With only a few days left of the summer holidays, it’s nice to relax closer to home.
If you’re feeling stressed after school uniform shopping and finding that your child’s shoe size has sold out, take a breather at one of the many parks in Aylesbury.
About ten minutes’ drive from the centre of Aylesbury, Bedgrove Park is on Ambleside off Camborne Avenue.
It was presented as ‘a most generous gift of land’ to Aylesbury by HC Janes Ltd, the company that developed the Bedgrove Estate from 1958 to 1973.
There are extensive playing fields lined with trees, ideal for a picnic in the shade. Bedgrove brook runs along the edge so bring wellies and fishing nets or play on the stepping stones.
The large, enclosed wooden playground is popular with 2-12 year olds and includes a zip wire and spinning wheel. For older children there is an Astroturf designed for football or basketball.
There are public toilets, free parking and an ice cream van usually visits during the day.
Alternatively, take a short walk through The Spinney to Jansel Square for local shops or The Coffee Bean café which serves good value food and drink.
The Spinney has existed since the 17th century and is a habitat for bats, squirrels and wild birds including woodpeckers. Aston Clinton Park is approximately 15 minutes from Aylesbury and is another lovely green space with views of the countryside up to Wendover Woods.
There is an enclosed play area for smaller children and for older, a wooden obstacle course and a spinning ‘witch’s hat’.
There is also a skate park and basketball hoop.
Active children (and parents) can try the trim trail; an army style course around the park.
The Hub café is open from 9-6pm and has a great view from its patio.
There is ample free parking and a public toilet. Follow the A41, turn off for Aston Clinton then turn right at the red Hub sign.
The speed limit in the village is 30mph and there is a speed camera.