Activities |

Cycling to School with Kids in the Winter

November 20, 2024 by Ryan

The winter months are often when many families reluctantly trade in their walk/cycle to school habits for the warmth of the car. But for many reasons highlighted below it’s the best time to continue cycling.

Cycling to school has become a core part of our identity and our day-to-day life. Since our daughter Matilda started school in September 2020, we have cycled or walked to school every single day, without exception. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Our website is all about the joys of outdoor adventures with young children, and cycling is at the heart of our philosophy.

Today, we’re sharing why we continue to cycle to school even in winter and how you can make it work for your family too.

It’s worth noting that our advice is always aimed at those who have the means to do so. Many now work from home, close to home or work shifts. These can make the transition to cycling in all weather. We are here to promote positive habit changes in the day-to-day lives of ordinary families.

Great Longstone Park & Bakewell Recreational Ground Review For Families

November 19, 2024 by Ryan

Looking for a family adventure in the beautiful Bakewell area of the Peak District? We recently spent a fun-packed day exploring Great Longstone Park and Bakewell Recreational Grounds, two fantastic spots for outdoor family fun. It was the October half-term and we ventured to the Peak District without a plan other than to explore the local area. We’ve visited Bakewell several times and enjoyed the pedestrianised nature of the high street.

We had heard of Great Longstone from our cycling adventures on the Monsal Trail and were informed it had a nice little park. For such a small village, we were keen to check this out as part of our trip.

Join us as we review these parks, sharing everything from what facilities they offer to whether we’d recommend them for a family day out.

Staying Consistent with Cycling When You Have Kids

November 18, 2024 by Ryan

Balancing your love for cycling with the demands of parenting can feel like a juggling act. Life with kids is wonderfully unpredictable, and it often seems like there’s always something that gets in the way of a good bike ride.

Yet, staying active is crucial—for both our physical health and mental well-being. Staying fit, getting out in nature and keeping my mind free are just some of the reasons I stay consistent with cycling. It’s not always easy and when the cold months kick in it can become appealing to stay inside where it’s warm.

Here’s how I manage to stay consistent with cycling as a parent, with two young children.

Pontefract Park, Pontefract Review For Families

November 17, 2024 by Ryan

$Pontefract Park Review$

Pontefract Park is a hidden gem that promises an enjoyable experience for families seeking outdoor adventures and quality time together. As a family that loves to explore nature’s wonders, we recently had the pleasure of visiting Pontefract Park. The visit gave us some happy memories and a strong wish to tell other families about our time there.

The park’s serene beauty and array of activities truly cater to everyone, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. From the exhilarating racecourse to the natural beauty of Pontefract Park, from the thrilling play area to the bike-friendly paths, this park offers a plethora of experiences that cater to the diverse interests of families

Great Places to Live for Cyclists Across England

November 13, 2024 by Ryan

We are always looking for new places to visit in England where we can cycle as a family. This sent me down a rabbit hole of research on Great places to live for Cyclists across England.

Like many, we are always wondering if the grass is greener on the other side of the country. Is there somewhere we could live with more cycling infrastructure, does a specific county have more traffic-free trails? or can we find somewhere which is more accepting of everyday family cyclists like ourselves?

Best Places to Teach Your Child How to Ride a Bike: Parks, Trails, and More

November 11, 2024 by Ryan

Teaching your child to ride a bike is one of those unforgettable moments that brings a rush of pride and joy to both parents and children. For me, it’s up there with seeing your child walk for the first time or say their first word.

Recently we successfully taught our four-year-old how to ride his bike with pedals for the first time. He’s always been strong on his balance bike and we followed this up with getting him used to a normal bike without pedals (we took them off). Following this and with some pushback from Barney we moved him onto pedals and he could cycle freely with us assisting his start.

He’s by no means the finished article now and we have many days ahead which I why I wanted to pen this article to help you choose the best places to teach your child how to ride a bike.

Our goal with this post is to help other families identify the best places for teaching their young ones how to ride, focusing on traffic-free, family-friendly areas, and encouraging a love of biking.

Table of Contents

Why the Right Location Matters
Local Parks
Cul-de-Sac Streets
Pump Tracks and Bike Trails
Country Parks with Circular Paths
Bike Trails and Linear Paths
Places with Limited Opening Hours
Tips for Teaching Your Child to Ride

Nostell Priory National Trust Review For Families

November 7, 2024 by Ryan

Nostell Priory is a Palladian house located in Nostell, near Crofton, close to Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, approached by the road to Doncaster from Wakefield. It dates from 1733 and was built for the Winn family on the site of a medieval priory.

Now looked after by the National Trust it’s approximately 6 miles from the city centre. From our home in Sandal, it’s a merely 15-minute drive and is a regular on our visit list.

It is nestled in the small village of Wragby and can be found via Sat Nav at the following address or postcode. Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield WF4 1QE.

We are lucky that we can cycle directly from our home to Nostell Priory via mostly off-road cycle routes. We reviewed this route here but this article will focus on the National Trust itself.

Nostell Priory is over 300 acres of parkland and woodland. With a beautiful cafe, shop, play park and of course the main house it’s a fantastic place to visit with the family.

Beaumont Park For Families Review

November 7, 2024 by Ryan

As a family with two small children, we always look for new outdoorsy things to do on the weekend. The excitement when you discover a new place to visit within a radius of your home is something we love.

We have a list of safe cycle routes which will form the primary part of the website however we also visit a large number of parks which continue the outdoor theme throughout the website. Although not explicitly cycling these cater to those looking for inexpensive (or free) outdoor fun for children of all ages. Beaumont Park was definitely one of these.

Located in the Beaumont Park area of Huddersfield a couple of miles outside the town centre, the park was Huddersfield’s first public park and officially opened in October 1883.

Having studied the history of the Park it has been down to the local residents (The Friends of Beaumont Park group) who have managed to revive the park in collaboration with Kirklees Council. The history of the park and how it fell into disrepair is documented on the about page here. It’s worth a read as the park couldn’t be more different today.

Abington Park, Northampton Review For Families

November 5, 2024 by Ryan

If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor adventure that will charm young children and provide something for everyone, Abington Park in Northampton might just be the perfect place. With a rich history, beautiful gardens, and plenty of activities, it’s easy to see why it’s an incredibly popular spot for families living in Northampton to visit.

During our October half-term break, we took a trip to Northamptonshire to visit family who lived in the area, this included a visit to Abington Park. It was a nostalgic experience for my wife Beth, who spent many childhood days there. It was the day of the clock change so we arrived early (why do children wake up ridiculously early on this day despite the difference being just one hour?) and headed straight for the play park.

Want to know if Abington Park is right for your family? Keep reading for our extensive review of the park.

St. Ives Estate, Bingley Review For Families

November 5, 2024 by Ryan

Nestled near Bingley, West Yorkshire, St. Ives Estate stands as a testament to nature’s magnificence, offering families a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply seeking a peaceful day in the park, St. Ives Estate has something to offer everyone.

St. Ives Estate is a country park of 500 acres belonging to Bradford Metropolitan District Council with public access to a large part of the area. The dense woodlands, wildflower meadows, and breathtaking views provide a perfect backdrop for a day of exploration. In this comprehensive review, I will share our family’s experience visiting St. Ives Estate and highlight all the wonderful things it has to offer.