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 Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Dominic Meylan-Stevenson, our Area Sales Manager covering East Anglia and Warwickshire, 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 of England and the rest of the UK, so you won’t struggle to find one near you.
Hall, Ferry Ln, Postwick, Norwich NR13 5HL (what3words: gradually.decorate.cocktail)
To kickstart our tour around East Anglia, we’re visiting Postwick Village Hall Play Area, a fantastic new Playdale installation for 2026.
Designed with children of all ages in mind, this exciting playground is packed with opportunities to climb, explore and let imaginations run wild. Younger children can enjoy imaginative adventures aboard the Play Tractor and Woodland-themed Playhouse, while older children can challenge their coordination on the Woodland Eco Towers and Adventure Trail. Additionally, the 3 Bay Team Swing offers something for everyone to join the fun, with a variety of seat options to allow children of all ages and abilities to play together.
When you’re ready for your picnic, take a seat on one of the overlooking benches, or there’s plenty of surrounding grass for you to lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing picnic while the children continue their adventure.
1-6 Hall Cl, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7QX (what3words: pool.leaned.memory)
Situated on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Baddow Hall Park makes a fantastic destination for a family day out this summer.
With flat terrain and rubber safety surfacing throughout, the play area is easily accessible and offers a welcoming space for children of all ages and abilities. Children can enjoy active, outdoor play by balancing their way across the Timber Adventure Trail, interacting with sensory Play Panels, and (for those seeking an adrenaline rush) enjoying the thrills of the Inclusive Orbit Roundabout.
Surrounded by open green space and trees offering shade, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic while the children make the most of the playground. If you’ve forgotten to pack lunch, there’s also a local shop just a short walk away, making it easy to pick up everything you need for a day of outdoor fun.
Gislingham Play Area, off Broadfields Road, Gislingham, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 8HX (what3words: inflates.breeze.modern)
Take a trip to the village of Gislingham this summer for an adventure-packed picnic and play.
With something for the whole family to enjoy, this playground is the perfect place to spend a summer’s day outdoors. Children can tackle the Adventure Trail, soar through the air on the 2 Bay Swing and race down the thrilling embankment slide. Meanwhile, teenagers and adults can get involved too, with equipment from our Health and Fitness range, encouraging everyone to stay active together.
With plenty of open green space surrounding the play area, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to spread out a picnic blanket, enjoy lunch and make the most of a day outdoors.
Whether you live in East Anglia, 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!
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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 […]
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