lovely park, great for dogs and kidsread more

Lings Forum is a complex with quite a comprehensive range of activities available ranging from a…read moregym to a cinema, which is central to the whole east side of Northampton. There is also a swimming pool, which is nothing special but is nice to have available in the area as the other nearest pool is in the town centre. Because of this, there are a lot of schools that book the public pool during school hours for lessons etc, so it can be quite difficult to get chance to go for a swim during these times. Definately worth planning ahead. The gym in the complex is only a few years old and contains some of the most up-to-date gym equipment in the town. There are also indoor tennis courts, basketball courts and football pitches available for private bookings. All-in-all a very good, well thought out complex that provides a great deal of entertainment and activities for most people.

great place keep fit has its own gym and pool for adults and…read morekids do swimming lessons and has cinama little cafe watch kids swim have coffee Lings Forum Leisure Centre Billing Brook Road Weston Favell Northampton NN3 8JR Telephone: 01604 837 300

in the day it's a great outdoor space for assorted leisure activities, although can be the 'hang…read moreout' of undesirable groups (i've been abused on a number of occasions whenout jogging around there) at night it can be quite a dangerous place, especially in the centre which dips down a little, so is out of sight of the roads surrounding those new to northampton are advised to walk around the racecourse & not directly across it at night

The Racecourse has a long tradition of being the major open space in the town for both regular…read moreformal sports and for major events, the largest of which is currently the annual town/balloon festival, elements of which were formerly located in Abington Park. The eastern side is surrounded by fine Victorian housing and with the Listed Pavilion within the park forms Kingsley Conservation Area. The western end includes the earlier heritage connections of St Andrew's Priory buildings. This open space of just over 118 acres and notably one of the largest landmarks in the town and it received its present name when it became a venue for horse racing. Today the site is the home for one of the largest balloon festivals and the biggest single outdoor sports area in the county and has swings for kids nice restaraunt bowls to

Great local facility. Teaming with wildlife. There's a two mike walk around the reservoir, ideal…read morefor dogs, provided you're prepared for bath time afterwards in the winter. There's a little cafe and a reasonable amount of paid for parking.

Very nice park this is…read more There is a large play park for the kids to play in including swings, slides, climbing frames, bouncing toys etc And of course the lake which is very big and full of ducks and swans. There are toilets and a reasonably priced cafe! Its a really nice day out, but unless you are prepared for rain make it on a sunny day as there is little shelter!

This is a great indoor play area for kids with lots of space for them to run around as it is…read morebasically a big warehouse! Two large trampolines, climbing frames, slides, ball pits etc. They also have a soft play area for very young children and an indoor basketball/football area. They have two party rooms which are quite small and the party packages are overpriced. It is a great place to take younger (pre school) children for a run around, but the toilets are very small and cramped. The communal coffee area for parents is often grubby and dirty. Snacks and drinks are very expensive and poor quality. Security is not great so keep an eye on your purse! It is also down to you to keep an eye on the children. General entry prices are pretty reasonable, but the whole place always looks like it needs a good clean!

we've taken our son here a number of times & have found it to be a great facility…read more nice surroundings for adults & children. cafe good. comfortable. & the little 'un really enjoys it. which makes it easier for us.

This a great country park located just off the A6116, near Brigstock. As well as the park there is…read morea play area and a cafe. The park is great for dog walking and has some great woods and meadows. There is a beautiful lake with so much wildlife - we always spend ages spotting frogs and counting dragon flies - they're huge! Walks are marked but I always manage to get lost. A very plus for this park is that there is a paved route so you can take a buggy. The play area is very good, and has a sand area - so take a bucket and spade. It has the usual equipment: slides, swings, but also has a zip wire. It's enclosed, so quite secure. The cafe is very nice too and has outside seating. It has a good selection of food and drink, as well selling cards and small toys. The only downside is that you have to pay 2.00 parking.

A partnership between Forestry Commission and Northamptonshire County Council has created Fermyn…read moreWoods Country Park, the county's largest park. Situated in the heart of the Rockingham Forest, the park offers fantastic woodlands, meadows, thickets, marshes and ponds to explore.

Harlestone Firs isn't just a saw mill, it is a huge expanse of woodland open to the public and…read moreeasily accessible in its location just off the main road - A428. It is a perfect place for a stroll on a pleasant day and is so big you could get lost! Although chances are you would bump into someone sooner or later since Harlestone Firs is hugely popular, not just with walkers but with joggers, cyclists and horse-riders. It is also dog-friendly. Parking is right outside, across the road but on busy days it is difficult to get a space. There is a big garden centre opposite however with ample parking and the garden centre is well worth a visit too and has a cafe and toilets.

Farnborough Hall is a great National Trust run House and Gardens near Banbury in Oxfordshire. We…read morevisited the Hall last summer for a picnic. The house first of all is stunning, it is recommended to go on a sunny day, we did and the house looked amazing, the outside has a beautiful honey-coloured stone frontage, and looks wonderful in the summer light. The landscape gardens are quite spectacular, created in 1740, the parkland is scattered with temples and sculptures. The house has some amazing plasterwork, from the 18th century we were told. Our picnic was great, there are designated picnic areas for families which was suitable, clean and well maintained. From there we have lovely views too. We did a set walk in the afternoon, the so-called 'temple walk' which was great and took in the main areas of the park. The surrounding area of Avon Dassett is wonderful and famously beautiful with big hills and pretty villages. A day muchly enjoyed by all, but do go during the summer months!