Phoenix Lane Play Area

Phoenix Lane Play Area sits on the outskirts of Newark, a straightforward neighbourhood spot where local kids burn off energy on standard equipment. You get swings, a slide, climbing frames - nothing fancy, but it does the job on a dry afternoon. The space is open and reasonably well-maintained, though it's the sort of place you'd visit because you're staying nearby rather than planning a trip around it.

Families with young children will find it useful for an hour or so, particularly if you're camping or glamping in the area. It's free to use and there's no faffing about with opening hours - you just turn up. Parking is straightforward, which is a bonus in an era when half the play areas in England require you to circle for ten minutes.

What makes it worth knowing about is its proximity to the glamping sites scattered across this part of Nottinghamshire. If you're staying at Witham Grange Glamping or Secret Garden Glamping - both within three miles - Phoenix Lane offers a reliable outlet when the weather's decent and the kids need to run around. It won't set your heart racing, but it's honest work. The wider Newark area has other attractions to justify a visit, so use this as part of a broader day out rather than a destination in itself. Older children might find it a bit basic, and there's little shade, so visit early in the day during summer.