Welcome to Playdale’s Picnic and Play guide for 2026, created to help families find the best parks and playgrounds over the summer holidays! We’ve made sure all these parks are equipped with a fantastic selection of playground equipment and spaces to relax and enjoy a picnic.
This week, we are heading to West Sussex and Kent. Mike Stevens, our Area Sales Manager covering the South East and Greater London, has chosen some of the best family-friendly playgrounds in the area for you to explore. There are, of course, many more Playdale playgrounds across the South East and the rest of the UK, so you won’t struggle to find one near you.
Aldingbourne Community Play Area 17 Olivers Meadow, Westergate, Chichester PO20 3YA (what3words: lessening.walkway.punctuate)
Today we’re starting off with a hidden treasure in West Sussex. This community play area may be tucked away, but there is plenty to keep your children busy this summer!
Packed with exciting playground equipment, this space is guaranteed to keep children of a variety of ages and capabilities occupied for hours of fun. Thrill seekers can take on the Jungle Climber and Embankment Slide, before making their way over to the Swings and Seesaw. Alternatively, for toddlers who may want a more sensory-friendly experience, there is a Little Hamlets toddler multi-play unit and Gravity Rider.
Once everyone’s worn out, you can either unpack your homemade picnic or visit the community café to grab a bite to eat and a drink.
Malling Rd, Snodland ME20 6JA (what3words: slip.hound.strumming)
For our next playground, we are visiting Leybourne Lakes Country Park in Kent. With a café right next door and plenty of beautiful surroundings, this playground is not one to miss!
The playground itself is surrounded by one large Timber Adventure Trail, giving children an exciting challenge as they race each other to the other side. Recently, we installed a new Glenduckie Plus multi-play unit, giving toddlers another exciting way to play while older children continue their adventure.
The centre of the playground is filled with picnic benches, creating the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a picnic after all that excitement. Not brought a picnic with you? Why not pop over to the café opposite the playground to grab something to eat and drink instead?
St. Leonards St, West Malling ME19 6PE (what3words: blown.areas.outlast)
Manor Park Country Park, formerly a country estate, offers plenty of space for families to explore, making it the perfect place to enjoy a family day out.
Not only can you wander through beautiful wildflower meadows, woodland and around the lake, but you’ll also discover a fantastic playground packed with exciting equipment for children of all ages and abilities.
There’s truly something for everyone, whether toddlers are enjoying the Little Hamlets unit or older children are taking their adventures to new heights on the junior play units. Children can enjoy more intergenerational play on our best-selling Inclusive Orbit Roundabout and 2-Bay Swing.
Once everyone has run out of energy, there’s no shortage of benches and picnic tables to sit back and enjoy your lunch. Or… if the sun is shining, why not lay out a picnic blanket on the surrounding grass and make the most of the fantastic weather. Forgot to pack a picnic? Don’t worry, there’s a café nearby where you can grab a bite to eat before heading home.
Whether you live in South East England, are visiting, or just passing through, these playgrounds are perfect for fun-filled family days out. Pack up a picnic, explore these fantastic play areas, and enjoy an unforgettable day out this summer!
Picnic & Play.. in East Anglia Welcome to Playdale’s Picnic and Play guide for 2026, created to help families find the best parks and playgrounds over the summer holidays! We’ve made sure all these parks are equipped with a fantastic selection of playground equipment and spaces to relax and enjoy a picnic. This week, we […]
Some of the biggest adventures begin in the smallest spaces. Introducing Little Dens, an exciting new range of playground equipment designed to inspire imaginative play, encourage social interaction, and support children’s physical development. Suitable for children aged 18 months to 12 years, Little Dens combine accessible design with engaging play opportunities, making them ideal for […]
Picnic & Play.. in the South of England Welcome to Playdale’s Picnic and Play guide for 2026, created to help families find the best parks and playgrounds over the summer holidays! We’ve made sure all these parks are equipped with a fantastic selection of playground equipment and spaces to relax and enjoy a picnic. This […]
