Stoke Park is Guildford’s largest and best-known park. It is an extremely diverse and well-used green space, popular with residents and visitors alike. It is also a Green Flag award winning park.
Heritage features that still exist today include the 18th century walled garden which now encloses tennis courts and formal flowerbeds, boating pond, a paddling pool (currently closed until next summer) a crazy golf course, a children’s play area, a sensory garden and a rose garden garden.
The skate park is located behind Guildford College, and it has quirky features and tons of flow. We didn’t realise this was here so didn’t bring the little ones scooters, but next time we will do as looked a lot of fun.
We headed straight to the boating pond where we were able to feed the numerous ducks which were swimming about. It’s a beautiful setting with a large pond where you are able to use model boats here. For those who like things a little on the quieter side, the recently-refurbished Japanese Gardens are an incredible spot for a relaxing stroll in a picturesque setting.
There is also a refreshment kiosk near to the pond which serves a range of not and cold drinks, ice creams, cakes and other tasty cooked food too. We enjoyed sitting here whilst watching all the wildlife, we spotted ducks, birds, squirrels and our favourite Robin too.
The sensory garden is all about stimulating and engaging the five basic senses of sight, smell, sound, touch and taste. This type of garden not only allows you to connect to nature, but encourages you to become more aware of your surroundings and your response to them, tapping into the principles of mindfulness.
There were instruments which the little ones could play music on, static hoppers which they had fun climbing on and pretending to ride. There were some very unusual eye catching wheel spinners, which when you turned them they created an awesome pattern but did make your eyes feel funny. Towards the end of the garden there was also some Totum poles. This area is beautiful kept with gorgeous plants, lots of shrubbery and benches where you can sit and relax peacefully. From sitting here you wouldn’t know that you were in a busy town like Guildford.
The main children’s play area is split into two areas, one designed for the smaller children, and an area for the older ones too. There were plenty of children swings which was great as this is where Noah always heads first. Whereas Isabella decided to tackle the helter skelter – which seemed really high when I was looking up at it, but she did it all on her own.
There is a low climbing frame, hoppers, swings, basket swings and slide for the smaller chicken to enjoy. Then for the older children is more swings for them, and also an impressive linking frame, which has various cargo nets for climbing, rope bridges, tunnels, and a fireman’s pole. There are also balancing beams for them to walk alongside. A lot of thought has gone into this park and the bright colours make it very appealing for the children.
Dogs are welcome at the park, with 52 hectares to explore, it’s the perfect place for your four-legged friends to get some exercise too – but they must be kept on a lead while in the garden areas.
Stoke Park Guildford Parking
There is a small public car park on Nightingale Road (GU1 1ER) which is accessible via the Home Farm entrance. There is a four hour free parking limit between 6am to 6pm.
The student car park at Guildford College (GU1 1EZ) can be used after 6pm weekdays and is open to the public all day during weekends and college holidays.
There is also a public car park at the end of Lido Road (GU1 1HB), which has a four hour free parking limit between 6am to 6pm.
If you’re looking for more toddler activities in Guildford, check out the Guildford toddler groups guide.
