Farnham Park St James' Avenue Play Area

Farnham Park St James' Avenue Play Area sounds like part play area, part park day out. The reviews describe a lovely, peaceful setting with good views, a secure fence, benches for grown-ups and space for ball games, picnics and dog walks nearby. It’s the sort of place where you can let the children off the leash without needing to hover quite as much as usual. What works well is the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that there’s enough to keep younger children occupied while parents or grandparents sit down. The fencing is a proper plus for families with little runners, and the park setting gives it more breathing room than a standard patch of municipal kit. There’s also a café mentioned nearby, which is always useful if you need a hot drink and a biscuit to restore order. The downsides are fairly clear. One review mentions slippery mats by the slide and a roundabout that doesn’t spin very well, which is not exactly a glowing endorsement of the equipment. Toilets are also limited, with none apart from the café by the car park, so plan accordingly. This looks best as a pleasant, free park stop rather than a destination playground with loads of wow factor.