The Rising Sun Countryside Centre - Image 1

The Rising Sun Countryside Centre

Benton, United Kingdom•4.5(4k)•Country Park, Nature Reserve, Playground

Explore 162 hectares of woodlands, grasslands and ponds with children's play areas, a café and extensive walking trails perfect for families.

Rising Sun Country Park is a sprawling 162-hectare nature reserve offering families an ideal destination to connect with the outdoors and wildlife. The park features extensive footpaths, bridleways and cycleways suitable for all abilities, with selected routes that are wheelchair-accessible. A dedicated Countryside Centre serves as the hub of activities, providing educational visits and a welcoming café serving freshly made sandwiches, scones and refreshments. Families visiting will find plenty to engage children, including a children's play area and water play feature, bird hides for wildlife spotting, and picnic areas with barbecue facilities. The site actively promotes healthy living and outdoor activities, with regular cycling and Nordic walking groups meeting throughout the year. Free parking and accessible parking are available within the grounds, making it convenient for visitors with young children and pushchairs. The park caters to families with children of all ages, from toddlers through to older children, with facilities including toilet facilities, a Changing Places facility and a dog wash area. The venue's commitment to sustainability and healthy living, combined with its free admission and diverse range of activities, makes it an accessible choice for families seeking outdoor recreation and nature-based experiences throughout the year.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 16:30
Tuesday: 09:00 – 16:30
Wednesday: 09:00 – 16:30
Thursday: 09:00 – 16:30
Friday: 09:00 – 16:30
Saturday: 09:00 – 16:30
Sunday: 09:00 – 16:30

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Rising Sun Café

Café offering freshly made sandwiches, scones and hot and cold drinks with outdoor terrace seating overlooking the park

Hours: 9:00-15:30 Monday to Friday; 10:30-15:30 Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays

Visit websiteView menu
Follow:

Google Reviews

4.5(4k reviews)
N
nigel duncan

nigel duncan

2 months ago

Lovely country walks especially knowing you are in a city. Only down side for visitors, is very easy to get lost. It could do with some sign for the various routes throughout the park

S
Sonia

Sonia

2 years ago

Great place for easy walk, we spotted various animals and enjoyed the view around the trail. There also several trailing option, you can choose for a short, medium, or long walk. However, some track is quite muddy and need extra effort to pass it.

C
Chris M

Chris M

2 years ago

Quite disappointed. We didn’t find the way through the woods very well marked but did like the trees. The Hides themselves are not very nice , the first Hide was grotty and had a lovely decorative shopping trolley, the second one was not very nice to sit down in and watch the birds. Dog poo everywhere, so you have to walk looking down, just in case. Massive pile of Horse poo right outside one of the Bird Hides. The long wagonways might be good for walking dogs but we found them very boring to walk, you mostly can’t see anything in either direction. The only nice view we had was spolit by a Pop bottle which somebody had obviously lobbed over to get it there. Service was very slow at the cafe but their coffee and scones were very good - just watch out in sunny weather for all the Wasps if sitting outside - manic.

J
Jamie-lee Blackburn

Jamie-lee Blackburn

7 years ago

First time here last Thursday with my fiancé, we looked it up and decided to go here for a walk and it was absolutely lovely, great walks around the river, pond and plenty animals to see aswell. There's 3 different routes we did the blue route and loved it, we will definitely be back so we can go to the bird hide 🐦 free parking aswell bonus and there's playground for kids and a cafe too, I'd definitely recommend it

L
Liz Clark (Purpletwiglet)

Liz Clark (Purpletwiglet)

8 years ago

Good access and clearly signed paths make for an easy walk with lots of information boards to enlighten and educate. There is ample parking and a cafe and play area. Staff in the cafe were pleasant and the food was good and reasonably priced, but the arrangements are a bit odd. There is a microwave to heat up your own scones ( not sure what else). Seating was limited because staff were mopping the floor (even when it got busy).

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about The Rising Sun Countryside Centre

Is The Rising Sun Countryside Centre free to visit?

Entry to The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is The Rising Sun Countryside Centre suitable for?

The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is The Rising Sun Countryside Centre dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre.

Is there parking at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre?

Yes — The Rising Sun Countryside Centre has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre?

Yes — Rising Sun Café is on site at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre. Café offering freshly made sandwiches, scones and hot and cold drinks with outdoor terrace seating overlooking the park

Is The Rising Sun Countryside Centre pushchair-friendly?

Yes, The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at The Rising Sun Countryside Centre?

The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to The Rising Sun Countryside Centre by public transport?

The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is well-served by public transport.
Kiddy Compass