This park is a bit of a jack of all trades in the fact that so much is there for such a variety of…read morepeople. As, it isn't that well known it is only really busy in the best of summer days which in my opinion lets it down a bit. The playground area is one of the best around with tonnes of things to keep the kids busy for atleast a couple of hours. The park itself is kept well and surrounded by trees which encloses it slightly. This place is perfect if you want to get out of the office and have a bit of lunch and get into the sunshine which I have done on numerous occasions in the past. The tennis courts offer those who can't stay still, a chance to burn off all that energy.

Blaker's Park is a smaller local park wedged between Preston Drove on the south end and Stanford…read moreAvenue at the north end. It is much more compact park than Preston Park down the road and works perfectly for families and young kids. The whole park is on a slope which makes it a little more difficult for portable barbecues but great for rolling down the hill! As you walk down the grassy slope from Stanford Avenue you reach a lovely red brick clock tower and a small cafe stand (great coffee, GREAT cakes!) and two tennis courts in excellent condition (free before 10am). Next to the tennis courts is a small playground for young kids with a sandpit, slide and various climbing frames- as well as some picnic tables for parents. Grab a coffee and watch your kids burn off their energy!

Bates Green Farm has been opening up its ancient woods for walkers to see the bluebells every…read morespring for 39 years. Situated between Lewes and Eastbourne, it's become a very popular (and award-winning) seasonal visitor attraction, and raises a lot of money for local charities in the process. A number of trails are provided, some just through the bluebell woods, but others taking in more countryside, if that appeals to you. You can walk for up to 4 miles if you plan it well, or just over half a mile (1km) if all all you want to see is the bluebells. Maps are available as you enter. The farm has a tea-room with cakes and sandwiches, as well as stalls run by local charities selling gifts, greetings cards, books, home-made jams and chutneys; and a farmers' market. This is still a working farm, so if you want to, you can even watch the cows being milked in the dairy! The website has full details of all the attractions. The main walk is suitable for wheelchairs (albeit rather bumpy), and mobility scooters can be hired. Full details are on the website. Dogs are allowed (but must be on a lead) but cyclists are not allowed to ride through the woods. (A rail is provided to which bikes can be securely locked.) Car parking is in an adjacent field. There's a picnic area, though you can't picnic in the woods themselves. The farm hosts school visits as well - the woodlands are an important wildlife conservation habitat. In 2011 entry for adults was £4.

From the owner: The Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trails are open between April and May. Six walks covering…read morewoodlands, fields, riverbanks and three working farms. Open during the spring, the walk through Beatons Wood is wheelchair friendly and provides an opportunity to enjoy enchanting vistas of wood anemones and bluebells. On this walk there are seats for you to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the ancient oak and hornbeam wood. Along all of the walks there are illustrated information signs describing the flora and fauna of the countryside. With busy tearooms and other attractions the walks help raise money for national charities and local projects.

There is walks and there sign posted through the trees. The songs of birds in the wind on a summers…read moreevening really is quite pleasant. There is the wild meadow and that has a small football pitch. There is allotments tucked away top and bottom end. We'll worth a visit and not many local people know it's there.

Easthill Park is a large mixed-use park next to the Portslade Village, north of the A270…read more Formerly part of the park of Easthill House, built in 1851, now it is a public park cared for by Brighton & Hove City Council. It comprises a large grassy area with a football pitch, a small wooded area and a wildflower area, a delightful walled garden and a well-equipped children's play area. There is a small garden of remembrance next to the war memorial. The park won a coveted 'Green Flag' award in 2007. Practicalities The park has toilets, a car-park and is close to the 1/1A bus route, with frequent services to central Brighton.

This park built in 1851 has been around for centuries! It is the life and soul of the local area as…read moreit literally is completely surrounded by housing so that it is well sheltered from ouside noises. It has a top park with all sorts of climbing frames and swings, a football pitch and a historical memorial to give it some culture. It was awarded the 2008 green flag award which I assume means it must be good. I spent a lot of time playing man hunt and gladiators in this park. Also, there is a great place to play wembley as there are 2 trees the perfect distance apart and a wall 5 yards behind so you do not keep losing your balls. Dog walking is a bit part of the park with people walking dogs all day long and I am sure they often time it so that in the early evening a few people meet up and have a chat whilst doing so.

West Dean Annual Chilli Festival is getting bigger and better every year. The festival is held…read moreover 3 days and camping is now available. Funfair with galloping horses, big wheel, childrens rides and roundabouts. Lots of food stalls arranged around a main stage. The weekend programme includes LIVE latin-infused music on stage (from midday until 11pm each night, Sunday 9pm) Live acts include The Jive Aces, Lokito, Robin Jones & King Salsa, dancers Patrick Helm & Crystal Main and DJ Taz. Loads of stalls with lots of chilli produce, chilli chocolate, jam, jelly sweets, lights, garden ornaments, plants, seeds, jewellery, aprons, chopping boards, the list is endless. You think it, you can probably find it here. One of the hottest things we tasted was a sauce called Sarans Sh*t. Tasted vile, but the kick was amazing. Mouth on fire, lips and tongue numb, wowee, if you get there it's on Chilli Pete's stall I think. Very busy though, might be an idea to stay for the weekend so you wander Round when most people have left for the evening. We'll be back next year for the chilli festival, but will visit before for the lovely gardens.

From the owner: Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest…read morerestored gardens open to the public today. Visitors can explore a wide range of historic features on a gentle walk around the grounds. From surreal trees to the restored walled garden, West Dean Gardens proudly presents its rich creative and social heritage.

Hove Park is the largest public green area in the local vicinity, featuring a basketball court,…read morekids playground, football pitch, climbing boulder, tennis courts bowling green and a popular miniature steam railway that opens again in March 2010. For joggin, dog walking or impromptu rounders games Hove Park is the best place to go as it's rarely at full capacity. Another point of interest is the large rock situated in the southwest corner. Weighing more than 20 tones, Goldstone rock is said to have been worshiped by the Druids around 2000 years ago. In the summer months various travelling fairs and local events take place on its premises, all of which will be advertised well in advance so you don't get caught out. Also, as its perimeter is lined with horse-chestnut trees it's a prime place for finding conkers.

Although I mainly experience Hove Park through the eyes of a slightly overweight, slightly…read moreunder-fit runner its still a beautiful place. Its a large park making it suitable for running and cycling and provides a number of other facilities such as tennis courts, five-a-side and full size football pitches, a basketball court, a climbing area and a cafe. It has a children's play area and a miniature railway that runs during the summer season, and it also plays host to a number of organised fitness events such as the saturday morning 5k parkrun and British Military Fitness. It tends to be full of of dogs and small children at the weekend which lend themselves as interesting obstacles to dodge (mostly successfully) while out on my runs. However, I would have to agree with India T in that I wouldn't feel particularly safe running here at night as its not very well lit and the middle area can be quite secluded.