CHIPSTEAD PARK
Where – Chevening Road, Chipstead.
Playground – contained playground for children of all ages.
Recreational Area – A large green area surrounds the playground.
Suitable for dogs – Yes. There is a large field for dogs to run around by the playground.
Parking – Free Car Park although this gets very busy during school drop off and pick up times.
Refreshments – Bring your own or take aways are available from Eat n’ Mess café (a short drive en route) or The Bricklayers arms (a short walk).
Our opinion – A lovely playground suitable for all ages – is popular with children from Chevening School so unless local, it is better to visit out of school drop off and pick up times.
DUNTON GREEN PARK
Where – Dunton Green TN13 2UR
Playground – area targeted for small children is contained with playground suitable for older children outside of this.
Recreational Area – A large green area surrounds the playground with football goals, courts for tennis and basketball as well as outdoor exercise equipment.
Suitable for dogs – Yes. There is a large field for dogs to run around behind the playground and a great path for cycling.
Picnic – A few benches available.
Parking – Free Car Park.
Refreshments – Bojangles coffee shop is a short walk from the playground.
Our opinion – A lovely playground suitable for all ages. Currently one of the roundabouts is fenced off for repair. Hopefully that will be fixed soon!
HALSTEAD PARK
Where – Station Rd, Halstead, Sevenoaks TN14 7DH (Centre of the village)
Playground – Large, partly contained playground recently updated and including a zip wire. Some play equipment is outside of the fence.
Recreational Area – A large quiet green/field area surrounds the playground with a court suitable for ball games or learning to ride a bike. The field is big enough for a football/cricket match. The grass is sometimes a little long so wellies may be needed.
Suitable for dogs – There is a large field for dogs to run around.
Picnic – A few benches inside the gated playground area and there is also a hut next to the playground. The green is suitable for picnic rugs.
Parking – Car Park.
Refreshments – Polhill Garden Centre nearby or Hancock’s Village Store.
Our opinion – A lovely, quiet playground suitable for all ages. There is also a village hall, The Pavilion, that can be hired out. A MUST visit!
HILDENBOROUGH, WEST WOOD (main road)
Where – Hildenborough, Tonbridge, TN11 9HY
Playground – Large fenced playground suitable for primary aged children. A slide outside of the gated area which is great fun for children.
Situated on the apex of Leigh Road and Tonbridge Road this beautiful natural woodland provides walks, a playground and practice goal as well as picnic facilities and a pump cycle track. The whole area is around 10 acres.
Recreational area – A lovely large green area surrounds the playground. A wide path/lane with no car access runs alongside the playground. This is great for children on bikes.
Suitable for dogs – Dogs can run around the surrounding green area.
Picnic – There are some benches within the playground area, or you can enjoy a picnic on the green space that surrounds the playground.
Parking – Parking on Leigh Road which is next to the playground. There is also a little road that has a gate and bollards in front of the path that leads up to the playground. You can park alongside the pavement in front of this.
Refreshments – Riding Cafe is nearby. A small independent cafe and worth a visit.
Our opinion – This a great playground for all ages and the equipment is very fun for kids. There is space to ride bikes along the wide path/lane or on the green area. You could spend a while here.
HILDENBOROUGH, RIDING LANE
Where – Recreation Ground, Riding Lane, Hildenborough.
Playground – suitable of all ages of children and has a contained fence.
Recreational area – There is a pavilion, facilities for football, tennis and cricket as well as a fitness area and ballpark (baseball). A path surrounds the field which could be good for bike riding. There are 11 acres set in picturesque surroundings for residents to enjoy.
Suitable for dogs – There is a large field area where dogs can run around.
Picnic – benches inside of the playground and lots of picnic space on the surrounding recreational ground.
Parking – large free car park.
Refreshments – Riding Cafe nearby.
Our opinion – A great playground with picturesque surroundings and lots to do. The White Rock Inn, Underriver is a super pub a short drive from the playground. It has a large garden and lots of parking.
IDE HILL
Where – Camberwell Lane, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6JN
Playground – situated behind The Cock Inn Pub and at the top of a large recreational area. It is contained by a fence. The playground is suitable for all ages.
Recreational area – large open space next to playground with football goals. A nearby court can be used for bike riding or ball games.
Suitable for dogs – The area around the playground is suitable for dogs.
Picnic – There are picnic benches in the playground area and areas for a picnic rug on the recreational ground.
