The reason to come in summer is the paddling pool, run by Congleton Town Council. It is free. It is outdoors. It is for children aged eleven and under, a paddling pool attendant is on duty at all times, and there is a toilet with a baby change right there. The 2026 season ran from 23 May to 6 September, so it is now shut until next year. In the holidays it opens every day, 10am to 1pm, closed for an hour, then 2pm to 5pm; in term time it is shut on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesday mornings are kept for SEND sessions. Numbers are capped at 140.
The rest of the park has been doing its job since 1871. Twenty four and a half acres just north of the town centre: a bandstand, ornamental lawns, a bowling green, paths up into the ancient Town Woods, and a Green Flag award count that had reached twelve by 2019. The children's play area had a £100,000 rebuild and covers both toddlers and older children.
Food is sorted on site by the Taste for Life cafe, open 9am to 4pm daily, with the Jubilee Pavilion also doing refreshments. Parking is free on site but there are only a handful of spaces, and the paddling pool page is blunt that the surrounding streets are resident parking, so the Fairground car park on Market Street is where most people end up.
What it costs: Free. On site parking is free with limited spaces, and the nearest public car park is Fairground Car Park, Market Street, CW12 1BP. The paddling pool is free and donations are welcomed.
The one to know about if you have a child who hates the bangs: a family-friendly silent display at 6.30pm, then the full show at 7.30pm, with a torchlight procession, fairground rides and food stalls. Under 5s are free.
Seasonal: Paddling pool late May to early September. Check before travelling.
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One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.