Swanley Park

We absolutely love Swanley Park! It's definitely a favourite 5 star summer destination for us as we can't wait to get in the splash pool when the suns out! But the biggest plus for my boys is the mini trains, wooo, wooo!

We start our visit by parking in New Barn Road for £2 all day, pay on the door. We usually choose to travel in style to the opposite end of the park and wait at the little platform for the mini train. They do have a carriage you can put Pushchairs in too so you won't miss out. Trains run from April through to end of September at weekends and weekdays in the school holidays. We get a return fare which is £1 kids £1.50 adults or £4 family of 4. Or if just one way is 70p and £1. The kids love it and all the volunteers running it are fab. Mine particularly like watching the trains going on the turntable and waving to the drivers. Follow their facebook page for info. Swanley New Barn Railway

The train deposits you right next to all the action. If it's a hot day the splash pool is where it's at, the pool, grass area and little toddler play ground is surrounded by fencing and gates which helps if u have speedy toddlers. The grass area can get busy if it promises to be a hot day so either get your spot early (10-10:30am) or later in the afternoon when people tend to move on. If you don't fancy sitting on the ground you can hire a nice stripey deck chair! The pool has a flat section of rubbery matting with various points that randomly squirt water, which is great for everyone. Then there is the adjoining paddling pool which is deeper in places than others but shallow, so won't get near your knees. Access is completely free!

The splash pool is directly outside the café which sells everything from tea, cake, burger & chips to ice cream and buckets & spades! Usually along side there is a small bouncy castle and a few ride on mini bikes for a small charge. The toilet block is just to the right of these. They are not great loos and when it's busy  the queues for the ladies can be huge so not good with a desperate child in tow. Recommend you take any opportunity to make the kids go when it's quiet and take a porta potty if anyone's a bit hit and miss!

So you've had plenty of splashing, ate your picnic, played on the littlies play bit and got sand everywhere, now what?!... Pack up your kit and head over to the play park which has equipment for the little and big ones all within a fenced area. It has all the usual slides, climbing frames, swings and climbing wall, plenty to keep them busy. There isn't much shade on a hot day so don't forget your hats! Obviously the surrounding area consists of the 'park' so lots of grass for running around, playing ball games and trees if you need some shade. And there's usually an ice cream van parked up should you not be able to cope without a 99!

Home time? Not quite if you've got a few quid to spare. The pond/mini lake normally has row boats, pedalos and kayaks for hire. There are usually plenty to go around and everyone gets a life jacket or buoyancy aid just in case. We've also done a bit of pond dipping here, there are a few points that make it easy to access the water and you can usually spot a dragonfly or two.  We usually take the train back to the car but it is a pleasent walk if you still have the energy.

Please note this season the park amenities are under new management, they have already added a new mini golf course which we are looking forward to checking out. There are also various events held at the park throughout the year including outdoor cinema, fireworks, inflatables week so check them out on Facebook. Swanley Park 

Best For:Toddlers; Under 12s;
Recommed:Kids Swimwear, Picnic Rug, Porta Potty, Football.
Time:3-6hrs