Emberton Country Park
A 200-acre country park with lakes, trails, and play areas, perfect for family outings and picnics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Emberton Country Park
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 200-acre country park with lakes, trails, and play areas, perfect for family outings and picnics.
"A really lovely park, perfect for all ages, beautifully maintained."
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early for cheaper parking (£1 in winter, £4.50+ in summer). Blue badge holders may park free near the cafe.
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Bring your own food and drinks! The park is perfect for picnics with plenty of space and benches.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playgrounds Galore
Multiple locations
Discover diverse play areas, from a quarry with chutes to a large pirate ship and slides. Fun for all ages!
Lakeside Walks
Around the lakes
Enjoy peaceful strolls around the park's beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and a chance to spot wildlife.
Picnic Paradise
Open green spaces
Spacious fields and benches make it ideal for picnics, with stunning lake views as your backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Entry Fees
+1Best for Picnics & Play
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early for cheaper parking (£1 in winter, £4.50+ in summer). Blue badge holders may park free near the cafe.
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Bring your own food and drinks! The park is perfect for picnics with plenty of space and benches.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and exploring the park's many areas.
🐶 Dog Etiquette
Keep dogs on leads and clean up after them to maintain hygiene, especially near play areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early for cheaper parking (£1 in winter, £4.50+ in summer). Blue badge holders may park free near the cafe.
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Bring your own food and drinks! The park is perfect for picnics with plenty of space and benches.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and exploring the park's many areas.
🐶 Dog Etiquette
Keep dogs on leads and clean up after them to maintain hygiene, especially near play areas.
☀️ Seasonal Parking
Parking costs vary significantly by season; check rates before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Emberton Country Park is widely praised as a beautiful, well-maintained park perfect for families and nature lovers. Visitors appreciate the numerous play areas, scenic lakeside walks, and ideal picnic spots. While generally positive, some reviews mention hygiene concerns regarding dog waste in play areas.
"A really lovely park , disabled parking and toilets right next to the cafe .Lots of play areas for children and a great place to walk , or excercise .Perfect for all ages, beautifully maintained 👌"
Virginia Cripps
"We took our 18month old granddaughter here a couple of weeks ago, there is enough to keep youngsters entertained in the play area. Plenty of big fields for them to run about in as well, we'll kept & tidy, toilet block near the cafe was clean. You can take a car in for free with a blue badge."
Niki Holmes
"The park is very well organised. There is a barrier at the front where you pay a small amount for parking for the day. Gor a busy enough day, there were enough parking spaces available. Near the first parking spot there is a lovely and cozy cafe and toilets and you can enjoy a cuppa while watching at the lakes. There are 2 main playground areas for the kids to enjoy and many wooden benches across the park to sit and enjoy the peace. We saw a boat site too.
We saw only birds on our journey there, but it stated that otters can also be spotted on the premises of the park. Even in the gloomy and muddy weather that we chose, we were still able to enjoy it a lot!"
Reneta Kolev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Emberton Country Park is located near Olney, Buckinghamshire. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Some visitors mention it's a 30-40 minute drive from Kettering.
Yes, there is ample parking available. The cost varies by season, with winter parking being cheaper (£1 if arriving early) and summer parking costing around £5.50 for the day.
During winter, parking on grass verges is not permitted, but there is plenty of designated parking. In other seasons, some visitors have noted cars parked on grass near the lake and second play area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct entry fee to the park itself, but you pay for parking. Fees vary by season, typically from £1 to £5.50 per car for the day.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific hours for facilities like the cafe may vary. It's best to check for any seasonal closures or specific event timings.
No, booking in advance is not typically required for general visits. You pay for parking upon arrival. Special events, like the 60th birthday celebration, might have separate ticketing.
Yes, disabled visitors can park for free with a blue badge, with designated parking spots available near the cafe.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Emberton Country Park offers a variety of activities including walking trails, multiple playgrounds, picnicking areas, and bird watching. There's also a camping area and fishing opportunities.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families, with several well-equipped play areas, including a pirate ship and slides, and large fields for running around.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Emberton Country Park. However, owners are reminded to keep them on a lead and clean up after them, especially around children's play areas.
Yes, there are various paths for walks, including pleasant routes around the lake and through nature reserve areas.
Visitors have reported seeing birds and mention the possibility of spotting otters. The park's lakes and nature reserve areas are habitats for various wildlife.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located near the first parking spot, offering a place to enjoy a cuppa while overlooking the lakes. It has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Definitely! The park is a fantastic picnic spot with plenty of green areas and benches, making it ideal for a family outing.
The nearby town of Olney offers good pubs and shops if you fancy a spot of lunch after your visit to the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakeside views, especially during sunrise or sunset, offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The various play areas and natural landscapes also make for great shots.
Yes, with its lakes, green spaces, and well-maintained facilities, Emberton Country Park provides a picturesque setting for photography, particularly for nature and family outings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ample open fields provide space for kids to run and play freely. Top tips for families:
* Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for a full day of fun.
* Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
* Allow ample time to explore all the different play zones.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
+1 The well-maintained paths make for an enjoyable experience, whether you're looking for a short, refreshing walk or a longer exploration. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and potentially otters.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Since there's no entry fee, you can enjoy the park's amenities and natural beauty without significant expense. Budget tips:
* Bring your own picnic to save on food costs.
* Visit during the off-peak season (winter) for cheaper parking.
* Take advantage of the free parking for blue badge holders.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Play Areas
Another highlight is the large pirate ship structure, complete with slides and climbing opportunities, which is a major draw for older kids. Beyond these, you'll find more traditional climbing frames and play equipment scattered throughout the park, ensuring there's always something new to discover. The presence of these varied play spaces makes it a top choice for families looking for a fun-filled day out. Key features of the play areas include:
* Quarry Play Area: With slides and digger-themed elements.
* Pirate Ship: A large, engaging structure with multiple play features.
* Climbing Frames: Standard and creative climbing structures.
These areas are generally well-maintained and provide a safe environment for children to play and explore.
Picnicking and Relaxation
+1 Whether you're with family, friends, or enjoying a solo outing, there are plenty of spots to spread out a blanket or settle down on a bench to enjoy your meal amidst nature. Many visitors choose Emberton Country Park specifically for its picnic potential. The combination of open space, scenic beauty, and the availability of amenities like the cafe and toilets makes it a convenient and enjoyable destination for a relaxed day out.
Walking and Wildlife Spotting
+1 These paths provide opportunities to enjoy the fresh air, scenic landscapes, and the chance to observe local wildlife. While birds are commonly seen, the park is also noted as a potential habitat for otters, adding an element of excitement for wildlife enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit