Sandy Lane Park
Splash, play, and explore - pure family fun!
At a Glance
Best Ages
3-12
Cost
Free
Time Needed
2-4 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
Sunny to cloudy
Stroller Access
Yes
Washrooms
Yes (on-site)
Food
Picnic area
Parking
On-site car park
Booking
No booking needed
Parent Effort
Low
Sandy Lane Park offers sunny days of water play, riverside strolls, and even a quirky foot ferry - perfect for making summer memories with the kids.
About This Place
Sandy Lane Park in Great Boughton, Chester, is a riverside park on the banks of the River Dee featuring a free 10-feature outdoor spray and water play facility (open April–August, 11:00–17:00), a children's playground, and picnic areas. A seasonal foot ferry crosses the River Dee at weekends from May to September, connecting to the opposite bank.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday – Sunday
- 11:00 – 17:00
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
- Admission
- FREE
Prices were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date rates.
Splash Time
Cool off in summer spray zones.
Playground Perks
Let little ones climb, swing, and giggle.
Ferry Adventures
Take a scenic ferry ride across the river.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Water Play Hours
- Seasonal spray park open from April to August, 11:00 to 17:00, with possible temporary closures between 13:00 and 15:00 for maintenance.
- Ferry Service
- Seasonal foot ferry operates every weekend from late May to the last Sunday in September, 10:30 to 16:30, connecting Sandy Lane to the Meadows across the River Dee.
- Ferry Fees
- £1 for adults, £0.50 for children, dogs, and bikes; pushchairs permitted on board.
- Parking
- Surfaced car park available for around 40 vehicles.
- Picnic Area
- Grassed picnic area adjacent to the water feature.
- Playground
- Dedicated children's playground open year-round.
- Accessibility
- Pedestrian access from all sides; ferry service provides cross-river access.
Kid Fit by Age
Safe open spaces and shaded grass areas; minimal hazards but limited baby-specific facilities.
Year-round playground with soft surfaces, small water features suitable for splashing, and safe, accessible paths.
Ideal mix of water play, age-appropriate playground structures, and open space for running; foot ferry adds novelty.
Extensive water spray features, year-round playground, riverside scenery, and seasonal ferry service enhance engagement.
Water play may be seen as too young; however, the foot ferry and river views provide some interest for older kids.
Less appealing due to predominantly child-focused offerings, though the scenic riverside setting and ferry may appeal to some.
Insider Tips
Arrive before 11:00 to enjoy full spray park access
Take the ferry for scenic views and fewer queues
Visit on a weekday for a peaceful experience
Bring a blanket for grassy picnic areas
- •Supervise children near water at all times
- •Check spray park hours before visiting
- •Watch for slippery surfaces after rain
- •Use sunscreen on sunny days
- •Step-free access to main areas
- •Sensory-friendly paths and quiet zones
- •Baby change facilities in main restroom
- •Wheelchair accessible toilets available
schedule Best Time to Visit
Visit mid-week in early season for fewer crowds and quieter play.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxSwimming swimwear
- check_boxTowels and change of clothes
- check_boxSunscreen and hats
- check_boxPicnic food and drinks
- check_boxWater bottles
Location
Last checked: 2026