Millhouses Park Sheffield Review for Families

If you’re looking for a perfect spot to spend a weekend with the family, Millhouses Park in Sheffield might just be your next destination. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a laid-back day out with the kids, this park has something for everyone. With its lovely mix of play areas, scenic spots, and child-friendly facilities, Millhouses Park is a must-visit for families.

Where is Millhouses Park Located?

Millhouses Park is located in the southwestern part of Sheffield, just off Abbeydale Road South (A621), making it easily accessible whether you’re local to Sheffield or coming in from elsewhere in Yorkshire. It’s nestled within the vibrant community of Millhouses and lies along the River Sheaf, providing a peaceful backdrop to your outdoor adventure. If you’re driving, there’s convenient parking available nearby, but you could also make the trip via public transport with buses regularly running from the city centre

History of Millhouses Park

Millhouses Park has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when the area was originally a mill site. The park opened in the early 1900s and has grown in popularity ever since. Over the years, it has seen various upgrades and developments, transforming it into the family-friendly space it is today. What’s lovely is how it has retained much of its historical charm while also embracing modern updates that cater to families.

What is there to do for families?

Millhouses Park is packed with activities and areas to explore, making it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something to entertain both younger and older kids.

Play Areas For Children

The park features not one but two well-equipped playgrounds. There’s a large adventure play area filled with exciting equipment suitable for older kids like Matilda (aged 8). Think climbing frames, swings, and slides that are big enough to satisfy her adventurous spirit. For Barney (aged 3), the smaller play area with gentler slides and springy animals to ride on is just perfect.

Tennis Courts and Multi-Sports Facilities

If your family is up for some sporty fun, the park has free tennis courts, which are great for a friendly game (or just practicing). There are also multi-use sports areas where you can play basketball or football.

Skate Park

For slightly older children, there is a small but fun skate park that draws local kids.

Pump track

Another highlight is the Pump track which is brilliant for testing a child’s cycling skills. It’s small and most suited to those who are beginning their cycling journey but it’s a nice addition to the park. 

Boating Lake

Next to the cafe is a boating lake. It’s incredibly small and a little dated (perhaps past its best days) but families can enjoy a ride on a dragon/swan boat should they wish. This seems to be only open in the Summer months as it was closed for our September visit.

Miniature Railway

Although not directly in the park, it’s just up the road so is easy to reach if you are in the area for the day. The railway is a not-for-profit model engineering society and all our staff are volunteers. All profits go towards the maintenance of the railway.

Walking and Cycling Paths

 If you’re into family cycling like us, the park offers lovely paths perfect for a gentle cycle or walk along the river. They’re smooth enough for Barney to ride on his balance bike while Matilda races ahead on her bike. It’s a great way to take in the park’s natural beauty without feeling rushed.

Cafés and Picnic Areas

Feeling peckish? There’s a lovely café on-site serving drinks, snacks, and meals. You can grab a coffee while the kids play or opt for a picnic. The park has plenty of benches and open green spaces where you can set up a blanket and enjoy a family lunch.

River access

River Sheaf can be directly accessed from the park and there are plenty of shallow rocky areas to enjoy. Our kids loved spending time in the river and a young boy near us caught a Crayfish which was cool.

The park is very family-friendly, with good facilities available for a comfortable visit. There are clean public toilets (including baby-changing facilities), which is always a huge plus for parents. The café is a bonus for grabbing a bite or a quick hot drink on colder days. We used the primary car park which is £1 an hour or £4 for the entire day. We found 3 hours sufficient for enjoying the park.

For families with younger children, the park is mostly pram-friendly, though some areas might be a little trickier to navigate after wet weather. There’s also plenty of seating dotted around the park.

Areas For Improvement

While Millhouses Park is fantastic overall, a few small improvements could make it even better.

• More Activities for Toddlers: Although Barney enjoyed the smaller play area, it would be nice to see a few more activities specifically designed for younger kids, particularly in the adventure play area.
• Better Drainage on Wet Days: After a rainy spell, some of the paths can get a bit muddy and boggy, which isn’t ideal if you’ve got a pushchair. Improving the drainage in these areas would make visits more enjoyable, especially during the wetter months.

Tired lake: We thought the lake was tired and perhaps no longer a draw. It could be enjoyable for children however it’s very small and limited.

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely! Millhouses Park is a fantastic spot for families, particularly those with kids of different ages like ours. It’s a park that has something for everyone, whether it’s the playgrounds, the pump track, river access, or just the chance to run free in wide-open spaces. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend several hours exploring and enjoying the outdoors, and the mix of history, nature, and fun activities keeps the whole family entertained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have compiled some commonly asked questions about Springhead Park to help you plan your visit.

Is there parking at Millhouses Park?

Yes, there’s ample parking available nearby, with spaces reasonably close to the park’s entrances. We used the East Car Park accessible from Abbeydale Road.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are public toilets on-site, including baby-changing facilities.

Can you bring a bike?

Yes, the park is dog-friendly, and there are freshwater streams throughout the park to cool your dog on hot days.

Can we bring our bikes?

Yes, you can bring your bikes to the park, and there are paths specially designed for biking. Bringing your bikes is a fantastic idea to explore the park’s bike-friendly paths and enjoy a family ride amidst nature’s beauty.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are welcome in the park, though they should be kept on a lead in certain areas. There’s also a dedicated dog exercise area.

Do they have picnic areas?

Yes, there are several picnic tables and grassy areas perfect for a family lunch.

Pros & Cons

Park enjoyment rating

Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Ryan