Parking – There is parking behind the pub or along the road next to the green in the centre of Ide Hill.
Refreshments – You can get a coffee or drink at the pub when it is open, or you can take a picnic with you.
Our opinion – Ide Hill Playground is great for kids and has stunning views of the fields across from it. To the right of the church is a National Trust Path which leads to a field of donkeys. Take a few carrots and feed them – with a flat hand! The Cock Inn is open for lunch and dinner, and The Community Shop sells tea & cakes – so you could spend a lot of time in Ide Hill.
IDE HILL – GOATHURST COMMON
Where – Goathurst Common
This playground is a little difficult to find but once you have, it is worth it.
You can park in Stubbs Wood car park (TN14 6JA) and cross over the road to the lane opposite. You come to another lane on the left a few minutes down this road which goes back on itself. If you take that lane (it has a post box and playground signpost) you will find the playground halfway along it.
Playground – recently been upgraded. There is a fenced play area and recreation ground offering sport and play for children of all ages. There is also a wooden trim trail that is outside of the fenced playground area.
Recreational area – A large green area with two large size football goals.
Suitable for dogs – The green space is suitable for dogs.
Picnic – There is lots of space for a picnic. There is also a bench or two in the playground fenced area.
Parking – This is a residential area, there is parking at Stubbs Wood car park, and it is a 5 -10 minutes’ walk from there.
Refreshments – Bring your own. The Cock Inn and the Pheasant Plucker pubs are not far from here if you want to stop for lunch or dinner.
Our opinion – The playground has recently been upgraded bringing a rejuvenated play space to this idyllic area. It is quite difficult to find but it is worth the visit.
IGHTHAM
Where – Woodland Steep, Sevenoaks Road, Ightham, Sevenoaks TN15 9DS
Playground – large, contained playground area with a good mix of climbing apparatus.
Recreational area – A large green area including football pitch.
Suitable for dogs – The green space is suitable for dogs.
Picnic – There is lots of space for a picnic.
Parking – Large free car park.
Refreshments – The Hutch Deli across the road is open for breakfast & lunch.
Our opinion – a little further out if you are not local but worth a visit.
OTFORD PARK
Where – Heart of Otford Village 78 High Street, TN14 5PH
Playground – good sized contained playground suitable for all ages.
Recreational area – An enormous green space for walking and playing. Courts nearby for tennis etc.
Suitable for dogs – Very popular with dog owners.
Picnic – There is lots of space for a picnic including benches
Parking – Ticketed – First hour is free but you require a ticket and payment thereafter.
Refreshments – Bring your own or there is a choice of cafes and pubs in the village – a short distance on foot.
Our opinion – A great playground, well worth a visit. The village make it a perfect way to pass a morning or afternoon returning home with tired children! For older children and adults, you can take a footpath through the recreational ground out to Shoreham – where you will find great pubs, cafes and a Vineyard!
SEVENOAKS,BRADBOURNE LAKES
Where – Lambarde Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3HU
Playground – No playground
Recreational area – Lakes with path and grass area around them. Paths are great for confident mini cyclists. There is a machine that dispenses duck food. This is £1.50 and it is helpful to bring along a small bag or container for this.
Suitable for dogs – Dogs can be walked around the lakes and green area.
Picnic – There are some benches around the edge of the lakes where you can enjoy lunch or a snack.
Parking – Parking is along the roadside.
Refreshments – Bring your own or you could stop at Malabar in Riverhead and get a takeaway.
Our opinion – This is a pretty area and is great for feeding the ducks and walking around. It is especially lovely when the ducklings are there. The children love finding them and pointing them out.
SEVENOAKS BUCKHURST LANE PLAY AREA (Behind Sevenoaks Leisure Centre)
Where – Behind Sevenoaks Leisure Centre TN13 1LW
Playground – A small safe play area contained for Infants with a nearby junior section.
Recreational area – Lots of space to run around.
Suitable for dogs – Yes but on leads.
Parking – Parking available in nearby car parks (Town Council fees apply)
Refreshments – can take out from Leisure centre or bring your own.
Our opinion – a safe area for small children with recent improvements from The Town Council. A shame that you must pay for parking but if you use the leisure centre first you can register your car for FREE parking.
SEVENOAKS – HOLLYBUSH
Where – Holmesdale Road, TN13 3XL
Playground – A safe contained play area suitable for all ages and a good variety of play apparatus.
