Winchester Parks Review: Wonky Park / Abbotts Walk Playground
by Hampshire Photographer, Evie Winter
When we first moved to Winchester, people kept asking me if I had been to the Wonky Park - despite being given directions countless times, it took me 6 weeks to find and only after I finally knocked on a door and asked. It turns out the area I thought was a private car park and road, is actually the way in to the park. I hope this review helps you to find, explore and enjoy another one of Winchester’s wonderful outdoor spaces a bit more easily than I did!
So first things first, Wonky Park’s official name is Abbotts Walk, be prepared to hear either name and it is part of the Wonky the Woodpecker Trail, and is located in Abbotts Barton, Winchester - to the north of the city.
Age Group:
Aimed at older children, but lovely for inquisitive younger children too, good supervision needed for younger kids.
Getting There & Parking:
So whilst the park is officially on Abbott’s Walk, this street name is not marked on google maps. Go to Cassandra Rd, and where it joins with Lea Rd turn left towards the residents car park. Turn right just before the car park and you will see a field and trees, the playground is within. See the photos below for a map which should help explain better. If you have a copy of the Wonky Trail Map, Abbotts Walk is No.1 on route 2. I am not entirely sure about the car parking in that area specifically as it is a newbuild area, however there is some on-street parking not too far away.
Nearest bus is The Spring bus to stoke rd and entering in via Cassandra Rd.
Watch Out For:
The playground sits within a field and there are no fences around the playground, there are lots of mounds and areas which are hidden from sight - this means the park is unlikely to appeal to the parent of a runner and will not provide you with a peaceful moment if your child likes to wonder. If you are looking for a setting that will help you enjoy being outside and give your children to be independent, this is ideal.
It is also important to note that no fences means you can potentially have dogs in the playground, in reality - we have never seen that. Dogs with their walkers just bypass the playground and go straight to the field.
Equipment:
The equipment is mostly natural, made of wood and ropes.
Climbing frame with no platform
Disc rope swing
1 toddler seat swing, 1 older child swing
Small slide
Rope bridge
Wobbly wooden bridge (no sides)
Basket swing (2 child max)
The park also includes lots of tree trunks and boulders.
There are also some wooden insect sculpture places around the field which children can climb and jump off.
The playground is only a few years old so the equipment is mostly in good condition. Because there are a lot of natural materials it can be really slippy, esp the tree trunks and so good footwear in bad weather is vital. In rainy weather there is a gigantic puddle near the disc swing which attracts kids like bees to honey, so spare clothes would be useful too.
Shading
The immediate playground area gets the brunt of the midday sun in the summer. When it was really hot in the summer, we spent some of our time on the playground equipment and some of it in the nearby ‘forest’, the trees as you enter the park provide a lovely place to explore. This last summer I think we were there more than the playground as it was so much cooler.
Toilets
No public toilets, this is a residential area. There are trees though so if your child is desperate, there is opportunity for a wild wee.
Picnic Area
Lots of grassy area, or back in the wooded area as you come in.
Coffee
No cafe nearby, only houses in the immediate vicinity. I highly recommend buying a house around here and then you will have coffee and loos whenever you want it.
In all seriousness, if you are reading this blog because you are considering moving to Abbotts Barton, Winchester - I would highly recommend it. We love this community, and have made great friends. Additionally Cassandra Rd marks the beginning of Santas Sleigh Rd through Abbotts Barton, ideal for kids.
The View and Atmosphere
Beautiful, and one of the main reasons I love this playground. You can just about hear the cars from the A34, but I really don’t notice it any more. The playground is in the corner of a field which for parts of the year becomes a wildflower meadow. At the bottom (on the other side of a fence) is the Itchen River, it can’t be accessed here though, nearest access is down near Chaundler Rd playground.There is another field in the distance, they had horses on it the other day (and I’m praying it is not earmarked for development, it really is a special view). To the left and right of the playground, there are wooded areas, as mentioned already, the wooded area as you come in is public and really lovely. The wooded area to the left is private and fenced off.
Inside Knowledge: The road leading into the park has no pavement and is shared with pedestrians and cars. Whilst I have never had any issues with this myself, I have heard of cars driving too fast along this bit and having near misses with kids leaving the park, so just be aware.
Of all the parks which I have seen in Winchester so far, this is the one which feels most like living in the countryside. We come here regularly as it is local to us and it is such a joy to breath the country air.
I am trying to decide if I’d cross town on a bus or travel from another area to see it, and I am not so sure I would. I like my parks to have easy access to public amenities, loos, coffee shops etc, which Abbotts Walk doesn’t have. However if loos / coffee are not important / you were on your way in to town and could find a place to park / fancy a change - this would give the kids a great place to let off steam.
About the Author:
I (Evie Winter) am a local Mum, photographer and blogger as well as a former childcare professional.
I passionately believe all children should be given access to safe, good quality playgrounds, and with that in mind I have been reviewing local Winchester playgrounds to encourage people to visit them. I have been going in my spare time with my young children, and I’ve done my best to research and give the correct information. If you have any suggestions or corrections, please send a polite email to hello@eviewinter.com.
Many Thanks. Evie
