Bridge over the lake.
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Thompson Park

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant park offering diverse attractions from themed gardens and boating lakes to miniature railways and splash pads, perfect for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, 11 AM - 5 PM

Water slides & beach open

CrowdHigh
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Bridge over the lake.

Thompson Park

Best Time

Weekends, 11 AM - 5 PM

Water slides & beach open

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant park offering diverse attractions from themed gardens and boating lakes to miniature railways and splash pads, perfect for all ages.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"An all-in-one park with many things to do, especially the mini train ride and boat rides!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Arrive early or consider parking nearby if the main lot is full, especially on weekends.

🚂 Check Train & Boat Times

Mini railway and boat rides have specific hours; last rides often before closing.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Miniature Railway

The Miniature Railway

Burnley

A charming human-powered train ride offering a unique, eco-friendly journey through the park.

Boating Lake Adventures

Boating Lake Adventures

Various locations

Rent a boat, kayak, or canoe for a fun-filled time on the water, perfect for families and couples.

Themed Gardens

Themed Gardens

Various locations

Explore beautifully maintained Italian and rose gardens, offering a fragrant and picturesque escape.

Splash Pad and Water Slides

Splash Pad and Water Slides

Larry & Penny Thompson Park, Miami

Cool off on hot summer days with fun water slides and a refreshing splash pad, ideal for kids.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Peak Enjoyment

Thompson Park offers a variety of attractions, but some, like the water slides and beach at Larry & Penny Thompson Park, are weekend-only and have specific hours. For the mini railway and boat rides, check operating times as they can vary and last rides are often earlier than closing. Arriving early can help secure limited parking, especially during peak seasons.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking at Thompson Park can be limited, particularly on weekends and during special events. Some reviews suggest parking outside the park or at nearby locations if the main lot is full. For those with mobility needs, the park generally offers accessible paths and free disabled parking for up to 3 hours, making it a good option for wheelchair users.

Best Times

When
Weekends, 11 AM - 5 PM
Why
Water slides & beach open
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for gardens
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Spring is in the air, and so are the birds! 🐦 We’re so excited to bring back our #FeatherFriday posts for another migration season! Each week, we’ll take you behind the scenes at Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station (TTPBRS) to highlight unique species, share fun bird facts, and give you an up-close look at our bird banding process. What birds are you hoping to see this season? Drop your sp...
trca_hq
68.4K likes • 1.5M views

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Arrive early or consider parking nearby if the main lot is full, especially on weekends. Reddit

🚂 Check Train & Boat Times

Mini railway and boat rides have specific hours; last rides often before closing. Reddit

Have you ever noticed Barn Swallows hanging out around the outdoor education structures at Tommy Thompson Park? 🐦 Turns out, we may have accidentally created the perfect nesting habitat for this species at risk, and it’s all thanks to the fact that it resembles a cave! In this week’s #FeatherFriday video, join our bird bander on a little field trip to see how Barn Swallows are making the most of ...
trca_hq
3K likes • 27.4K views
We had a great hike at Thompson Park, Monroe Township, NJ. The trails are well marked and well maintained with several different options. We hiked the white and green trails which were easy and pretty flat. They also have a dog park and a playground for human children. #doodles #dogfriendly #hiking #dogshiking #thompsonpark #newjersey #roadtrip
adventures_of_milli_and_lucy
13 likes • 215 views

💧 Splash Pad Fun

Larry & Penny Thompson Park's water attractions are weekend-only during summer. Instagram

🐦 Bird Watching Spot

Tommy Thompson Park is a great place for bird research and spotting during migration seasons. TikTok

🌴☀️ Larry & Penny Thompson Park te espera este verano con diversión para toda la familia. 💦 La playa y los toboganes están abiertos solo los fines de semana, de 11:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. 🛝🌊 🎟️ Precios de acceso: 👉 Playa + Toboganes • Adultos: $6 • Niños (3 a 17 años): $4 • Personas mayores (62+): $4 👉 Solo Playa • Adultos: $3 • Niños (3 a 17 años): $2 • Personas mayores (62+): $2 🛝 El playground...
miamifamilytime
991 likes • 102.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Arrive early or consider parking nearby if the main lot is full, especially on weekends. Reddit

