This is a real hidden gem, especially when the sun is shining. It’s close to Bath, has a great playground, a huge playing field and best of all a shallow stream for the children to play in. Each time we visit we find something else to do, somewhere else for the children to explore, it’s wonderful.
- Location. The car park’s just beyond the tennis courts on Valens Terrace, there’s a large free car park right beside the playing fields.
- Stream and river. I love water and what I remember from my childhood, paddling in a stream, poking a stick in the mud or throwing stones. Go just beyond the playing fields and stairs lead you down to the Bybrook river that meanders around the field. There’s also a lovely stream that feeds The Lovar Watergarden, a moat around an island where the kids can play. The stream, that runs the length of the playing fields, has been damned for playing and has little waterfalls, a bridge and wooden structures for easy access. For swimmers there’s places to access the river and a rope swing.
- Playground. There a fairly large play area split into two sections, an area for very small ones which is partly enclosed and larger structures for bigger children.
- Box Rock Circus. There’s a small stone circle that seems strange on first appearance but is a magical circle of rocks, fossils and minerals. It was constructed by local craftsmen with donated stone and is educational or great for climbing on.
- Playing field. A huge playing field is the dominating feature and used for rugby and football with a tiered grassy embankment for spectators.
- Sports facilities. There’s a basketball court, two tennis courts, a bowling green and a cricket pitch on site as well as the rugby and football pitch.
- BMX track. At the bottom of the playing field there’s a pump track, a hilly BMX track for younger kids on bikes but also great for running up and down.
- Cafe. The Birdhouse Cafe serves fresh and delicious food and great coffee, in a vibrant friendly atmosphere. Located just a short walk from the playing fields. The Queen’s Shed Cafe are also nearby with handy children’s picnic bags, fresh coffee and homemade cakes.
- Toilets. There’s public toilet facilities in The Pavillion by the tennis courts, near the car park.
