The Recreation Ground Playground

If you’re local to Stratford and have kids under 12, you’ve almost certainly already discovered this place. The rec ground ticks a lot of boxes — slides, swings, climbing frame, sandbox, and a paddling pool that genuinely comes into its own on a warm day (it gets busy, so go early). It’s fully enclosed, which makes a real difference when you’ve got little ones who like to bolt, and parents can actually keep an eye on everyone without having to hover constantly. Clean loos, picnic tables, decent parking, and an open grass field for burning off whatever energy’s left — it’s the kind of spot you end up at more weekends than you plan to.