Woolley Park, Wakefield Review For Families

If you haven’t yet stumbled across Woolley Park, tucked away in the gorgeous little village of Woolley near Wakefield, then pop it on your list. It’s one of those parks that surprises you with how much it offers in such a small footprint – perfect for a chilled weekend with the kids, especially if you’re local.

We’ve been coming to the park for years, but with our new school location just 5 minutes up the road, it’s a great spot for after-school play and some quick outdoor time.

Where is it located?

Woolley Park sits in the heart of Woolley village, nestled between Wakefield and Barnsley, just off the A61. It’s only 10-15 minute drive to the city, but it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere. Your quintessential Yorkshire village.

There’s parking directly in front of the park. There’s the village hall next door so you can’t miss it. There’s always somewhere to park without impacting any of the local residents.

History of Woolley village/park

Woolley is a proper heritage-rich village, part of the Wakefield district, lying midway between Wakefield and Barnsley. Nearby lies Woolley Hall, a Grade II* Jacobean country house begun in the 1630s, historically tied to the Wentworth estate.

Though the park itself isn’t a listed space, its vibe reflects those old-school community values—simple, well-kept, and welcoming. With the village hall next door, it’s a real throwback to simpler times. 

What is there to do?

• Play area: Compact, gated, and perfect for ages 4–9, with swings, slides, climbing frames, a trim trail and toddler-friendly equipment.
  
• Football pitch: A great open turf spot that’s perfect for kicking a ball around. In the Summer months, we have noticed there are nets within the goals, which is quite cool as kids can play freely.
  
• Grassed expanse: Ideal for picnics and generally running around. Nowhere specific for bikes or scooters but the grassed area is well kept, so could be utilised.

It’s just a nice little park with enough to do for an hour or so, especially in the Summer months. The equipment is surprisingly expensive for the size of the village. 

Facilities

Unfortunately, this is the classic “bring your own” park:

• No café
  
• No toilets
  
• No shop
  
• No baby-changing
  

You’ll want to pack snacks and plan for a quick dash to the loo. On the bright side, the village hall adjacent to the park can be hired for parties, which obviously comes with facilities. We’ve been to a number of parties at the village hall, and it’s quite good as it’s essentially a party venue and park in one. 

A brilliant park for the size of the village.

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely! While not a destination playground, it’s a nice, quiet place for families within 10–15 minutes of Wakefield or Barnsley. It’s free, quiet, and stress-free, think a Sunday afternoon or an afterschool jaunt. Brilliant for local families to enjoy a bit of outdoor time. The village charm adds an extra layer, no traffic noise, no crowds, just good, old-fashioned fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a café?

No, there isn’t, unfortunately. You need to bring picnics or snacks. Newmillerdam Country Park, with an expansive list of restaurants, is within a 10-minute drive so you can combine both. 

What is your favourite part?

It’s a great little park. I like the football field directly next to the park, and because it’s within a village, it’s always quiet and relaxed. 

How much is it?

Completely free. Ideal for spontaneous stops without spending a penny.

Are there bike trails?

Not in the park itself. The quiet country lanes and bridleways in this part of Wakefield/Barnsley are great for adult bikes, but not really suitable for young kids riding solo.

Is there suitable parking?

Yes! Parking directly on the road in front of the park. There’s always space but be respectful to those who live in the village. 

Can you host a party there?

Yep. The hall can be hired for birthdays or community events, and the park is literally on its doorstep, perfect for birthday parties in the Summer months.

Final Thoughts

Woolley Park is a beautifully simple, family-friendly local spot. Minimal amenities mean it’s not going to be an all-day job. It’s just a small village park. What it lacks in facilities, it certainly doesn’t lack in park options. It’s surprisingly well-stocked for such a small village, and the football pitch also adds to the fun.

It’s great to pass an hour or two and definitely worth a visit.

Pros & Cons

Park enjoyment rating

Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Ryan