Keighley park named one of the UK’s top five playgrounds as survey highlights safety concerns
A West Yorkshire playground has been named among the top five in the entire UK - despite a new national report revealing widespread safety, vandalism, and accessibility concerns among parents
A West Yorkshire play area has earned national recognition after being named the fourth best-rated playground in the UK in a major new study into outdoor play.
Cononley Village Playground, near Keighley, scored an impressive 4.67 out of 5 in visitor reviews, beating out hundreds of locations across the country to secure its spot in the national top five alongside major sites like London’s Battersea Park and Watford’s Cassiobury Park.
The ranking forms part of the UK Playground Index, conducted by MoneySuperMarket, which analysed 100 locations alongside a survey of 2,000 parents to assess how access, safety, and site maintenance affect children's outdoor activity.
The report comes at a crucial time for families, with 53% of parents expecting their children to spend more time playing offline as proposed social media restrictions for under-16s draw closer.
Experts highlight that outdoor play is essential for wellbeing, with 82% of parents reporting their children appear happier and calmer after spending time outside.
Childhood and parenting expert Sue Atkins highlighted the value of real-world play, noting: "Outdoor play gives children something the online world simply cannot replicate: whole-body, real-world experience.
“They move, solve problems, judge risk, and learn how to get along with other people."
However, the study also laid bare the growing barriers facing local families.
Almost three in four parents (74%) said they would visit their local playground more often if it felt safer, while nearly six in 10 (59%) reported seeing vandalism at local play areas over the past year.
Accessibility also remains a major issue, with 24% of parents - and 29% of families with disabled children - stating that their local playground is not accessible or lacks inclusive equipment.
Despite those nationwide challenges, Cononley Village Playground stands out as a regional success story, with local families consistently praising its quality, safety, and community upkeep.