Days Out NI
Play Park Eglinton

The Playtrail

Outdoor play built so every child can join in — roundabouts, swings and sensory kit that fit a wheelchair.

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SeasonalPublic access outside school hours — ab…
FreeNo charge
EglintonPlay Park
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Two to three hours with the trail and a picnicHow long
All agesBest for
FreeEntry
On siteParking
OutdoorsSetting

The Playtrail — Outdoor play built so every child can join in — roundabouts, swings and sensory kit that fit a wheelchair.

  • What's there: Three inclusive play zones, 1km accessible trail, Fairy Woods walk, outdoor classroom, 200-seat amphitheatre, community garden with allotments and a pond.
  • Best for: All ages and all abilities — junior, adventure and sensory zones cover toddlers through to bigger kids.
  • Cost: Free to drop in for families, small donation asked. Groups and schools pay a set fee and book ahead.
  • Parking: On-site parking at the Racecourse Road site.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets on site at the office and EcoBase.
  • Dogs: Check ahead — as a school-grounds play and education facility, dog rules may apply.
Plan your visit

Three play zones, every child included

The play is split into three areas so there is something pitched right whatever the age and ability. Younger ones get the junior zone. Bigger kids get the adventure zone. And the sensory zone is built for children who find a standard playground overwhelming. The equipment is inclusive throughout — wheelchair-accessible roundabouts, supportive swings and tactile sensory play — so siblings of all abilities play together rather than taking turns to watch. A 1km accessible trail links it all, smooth enough for buggies and chairs.

Donation entry Fully inclusive play Sensory zone 1km accessible trail Fairy Woods walk Accessible toilets
Good to know before you go:

The Playtrail runs organised and staff-led sessions through the year alongside drop-in play, and the amphitheatre hosts seasonal events and outdoor cinema. Check ahead for school-holiday programming and special days before you set off.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🧥LayersOutdoor play — a coat or spare jumper covers every kind of weather.
  • 💧Water & snacksKeeps the energy up between climbs and runs about.
  • 🧻Wipes & hand gelFor sandy, muddy, ice-cream-covered hands.
  • 🛴Scooter or ballLots of flat path and green space to burn off more energy.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free to drop in for families, small donation asked. Groups and schools pay a set fee and book ahead.
Opening
Public access outside school hours — about 3pm-5pm weekdays, 11am-5pm weekends, with longer daytime hours in school holidays. Check before travelling.
Best for ages
All ages and all abilities — junior, adventure and sensory zones cover toddlers through to bigger kids.
What's there
Three inclusive play zones, 1km accessible trail, Fairy Woods walk, outdoor classroom, 200-seat amphitheatre, community garden with allotments and a pond.
Toilets
Accessible toilets on site at the office and EcoBase.
Parking
On-site parking at the Racecourse Road site.
Dogs
Check ahead — as a school-grounds play and education facility, dog rules may apply.
Accessibility
Built for it. Wheelchair-accessible play equipment, smooth 1km trail, accessible toilets and buggy-friendly throughout.
How long to allow
Two to three hours with the trail and a picnic.
Address
The Playtrail, 15 Racecourse Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 7RE
Questions

Before you go

Is it free to get in?
Free to drop in for families, small donation asked. Groups and schools pay a set fee and book ahead.
Is there parking?
On-site parking at the Racecourse Road site.
Are there toilets?
Accessible toilets on site at the office and EcoBase.
What ages is it best for?
All ages and all abilities — junior, adventure and sensory zones cover toddlers through to bigger kids.
Can we bring the dog?
Check ahead — as a school-grounds play and education facility, dog rules may apply.
Getting there

The Playtrail is at The Playtrail, 15 Racecourse Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 7RE. On-site parking at the Racecourse Road site. Tap below for turn-by-turn directions.

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Nearby

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The story

About the park

The Playtrail is an outdoor play and education facility run by the Liberty Consortium, set on the grounds at Racecourse Road in Derry/Londonderry, close to the Eglinton side of the city. It was built specifically as an inclusive resource — somewhere children with and without disabilities play together rather than apart.

The site has grown well beyond a playground. As well as the three play zones and the 1km accessible trail, it holds the Green Fingers community garden with around 50 allotments, a wildlife pond and an aquaponics farm, plus a 200-seat covered amphitheatre and the straw-bale EcoBase used for groups, school visits and parties. Funding has come from the Department for Communities and BBC Children in Need.