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Priory Park and Pond

4.3
·75 reviews·Bodmin, United Kingdom

A vibrant park featuring a large, all-ages playground and a picturesque duck pond, perfect for family outings and picnics.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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We-Saw-- one of the many inclusive pieces of equipment at Harmony Playground

Priory Park and Pond

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant park featuring a large, all-ages playground and a picturesque duck pond, perfect for family outings and picnics.

4.3
(75 reviews)

"An amazing park for kids with a nice variety of play equipment and a beautiful duck pond."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fees

Be aware of the minimum £5.40 card payment for parking. :moneybag:

🚮 Pack Out Your Trash

Help keep the pond and park clean for wildlife and visitors. :recycle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Playground

Vibrant Playground

Priory Park

A spacious, fenced playground with equipment for all ages, perfect for keeping kids entertained for hours.

Instagram+1
Picturesque Duck Pond

Picturesque Duck Pond

Priory Park

A charming pond teeming with wildlife, including ducklings and fish, offering a peaceful spot for relaxation.

Instagram+1
Picnic Paradise

Picnic Paradise

Priory Park

Ample seating and picnic tables make it an ideal spot for a family picnic amidst beautiful surroundings.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Parking Ponderings

Parking at Priory Park can be a sticking point. Be prepared for a minimum card payment of £5.40, which some find steep. Plan your visit to avoid peak times if you're looking for a smoother entry. Reddit

Pond Patrol

While the duck pond is a highlight, some visitors note litter can be an issue, impacting the wildlife. Consider bringing a bag to help keep the area clean for everyone. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Busy but lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Alstock Music Festival Saturday July 26th 2025 Priory Park - Bodmin #alstock #alstockfestival #bodmin #cornwall #alhodge #priorypark #supportinglocalcharities #community #music #Summer #festival
@hodgey504
601 likes • 6.5K views

🚗 Parking Fees

Be aware of the minimum £5.40 card payment for parking. Reddit :moneybag:

🚮 Pack Out Your Trash

Help keep the pond and park clean for wildlife and visitors. Reddit :recycle:

We celebrated Father’s Day with a 3 generation picnic in the beautiful Priory park in Great Malvern yesterday. There were sausage rolls (homemade by my husband‍😎), fruit, eggs, tomatoes and velvet cake...yum! That park is so nice - beautiful trees, large playground, pond with ducklings and fish. The playground there is just perfect for our 3.5 year old boy. We waited so long for it to be suitable ...
karinaoneill_familyphotography
7 likes • 726 views
Playground suitable for all ages, free parking, gardens, duck pond and historic Prittlewell Priory 💫 WWW.PARKSOFESSEX.COM 📍Priory Park Victoria Avenue⁣ Southend-on-Sea⁣ SS2 6NB⁣ 🅿️ Parking⁣ Free parking in car park ⁣ 🛝 The great thing about the playground at Priory Park is that the large, fenced off playground is suitable for children of all ages. There are large wooden climbing frames with...
parksofessex
63 likes • 11.1K views

🧸 Playground Fun

Great for all ages, with a large fenced area for safety. Instagram+1 :child:

🦆 Pond Wildlife

Enjoy the ducks and fish, but avoid feeding them bread. Reddit :duck:

Found in the middle of a Cornish town, is Priory Park, and it has everything you could wish for - car parking, a duck pond, toilets and lots of things to play on! #prioryparkbodmin #playground #swing #slide #climbingframe #assaultcourse #duckpond #bodmin #bodmincornwall #cornwall #cornwalllife #cornishtown #visitcornwall #thingstodoincornwall #thingstodoincornwallwithkids #thingstodoincornwallwith...
indiee.gram
5 likes • 218 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fees

Be aware of the minimum £5.40 card payment for parking. Reddit :moneybag:

🚮 Pack Out Your Trash

Help keep the pond and park clean for wildlife and visitors. Reddit :recycle:

🧸 Playground Fun

Great for all ages, with a large fenced area for safety. Instagram+1 :child:

🦆 Pond Wildlife

Enjoy the ducks and fish, but avoid feeding them bread. Reddit :duck:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(75 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Priory Park is a well-loved spot, particularly for its excellent playground and charming duck pond. Visitors appreciate the ample space for picnics and the generally well-maintained grounds. However, some find the parking fees steep, and litter around the pond can be a concern for wildlife enthusiasts.

"Bodmin town council should be ashamed of the state of the pond. Feel sorry for the wild life. The odd person complaining about rats? It's nature, they were there long before you. Ducklings having to swim around bottles and pieces of wood. The park in general is alright if you were born in the 1970s and if you haven't been to this park before, the car park cost is daylight robbery. Minimum payment £5 on the card, but you have no option but to pay £5.40 minimum. Bodmin council has a choice, use a company that doesn't over charge for parking? But I suppose "ya hands are tied" right? Got enough money to maintain the flower beds though, which is nice.... It's a bit rough, swear I saw a squirrel with a flick knife though."

S W

"Easy access, close to town centre and main town car park. Few spaces for parent sit down and watch their children playing. In summer time could be extremely busy around lunch time. Quite well maintained."

agniete lukoseviciute

"An amazing park for kids. Very sizeable and a nice variety of play equipment. I am sure kids of any age will be entertained here for a while. There is plenty of places for grown-ups to perch too. We stopped for a full on picnic and all had a good time."