Recreational area – Lots of space to run around behind the playground. Tennis, Pickleball and Padel courts – booking in advance recommended.
Suitable for dogs – a very popular area for dog owners.
Parking – Free Parking in carpark off Holmesdale Road and Hollybush Lane.
Refreshments – The Lodge Coffee Shop on site offer a wide range of food and refreshments.
Our opinion – a popular destination for Sevenoaks Families. If you have older children, it is a great place to start and finish a walk into and around Knole Park. Ask where the keyhole gate is!
SEVENOAKS – MOUNT CLOSE PLAYGROUND (off Pontoise Close, Sevenoaks)
Where – Mount Close TN13 3EG – tucked away at the top of Pontoise Close, between two houses, and a short stroll from the nearby park.
Playground – perfect for younger children. A safe space to explore and enjoy their outdoor adventures. For those with older kids, Pontoise Close playground see below.
Recreational area – There is a green area that surrounds the playground. Sometimes you can see trains pass along top of bank.
Suitable for dogs – The green area outside of the playground. The playground has a fence around it.
Picnic – There is lots of space on the green for picnics.
Parking – Parking along the roadside.
Refreshments – Bring your own or you could stop at Malabar in Riverhead and get a takeaway.
Our opinion – The playground is great for younger children, and the surrounding green area is also good for them to run around. It is close by to the larger playground in Pontoise Close.
SEVENOAKS – PONTOISE CLOSE
Where – Pontoise Close Play Area, Sevenoaks, TN13 3ES. As you drive into Pontoise Close, the playground is on the right.
Playground – aimed at older children with equipment including swings, slide and climbing frame. The park has several benches, parking area and football posts.
Recreational area – There is a large green area that surrounds the playground. Woodland walks and open spaces of grass make this a fantastic place for families.
Suitable for dogs – The green area outside of the playground is suitable for dogs. The playground has a fence around it.
Picnic – There is lots of space on the green for picnics.
Parking – There is a large free car park.
Refreshments – Bring your own or you could stop at Malabar in Riverhead and get a takeaway.
Our opinion – The playground is great for older children, and the surrounding green area is also good for them to run around. It is close by to the smaller playground which is suitable for toddlers.
SEVENOAKS WILDLIFE RESERVE – Opens 2nd March 2026
Playground still under construction
Where – Bradbourne Vale Road, TN13 3DH (next to riding stables)
Playground – New playground will bring learn through play ethos to life – enhanced sensory garden.
Recreational area – Improved paths and opportunities to explore the Wildlife Reserve will be available for all ages and abilities. Enhanced Sensory Garden.
Suitable for dogs – No due to wildlife.
Parking – Charged Parking Weekdays £2.50 Weekends £3.50 (No Cash) tbc
Refreshments – Café with indoor seating and a shop selling local products.
Our opinion – we eagerly await the opening of this much-loved destination.
WOODLAND PARK, WEALD PLAYGROUND
Where – Sevenoaks Weald, TN14 6PT – Off Long Barn Road (on the same road as the Weald shop).
Playground – Fenced playground with a second fenced area with further play equipment. Designed for children up to the age of 14.
Recreational area – Large green area next it. Fun to fly a foam glider plane, play football or any ball game. There is a path in the far corner of the green that leads into the wooded area. The path runs in between fields so you may get to see a tractor!
Suitable for dogs – The green area and walk through the woods are suitable for dogs.
Picnic – tables within both playground areas. Great space for picnic rugs on the green area.
Parking – There is a car park in front of the village hall and next to the playground.
Refreshments – The Village Community Shop serves coffee and has fresh bread and other items. Open mornings only.
Our opinion – Lovely and quiet and adults can relax too as it is all very safe and secure. Take a seat and watch the children whilst enjoying your coffee. Giacomo’s Restaurant is nearby and is open for lunch and dinner. There is a large green area next to the car park. The Windmill Pub is on this green so you can pop in for a drink or take away to enjoy.
*Please note: regarding above – all playground areas that are fenced off do not allow dogs into.
If you have anything you would like to add, please email contactus@sevenoaksmums.com. We have visited every playground and believe the information was accurate at the time of publishing, but if any updates or amendments are needed please let us know. HAVE FUN EXPLORING!
Author: Helen Loder
Co-Director of Sevenoaks Mums