The Best Playgrounds in Hull and Beverley Ranked by Kids
Adults can debate playground rankings all day long, but we reckoned the only opinions that truly matter belong to the people who actually use them. So we asked a panel of local children aged four to eleven to rate their favourite playgrounds in Hull and Beverley, scoring them on equipment, fun factor, and that all-important "would you go back?" question. The results are in, and they make for interesting reading.
1. East Park, Hull — Perhaps no surprise that East Park took the top spot. The playground here was given a major refurbishment in recent years, and the children on our panel were unanimous in their praise. The large climbing tower with its twisting slides, the zip wire, and the inclusive roundabout all scored highly. "It has everything," said one eight-year-old tester, summing it up rather neatly. The surrounding park, with its boating lake, animal enclosure, and wide open spaces, makes it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon here. There is a café nearby for drinks and snacks, and parking is free. 2. Beverley's Lund Road Playground — This one genuinely surprised us. Lund Road might not have the name recognition of some larger parks, but the children rated it exceptionally well. The wooden adventure play equipment, climbing nets, and swings suited a broad range of ages, and the smaller, enclosed feel of the playground meant parents of younger children felt more relaxed. It is also tucked away from main roads, which is a bonus. Several of our young reviewers said they preferred it to bigger, busier parks because they could "play on everything without waiting."
3. Pearson Park, Hull — One of Hull's oldest public parks, Pearson Park has a lovely playground that blends traditional and modern equipment. The children particularly liked the basket swing and the sand play area, and older kids enjoyed the climbing wall. The park itself is beautiful, with tree-lined paths and a lake, making it a pleasant spot for the whole family. Its central location means it is easy to reach, though parking can be tight on sunny weekends. 4. Pickering Park, Hull — Pickering Park's playground is a solid all-rounder. The equipment caters well to both toddlers and older children, with a separate fenced area for the very young. Our testers loved the large climbing frame and the spinning disc, while parents appreciated the seating close to the play area and the nearby toilets. The park also has a bowling green and tennis courts if older siblings want something different.
5. Costello Playing Fields, Hull — Costello might fly under the radar for some families, but the children who tested it were full of enthusiasm. The open space surrounding the playground means there is plenty of room for football and running about, and the play equipment — including a particularly popular rope swing — kept everyone busy. It scored well for the sheer sense of freedom it offers, with kids able to spread out and explore. 6. Hessle Foreshore — Rounding out our list is the playground at Hessle Foreshore, right beneath the Humber Bridge. The equipment is geared more towards younger children, but the setting is unbeatable. Our testers enjoyed the swings and climbing frame, but it was the combination of the playground, the pebble beach, and the views of the bridge that earned it a place in the top six. It is a wonderful spot for a family outing, particularly on a clear day when you can walk along the foreshore path and watch the ships pass beneath the bridge.
Every family is different, and the best playground is often simply the one closest to home. But if you are looking for a new spot to try at the weekend, our young reviewers have done the hard work for you. Get out there, and let us know if your children agree with the rankings.