🚂 Check Train & Boat Times

Mini railway and boat rides have specific hours; last rides often before closing. Reddit

💧 Splash Pad Fun

Larry & Penny Thompson Park's water attractions are weekend-only during summer. Instagram

🐦 Bird Watching Spot

Tommy Thompson Park is a great place for bird research and spotting during migration seasons. TikTok

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails

Many Thompson Park locations welcome dogs, with dedicated dog parks in some areas. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Thompson Park for its beautiful, well-maintained gardens and diverse range of activities, from boating and miniature railways to playgrounds and splash pads. The park is seen as an enjoyable destination for all ages, though parking can be a challenge during peak times.

"Had an absolutely lovely walk despite slight drizzling. The Italian garden is beautiful, the rose garden was lovely too (and smelled deliciously of petals). The water was clear and maintained, I saw people waterboarding out on the lake which was nice to see. I encountered many an animal, a cute little rabbit, squirrels, geese and ducks as well as plenty of butterflies. The facilities such as the boats, and the mini railway were closed when I went, but I was there strictly for a walk so not much bother for me. All in all, the park is beautifully maintained, I enjoyed going around and looking at all the signs and factoids on how the park was built and established. I was also pleasantly surprised on how much seating there was, allowing for a quick rest and time to take in the views. Well worth a walk, Burnley truly has some lovely green spaces."

Emzee

"An all in one park with many things to do, especially the mini train ride and boat rides!

Enjoyable for all, the car park is very limited especially when it's peak time and so many visitors attending!

You can wait patiently or try and park outside of Thompson Park.

All the best!"

MZ K

"Me and my family came to this park this park for the first time last weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lots of activities and space. Miniature railway (open til 4pm) and boating lake (open til 6pm but last rides get on by 5.15pm). There are lots of designer gardens and open space.

The car park is decent. Disabled spaces park for free for 3 hours. The paths are wheelchair accessible.
There is a small cafe and huge playing area. A paddling pool is accessible.

Definitely recommend a visit."

Rezwan H

What People Like

Beautiful gardens
Variety of activities
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thompson Park locations vary. For Burnley, it's accessible by local transport. Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami is reachable by car. Check local transit or use GPS for specific directions to your chosen Thompson Park. Instagram

Parking is available at most Thompson Park locations, but it can be limited on busy days. Some parks offer free disabled parking for a set duration. Reddit+1

Public transport options depend on the specific Thompson Park location. Research local bus or train routes for the park you plan to visit. Instagram

Yes, many Thompson Park locations feature wheelchair-accessible paths, making them suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. Reddit

Driving directions will vary based on the specific Thompson Park. Using a GPS or mapping app with the park's name and city will provide the most accurate route. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to most Thompson Park areas is free. However, attractions like the splash pad, water slides, miniature railway, and boat rentals may have separate fees. Instagram

Opening hours vary significantly by location and season. Attractions like the splash pad at Larry & Penny Thompson Park are weekend-only in summer, while the miniature railway has specific operating times. Always check the official website or local listings for the park you intend to visit. Instagram

General park entry is typically free. Fees usually apply to specific activities such as water slides, boat rentals, and the miniature train ride. Instagram

Advance booking is generally not required for park entry. For specific attractions like boat rentals, it's advisable to check if reservations are recommended, especially during peak times. Reddit

Yes, the splash pad and beach at Larry & Penny Thompson Park have admission fees, with different prices for adults, children, and seniors. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include walking trails, exploring themed gardens, boating on the lake, miniature train rides, playgrounds, and splash pads (at specific locations). Bird watching is also popular at Tommy Thompson Park. InstagramReddit+2

Yes, many Thompson Park locations feature playgrounds suitable for various age groups, including climbing frames and zip lines. InstagramReddit

Several Thompson Park locations offer boating on lakes, with options like Canadian canoes, kayaks, and rowing boats available for rent. Reddit+1

Tommy Thompson Park is renowned for bird research and offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, especially during migration seasons. TikTok+1

