The Highams Park Playground

If you’re after a proper afternoon out with the kids, this spot by Highams Park lake is hard to beat. The zipline alone is worth the trip — little ones queue up for it repeatedly while you grab a coffee from the nearby cafe and actually sit down for five minutes. Equipment is modern and well-suited to the 2–10 crowd, with slides, swings, and a climbing structure that keeps things interesting without being overwhelming. Shade trees and picnic tables mean you can settle in for a few hours, and the park benches give parents a clear view of everything. When the kids need a change of scene, the forest trails running alongside make for an easy, muddy extension to the day.