We had a great time at Haden Hill Park recently on a lovely Summer day in October – who’d have thought I’d be putting sun tan lotion on kids in October – what a barmy old year we’ve had, weatherwise, this year.

Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath

Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath

There’s been some great additions to the park recently the kids all love the new adventure wooded playground area thingy – and the other playground. I also noticed a new bandstand area by Haden Hall and a new sign outside Haden Hill House that says “Haden Hill House Museum” – I used to work at the house at weekends and love looking around but sadly I didn’t get chance on this visit and I’m still waiting to have a proper look aroud the Old Hall – I must put it in my diary the next time it’s open.

Serpent benches at Haden Hill Park

Serpent benches at Haden Hill Park

Some of our activities on this sunny Saturday included:

  • dragon spotting (I love these benches – got to get me one for my back garden)
  • finding the witches hut (well the remains of what we (as kids) used to call “the witches hut” down by the lower pond,
  • squirrel spotting
  • watching the ducks – I said “watching” not” feeding” as you’re not supposed to feed them these days – well not with bread anyway – apparently it’s bad for them – so it’s a bread free diet for the ducks from now on
  • playing frisbee and football on “the green”
  • visiting the pet cemetary – where The Hadens buried their pets – Nip and Fluf are names that ring a bell but I can’t remember if they’re the real names or ones from a kids book
  • Having an ice cream ..mmmmm!

I think what I like best about the park is that – although there’s been a few changes over recent years – it’s still the same park I visited as a child with mom and dad and taking my lad adds new memories that I hope he’ll remember when he’s older and takes his kids there too.

Sandwell Council’s webpage of Haden Hill Park includes a cool link to photos added to Flcikr that have been tagged with “haden hill park” so if you’ve been out and about – snapping away add your to the group and they’ll appear on the site.