Ryan

Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There's no better way to travel than via bike and it's an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Scammonden Reservoir, Huddersfield Review For Families

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Scammonden Reservoir Huddersfield For Families

As a family that enjoys spending quality time outdoors, we are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting places to explore. Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Scammonden Water in Huddersfield and we couldn’t wait to share our experience with other families like ours. 

Scammonden Water offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, perfect for a family day out surrounded by nature. From walking trails to stunning views, there’s something for everyone here.

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Clumber Park National Trust Review

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As a family, we are regular visitors to the National Trust aspect of Clumber Park (we’ve been 4 times). Shamefully we are yet to do the dedicated cycle paths within the National Trust site (I know it’s one of the main attractions) however Clumber Park has much to offer.

Clumber Park is actually over 3,800 acres in total, including woods, open heath and rolling farmland. It contains the longest double avenue of lime trees in Europe.

Many don’t make it as far as the National Trust site itself and enjoy the country walks and options available outside of the trust entrance. It’s a huge expanse of space and can be enjoyed by members and non-members alike.

The National Trust site includes a wide range of things to do for families including a play park, cafe, picnic areas, lake walks and of course cycle tracks. It’s a great day out and well worth your yearly membership.

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How we use our bikes as a family

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Making the transition to riding your bike as a family can be daunting to some. It’s easy to jump in the car and drive to your destination irrespective of how close it is. As a country, we have become heavily dependent upon cars with over 40 million in circulation. Even journeys under 1 mile are now done by car. It’s a frightening statistic.

Biking as a family doesn’t have to be scary though. To start with we have a car and use our car. We only have one but it’s something we couldn’t live without as aspects of our lifestyle are made better by having a car. Visiting family, National Trust sites, driving to the South of France on holiday are all parts of our life we wouldn’t change.

We love our car and arguably the car is actually one of the greatest inventions (behind the bicycle of course) ever created. It’s unfortunately become overused and inefficient as a mode of transport.

Monday – Friday we rarely use our car and opt for walking or cycling as our choice of transportation. We are a family with a 3 and 7 year old and here are some of the ways we use our bikes as a family both as a mode of transport and for fun. 

We hope these will inspire more people to do the same.

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Hyde Park (Woodhouse Moor), Leeds Review For Families

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Hyde Park Leeds For Families

When it comes to finding the perfect outdoor space for family fun in Leeds, Hyde Park is a place that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for a new place to explore or visiting the city, this beautiful park has a lot to offer families.

Woodhouse Moor, fondly known as “Hyde Park” by locals, is a charming green space situated just a mile away from the bustling heart of Leeds, England. This urban oasis has a rich history and offers a myriad of activities for families to enjoy. As a family who recently explored Hyde Park, we were pleasantly surprised by the park’s offerings, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a day of outdoor fun.

Hyde Park spans approximately 26 acres and is characterised by its lush green lawns, mature trees, and well-maintained pathways. Families visiting the park are greeted with a serene and picturesque environment, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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East Riddlesden Hall National Trust Review

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East Riddlesden Hall For Families

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, East Riddlesden Hall, a National Trust property, offers a delightful escape for families seeking a day filled with history, outdoor adventures, and natural beauty. Managed by the National Trust, this picturesque estate offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a hidden oasis on the edge of Keighley, promising a blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a range of family-friendly activities that make it a memorable day out for young families.

As we arrived in March, we took a leisurely stroll around the grounds surrounding the hall. Despite the early spring weather, the proximity of the hall to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal provided a picturesque setting. The kids loved taking in the scenic views, and we were struck by the tranquillity of the area.

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Central Park, Haworth Review For Families

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Central Park Haworth

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, England, lies a charming village that seems plucked from the pages of a storybook – Haworth. Famous for its association with the Brontë sisters, this village oozes history and literary charm. But what many families might not know is that Haworth is also home to a fantastic place for outdoor adventures and family fun – Central Park. 

Central Park is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Haworth. Surrounded by the quaint stone buildings that give this village its unique character, the park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We were pleasantly surprised by the sheer size and beauty of this park, which covers over six acres of land.

The park’s layout is thoughtfully designed, offering something for everyone in the family. Whether you have toddlers who want to run around, teenagers itching for adventure, or grandparents looking for a serene spot to relax, Central Park has got you covered.

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Chevin Forest Park, Otley Review For Families

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Chevin Forest Park For Families

If you’re seeking a delightful escape into nature for the whole family, look no further than Chevin Forest Park, situated just a short distance south of the charming market town of Otley in West Yorkshire. This expansive park, consisting of Caley Deer Park, Chevin Forest Park, and The Chevin, offers a plethora of natural wonders and recreational opportunities that make it a fantastic destination for families seeking outdoor adventures and serene moments in nature.

As a family, we recently had the pleasure of exploring this sprawling 445-acre park, and we were captivated by the serene woodlands, historical charm, and recreational opportunities it offers. In this article, we will share our personal experiences and insights, ensuring you have all the information you need to plan your own visit to this delightful park.

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Brimham Rocks National Trust Review

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Brimham Rocks For Families

Brimham Rocks is located in the heart of the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, nestled within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a fantastic spot for families looking for a blend of adventure and natural splendour, providing both peaceful surroundings and a plethora of activities to engage little explorers. Our children Matilda and Barney loved venturing around Brimham Rocks but if you have kids under the age of 5 it can be challenging to tempt them away from some of the climbing.

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Clarence Park, Wakefield Review For Families

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Thornes Park Wakefield

Nestled in the heart of Wakefield, United Kingdom, Clarence Park is a hidden gem. Covering over 28 acres, it boasts lush green landscapes, towering trees, meticulously maintained lawns, and vibrant flower gardens—a picturesque sanctuary offering respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This cherished park has captivated the hearts of generations of visitors, revealing the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage through its Victorian-inspired landscaping and architectural grandeur.

As a family, we relish the great outdoors, and Clarence Park provided us with an idyllic setting to indulge in our love for nature. Having visited the park multiple times as Wakefield residents, we appreciate the unique arrangement of Clarence Park within Thornes Park, and it’s important to clarify this distinction.

While the park is a part of Thornes Park, its specific features like the play area and miniature railway are technically under the purview of Thornes Park. This article will focus on Clarence Park while acknowledging its connection to Thornes Park.

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Shibden Park, Halifax Review for Families

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Shibden Park For Families

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of West Yorkshire, Shibden Park stands as a true gem for families seeking a day of adventure and relaxation. We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the captivating charm of Shibden Park and Hall. Having visited regularly as a child it was our first time there as a family and we were keen to explore what there was to do.

In this comprehensive review, I will share our family’s experience visiting Shibden Park and highlight all the wonderful things it has to offer.

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