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Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
UK's oldest ‘new town' home to award-winning free attraction and is just 20 minutes from London
Plus, another attraction in Hertfordshire that's been called "the "Little Provence" SPLASH AROUND UK's oldest 'new town' home to award-winning free attraction and is just 20 minutes from London Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE first wave of 'new towns' in the UK started back in the 1940s - and those who want to visit the oldest should head to Stevenage. The New Town was founded in 1946 to house Londoners after World War II and relief the over-crowding and shortages of homes in the city. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Stevenage is split into a New and Old Town Credit: Alamy 5 The newer town is home to a big shopping centre Credit: Alamy The goal set by the government was to provide housing, employment, and a healthier environment for families relocating from London. Stevenage remains split into two parts, the Old Town and New Town. The Old Town side of Stevenage has retained its historical charm with a small high street and Grade I listed buildings. The award-winning attraction, Fairlands Valley Park is in part of the New Town of Stevenage. Fairlands Valley Park is also award-winning having been recognised with several Green Flag Awards, celebrating its high standards as a green space. It won a Green Flag Award for 10 consecutive years between 2010 and 2020. It was also once voted as one of the UK's leading free visitor attractions. Inside the park is a completely free play park suitable for children with swings, climbing frames and tunnels. Fairlands Valley Park is also home to a splash park which will open on May 25, for the summer season. The splash park is completely free and there you'll find fountains, interactive water features as well as a food kiosk. The historic UK town with the largest Japanese cherry tree orchard in the world 5 Fairlands Valley Park has a splash park that's completely free Credit: ParksHerts 5 An inflatable course is set up on one of the four the lakes during the summer Credit: AquaParcs The park itself is set across 120 acres in the heart of Stevenage, and 11 acres of that is a sailing lake. The Sailing Centre within the park offers wet and non-water activities for adults and children - which do require a fee. On the lake, you can do canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, angling, and even powerboat courses. On land, the centre runs classes like orienteering, power kiting, grass sledging and there's also a new ropes course and climbing wall. In total though there are four lakes in the park. The others are the Millennium Lake which is used for boating, the Environment Lake is where you'll find wildlife from amphibians, squirrels and foxes. There's also the Balancing Pond which is at the Fairlands Farm End and only turns into a lake during heavy rainfall. Also during the summer, a huge Aqua Parcs inflatable assault course is set out on the main lake with multiple slides and obstacles. Throughout the year, inside the park is hosted events like markets, festivals, car shows and boot sales as well as Christmas light switch-on. Anyone wanting to head to Fairlands Valley Park from London will be pleased to know that a journey can take as little as 20 minutes from Kings Cross station. Plus, our travel team's favourite day trips in the South East from pubs with a view to quiet beaches. And a blooming great day out in the UK that doesn't have to cost the earth. Hertfordshire also has European-style attraction that's been dubbed "Little Provence" by visitors.
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
UK's oldest ‘new town' home to award-winning free attraction and is just 20 minutes from London
THE first wave of 'new towns' in the UK started back in the 1940s - and those who want to visit the oldest should head to Stevenage. The New Town was founded in 1946 to house Londoners after World War II and relief the over-crowding and shortages of homes in the city. Advertisement 5 Stevenage is split into a New and Old Town Credit: Alamy 5 The newer town is home to a big shopping centre Credit: Alamy The goal set by the government was to provide housing, employment, and a healthier environment for families relocating from London. The Old Town side of Stevenage has retained its historical charm with a small high street and Grade I listed buildings. The award-winning attraction, Fairlands Valley Park is in part of the New Town of Stevenage. Advertisement Read More on Free Attractions Fairlands Valley Park is also award-winning having been recognised with several Green Flag Awards, celebrating its high standards as a green space. It won a Green Flag Award for 10 consecutive years between 2010 and 2020. It was also once voted as one of the UK's leading free visitor attractions. Inside the park is a completely free play park suitable for children with swings, climbing frames and tunnels. Advertisement Most read in Family Exclusive Fairlands Valley Park is also home to a The splash park is completely free and there you'll find fountains, interactive water features as well as a food kiosk. The historic UK town with the largest Japanese cherry tree orchard in the world 5 Fairlands Valley Park has a splash park that's completely free Credit: ParksHerts 5 An inflatable course is set up on one of the four the lakes during the summer Credit: AquaParcs Advertisement The park itself is set across 120 acres in the heart of Stevenage, and 11 acres of that is a sailing lake. The On the lake, you can do On land, the centre runs classes like orienteering, power kiting, grass sledging and there's also a new ropes course and climbing wall. Advertisement In total though there are four lakes in the park. The others are the Millennium Lake which is used for boating, the Environment Lake is where you'll find wildlife from amphibians, squirrels and foxes. There's also the Balancing Pond which is at the Fairlands Farm End and only turns into a lake during heavy rainfall. Also during the summer, a huge Aqua Parcs inflatable assault course is set out on the main lake with multiple slides and obstacles. Advertisement Throughout the year, inside the park is hosted events like markets, festivals, car shows and boot sales as well as Christmas light switch-on. Anyone wanting to head to Fairlands Valley Park from London will be pleased to know that a journey can take as little as 20 minutes from Plus, our And a Advertisement 5 Fairlands Valley Park is set across 250 acres Credit: ParksHerts
South Wales Argus
