There are several parks and playgrounds around Heathrow that suit families. Some are fine for a short walk or a game of football to let the kids burn off energy. Others are better for sitting down with a picnic. This guide covers the best outdoor spaces near the airport including on a rainy day as well as a top spot for watching aircraft land.
Cranford Country Park
Located just to the north-east of Heathrow, Cranford Country Park is a peaceful (ish!) spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport. Ideal for dog walking, it offers scenic views and wide open spaces as well as a new café and children’s playground, opened in May 2024 as part of a £4.6 million restoration project.
The park’s walking trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick getaway. You can catch the 81 bus from anywhere along the Bath Road (A4), getting off at the Craneswater bus stop, with a further five-minutes walk to the park. Read about the recent renovation and upgrading work Cranford Park Project.
- Location Google maps link for best access from near the airport.
- For more information: Cranford Country Park
Bedfont Lakes and Country Park
Bedfont Lakes is a beautiful nature reserve and an award-winning park that’s perfect for a family day out. The park has play areas for children, perfect for a fun-filled afternoon. There are also plenty of walking trails and refreshments available, making it easy to spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors. You can catch the H26 bus from Hatton Cross bus station to get there.
- Location Google maps link.
- Learn more about Bedfont Lakes here: Bedfont Lakes Country Park
Hounslow Urban Farm
For animal lovers, head to Hounslow Urban Farm. This working farm is home to a variety of animals, offering kids the chance to get up close and personal with farm life. Although it’s not free, it’s an excellent option for a family visit. It’s easily accessible being just ten minutes walk from Hatton Cross Station and offers both fun and education in a charming rural setting.
- Location Google maps link.
- For more information visit: Hounslow Urban Farm
Adventure Play at Windsor Great Park
If you’re willing to venture a little further afield, typically twenty minutes by car or taxi, Adventure Play in Windsor Great Park offers an amazing play experience for younger children. This purpose-built play area features large, exciting play structures and is set in the stunning surroundings of the park. It’s a must if you’re in the area and looking for a place where kids can really let loose. You must book in advance.
- Location Google maps link.
- Check out more about Adventure Play here: Adventure Play at Windsor Great Park
Indoor play at Flip Out Hounslow
For a rainy day, Flip Out in Hounslow town centre is an indoor adventure park with soft play for all ages, a toddler area, mini golf, bumper cars, laser quest and inflatables. It is a few minutes’ walk from Hounslow Central tube, and the 81 bus from the Bath Road stops on the High Street. Sessions are booked by time slot and the hours differ between term time and school holidays, so check before you go.
- Location Google maps link.
- Find out more here: Flip Out Hounslow
Local playgrounds for smaller children
For those with younger kids, there are two, small local playgrounds in the vicinity. Both are just to the north of the Bath Road where most hotels are located.
Sipson Way Playground: This small, local playground is ideal for a peaceful visit with younger children. It’s a great spot for letting the little ones enjoy a swing or slide. Location Google maps link.
Browngraves Children’s Playground: Another great option for smaller children, this playground is easy to access and offers a safe, enjoyable space for kids to play. Location Google maps link.
Hobbledown: a fun adventure for kids
For a more adventurous day out, check out Hobbledown, an amazing family-friendly attraction with an aerial adventure experience called Be Gripped next door by the same owners. Parking is chargeable via a third party. It can be reached by bus (490, 285, 90, 235) but is then a further 18-minute walk. If you’re looking for an easier option, it’s just 5 minutes from Hatton Cross, so consider taking an Uber for convenience.
Learn more here: Hobbledown and BeGripped.
Plane spotting at Myrtle Avenue
For anyone, including children who like aircraft, this is the place. Myrtle Avenue is a residential street in Hounslow with a small green area at the end, directly to the south side of the runway 27L approach. When aircraft are landing on 27L they pass about 100 feet overhead in a steady stream. It is a short walk from Hatton Cross station and there is nothing there but grass, so pack accordingly. You might see Jerry from Big Jet TV with his van, especially in bad weather when you’ll need good waterproofs.
- It only works when aircraft are landing on 27L. Heathrow swaps its runways at 3pm, so check the Heathrow Runways feed before you set off.
Find it on Google Maps.
Conclusion
Given that Heathrow Airport is in a built up area immediately to the west of London, it’s not exactly in the middle of the countryside. That said, with a bit of effort, you can find places to go and I hope we’ve helped with a little inspiration.