Public pools in Northampton

“We took our 6 month old puppy to her first swimming lesson. We were all welcomed by Amy, she was amazing and explained everything that was going to happen and why. Our puppy was given a life jacket and slowly introduced to the slope and water, taking it all at our puppies pace. Amy supported our puppy and gave us really good advice. Our puppy was so happy which made us feel comfortable, safe and smile so much. We will be back as it’s a great, safe place for our puppy to learn. Thank you so much Amy”

“My three labs love coming for play days, my two older Labradors have been coming to Scooby's for 10 years and they still get excited when we pull up outside”

“Had my first experience of Swimcube coaching yesterday. Matt the coach was absolutely brilliant. We had a short chat about my swimming experience and what I wanted to gain from the session. Due to upcoming race in 3 weeks we agreed that we would focus on some smaller changes that would help support my efficiency for the race and then set some larger goals to work on to improve my stroke in the future. From arriving to leaving, Matt made me feel comfortable and relaxed, he was really experienced and made his points really clearly. I was a bit nervous of how I would swim in the pool, but after the first go, I feel you pretty much get the hang of it. Having the live feedback on the screen after every effort was a really game changer. Like most swimmers I had no idea how I looked in the water. With 3 cameras you really get a great idea of how your stroke and body position are in the water (even if its not as great as you expect it to be). After every effort Matt gave me some feedback along side the videos and set something for me to work on in the next set. Time really flies once you are in the pool, as I was a bit worried an hour would be too long, but I was enjoying it so much I didn't want the session to end. I have come away with the all the videos and some analysis from Matt to follow. Overall I came away from the session absolutely buzzing. I have always known my stroke wasn't quite right, and have watched thousands of youtube videos to try and fix it, this essentially led me to trying numerous things without ever really pin pointing my big issue. After an hour at the swimcube I have such a clear picture on what I need to work on to improve. Although there is no shortcut and these changes will take time to implement, its a relief to know exactly what I need to improve on. With the drills given to me from Matt I can go away and work on becoming a better swimmer. Would highly recommend”

“What a great find this place is! Recommended by a friend we visited and were pleasantly surprised to find a large welcoming space with plenty of room for our dogs to run. It is totally secure and communication to gain entry is very efficient. Our dogs enjoyed a good run and explored the activities on offer. Highly recommended, we will be back.”

“We feel so lucky to get to live here for a short time. Just a five minute walk from our front door is King’s Way which leads to the lakes and then into the park. I love to walk our dog so she can run and play but I especially love the swans in the ornamental lake, the forest of beautiful trees and paths, and the sounds of the many birds!”

“We came here to kill a little time before heading to Riverside Hub. What a great playground! So much to do! My kids were running all over and stressing me out with their climbing higher than my heart was comfortable with.”

“We visited Abington Park the other day, just to practice some disc golf at the back of the park. The area was clean, tidy, and a perfect spot for our game. A really nice open space that’s well looked after – ideal for activities like this.”

“We have a husky who is full of energy but unfortunately we can’t let him off the lead as his recall isn’t great. A friend told me about Four Paws Adventure Academy so today we tried it out for the first time. It was such a great experience, our dog absolutely loved it, especially the climbing frame, tunnel and sandpit. We brought his squeaky ball which was a great addition to the big area he had to roam. We felt very safe with the enclosed fencing surrounding the area. We will 100% be returning to Four Paws Adventure Academy, I cannot recommend it enough, especially for dogs you can’t let off the lead normally. Thank you!”

“Lovely autumn walk lots of dogs, and responsible owners, well equipped play area for children, and some outdoor gym equipment, across the road ( pedestrian crossing) to another part of the park free museum, cafe , tennis/ sports courts.”

“A 1 k shale path ok to walk not sure about pushchairs have seen but not tried Plenty of open dpsceidesl for the dog.”

“Great country park with playground area for children, cafe, observatory and a lot of places for picnic. £3.50 for the car park for whole day. There is a fishing available too. Lovely park for families and dog walkers.”

“Plenty of walking trails and play areas for children. Also there is free car parking which can accommodate a lot of vehicles. There are ducks to feed but there a little wary of humans.”

“A really lovely country park, route around the reservoir is just under 5K and really pleasant. Ice cream in the cafe afterwards was top notch. Paying for parking can be fiddly if you haven’t got change .. Apple Pay on my phone wouldn’t work, but was able to sort via the paybyphone app. A great place to relax and spend a few hours.”

“This is a lovely place to get it touch with nature. It is calm, with beautiful scenery. Personally I go here to refresh. You can enjoy it with loved ones.”

“We visited for the Christmas Light Trail. It was absolutely phenomenal. Planned really well. Car parking staff were attentive. Care was taken for the trail to be as accessible as possible given the rain and inevitable mud. We can't wait to attend next year!”