You can find beautifully maintained gardens, including Italian gardens and vibrant rose gardens, offering a peaceful and scenic experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Some Thompson Park locations have small cafes or kiosks offering refreshments. It's also common for visitors to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the park's open spaces. Reddit

Absolutely! Thompson Park provides ample open space and seating, making it an ideal location for picnics. Reddit

While specific dining options can vary, expect basic concessions or snack bars, especially near the water attractions. Bringing your own food is a popular choice. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The themed gardens, especially the rose garden, offer beautiful backdrops. The miniature railway and boating lake also provide picturesque scenes. Reddit

Yes, with its diverse landscapes ranging from manicured gardens to natural wildlife areas and charming attractions like the miniature railway, Thompson Park is very photogenic. TikTokReddit

Nature photography, landscape shots of the gardens, and candid photos of families enjoying the activities are popular. Bird photography is a highlight at Tommy Thompson Park. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thompson Park is a family paradise! Prioritize the playgrounds with their climbing frames and zip lines for endless fun. Reddit Don't miss the boating lake for a family adventure on the water, and if you're at Larry & Penny Thompson Park, the splash pad and water slides are a must for cooling off. Instagram The miniature railway offers a charming ride that kids adore. InstagramReddit Pack a picnic to enjoy in the open spaces, and remember to check operating times for attractions as they can vary. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Strollers & Nature Lovers

For a peaceful escape, Thompson Park offers beautifully maintained gardens, including Italian and rose gardens, perfect for a contemplative walk. Reddit Tommy Thompson Park is a haven for bird watching, with a dedicated research station and abundant wildlife. TikTok+1 The well-kept paths are ideal for leisurely strolls, and the ample seating allows for moments to simply soak in the views and natural beauty. Reddit

♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs

Thompson Park is generally well-equipped for visitors with mobility challenges. Many locations feature wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the park, ensuring easy navigation. Reddit Disabled parking is often available and free for a set duration, making arrival more convenient. Reddit While some attractions might have limitations, the core park areas, gardens, and walking paths are designed for broad accessibility.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Gardens of Thompson Park

Thompson Park is celebrated for its beautifully curated gardens, offering a tranquil escape for visitors. The Italian garden is a notable feature, providing a serene atmosphere with its design and landscaping. Equally impressive is the rose garden, which, especially during bloom season, fills the air with delightful fragrances and showcases a vibrant array of colors. These gardens are not just visually appealing but also offer a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection. Many visitors appreciate the effort put into maintaining these green spaces, finding them a highlight of their park visit. Reddit

Beyond the formal gardens, the park often features natural areas with diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for various wildfowl on the lakes and ponds, adding to the natural charm. The presence of butterflies and small animals like rabbits and squirrels further enhances the natural beauty and provides opportunities for wildlife observation. The park's commitment to maintaining these varied landscapes ensures a rich and engaging experience for nature lovers and casual visitors alike. Reddit

Family Fun at Thompson Park

Thompson Park is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of activities to keep children entertained. Playgrounds are a major draw, often featuring climbing frames, zip lines, and other engaging structures for different age groups. InstagramReddit The boating lake provides an opportunity for shared adventures, with rentals like canoes and rowing boats available, allowing families to create lasting memories on the water. Reddit

For those visiting during warmer months, the splash pad and water slides at specific locations like Larry & Penny Thompson Park are a huge hit, offering a refreshing way to beat the heat. Instagram The miniature railway is another beloved attraction, providing a fun and unique ride that delights both children and adults. InstagramReddit With accessible paths and varied play areas, Thompson Park aims to be an inclusive environment for families of all kinds. Reddit

The Unique Charm of the Miniature Railway

The human-powered miniature railway at Thompson Park in Burnley is a standout attraction, offering a unique and environmentally friendly experience. Unlike conventional trains, this railway relies on manpower, making it a novel and engaging activity for visitors. The ride itself is a delightful journey, typically lasting around five minutes, providing a charming perspective of the park's surroundings. InstagramReddit

This attraction is particularly popular with families and train enthusiasts alike. The novelty of a manually operated train adds a special touch, and the affordable ticket prices make it an accessible treat for everyone. It’s a testament to creative and sustainable leisure, offering a memorable experience that sets Thompson Park apart. Reddit

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