Pontefract Castle
The Lodge Castle Chain, Pontefract WF8 1QH (SAT NAV WF8 2JR)
Discover the story of one of Britain’s most important castles, so vast and powerful that it was known in its heyday as the Key to the North. Experience history brought to life through fun family events and activities. Takeout food is available from The Liquorice Cafe and the new playground area is open!!
**Playground is now open again!**
Make a Day of it:
Head over to Farmer Copleys for yummy lunch and then take a walk to look at the animals in their small petting farm which is free entry.
Wentworth Garden Centre
Hague Lane, Wentworth, Rotherham, S62 7TF
Recently rebuilt and revamped the family farm is the ideal place to visit with the whole family. There’s entertainment for all ages whether you’re feeding Larry the llama, putting your foot down on the mini tractor derby, making a splash in the sand and water play area or burning off some energy in the Pirate Ship Play Zone!
Make a Day of it:
We have spent many an hour at Wentworth Garden Centre and with the farm, all the play areas and great cafe / restaurant you don’t need to go anywhere else!!
Wakefield’s Story Trail Walks
There are four story trails now around Wakefield, which involve a bit of activity to encourage children to do the walks! My absolute favourite is the Gnome Roam, which is a 1.8 mile walk through the beautiful forest at Newmillerdam to find the Gnomes. At each gnome you have to do a little activity! Another popular choice is the Room on the Broom Trail at Anglers, where sculptures and models are based on the popular story. To learn more about the other story trail walks click HERE.
Make a Day of it: If you head to Angler’s there is much more to see than the Room on the Broom Trail…. with a great play area and cafe. Also head to Haw Park Wood which is just magical!
Oakwell Hall & Country Park
Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9LF
Just outside Wakefield in Kirklees, Oakwell Hall offers families an insight into a post English Civil War household. Oakwell Hall itself is currently closed but there is tonnes to do in the country park!!
Make a Day of it: The real fun for children comes in the extensive grounds! There’s a great Nature trail (not buggy friendly), playgrounds for younger and older children, a scrummy cafe, and download the Love Exploring App to do a Dinosaur Safari!!
Earnshaws Woodland Trail
Earnshaws Fencing Centres, Stocksmoor Road, Midgley, WF4 4JG
Woodland trail walk around Earnshaws Fencing Centre including fairy doors and information about local wildlife, play equipment as well as loads of summer houses and sheds for the kids to play in!
Grab a coffee and cake at Little Acorns too.
Make a Day of it: Extend your walk into Coxley Woods – have a read here
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Sugarwell Lane, LS7 2QG
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is a working farm with a wide variety of animals, gardens and woodland walks. Also visit the cafe, farm shop, and adventure play area for under 12’s.
Make a Day of it: Have a walk through Meanwood Valley Trail. The 7 mile linear walk is an excellent way to explore The Meanwood Valley Local Nature Reserve which runs from Meanwood into the more rural countryside around Adel and Alwoodley. Download the Trail Map HERE
Cannon Hall Park & Gardens
Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT
Park at the bottom of the lane by the Garden Centre and explore the country park as well as the gardens. If you also head down to the boating lakes you may find rowing boats and swan pedalos to have a ride in!
Make a Day of it: Take a trip to Pot House Hamlet – click here for more info
