The Rec play park, Coggeshall: A nature-inspired hidden gem

The play area itself is well thought out, with enough to keep toddlers and older kids happy. There’s a good-sized climbing frame with slides, swings for all ages (including a toddler-friendly one). The roundabout is a decent one—not too fast but still exciting enough—and there’s a seesaw for little ones who love the back-and-forth fun. It’s not the biggest play area around, but it’s got the essentials covered, and it never feels overly crowded.

For kids who aren’t fussed about play equipment, the open field next to the park is ideal for a proper runaround. It’s a great space for football, frisbee, or just letting off steam. On warmer days, you’ll often see families setting up picnics while the kids burn off energy, and it’s got that nice ‘local park’ vibe where everyone just does their own thing.

One of the nice touches is how well-kept the park is. The equipment is in good condition, the grass is usually tidy, and it’s a park that clearly gets looked after. There’s plenty of space around the play area, so it never feels too hemmed in, and it’s got a mix of shade and open spots, which is handy depending on the weather.

The Rec has a few little extras that make it stand out, apart from it's all-wooden and nature inspired play equipment, there's a mini trampoline—always a favourite with kids who love to bounce. There’s also a balance trail, which is great for testing coordination, and a small rock-climbing wall on the main play structure that gives little adventurers something to tackle. The "bug hotel" and sensory board is also great for little ones to explore and offer something more nature-inspired than your typical park. The mix of equipment means there’s plenty to keep kids entertained without it feeling overcrowded, and because everything is spaced out nicely, there’s room for everyone to play without getting in each other’s way.

If your kids love a bit of nature spotting, there are hedgerows and trees lining the park, often busy with birds, squirrels, and the odd rabbit if you’re lucky. It’s not a full-on nature reserve, but it’s got just enough greenery to make it feel like more than just a playground.

The only real downside is that there aren’t any toilets on-site, so it’s worth planning ahead, especially if you’ve got younger kids. Parking is also a bit limited—there are some spaces nearby along the road, but it’s a short walk from the main village if you can’t find a spot right next to it.

Overall, The Rec is one of those parks that’s simple but does exactly what you need it to. It’s a great option for younger kids, an easy spot for a casual play date, and a nice change from the bigger, busier playgrounds. If you’re in the area and fancy an hour or two outdoors, it’s definitely worth a visit and tops our list for one of the best nature inspired play parks in Essex.

Tucked away in the heart of Coggeshall, the play park—better known locally as ‘The Rec’—is a proper hidden gem for families. It’s not a huge, flashy playground, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s got a solid mix of play equipment, a big open field for kids to run riot, and a friendly, community feel that makes it a great spot for a relaxed afternoon.