28-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Prioritising wellbeing through Newport's green spaces
As a multicultural city with green spaces, Newport highlights how time outdoors can play a pivotal role in supporting both mental and physical wellbeing. Two of the city's most beloved locations–Green Flag Award winner Belle Vue Park and Newport's National Trust treasure, Tredegar House, are doing more than being beautiful landscapes. These spaces provide a welcoming space where mental and physical wellbeing thrives. As a vibrant city, Newport's green spaces allow people to slow down and reconnect with nature and each other. Belle Vue Park, a family favourite, has become a go-to spot for families seeking an escape from city life. Whether that is a stroll through the park, attending their monthly artisan market, or visiting their daily tearoom, there is something for everyone. Belle Vue Park (Credit: Rhianon Hill) Reflecting on the park's beautiful atmosphere, Rhianon Hill, events coordinator at Belle Vue Park, shared: 'Belle Vue Park is a vibrant green space surrounded on all sides by urban development and retains its Victorian charm while Newport has changed throughout the years. "We support small businesses through our products as well as our markets, and have wonderful dedicated customers who support us'. Every first Sunday of the month between March and December, the park hosts a popular artisan food and craft market with its seventh year at Belle Vue Park. Belle Vue Park market (Image: Newsquest) That said Belle Vue Park is not just there to wow the public but also bring people together, encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors. A few miles away but still in the lovely town of Newport, the grounds of Tredegar House is set within 90 acres of land. Tredegar House offers a variety of seasonal activities for families with children, including the Blossom Spotter Trail as well as activity sheets, both printed and online. Tredegar House and grounds (Image: Nicky Greamstead) Reflecting on the beautiful grounds of Tredegar House and its role in supporting wellbeing, Chris Flynn, head gardener of Tredegar House said: "It's easy to forget you're just minutes from the M4 when you're surrounded by tulips and apple blossom in the Orchard Garden. "Tredegar House offers a real sense of calm, grounded in both nature and history. "Our partnership with Growing Space is a perfect example of how green spaces like our gardens and parkland can support wellbeing. It offers people a chance to volunteer, build confidence and connect with nature - all while helping us look after this special place." Growing Space - Mental Health Training Wales Parent Nicky Grimstead shared his opinion on the importance of these spaces and the positive impact being outdoors has on him and his family: 'It's a chance to slow down and disconnect from the usual daily stress. There's a noticeable shift of more energy, better moods and less screen time! 'Whether it's me or my children, being outside brings out a sense of calm and creativity that we just don't get from staying inside all day.' Nick's daughter Nelly (eight) (Image: Nicky Greamstead) Another local simply put it: 'It's just something different. Sometimes, just a walk among the trees can make a huge difference.' Both stunning locations recently had the event, Welly Walks by Newport Live's Community Sport and Wellbeing Team, giving families the perfect opportunity to exercise in a fun way. During the school holidays, children are encouraged to explore the outdoors through a number of green spaces in Newport. Welly walks in Newport (Image: Newport Live) Welly Walks launched in the February half term, and is free for all. Through their activities, such as the nature bingo trail, children are engaged, making the experience enjoyable for everyone. By stepping outside, families in Newport can make memories, boost their wellbeing, and find joy beyond the rush from everyday life.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pupils plant replacements for dying trees
Hundreds of trees are being planted in a park after dying plants were removed as part of its redevelopment. Dangerous and diseased trees have been removed from Killingworth Lakeside Park by North Tyneside Council and are being replaced with 450 mixed trees. Year 5 and 6 pupils from Amberley Primary and Bailey Green Primary have helped with the planting aimed at boosting biodiversity. Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson said getting local children involved would encourage them to "protect the environment near where they live". "Killingworth Lakeside Park is a wonderful asset for our communities in the north west of the borough and we are working on exciting plans to bring its facilities up to date," he said. "An important part of that is improving the biodiversity and ecology of the lake and woodland." The woodland maintenance included removing trees suffering from ash dieback, tree thinning and shrub clearance. In their place a mix of UK native species, such as Scots pine, silver birch, oak, rowan, holly and field maple, are being planted throughout the woodland. The redevelopment will also see the Green Flag award-winning park receive new play equipment, parking facilities and walking and cycle routes. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Park gets Green Flag Award for 20th year in a row North Tyneside Council
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Spaces to be doubled due to inconsiderate parking
The number of car parking spaces at a popular park are to be doubled in an effort to stop "inconsiderate parking". Sunderland City Council said grassed areas and verges had been damaged at Herrington Country Park and work will start on Monday to create more space in the main car park by the cafe. Drainage issues to prevent flooding in the car park and on the road leading to the skate park will also be addressed. Councillor Lindsey Leonard, who is responsible for environment and transport, said: "When the car parks are full we do get some inconsiderate parking and this in turn damages grassed areas and verges and can make parts of the park look unsightly." The council said the number of spaces will increase from 62 to 129 by the cafe, with extra spaces also being created by the skate park. The park, which hosts many events has had a 20-year run of annual Green Flag awards from Keep Britain Tidy. Throughout the work, expected to be completed by June, the park and businesses will stay open. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. Decision day looms for park's parking plan Plans to increase park's car spots approved Park gets Green Flag Award for 20th year in a row Sunderland City Council
