Swanley Park, a 60-acre green space on the border of South East London and Kent, offers families an affordable day out with a recently refurbished splash pool, a boating lake, and a model steam railway. Entry to the splash pool costs just £1.50 in advance or £2 on the day, while deckchairs can be hired for £3.
Refurbished Splash Pool and Waterslide
The centrepiece of the water park is a large, shallow splash pool designed for all ages, supervised by trained professionals. For thrill-seekers, The Plunge – a 4-metre-high inflatable waterslide – is open to children between 1m and 1.4m tall, sending riders shooting into a pool below.
Boating Lake and Wildlife
The park's 3-acre boating lake offers pedalos, rowboats, and kayaks for 20-minute sessions. The pedalos include swan, flamingo, and dragon-themed designs, accommodating up to five people. The lake is home to herons, cormorants, moorhens, mallards, and Canada geese.
Model Railway and Play Areas
Swanley New Barn Railway, which opened in 1986, celebrates its 40th anniversary with a gala on July 18 and 19. The park also features a large play area with swings, a climbing frame, and a zip wire, plus a dedicated dog park with agility equipment.
Getting There
Swanley Park is located at New Barn Rd, Swanley BR8 7PW, a 10-minute drive from Bexleyheath. Trains from London Bridge to Swanley take 20 minutes.
