Freshford is a small picturesque Cotswold village 6 miles south east of Bath and it’s playground makes for a lovely visit. The playground has wonderful wooden play equipment that suits both younger and older children and is spaced around a large playing field. It’s also conveniently situated beside a fantastic village shop and cafe. If you want a bit more from your visit you could take a walk around the village or head out into the countryside.
My youngest is 2 and merrily spent this morning playing and paddling in a small stream half way up the field that trickled out of a pipe in the wall. We had a bit of a swing and walked about the playing field exploring the tunnels then took cover from the rain in the cafe for a cake and coffee.
The Playground. Situated in a large grassy field, the play equipment is all wooden and includes swings, a see-saw, a pirate ship, a basket swing and a climbing web. At the top of the field there are some large concrete pipe tunnels, a wooden den with a scramble net one side and climbing wall holds the other and a huge chair.
The Shop. The Galleries Shop & Cafe is a wonderful mix of farm shop and local supermarket with a cafe. It stocks fresh fruit and veg, freshly baked bread and sweet treats, as well as the usual necessities and a few books and gifts. There’s a post office service too.
The Cafe. The cafe is at the back of the shop with a few tables in the shop, more in a tent out the back overlooking the meadow and a few al fresco. It’s a beautiful spot with a delicious mix of home bakes and lunch options making it difficult to choose.
The Village. If you have the time it’s worth exploring Freshford village, a beautiful, quintessential Cotswold village. A fairly steep hill takes you down towards the river and there’s plenty of footpaths.
Freshford Village Hall. is in front of the playground and hosts a timetable regular activities and is available to hire.
Nature Chain. A local action group set up to encourage the neighbourhoods of Limpley Stoke, Freshford and beyond, to create more wildlife habitat in their village gardens and local landscape. Have a look at how the local community is supporting the environment with their gardens and natural habitats.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Buggy: The playground is in a grassy field so you can park your buggy but probably can’t push it around the site with ease.
Dogs: Great for dog walking.
Location: Map. Freshford Village Hall, Freshford Lane, Bath BA2 7UR
Parking: Plenty of free parking at the Village Hall & Cafe though it gets busy. There’s also a layby down the road.
Toilets: There’s toilets beside the shop, key available from the cafe.