Didcot's most popular family and dog walk: wide open playing fields, two lakes with waterfowl, a well-equipped playground, and The Ladygrove pub all in one location.
Off-Lead
Partial off-lead
Off-lead permitted in the open playing fields. Dogs should be on leads near the two lakes due to resident waterfowl, including swans and nesting ducks.
Pram / Pushchair
✓✓ Excellent
Surfaced paths throughout the main circuit. The lakeside paths are wide and smooth, making this one of the most pushchair-friendly walks in Didcot.
Playground
✓ Nearby
A well-equipped children's playground is located at the northern end of the park, with climbing frames, swings, and a zip wire. Suitable for children aged 2 to 12.
About This Walk
Ladygrove Park is the heartbeat of dog walking in Didcot. On any given morning you will find dozens of dogs of every breed and size enjoying the wide open playing fields, the lakeside paths, and the grassy banks that surround the two lakes at the park's centre. The park covers a generous area, giving dogs real space to stretch their legs in the off-lead fields before returning to leads near the water. The two lakes are home to a thriving community of swans, ducks, coots, and moorhens, which provides endless entertainment for curious dogs and young children alike, though it does mean leads are essential near the water's edge during nesting season (March to July). For families, Ladygrove Park is hard to beat. The playground at the northern end is well-maintained and popular, and the surfaced paths make the whole circuit accessible for pushchairs in any weather. The Ladygrove pub sits right on the edge of the park and welcomes dogs in its garden, making it the natural end point for a morning walk. The park also connects to the wider Ladygrove Estate green spaces, so it is easy to extend the walk if you have the energy.
Walk Highlights
Two lakes with swans, ducks, and moorhens
Well-equipped playground with zip wire (ages 2 to 12)
Wide open off-lead playing fields
The Ladygrove pub with dog-friendly garden on site
Surfaced paths throughout, excellent for pushchairs
Connects to Ladygrove Estate and wider green spaces
Family & Children
Ladygrove Park is the go-to family walk in Didcot. The playground, the lakes with their ducks and swans, the open grass for ball games, and the on-site pub make it a complete half-day outing for families with dogs and young children. The flat, surfaced paths are ideal for toddlers on balance bikes and scooters.
Playground Details
A well-equipped children's playground is located at the northern end of the park, with climbing frames, swings, and a zip wire. Suitable for children aged 2 to 12.
For Your Dog
Off-Lead
Off-lead permitted in the open playing fields. Dogs should be on leads near the two lakes due to resident waterfowl, including swans and nesting ducks.
Water for Dogs
Two lakes on site. Dogs can access the water at designated points on the southern bank. Avoid disturbing nesting birds in spring.
OPW Trainer Tip
Ladygrove Park is one of our top recommendations for recall training with puppies. The open fields give you clear sightlines, the moderate level of distraction (other dogs, children, ducks) is ideal for building reliable recall in a real-world environment, and the enclosed feel of the park gives you confidence as a new dog owner. Practise your recall in the fields before progressing to more open countryside walks.
Practical Information
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