PlaygroundsFree

Lough Fea

Cookstown, Tyrone · BT80 9TU

At a Glance

Location: Cookstown, Tyrone
Setting: Outdoor
Cost: Free
Ages: Toddlers 1–3 · Preschool 3–5 · Primary 5–11
Category: Playgrounds

Toilets
Accessible WC
Parking

Activities

Playpark · Walking

Full Description

Lough Fea is one of those finds that works for everyone, and it is the setting that makes it. You park right beside the water, and the play area is only a few steps from the car, which means you can arrive, unload and be watching them climb within a minute of pulling in. For anyone who has ever juggled a buggy, a picnic bag and a reluctant toddler across half a mile of gravel, that alone is worth the drive.

The play area itself is a modern one, and it has clearly been chosen with thought. The centrepiece is a big multi-play unit where children cross a rope climbing net, steadying themselves on a wavy green handrail as they go — the sort of thing that turns a quick climb into a proper little challenge. From there it is down the tube slide, or over to the tall pink climbing panel with its moulded handholds for a scramble to the top.

Younger children are not left out either. There is a smaller unit with little peaked roofs, its own staircase and a small slide that is just the right size when you are three, along with a low-level climbing frame and a spinning disc that always seems to have a queue. Noughts-and-crosses style play panels on the side of the main structure are a lovely way to slow the pace down for a minute or two. All of it sits on a rubber safety surface inside a timber fence, so you can let them roam while you keep half an eye on things and half on the view.

And what a view. Beyond the playground, the walk around the lough is gentle and gives you changing views across the water, with plenty of chances to stop and look for ducks and other birds. Lough Fea is a popular spot with anglers, and watching a line being cast turns out to be far more interesting to small children than you would expect. There are picnic tables beside the water and the Sperrins rolling away behind you.

Facilities are refreshingly straightforward for a spot this rural: free parking with disabled spaces, picnic tables and council toilet facilities including accessible toilets, all beside the main car park. It is worth checking the council's page for toilet opening times before you travel, and worth packing layers whatever the forecast promises, because Lough Fea is an open, exposed spot in the Sperrins. Keep little ones close to the water's edge.

For a free, low-key day out with real scenery, and a playground that rewards a second visit, it is hard to beat.

What You'll Find

A modern play area a few steps from the car park, picnic tables and toilets beside the water, and a gentle walk around the lough in the heart of the Sperrins.

Wee Ones Will Love...

✓Crossing the rope climbing net on the big play unit
✓Whizzing down the tube slide
✓A spin on the rotating disc
✓The noughts-and-crosses play panels
✓Looking out for ducks and watching the anglers
✓A picnic beside the water

Before You Visit

Free to visit, with free parking including disabled spaces, picnic tables and council toilet facilities including accessible toilets, all beside the main car park. The play area sits on the B162, about five miles north of Cookstown. Check the council's page for toilet opening times before travelling, and keep children close to the water.