Longframlington Playground & Running Fox Picnic

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post which was published in July 2023. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information.  

Longframlington play park (also known as King Georges Playing Fields) has been a favourite of ours for many years, so when the Running Fox bakery opened a cafe there in 2016, we couldn’t believe our luck. This play park just got even better! 

Need to know: 

• Ideally located next to The Running Fox - brilliant for takeaway cakes and picnic items to enjoy in the park (you can click and collect too) 
• Playground with swings (inc a basket swing and toddler swings), seesaws, monkey bars, climbing frames and two slides 
• A series of 'moats' which have been designed to replicate the Simonside Hills and are fab for running up and down 
• All purpose sports court including 5-a-side, basketball hoops and tennis net (with flood lighting) 
• Outdoor gym 
• Picnic tables
• Large green space ideal for kite flying 
• No pet dogs allowed in the park / on the playing field but there is a designated dog walking field opposite 
• FREE parking or catch the X14 bus from Rothbury/Newcastle/ Morpeth (this bus also stops outside of Cragside) 
  
  

We may be biassed with it being our local, but the combination of green space and suitable play equipment for all ages, makes this a great place to spend an hour or two. Even better in the summer holidays, we like to come with a picnic and after spending some time playing, we like to sit down under a tree and enjoy an al fresco lunch. 

At Longframlington park you will find swings, seesaws, climbing equipment including monkey bars and two slides. One for younger children and the other comes down off a small hill, which both young and old enjoy whizzing down. 

The play park has a series of “moats” which was apparently designed to replicate the Simonside Hills. During the wetter months, it is a good idea to come in welly boots as this can get quite boggy. 

As well as the play equipment there is also an all purpose sports court which is set up for five-a-side football, has basketball hoops and a tennis net, which is kept at the back of the court for when it is needed. The sports court also benefits from flood lighting which is useful in the winter months. 

There is also an adults exercise area with a few pieces of exercise equipment which was installed circa 2018. 

There are a few picnic tables in the main play area, where people often like to bring their own picnics or call into the Running Fox cafe for takeaway food. It is also worth noting that there is a great independent shop called Carr’s Corner, selling things like bread, milk etc as well as a choice of sandwiches that have been made fresh that morning. 

One of the highlights of Longframlington play park is the big green space which is perfect for running around, flying a kite or playing sports. There are two football nets and occasionally the football pitch is marked out if there has recently been a match played. 

Please note: NO DOGS are allowed in the King Georges Playing Field. There is however a designated dog walking field right opposite the far end of the park. I personally think this is great as it means you don’t have to worry about the kids stepping in dog poo while they are playing. 

There are some car parking spaces available in the park, just be cautious of children running around! Many people also park here to visit the Longframlington Running Fox cafe. 

The Running Fox - Longframlington. 

As I have already mentioned, Longframlington is one of the sites for the Running Fox Cafes. It is the smallest of their cafes and it is highly recommended you book a table if you are planning on sitting indoors. They offer one of the best afternoon teas in the North East (including a cute little kids version). 

Afternoon tea at The Running Fox

There is a nice outdoor seating area which during the summer months is a great spot for an al fresco breakfast. 

Many visitors (and locals) like to get a takeaway pie or sandwich and take it into the play park to enjoy as a picnic. Its location to the park is perfect for this as it is just a two minute walk away. You can even order ahead with their handy click and collect service. 

Running Fox Takeaway Box

The Running Fox is open seven days a week 8:30 am until 5pm and serves a breakfast and lunch menu as well as afternoon teas and an array of traybakes. 

Where to find Longframlington play park and the Running Fox cafe:

From the A1, just past Morpeth, take the junction signposted for the A697 towards Wooler and Rothbury. Stay on the A697 all the way to Longframlington, where you will then take the first left as you enter the village. The play park is a short way down Rothbury Road on the left hand side. 

Parking postcode: NE65 8AE

Bus route: Arriva X14

If you are wanting to plan a full day out in this part of Northumberland, you will find Rothbury river walk (with another lovely playground) and Cragside National Trust house just six miles down the road.

The village of Longframlington also has two pubs: The Village Inn and The Granby, both serving delicious home cooked meals with a welcoming atmosphere. 

Longframlington play park would be a great place to add to your list of places to visit over the summer holidays if you are looking for a free day out or lovely picnic spot. Or to fill in a couple of hours on a weekend where the kids can have a good runaround and play, whilst you enjoy a delicious takeaway coffee.