Category: Parks & PlaygroundsSee venue photos

Parks & Playgrounds

Brooklands Park and Lake

Lancing, West Sussex· BN15 8RR

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 11 public reviews (Apr 2025 – May 2026) · Good confidence

78/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Breakdown

NoiseGood

Crowds & queuesMixed

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityGood

Calm spacesGood

Best at quiet timesSensory-friendly morningsCalm lake observationBook cafe visits aheadWatch water safetyHygiene check first

Parent summary

Brooklands Park and Lake is a welcoming spot for SEN families, with peaceful green spaces, calm observation areas by the water, and friendly staff. The structured footpaths and play areas offer flexibility depending on your child's needs on the day. The play park equipment can feel stimulating for sensory-sensitive children, so you may want to explore the quieter walking routes instead.

Best times to visit

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are typically quieter. Visiting outside school holidays and half-terms may help avoid larger crowds.

Worth avoiding

School holidays, weekends, and midday periods when the café and play areas tend to be busier.

What visitors say

Visitors consistently praise Brooklands Park for its peaceful green spaces, calm lake setting and structured activities like duck feeding. The various walking routes and play areas have been described as relaxing. Some visitors have noted that the busier play park areas and café can feel more stimulating during peak times. A few have mentioned maintenance concerns in certain spots, and the willow screening around the lake may limit sightlines in some areas.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

sensory gardenaccessible facilitiesextended opening hours

Park includes new sensory garden bordering Teville Stream
Café and parking available on-site
Open early (7:00 AM) and late (9:00 PM) for flexible access

Sourced from council website, directory listing within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

When to visit

Typical busyness patterns based on Google Maps visitor data. Term-time and school holidays will vary.

Weekdays (Mon to Fri)

Typically quietest around 8pm

7am2pm8pm

Weekends (Sat to Sun)

Typically quietest around 8pm

7am2pm8pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend up to 1.5 hours here

Potential challenges

Play park may feel stimulating for children sensitive to noise or visual input
Some visitors have reported hygiene concerns near the children's facilities and play areas
Water is unsafe for contact; close supervision needed near the lake edge
Café can become busy during peak times
Willow-screened areas create limited sightlines, which may affect supervision in those zones

What works

Large calm lake for quiet observation and relaxation
Multiple footpath options allowing you to choose quieter routes or vary your walk based on energy levels
Structured play areas designed for different ages
Friendly staff
Calm café setting available for breaks
Quiet green space suitable for sensory regulation and downtime
Accessible outdoor activity (duck feeding) that is low-pressure and structured

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Wheelchair accessible Free parking

Sensory environment

Contemplative garden with sensory planting available. Multiple discrete gladed areas offer sheltered spaces for different activities. Open outdoor environment with natural sensory stimulation.

Tips for your visit

Adventure play area with 30 pieces of equipment including climbing frames. Fitness trail around park (1.55 miles). Multiple activity zones including nature areas, play dens, and community gardens. Café on-site near lake. Friends of Brooklands Facebook page available for involvement and updates.

Parking

Free parking on-site

Free car parks on southern side (off Brighton Road) and eastern side (off Western Road). No specific information about blue badge spaces or disabled parking provision.

Accessibility

New accessible pathway circumnavigating the lake with seating areas and shelters. Contemplative sensory garden available. Terrain appears to be managed pathways suitable for wheelchair and buggy use.

Opening Hours

Monday07:00-21:00

Tuesday07:00-21:00

Wednesday07:00-21:00

Thursday07:00-21:00

Friday07:00-21:00

Saturday07:00-21:00

Sunday07:00-21:00

Frequently asked questions about Brooklands Park and Lake

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Brooklands Park and Lake autism friendly?

Brooklands Park and Lake scores highly for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 78/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Brooklands Park and Lake is a welcoming spot for SEN families, with peaceful green spaces, calm observation areas by the water, and friendly staff. The structured footpaths and play areas offer flexibility depending on your child's needs on the day. The play park equipment can feel stimulating for sensory-sensitive children, so you may want to explore the quieter walking routes instead.

Is Brooklands Park and Lake wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Brooklands Park and Lake is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. New accessible pathway circumnavigating the lake with seating areas and shelters. Contemplative sensory garden available. Terrain appears to be managed pathways suitable for wheelchair and buggy use.

Does Brooklands Park and Lake have parking?

Yes. Brooklands Park and Lake has free on-site parking. Free car parks on southern side (off Brighton Road) and eastern side (off Western Road). No specific information about blue badge spaces or disabled parking provision.

When is Brooklands Park and Lake least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, Brooklands Park and Lake is typically quietest on Wednesday around 8pm. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is Brooklands Park and Lake outdoors?

Yes. Brooklands Park and Lake is primarily an outdoor venue in Lancing. Check the weather and bring suitable clothing. Wet or very hot days may be challenging for some sensory-sensitive children.

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