Telford Town Park, a sprawling 170-hectare green space just 40 minutes from Birmingham, is offering families a free day out with a twist: a complimentary outdoor cinema running through the summer holidays. The park, which boasts seven themed areas, includes a daily water park, a sandpit with diggers, a rocket slide, and multiple lakes, making it a prime destination for budget-conscious families.
Free Outdoor Cinema: Full Programme Announced
The outdoor cinema, part of the inaugural Telford Film Festival, features a mix of sing-along films and classic family favorites. Screenings are scheduled as follows:
- Encanto ‘Singalong’: 11 August 2026, 12pm, Oakengates Theatre Square
- Rio 2: 21 August 2026, 12pm, Telford Town Park
- Wicked: 21 August 2026, 6pm, Telford Town Park
- Matilda: 23 August 2026, 6pm, Telford Town Park
Tickets are free or low-cost but must be booked in advance via the Telford Theatre website. Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure, said: "We're delighted to reveal the full programme for the first Telford Film Festival. The festival offers residents and visitors the chance to enjoy a range of films in relaxed outdoor settings throughout the summer. From family favourites, free screenings to singalong experiences, there's something for all ages and we look forward to welcoming audiences to what promises to be a fantastic new addition to our cultural programme."
Play Areas for All Ages and Abilities
The park is equipped with play areas catering to thrillseekers and younger children alike. Highlights include a sandpit with diggers, a rocket slide with two enclosed dark chutes, a tyre swing, a balance beam, and a 12-metre spider's web for climbing. During summer, a daily water park with water jets, soakers, and musical fountain jets operates free of charge.
An all-inclusive play area is designed for children with disabilities, featuring a wheelchair-accessible climbing frame, revolva roundabout, home seesaw, and nest swing. For teenagers, there are two multi-use games areas suitable for basketball, five-a-side football, and tennis. These courts are free to use, with footballs and basketballs available for hire from the Visitor Centre, open generally from 10am to 5pm, which also houses toilets.
More Attractions: Golf, High Ropes, and Gardens
Beyond the play zones, the park offers a themed 12-hole adventure golf course, frisbee golf, and Sky Reach, where visitors can tackle high ropes, a climbing wall, and a zip wire (fees apply). For a quieter experience, there are ornamental gardens, a gazebo garden, water garden, and summerhouse garden originally designed for the Chelsea Flower Show. Maxwell Gardens, styled as a Japanese garden, displays gift of Japanese flowering trees, while the Friends Sensory Garden and Quiet Garden provide tranquil spots. A Heritage Trail leads to the famous Stirchley Chimney, which stands over 200 feet high.
For nature enthusiasts, Hinkshay Pool and Grange Pool are teeming with wildlife, including frogs, toads, dragonflies, herons, and carp, making it an ideal spot for spotting kingfishers and great crested grebes. Picnic areas near the woodland pools are perfect for al fresco dining, and the visitor centre has a food kiosk, with an ice cream van often present.
Getting There and Parking
Telford Town Park is approximately 45 minutes from Birmingham via the M6 and M54. The Southwater multi-storey car park on Northfield Street (TF3 4EJ) is the closest, signposted from junction 5 of the M54 and open 24 hours. Dark Lane car park (TF3 4HD) is open 8.30am-8pm April to October and 9am-6pm November to March. Charges apply at both. Alternatively, direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Telford take around 35-45 minutes, with the park a mile from the station.
With its mix of free attractions, scenic gardens, and family-friendly events, Telford Town Park stands out as a top choice for a summer day out. For more ideas on family activities, follow Brummie Mummies on Facebook and Instagram, listen to podcasts, and sign up for the free Brummie Mummies newsletter.
