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Barnwell Country Park - Oundle

With acres of meadows, woods and lakes and a lovely adventure playground, Barnwell Country Park offers families a fun day in the great outdoors.

There is plenty to keep little ones amused. Visit the wildlife garden, feed the ducks and explore the lakeside walks and nature trails – most of which are hard-surfaced, making them ideal for prams and buggies. Slip quietly into one of several hides, from which you can peek out at the many birds, insects and water creatures which make Barnwell their home. Dragonflies, butterflies, moths, geese, swans, otters and kingfishers are all regular visitors.

In warmer weather, take a picnic or even a barbecue – there are designated areas for both. Out of season, plenty of hands-on activities take place in the visitor centre. Drinks and snacks are also available in the café.

The adventure playground is a hit with both younger and older children. Little ones will love the boat-shaped climbing frame, swings, slides and tunnel, whilst older kids enjoy the enormous swinging seat and the zip wire.

For a longer day out, combine your visit to Barnwell Country Park with a trip into the heart of Oundle, just up the road, where you can browse the Farmers Market and independent shops, or visit Beans Coffee Stop for a fantastic ice-cream milkshake. Young historians might like to pay a visit to the Talbot Inn, next door to Beans. The ancient staircase here was once part of Fotheringhay Castle and is reputedly the very staircase down which Mary Queen of Scots was led to her death.

Adventure Details

• Opening times: Open 24 hours a day every day of the year. Visitor centre open 11:00 - 17:00 weekends and school holidays.
• Admission prices: Free entry.