Matthew James Stevenson

What People Like

Great playground for all ages
Lovely duck pond
Good picnic spots

What People Dislike

High parking fees
Litter around pond

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Priory Park is conveniently located near the town center and main town car park. It's easily accessible by car and public transport. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but be aware of the minimum card payment of £5.40. Reddit

While specific details vary, its town-center location suggests good public transport links. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, it's centrally located and often mentioned in relation to the town center and main car park. Reddit

Given its town-center location, it's likely close to bus stations and potentially train stations, depending on the specific town. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Priory Park and Pond is generally free to enter, making it an accessible destination for everyone. Instagram

Parks are typically open from dawn till dusk, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check local council information for precise times.

No, tickets are not required for entry to Priory Park and Pond as it's a public park. Instagram

Standard park rules apply, such as respecting wildlife and keeping the area clean. Reddit

The park offers great disabled toilets, and while specific play areas aren't mentioned as disabled-focused, the general access is good. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy the large playground, relax by the duck pond, have a picnic, and explore the park's green spaces. InstagramReddit

Yes, the playground is fenced and suitable for children of all ages, including toddlers. Instagram+1

While tempting, it's best not to feed the ducks bread as it's not healthy for them. Reddit

Yes, there are toilets available, including great disabled toilets. Reddit

You can spot ducks, fish, and squirrels in the park and around the pond. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no cafes mentioned within the park itself, but its town-center location means dining options are nearby. Reddit

Absolutely! There are plenty of picnic tables and seating areas, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. Reddit

Being in the town center, you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby for food and drinks. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly recommended to make the most of your visit. Reddit

Generally, no restrictions apply to bringing your own food for picnics. Just remember to clean up afterwards. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The duck pond with its wildlife and the playground area offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

Yes, the scenic pond and playground provide a lovely backdrop for family portraits. Instagram

Drone usage in public parks often requires permission. It's best to check local regulations before flying. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the park's beauty. Instagram

The duck pond and the variety of play equipment in the playground are popular subjects. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Priory Park is a fantastic destination for families. The large, fenced playground is a major highlight, offering a safe and engaging space for children of all ages to play. Instagram+1 With plenty of equipment, kids can easily spend hours here. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many tables, making it a full day out. Reddit Remember to be mindful of the parking fees and consider bringing a bag to help keep the pond area clean for the ducks. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Priory Park is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as entry is free. Instagram While parking has a minimum charge of £5.40, the overall experience offers great value. Reddit The best way to save money is to pack your own picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings without spending on food. Reddit It's a perfect spot for a free day out with plenty to keep you entertained. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Lovers & Photographers

The duck pond at Priory Park offers a serene environment for nature lovers and a picturesque subject for photographers. Instagram+1 You can enjoy observing the local wildlife, including ducks and squirrels. Reddit Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best light for photography, capturing the tranquil beauty of the pond and its surroundings. Instagram Be mindful of litter to help preserve the natural habitat. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Priory Park Playground Experience

The playground at Priory Park is a major draw for families, consistently praised for its size and suitability for a wide age range. It's a large, fenced-off area, which provides a sense of security for parents watching their children play. You'll find a variety of equipment, ensuring that kids of different ages and abilities can find something to enjoy. Instagram+1 This makes it a fantastic spot for a full day of fun, where children can be entertained for extended periods. Reddit

Parents appreciate the ample seating available around the playground, allowing them to comfortably supervise while children burn off energy. The variety of play structures means that even on busy days, there's usually something for everyone. The inclusion of equipment suitable for younger children alongside more challenging elements for older kids makes it a truly inclusive play space. InstagramReddit

Key features include a good mix of swings, slides, and climbing frames, catering to diverse play preferences. The fenced nature of the playground is a significant plus for parents of toddlers and younger children, offering peace of mind. Instagram It's a place where kids can explore, climb, and slide to their heart's content, making it a highlight for many family visits. Instagram

Navigating Priory Park's Pond and Wildlife

The duck pond is a central feature of Priory Park, offering a tranquil escape and a chance to observe local wildlife. Visitors often enjoy watching the ducks and fish, and it's a particularly charming spot for families with young children. Instagram+1 The presence of wildlife adds a natural beauty to the park, making it a pleasant place to stroll or simply sit and observe. Reddit

However, it's worth noting that some visitors have expressed concerns about litter around the pond, which can detract from its natural appeal and potentially harm the wildlife. Reddit While the park is generally well-maintained, this is an area where community effort can make a difference. Responsible visitors are encouraged to ensure they take their rubbish with them. Reddit

Despite these concerns, the pond remains a beloved feature, offering a glimpse into local nature. Squirrels are also frequently spotted scampering around the trees, adding to the park's natural charm. Reddit It's a reminder of the importance of preserving these green spaces for both human enjoyment and the well-being of the animals that call them home. Reddit

Practicalities: Parking and Amenities

When planning your visit to Priory Park, understanding the parking situation is crucial. While parking is available, be prepared for a minimum card payment of £5.40, which some visitors find to be on the higher side. Reddit This is a point of contention for some, so factoring this into your budget is advisable. Reddit The park's central location means it's accessible, but the parking cost is a notable consideration. Reddit

In terms of amenities, Priory Park is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable visit. Toilets are available, including specifically mentioned 'great disabled toilets,' highlighting an effort towards accessibility. Reddit This ensures that visitors with varying needs can enjoy their time at the park. Reddit

For those planning a longer stay or a family outing, the availability of picnic tables and seating areas is a significant advantage. Reddit This makes Priory Park an ideal destination for a leisurely picnic, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings without needing to leave the park for refreshments. Reddit

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