Cycling Indoors vs Outdoors: A Balanced Perspective

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As a dad who loves spending time outdoors with my family, the decision to invest in an indoor spin bike was a shift in mindset. Being out in the fresh air, exploring parks, National Trust sites and local Yorkshire gems with my kids has always been a huge part of our weekends. But there’s also much to be said for indoor cycling, especially when life gets busy, the weather isn’t cooperating or a combination of both means you can’t reach your fitness goals.

At heart, I’ll always be a trail cyclist. There’s nothing that compares to cycling outdoors on traffic-free trails, the varying terrain, switching off your mind, and the feeling of time standing still. 

In January 2024 I bought a spin bike. I know what you are thinking. It’s another one of those January purchases gathering dust! That couldn’t be further from the truth!

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Millhouses Park Sheffield Review for Families

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Millhouses Park Sheffield Play Area

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.

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Springhead Park Rothwell Review for Families

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Springhead Park Rothwell

Springhead Park is a lovely public park located in the heart of Rothwell just below Rothwell Country Park. It’s a park that’s frequently used by all the community, offering lots of sports and recreational activities that families and individuals can enjoy. Our last visit was on a really cold day in December but we still enjoyed it! We have been before this on sunnier days too when there is an ice cream van at the bottom of the hill which we obviously had to run down to! I have included our most recent photos with a couple of oldies too.

The park seems to be a popular spot for all ages, young and old, and is full of recreational activities to do here – tennis courts, public gardens, aviary, skate ramps, café, mature trees, grassland, seasonal planting, and beckside walks. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this attractive public park.

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Temple Newsam, Leeds Review For Families

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Temple Newsam For Families

We always think, wherever we go, we want the day to be memorable of course, and for us all to feel happy and free. Temple Newsam is a large park and garden with various activities to do in a beautiful location. We have visited a few times over the past few years, whether on our own, with family, or with friends, and it has always been a fun day out. It is not a cheap day if you want to visit the House or ‘Home Farm’ to see the animals but you can visit the space for free for a picnic or a run around. This is worth noting though because it can be difficult not to pay into places when your children can see what is available. There are local cards that you may have that entitle you to free or discounted entry so check this before booking.

There’s so much to see and do that even though we cover only a small portion of the estate each time we go, we always have a full day. Equally, it is somewhere you could decide to just visit for a couple of hours. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic house, strolling through the breathtaking gardens, or enjoying the activities tailored for children, Temple Newsam promises a great experience for the whole family. 

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A Dads Fitness Journey 2024 24/2/2024 – 8/3/2024

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Damflask Low Bradfield

I am still finding my groove with these updates and have realised weekly is probably excessive. Consistency is the key so it’s more of the same.  The tumble on my shoulder at football turned into real agony as the weekend went on. I battled through some low-impact body weight exercises however it was uncomfortable; so … Read more

A Dads Fitness Journey 2024 4/2/2024

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Bike Fitness

I rolled into the 5th week of my focused fitness journey with a change to our usual schedule as a family. My wife a trained primary school teacher was taking part in her Bikeabilty training to become a qualified instructor. She’d signed up for this via Cycle North in September 2023 but this was the … Read more

How the Lack of Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Fuels Obesity in the UK

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UK Obesity Crisis

In recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed a troubling surge in obesity rates, both among adults and children. A significant contributor to this epidemic is the glaring deficiency in walking and cycling infrastructure across the country. The prevailing car-centric culture, coupled with inadequate active travel opportunities, has set the stage for an alarming rise … Read more

A Dads Fitness Journey 2024

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I’ve been into fitness since 2012 when I wanted to get into shape for my wedding. Since then my journey has been a relatively consistent one with a few rocks in the road along the way. 2015 was my peak fitness year. My wife was pregnant with our now 8-year-old, I was getting my education … Read more

Endcliffe Park, Sheffield Review for Families

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Endcliffe Park Sheffield

We visited Endcliffe Park this Saturday and it was one of our favourite new places. From where we live it was about 45 minutes, including a little drive through the centre of Sheffield. It is located to the southwest of the city and had a great vibe about it as soon as we arrived. There are lots of interesting things to do and see, including lots of wildlife, a play park, beautiful trees, and lots of water to throw sticks into – there are two great small bridges to play Pooh Sticks! It was full of people doing a variety of everyday exercise and having fun.

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