Canch and Memorial Gardens
A vibrant park featuring excellent playgrounds, a summer water play area, a scenic canal, and a skate park. A true gem for families and outdoor enthus...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Water play fun!
Canch and Memorial Gardens
Best Time
Water play fun!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant park featuring excellent playgrounds, a summer water play area, a scenic canal, and a skate park. A true gem for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
"A great little hidden gem with fantastic play areas and a lovely canal walk."
Bring Your Own Seat! 🪑
Benches are scarce. Pack a picnic mat or portable chair for comfort, especially if you have mobility issues.
Water Play Ready! 💦
In summer, the water fountains are a huge hit with kids. Bring a change of clothes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Adventure Playgrounds
Central area
Two excellent play areas, one with accessible features and a thrilling summer water play zone. Perfect for kids of all ages!
Canal Walk & Wildlife
Along the canal
Stroll beside the tranquil canal, spot ducks, and cross charming stepping stones. A peaceful escape for all.
Skate Park & Outdoor Gym
Western end
A popular spot for skaters and fitness enthusiasts, featuring a decent-sized skate park and outdoor exercise equipment.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Playtime Paradise & Green Escape
Parking & Amenities Check
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Seat! 🪑
Benches are scarce. Pack a picnic mat or portable chair for comfort, especially if you have mobility issues.
Water Play Ready! 💦
In summer, the water fountains are a huge hit with kids. Bring a change of clothes!
Parking Perks 🅿️
Free parking for 1 hour weekdays, all day Sunday. Card payment only for meters.
Cafe Check ☕
The on-site cafe isn't always open. Have a backup plan or pack snacks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Seat! 🪑
Benches are scarce. Pack a picnic mat or portable chair for comfort, especially if you have mobility issues.
Water Play Ready! 💦
In summer, the water fountains are a huge hit with kids. Bring a change of clothes!
Parking Perks 🅿️
Free parking for 1 hour weekdays, all day Sunday. Card payment only for meters.
Cafe Check ☕
The on-site cafe isn't always open. Have a backup plan or pack snacks.
Explore the Canal 🦆
Don't miss the lovely canal walk with its ducks and stepping stones. Great for a peaceful stroll.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Canch and Memorial Gardens as a fantastic spot for families, praising the excellent playgrounds, including accessible options and a fun summer water play area. The scenic canal walk and skate park also receive positive mentions. However, a common drawback is the scarcity of seating, which can impact comfort for some visitors.
"Really lovely area. Great play area for kids, with a bit for disabled children too. Water fountains that come up out the floor. Exercise equipment area. Skating area, there's a cafe that's open sometimes, otherwise pop into the aurora cafe. And a canal that runs through the whole area, that's lovely to walk along"
Helena Hulford
"Very little seating for grandparents parents and caregivers etc. bring your own seat or picnic mat. Otherwise a great place. I visit with the grandkids and have to lean on the fences as I have mobility issues. So we can’t stay as long as we would like. Shame the council can’t add a few more seats??? Maybe they can comment?"
Mark Mills
"Great park
Parking opposite free for 1 hour see pic for more details
Free parking all day sunday
No card meter change only
Two parks altogether a smaller kids one with some great things on and a bigger kids one both very good.
Big water features to play in in the summer
Skate park as well a pretty big one
It also has a stream and stepping stones which the kids loved with a few ducks pottering about
Cafe towards the back as well
All in all a great little hidden gem"
Andrew Steed (deetswerdna)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are accessible by car, with parking available opposite the park. Public transport options may vary, so check local routes.
Yes, there's parking opposite the park. It's free for the first hour on weekdays and all day on Sundays. Meters are card-only.
Cycling is a great way to reach the gardens, and there are often bike racks available. Check for local cycle routes.
Information on nearby bus or train stops would be specific to the exact location. It's best to use a journey planner app for real-time options.
The gardens are often described as a 'hidden gem,' so using a GPS or map app is recommended. Look for signs indicating park entrances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Canch and Memorial Gardens are free to enter and enjoy.
The gardens are typically open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for visits. Check local council websites for any specific seasonal changes.
As there is no entrance fee, booking in advance is not required. You can visit spontaneously.
Generally, the main restrictions involve respecting park rules, such as keeping dogs on leads in certain areas and not littering.
While the gardens are usually accessible during daylight hours, specific closing times may apply after dark for safety reasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are two fantastic playgrounds, one with accessible equipment, and a popular water play area that operates in the summer.
A cafe is located within the gardens, but its opening hours can be inconsistent. Nearby cafes, like Aurora, are good alternatives.
Dogs are generally welcome, but it's advisable to keep them on a lead, especially in play areas and near wildlife.
The park features accessible play equipment, and pathways are generally well-maintained, though seating can be limited.
You can often spot ducks along the canal, and the general greenery attracts various small birds and insects.
📸 📸 Photography
The canal with its stepping stones and ducks offers picturesque scenes. The vibrant playgrounds and seasonal flowers also make for great shots.
Absolutely! The playgrounds, open green spaces, and the canal provide diverse backdrops for memorable family portraits.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks to ensure safety and privacy. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Summer afternoons are great for capturing the water play in action.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for general shots. If you want to capture wildlife, a telephoto lens would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Walkers
🏋️♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun Hub
Beyond the playgrounds, the canal offers a gentle adventure with its stepping stones and resident ducks, providing a calmer experience for younger children or a break from more active play. The overall atmosphere is one of lively engagement, making it a go-to spot for a day out with the kids.
Park Amenities and Visitor Comfort
The park does feature a cafe, but its availability can be inconsistent, leading some visitors to suggest having a backup plan or packing their own refreshments.
Active Pursuits and Nature Walks
The canal running through the gardens provides a scenic route for leisurely walks or jogs. The gentle flow of the water, the presence of ducks, and the charming stepping stones create a tranquil environment.
Social
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