Mundy Playing Field – “The Damn Building Playground”

Fantastic stream. I imagine it’d be great with wellies too

Great for: paddling, splashing, picnics, all ages, running around, rolling down hills, appreciating different playground styles

Address: Mundy Playing Fields, Kington Lane, Thornbury BS35 1NA

The weather was gorgeous so we finally made it all the way out to Thornbury to check out their fabulous playground. It was well worth the trip.

They had a new splash pad installed in September 2014 (similar to the one at Weston Water Adventure Play Park – “The Splash About Playground” only FREE) which we were eager to check out. In the end it was slightly disappointing as it’s only on for a few minutes every 15-20 minutes and it was packed but to be honest it didn’t matter. It would have probably been great if my kids weren’t a bit Italian when it comes to getting wet because you had to be quite confident with being splashed to really enjoy it. We settled down for a picnic by the stream next to a stunning weeping willow. The stream couldn’t be better for kids which made the splash pad almost superfluous.
The playground is notably different from a Bristol City playground. Firstly, it’s not fenced off which means dogs are allowed in on leads. This gave it quite an open feeling. Secondly there was equipment from all eras which made it quite interesting. There was a solidly build piece of 80s engineering in the middle which my youngest loved. Plus a fabulous metal rocket (of a similar style to the helicopter at Canford Playground if you’re familiar with that) which must have been at least 20 years old. It was great fun to watch the children pretending to lift off and imagining how many generations of kids had done the same. Then next to that you had the fantastically modern splash pad and even adult exercise equipment. And of course the timeless little stream where kids were building dams and splashing happily and the slopes which my kids loved rolling down.
The location is just gorgeous and there’s tons of varied equipment so I’d highly recommend a visit.

My 18 month old just loved this retro piece. Lovely to see it still there.

This rocket was really lovely. I saw so many kids pretending to blast off

There was tons of space for charging around as well as rolling down hills

This was the splash pad. Pretty awesome

They even had these gorgeous carvings

They even have equipment for adults

Filton Leisure Centre – “The Race Track Playground”

Great for: Adult exercise, Wheelchair users, all ages

We’ve just started swimming lessons at Filton Leisure Centre (highly recommended – the teachers are all really lovely) and this playground round the back has everything. Most notably there’s a fantastic race track with a really great selection of adult exercise machines. If your kids are older you could just about do a workout while keeping an eye on them and enjoying fresh air.  For a playground it’s also pretty accessible – it’s even got a roundabout suitable for wheelchairs.

It’s got loads of great equipment for all ages including some really quite challenging stuff. The more I go, the more impressed I am.

Note: there is a toilet in the leisure centre which obviously isn’t open all the time.

Love this running track with tons of equipment. Almost tempted to do some exercise!

Wheelchair accessible roundabout – how cool is that?

Love these swings!

There’s a brand new area for older kids – with some great equipment. I haven’t tried it out with my 6 year old yet but I did see some teenagers enjoying themselves. There’s a zip wire, roundabout and other bits too.

There’s a cheap and cheerful café

Love these swings which even unsteady babies can sit in.

S trying out the racetrack

I really like this colourful climbing frame – at one end it’s got a really easy ramp and a little slide suitable for tiny children and the other end is quite challenging for a 3 year old. It’s got monkey bars and other bits in between – something for everyone.

 

Lots of the equipment has been cleverly designed to make you work against your own weight.

Albion Green Amenity Area – “The Hawks Gym Playground”

Great for: Adults exercising and children aged from 2-4

This is definitely more of an Amenity Area than a playground situated just outside Bristol Hawks Gymnastics (which does great classes for little ones). There’s not a lot there but it’s great to pop into after their Parents and Toddler sessions for a quick play and a chat with other parents. There’s also adult exercise equipment which is great fun – would love to see this in more parks

Very cute little bench

If you like sliding – you’re sorted. If not, there’s not much here for you.