St Dunstan’s Park Playground Review

I hadn’t intended to review St Dunstan’s Park playground in Monks Risborough, Buckinghamshire today. I had been planning on visiting Whiteleaf Cross just up the hill, but when we arrived the car park was full and so we gave up. Turns out we had a great time here instead. It’s actually a playground that I’d been to many years ago but I think maybe it’s had an upgrade since then?

There are several areas to this playground. There’s are play area for older children, a separate gated toddler area, hard court (with road track) and a green. Around the edge of the rec ground is a stream, which it looks like a fair few kids have scrambled down the banks into. I couldn’t see a safe route down though. If you know of one then just let me know. There’s also a couple of pieces of outdoor gym equipment, but only two of them.

The main playground

I would say that the 40ft zip-wire is the highlight of the playground, in most playgrounds it probably is, but here there’s too much to choose from! There’s a fitness trail with the obligatory things to balance on, climb and step across. Middle Child was particularly taken with the spinning rope frame. He kept standing on the top whilst it span around with his hand shielding his eyes as if he was looking out at sea. As someone mentioned, it was very Jack Sparrow!

St Dunstan's Park & Playground | Monks Risborough, Buckinghamshire | Review by Free Time with the Kids

St Dunstan’s playground also has this thing. I’ve seen them before at the playground in Haddenham. They’re both awesome and terrifying in equal measure. I’ll admit, I’ve had a go and it didn’t work out too well for me!! Anyway, if your kids can get the hang of it then it’s brilliant.

The play frame

The main play frame for the older kids has a very weird flaw. We couldn’t see how the hell children are supposed to get onto and off of either set of monkey bars. They’re too high off the ground for the kids to reach and there’s nothing to climb up onto. Just seemed a bit odd really. The rest of the frame is good though.

St Dunstan's Park & Playground | Monks Risborough, Buckinghamshire | Review by Free Time with the Kids

Other bits of equipment in the park include a roundabout, see-saw and various swings. Some of them were in need of a little bit of TBH, but overall it was ok.

The toddler play area

The toddler play area at St Dunstan’s playground is within the main playground, but also fenced off separately. There’s good visibility between the two areas (which is always helpful!). The strangest thing in there is a little caterpillar thing that the kids can all sit on. Other than that there’s swings, a couple of rockers, a spinny thing, and a small play frame.

St Dunstan's Park & Playground | Monks Risborough, Buckinghamshire | Review by Free Time with the Kids

The sports court

Normally I wouldn’t dedicate a whole paragraph to a sports court, particularly one that’s only really suitable for basketball. BUT this one has a roundabout and roads painted on it. I wish I’d known about this – I would have brought Smallest Child’s balance bike.

Our St Dunstan’s Playground Review

St Dunstan’s in a great little playground in Monks Risborough. There’s a nice range of play equipment for all ages which means it’s perfect for families like mine with a range of ages. The bike track next door is a real bonus!


Admission cost

Free


Parking / How to get there

Parking – On-street parking only. It seemed that there is plenty of space to park a car without inconveniencing local residents.

Address – Mill Lane, Monks Risborough, Princes Risborough HP27 9JF


Toilets

None on-site.


Food

Nothing on-site. There are plenty of benches if you’re taking a picnic.


What else is nearby?

The beautiful St Dunstan’s church is right next to the playground. There’s also the Phoenix Trail which starts in the town centre of Princes Risborough or Whiteleaf Cross.

St Dunstan's Park & Playground | Monks Risborough, Buckinghamshire | Review by Free Time with the Kids

Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.

You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook

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