Great Longstone Park & Bakewell Recreational Ground Review For Families

Looking for a family adventure in the beautiful Bakewell area of the Peak District? We recently spent a fun-packed day exploring Great Longstone Park and Bakewell Recreational Grounds, two fantastic spots for outdoor family fun. It was the October half-term and we ventured to the Peak District without a plan other than to explore the local area. We’ve visited Bakewell several times and enjoyed the pedestrianised nature of the high street.  

We had heard of Great Longstone from our cycling adventures on the Monsal Trail and were informed it had a nice little park. For such a small village, we were keen to check this out as part of our trip.

Join us as we review these parks, sharing everything from what facilities they offer to whether we’d recommend them for a family day out.

Where Are They Located?

Great Longstone Park is nestled in the charming village of Great Longstone, which lies just a short distance away from Bakewell, Derbyshire. The village is a picturesque spot with rolling hills, traditional stone cottages, and all the charm you’d expect from the heart of the Peak District. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Bakewell, making it an easy first stop on a day trip.

Bakewell Recreational Grounds are centrally located in the town of Bakewell, renowned for its scenic views, markets, and, of course, the famous Bakewell Pudding! You’ll find the recreation park just a short stroll away from the town centre, with easy access to cafes, shops, and the River Wye.

A Brief History of Both Parks

Great Longstone Park has a quaint, community feel. The park is maintained by the village itself and has long been a focal point for local families. Lottery-funded, the park has an abundance of facilities for such a small village. Not only does it have a play park but it also has outdoor gym equipment and a multi-sports court.

It also sits alongside the village cricket field, offering a quintessentially English countryside experience where cricket and community events still play a big role in local life.

Bakewell Recreational Grounds has a longer history tied to the town’s development as a family-friendly destination. Over the years, it has been expanded to include even more facilities. The play park, water area, football fields, tennis courts and paths all contribute to the overall feeling of the recreational grounds. 

What Is There to Do?

Great Longstone Park is a very small village park but has everything a young family could wish for. We were amazed by the facilities on offer for such a small location. We started our day here as we knew it was a small place and wanted to spend the majority of the day in Bakewell. The park includes:

• Play Area: The play area consists of a huge wooden boat amongst other equipment of which the children loved. We played various games on the structure which included a slide and a small climbing wall. 
• Cricket Field: The cricket field was empty during our visit but we were told by a local dog walker that they have regular cricket matches within the Summer months. She also informed us that many events are held on the field and there’s a real community spirit.
• Multi-Sports Area: There is a small court that can be used for basketball or football. Matilda and Barney had a kickabout here, and it’s ideal for slightly older kids wanting a bit more structure to their play.
• Outdoor Gym: We always enjoy an Outdoor gym station. The kids like these as much as the play areas! It’s great to see this in a rural village and it was really fun to use. 

Bakewell Recreational Grounds is larger and has a lot more to offer, which is great for families who want to spend a good chunk of their day outdoors. Here’s what we loved:

• Play Park: The play area here is brilliant! It’s bigger than Great Longstone’s, with more challenging climbing structures and swings for all ages. 
• Children’s splash pad: This wasn’t open at the time of visiting (seasonal opening times) but there’s a splash pad area for the kids to enjoy. This is a nice addition and I imagine it’s well used in the Summer holidays.
• Riverside Walks: The recreation grounds are right next to the River Wye, and we had a lovely walk along the riverbank.
• Paddling Area: There’s a designated spot where kids can safely paddle in the river—a real treat on a warm day. It was cold at the time of visiting so we weren’t in a position to enjoy this. We are planning a Summer visit.
• Wide Open Spaces: There’s plenty of space to set up a picnic, kick a ball, or just let the kids run wild. It’s a well-stocked recreational space with 2 football pitches, 2 tennis courts as well as the cricket square.

Facilities at the Parks

Great Longstone Park:

• Parking: Limited parking is available along the roadside. It’s free but can get busy, especially during weekends.
• Toilets: There are no public toilets here, which is something to keep in mind if you’re planning a longer visit.
• Benches: A few benches are dotted around and there’s expansive open space to use. Because it’s a small village there are always available benches.
• White Lion Pub: This backs onto the park and is open for lunch most days if you fancy a pub lunch vs a picnic. 

Bakewell Recreational Grounds:

• Picnic Tables: Plenty of picnic tables are available, and there’s ample space for a blanket picnic too.
• Parking: There’s a large pay-and-display car park nearby, which is convenient if you’re planning to explore Bakewell as well.
• Toilets: Public toilets are available near the entrance to the recreation grounds. They’re well-maintained but do come with a charge. You can use cash or by card.
• Cafes & Ice Cream: There are several cafes within walking distance, and we treated ourselves to an ice cream after our picnic. Highly recommend the Bakewell Pudding ice cream for a true taste of the town!

Areas of improvement

Although both parks are great in their own right we always like to critique with small improvements.

Great Longstone Park:

• Toilet Facilities: The lack of toilets is a downside, especially with young children. It’d be great if the village could add some basic facilities here but I understand the complexity of maintaining toilets in rural villages. There is however the pub which is open from 12 so if you go for lunch you could use the toilet. 

Bakewell Recreational Grounds:

• Busy During Peak Times: Given its central location, Bakewell’s recreation grounds can get very busy. If you’re visiting during the school holidays, be prepared for patience within the play area. 
• More Signage: Better signage pointing to the toilets and picnic areas would be helpful, particularly for first-time visitors.

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely! Both parks offer something different, and together they make for a wonderful day out. Great Longstone Park is perfect for a quieter, more relaxed morning, while Bakewell Recreational Grounds offers more activities and variety for children of all ages. The combination of the two meant our kids had a balance of a calm village park and a more bustling, activity-packed afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the parks suitable for toddlers?

Yes, both parks have play areas that cater to toddlers. However, keep in mind that Great Longstone Park has limited facilities compared to Bakewell.

Is there parking available?

Yes, Great Longstone has roadside parking, while Bakewell has a pay-and-display car park close by.

Can you picnic at these parks?

Absolutely! Both parks are great for picnics, with plenty of open space and picnic tables available at Bakewell.

Are the parks dog-friendly?

Yes, both parks welcome dogs, but they must be kept on a lead, especially around play areas and picnic spots.

 Is there a cafe nearby?

Bakewell Recreational Grounds has plenty of cafes nearby, while Great Longstone doesn’t have any onsite they do have a beautiful village shop and the White Lion Pub. The pub was closed when we visited however we bought some Jammy dodgers in the village shop.

Pros & Cons

Parks enjoyment rating

Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Ryan