also next door.

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 7WT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. There is also a cafe and a McDonalds next to the play area. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice creams, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park next to the pirate ship play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, insects and squirrels.

Information Written: November 2016
Information Checked: October 2020

Our visit to Mill Park and Mill Pond Play Area in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Anstey Park and Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a balance course with logs
• swings
• toddler swings
• a zip wire
• two roundabouts
• springers

• spinners
• balancing equipment
• a small multi-play with a slide and easy to climb steps
• another more challenging mutliplay with a climbing wall
• some multi-gym equipment.

Nearest Town: Alton
County: Hamshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 2NB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic area

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a small car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: May 2017

Our visit to Anstey Park and Play Area in Alton is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Longhill Park Toddler Play Area

The toddler play area is water themed with a boat-like multi-play, a frog-studded climbing wall, a slide with splash marks at the bottom and starfish, a crab and a fish painted on the floor. 

This area is for children aged 2 to 7 years old and has:

• toddler swings
• a multiplay unit with a slide, a climbing wall and ladder
• a roundabout.

Longhill Park Junior Play Area

The junior play area is not enclosed and is for children aged 7 to 14 years.

The equipment includes:

• a basket swing
• a spinner
• a climbing frame zip wire
• a rodeo board (a balancing game).

There is also a a large BMX/skate park and a picnic area with tables.

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 9UD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a small car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, slow worms, butterflies and grasshoppers.

Information Written: April 2017

Our visit to Longhill Park and Play Area in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Hedgehog Park Play Area

The playground equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a multiplay unit with a slide and easy to climb stairs
• a frog-studded climbing wall
• a spinning cup
• a hedgehog-shaped slide that you can climb underneath

• a roundabout
• a trampoline
• a seesaw
• springers
• a huge slide set into a hill.

There is also a basketball court, skateboarding area and shelter.  

The play area is surrounded by mature trees and next to a large pond with ducks, a bridge and a fountain.

South Hill Park

We regularly visit South Hill Park, to play, feed the ducks, and trip trap over the boardwalk.

The Other Play Areas

A visit to Hedgehog Park can easily be combined with exploring the grounds of South Hill Park, as well as the other play areas – South Hill Park Toddlers’ Play Area,

and South Hill Road Play Area.  

Nearest Town: Bracknell
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RG12 7PA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat in the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, cafe, snacks, ice cream, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a good-sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, geese, squirrels and herons.

Information Written: November 2016

Our visit to Hedgehog Park at South Hill Park in Bracknell is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.