I drive through Pitstone in Bedfordshire quite regularly and noticed the playground area in the recreation ground had received a serious upgrade. We hadn’t been able to do a review of the playground until now though.
At the time we first visited the playground at Pitstone Recreation Ground the transformation wasn’t quite complete though – there was a skate park coming. Well, that’s finished and so we went back!
The play equipment for older children
When you pull into the car park you cannot help but notice the massive high ropes play frame! It’s like a circus big top made out of rope. Within the middle of the structure there’s rope tunnels, a rope line to climb down (if you’ve got the upper body strength!!) and a rope bridge across to a slide. I think that bit is so unique. Actually, I think the whole playground is really unique. There’s no other playground that I can think of where pretty much the whole thing is rope based. It’s a bit like a free version of go ape without the added vertigo!!
The zip line here is quite a decent one for all ages. Smallest Child met her new bestie for the day whilst we were playing there, and the two of them were quite happy getting on and off on their own. That said, it’s got a good enough speed that the boys would have been quite happy too. Whilst the big-top is the centre feature of the playground at Pitstone Recreation Ground, you’ll also find a diamond, spinning rope frame, swings, nest swing and MASSIVE rope swing. In fact, this might be the biggest rope swing I can think of.
The wider recreation ground also has tons of open space (when there isn’t a cricket match taking place) and a sports court.
The pirate ship
Although these are near the toddler equipment I’d say they’re probably most suited for children at least four years old. Smallest Child is fearless and she had a flipping good go but there was a lot of bum-pushing assistance from me to get her between platforms. It was good fun though. She’s the one who decided it looks like a pirate ship – even though it looks nothing like a pirate ship!! More like a massive puppet string.
The toddler equipment
Although a fearless 3/4 year old is capable of getting around the big top play frame, there’s a smaller frame that’s easier for them to get around. Actually I’m not sure it is easier for them to get around, but it is lower do less likely to break something if they fall off! Younger children have also got a tunnel, slide, trampoline, a couple of rockers and some swings. Thinking about it, they have more equipment that the older kids, but the big kids’ stuff is much bigger.
Skate park
The skate park at Pitstone recreation ground has now opened. It’s a decent size and very popular with the local kids. It’s actually about twice the size of this photo but I couldn’t get a pic without loads of identifiable kids in it. It’s a good addition to the park though.
Our Pitstone Recreation Ground playground review
This playground is perfect for any kids who love climbing and clambering on stuff! It’s a shame I didn’t have the boys with me when I visited Pitstone Recreation Ground because they would have loved this playground. Particularly Middle Child, it’s right up his street. If playing here doesn’t wear the kids out, nothing will!
As you can see from the photos this playground gets a decent amount of shade, particularly around the picnic benches. Talking to other parents though it gets VERY muddy when it rains though.
Admission cost
Free
Parking / How to get there
Parking – Small, free car park
Address – Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9AP
Toilets
None on site
Food
Nothing on-site. Picnics allowed
What else is there to do nearby?
There’s lots of other things to do nearby – walks around the Tring reservoirs, Ivinghoe Beacon, Dunstable Downs or splash out on a visit to Whipsnade Zoo.
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