“The park is easy to access off Barkers Lane across a bridge over the river and into the car parks area. One is straight on and there's another to the left after going through the Park gates. The cafe is located by the car park that is straight ahead. Toilets are behind the cafe. Wheelchair access is via a ramp. Dogs aren't allowed in the cafe but there is a large deck seating area out front where dogs are allowed. The country park has picturesque lakes, river walks woodland walks and large open grassy areas for picnics and playing with the dog. There is a large enclosed play area for the children. Fishing is available and the site does observe the close season, see the notice boards for details. There is also a sailing club for those who like to get out on the water. Birdwatchers won't miss out either because there is a lot of wildlife in the park with purpose built hides around the main lake. The main lake has a tarmac path all the way around and is good for wheelchairs etc, it's nice and level, wide too. To go all the way round is 1.3 miles and about 45 minutes. Enjoy”

“This is one of the nicest country parks I know in the area and provides a lovely day out. There’s free car parking for starters and a large and decent cafe at the entrance, which has loads of seating and is open daily. The whole site is well kept and while walking round the lake there’s loads of benches to sit and admire the view. For those with a particular interest in wildlife there’s plenty of signage explaining what you’re able to spot, and a number of covered shelters for proper bird watching. Each of the viewing spots has sweet wooden carved names and there’s a few sculptures along the way to admire too. There’s a couple of walking routes you can take, as well as a nature reserve in the centre, although they request dogs are kept out of there. Once you’re finished with the park there’s the village next door, plus a handful of different pubs easily accessible and pointed out on the maps. A great place and I’ll certainly be returning for a summers day out.”

“Big park with plenty going on when we went. Plenty of spaces for car parking. Toilets on site. A big bar/restaurant where you can order on the app (green king). There is a splash pad which the youngsters will enjoy on a warm day. There was a big inflatable obstacle course, but I don't know if that's a permanent feature. There's play parks and a big boating lake where you can hire pedalos. And a big wheel.”

“Peaceful, good walks and great hides for watching wildlife and, if you like watching trains there is the Haversham Viaduct on the North West mainline from Euston.”

“Personally, a hidden gem in MK. Wasn’t crowded at all on the weekend we went. Nice place for a walk with family and friends. Well maintained. Good for picnics. Different events take place too. Highly recommend”

“What a great place! So much for the kids to do and see. The water feature is great, the climbing frame is well kept and very safe. The toilets are always kept clean and there is a great choice for food and drinks. Actually they have really nice coffee which is rare. Would be good with a few more benches as there is only a few compared to how many visitors they get but bring a picnic blanket and you'll be fine”

“Love Irchester country park it's got lots of different walks, great accessibility to most however an electric chair is a benefit as it can be hilly in places. The are surprises along the way for the children.There is a cafe, a counter outside for ice creams, teas, coffee, hot chocolate, sausage rolls, crisps, pasties and cakes. With picnic benches around to sit on. Beautiful play ground for the children. Tree top climb and great toilet facilities for all abilities”

“Lovely park, well maintained, free parking and has a children’s play area. Has lots of shaded areas under trees and sun spot for those looking to get a tan in the summer months”

“Lovely looked-after area for children and families. Great playground with extensive climbing apparatus, skate park, sand area, new splash park with plenty of fun water fountains, table tennis/ping pong table, picnic area with benches and plenty of green and a popular cafe selling ice creams etc. Close to local car parks, reasonable prices and the town. Highly recommend.”

“Stanton Low Country Park stretches along the Canal , pathways are lengthy and many walkways takes you through gorgeous fields ,and a bridge that takes you in to more farmers fields over the canal , its sign posted quite well , and there is St Peters Church Ruins to have a look at ,In all it is a fantastic walk with children & dogs you choose your path ! There is grass paths to follow on if you want to take the children to the park , which is fantastic ! It has a mini zip line , little huts and climbing frames , a round a bout (without handles) a mini rock climb ,picnic tables and a slide . I must express there is no place to buy food or any public toilet ,and it is very exposed to the elements ie no shaded area ,unless you hustle yourself under a tree ! It's a very popular park , very clean ,and is advised to keep dogs on a leash whilst visiting the children's park in general . Parking I found was limited as the main entrance is on a housing estate.”

“Went here on a weekend, but was pleasantly surprised to find it not to busy! There was lots to do and see, including many animal sculptures/carvings and a storytelling event. The park is mostly wheelchair accessible and can easily be navigated. The only negative was the lack of maps around the park . i really enjoyed my visit and would recommend to anyone.”

“Beautiful walk - plenty to see and once you start walking, you don’t want to stop. Carry on walking along the canal and on to the lime quarry and railway bridge. An easy walk without too much effort!”

“Nice morning at Grafham Water, until the rain caught up. Parking well organised. So much space distancing not an issue. Really enjoyed.”

“A lovely place to walk, and especially walk with a dog. It's so quite and peaceful, it's not to far away, its going to be me and my dog's regular place to walk.”

“Peaceful going through the churchyard, the gardens are lovely, steps going down to the river, and space for picnics.”