Anglers Country Park cycling for families

Anglers Country Park is an award-winning Green Flag destination where you can explore the unspoiled countryside, woodland, wetland and trails.

Anglers Country Park is in Wintersett, Wakefield. Once known as one of the deepest open cast coal mines, Anglers has since been transformed into a park which welcomes thousands of visitors a month. It has also flourished into a beautiful haven for wildlife including many migratory birds making it a perfect place to visit whether you are in or from the surrounding area.

We love Anglers because it has a central lake with a 2-mile trail around the edges. It’s a perfect place to cycle with small children as the terrain is flat and child safe. There’s also a Room on the broom trail as well as a playpark for the kids. Parking is completely free for the first two hours but living in Sandal we are able to travel to Anglers on the old Barnsley canal path.

Where does the ride take me?

Anglers Country park has a large pay and display car park which can be accessed off Haw Park Lane. Given its council run the parking is actually free of charge for the first two hours (which for most may even be enough time) and then just £2 if you fancy staying up to four hours.

If you are travelling by Car and have your Bikes on the back of the car then the carpark is essentially at the side of the lake. You can cycle in either direction around the lake. At the far side of the lake, you can actually follow signs for Nostell Priory (this is a route I recommend here).

The path is an approximately 2-mile loop around the Park. This is shared between cyclists, dog walkers, joggers and families but there’s plenty of space. The grassy area which surrounds the lake is incredibly wide so it’s very easy to pass someone on the grass should there be people in front of you.

The route is very pleasant and the Room on the Broom Adventure Trail can be done. You can pick up an activity pack from the visitor centre should the children want to fill in the activities.

Anglers also has a play park which is situated directly next to the visitor centre. We tend to do this last to incentivise the children after the cycle. The playpark although good is (IMO) a little tired and could do with an update. Although every part of it is still functional it’s on the old side and I believe with a more substantial playpark Anglers would attract more visits There’s also a nice cafe to pick up refreshments should you feel like a coffee or cake after your cycle.

What level of rider is it suitable for?

Anglers Country park is very much for beginners. The route is largely flat, the surface is safe for children of all ages. It’s a good place for those who are beginning their journey as independent riders.

How much of it is traffic-free?

Once parked Anglers country park is a completely traffic-free route. There are no cars or any other vehicles allowed on the circuit surrounding the lake and it’s strictly for walkers and cyclists. Other than navigating around other people Anglers is a very safe route to practice.

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely! If you have young children or are new to cycling then this is a perfect place to visit. It’s safe, there are plenty of activities to keep them occupied (and incentivised) and it’s a fun day out for all.

The cycle paths are also completely traffic-free which as a parent is reassuring as it enables you to enjoy your own ride instead of worrying about the safety of your children. Anglers country park is really wide too meaning it’s easy to avoid walkers and continue cycling.

With a great cafe, toilet facilities, picnic benches and a play park there’s plenty to do for a nice day out. Best of all with two hours of free parking it’s a fun-filled activity which can cost you nothing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cafe?:

Yes. There’s a cafe inside the main building at Anglers Country Park which serves hot and cold meals, drinks and plenty of snacks. It has lovely bi-fold doors which open up onto the play park area. It’s a really nice cafe with plenty of choices.

Are there any hills?:

Not really! Anglers Country park is largely flat so it’s a perfect place for all ride levels.  It was one of the first places we visited when Matilda began cycling independently and we’ve enjoyed visiting ever since.

What is your favourite part?:

I really like the Bird hides which can be located near the main lake. It adds a different dimension to the park and is a nice introduction to nature for the children.

Is it suitable for Dog walkers?

Yes. Anglers country park is very much a spot for Dog Walkers. It’s less popular with families than perhaps Pugneys Country park however there are always dog walkers when we visit. Given the free parking and the beautiful scenery, it’s actually a perfect place for Dog Walkers.

How much is it to park?

The parking at Anglers country park is completely free for the first two hours. Following this, the charge is £2 for a total of four hours making Anglers a real bargain. You can also park in the car park at Anglers and enjoy the adjoining Haw Park Wood.

Pros & Cons

Cycle enjoyment rating

Last Updated on February 3, 2023 by Ryan