Category: Parks & PlaygroundsSee venue photos

Parks & Playgrounds

Compass Gardens

South Woodham Ferrers, Essex· CM3 5GU

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 8 public reviews (Mar 2024 – Apr 2026)

86/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Moderate confidence

Based on 8 reviews. Scores may shift as more reviews come in.

Breakdown

NoiseGood

PredictabilityGood

Calm spacesGood

Flat, predictable layoutQuiet mornings bestLow sensory overloadEasy parking accessStructured circular routeOpen space for movementAvoid peak timesMinimal transitions needed

Parent summary

Compass Gardens is a welcoming space for SEN families, with a flat paved circular route, natural environment, and plenty of quiet options alongside more active areas. The open design and gradual confidence-building spaces work well for many children. During busier periods, some activity zones can become more lively with scooters and skates in use.

What visitors say

Visitors have consistently praised Compass Gardens for its flat paved routes, open spaces and quiet activity options that work well for children who benefit from structure and gradual confidence building, along with straightforward parking and level access. The site hosts multiple activity zones including a playground and skate park which can draw busier crowds during peak times—some families may find it useful to be aware of this when planning.

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

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

sensory play equipmentaccessible facilitiesSEN community eventssensory garden space

Accessible play equipment includes sensory equipment and roundabout
Sensory elements like slime and sand available in play areas
SEN-friendly community walking groups organised at venue
Sports courses run for people with special needs
Recent sensory garden improvements completed in 2025

Sourced from local council, community Instagram, parks guide, town council news 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 11pm

6am3pm11pm

Weekends (Sat to Sun)

Typically quietest around 6am

6am3pm11pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend up to 4 hours here

Potential challenges

Skatepark and playground can become noisier and more crowded during peak times
Multiple activity zones running simultaneously may create a busier atmosphere if you visit when it's full
Unpredictable mix of users (scooters, skates, cyclists) means awareness of sightlines and movement matters

What works

Flat, paved circular route provides structure and predictability
Continuous cycling route reduces need for frequent transitions
Multiple green areas allow you to find calmer spots away from busier zones
Natural environment and open space feel
Easy parking and level access
Quiet activity options available throughout
Space designed for gradual confidence building

Photos

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible Free parking Blue badge parking

Tips for your visit

Two distinct areas: Saltcoats Park (sports-focused with skate-park and outdoor gym) and Compass Gardens (quieter, intimate nautical-themed garden). Well-equipped children's play area available. Links to Woodham Fen marshland for nature walks. Community Orchard also present.

Pricing

Free entry to park and gardens

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Wheelchair accessibleVisitors report yes
Accessible toiletYes
Accessible seatingYes

Visitors report: Blue badge disabled parking is available on site.

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Free parking on-sitePaid parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Free on-site parking at both Saltcoats Park (196 spaces plus 3 disabled bays, entrance off Ferrers Road) and Compass Gardens (entrance off Creekview Road). Disabled parking available. Parking opening hours vary seasonally (7:30am closing between 5pm-10pm depending on month). No out-of-hours unlocking facility.

Accessibility

Disabled toilets available. Accessible seating in Compass Gardens area (nautical theme seating area). Good walking and cycle access noted. Compass Gardens described as 'more intimate area' with ornamental beds. Terrain and full wheelchair accessibility details not explicitly stated.

Frequently asked questions about Compass Gardens

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Compass Gardens autism friendly?

Compass Gardens scores highly for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 86/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Compass Gardens is a welcoming space for SEN families, with a flat paved circular route, natural environment, and plenty of quiet options alongside more active areas. The open design and gradual confidence-building spaces work well for many children. During busier periods, some activity zones can become more lively with scooters and skates in use.

Is Compass Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Compass Gardens is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Disabled toilets available. Accessible seating in Compass Gardens area (nautical theme seating area). Good walking and cycle access noted. Compass Gardens described as 'more intimate area' with ornamental beds. Terrain and full wheelchair accessibility details not explicitly stated.

Does Compass Gardens have step-free entry?

Yes. Compass Gardens has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at Compass Gardens?

Yes. Compass Gardens has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Are there accessible toilets at Compass Gardens?

Yes. Compass Gardens has an accessible toilet.

Does Compass Gardens have parking?

Yes. Compass Gardens has free on-site parking. Free on-site parking at both Saltcoats Park (196 spaces plus 3 disabled bays, entrance off Ferrers Road) and Compass Gardens (entrance off Creekview Road). Disabled parking available. Parking opening hours vary seasonally (7:30am closing between 5pm-10pm depending on month). No out-of-hours unlocking facility.

When is Compass Gardens least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, Compass Gardens is typically quietest on Tuesday around 6am. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is Compass Gardens outdoors?

Yes. Compass Gardens is primarily an outdoor venue in South Woodham Ferrers. Check the weather and bring suitable clothing. Wet or very hot days may be challenging for some sensory-sensitive children.

Help us improve this listing

Spotted something wrong with our Compass Gardens listing, or have feedback to share? Let us know.