Newmillerdam Country Park

Newmillerdam Country Park Review For Families

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We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been to Newmillerdam over the years. It’s just 1.5 miles from home, close enough to cycle with the kids, and familiar enough that we rarely stop to take photos anymore. It’s the kind of place that is the place you go if you have a couple of hours of free time on a weekend morning. That’s our favourite time as we tend to beat the crowds, and it’s peaceful. 

Whether it’s a Sunday roam or a full afternoon of woodland wandering and gnome hunting, Newmillerdam has become our family’s go-to for fresh air and fun when we want to stay local and leave the car at home. 

Table of Contents

Where is it located?

You’ll find Newmillerdam just south of Wakefield, off the A61. For us, it’s a short hop on the bikes from our home in Sandal (you can walk a largely traffic-free back route), but there’s also a good-sized pay-and-display car park if you’re driving (postcode WF2 6QQ).

It sits on the edge of the countryside, with woods stretching up the hillside and the Trans Pennine Trail just a short ride from the top entrance, making it a brilliant base for both short family strolls and longer trail rides. We’ve ventured here many times as a family, i’ve cycled the top woods solo and Beth and I have enjoyed walks here too. 

A Little History

Newmillerdam’s story goes way back. Originally called Thurstonhaugh, the area had a water-powered corn mill from the 13th century—hence the name New Mill on the Dam.

In the 1800s, the land belonged to the Pilkington family, who built that beautiful old boathouse that now houses the café. The old railway line that once ran above the woods (you can still spot the stone viaduct if you know where to look) used to carry coal and passengers. Now it’s mostly bluebells, brambles and bikers.


What is there to do?

Not only is Newmillerdam beautiful (all year round I must add) there’s also plenty to do. No play park for the kids but it’s natural outdoor fun. Think den building, exploring and much more. It’s not just a walk around the lake, although the lake is definitely a highlight.

The Circular Lake Trail

A lovely 1.5-mile loop around the water, fully surfaced, flat, and ideal for little legs. We’ve been walking the kids around here for years and we still enjoy it. Barney’s confidence grew massively here, especially on his balance bike. There’s a sign which says no bikes around the lake route but I think it’s fine for small children. 

The Gnome Roam

This one is a firm family favourite. Weirdly we tend to do this when it’s freezing over the Christmas holidays. We meet friends here and it’s become a bit of a tradition. From the primary car park you walk up the steep steps. Hidden in the top woods is a trail with carved wooden gnomes dotted about among the trees. No map, no markers, just pure woodland adventure. Perfect for kids who love a bit of mystery and magic and it definitely keeps the kids walking.

We sometimes take hot chocolate and jump into one of the dens which are commonly built along the trail. 

Bike Trails in the Top Woods

Head uphill past the dam and you’ll find a maze of dirt trails and gravel paths weaving through the woods. They’re rideable even with younger kids and they link up directly with the Trans Pennine Trail if you want to extend your ride.

Wildlife Spotting

Springtime is especially lovely with bluebells carpeting the woodland and baby ducklings bobbing about. We have seen a family within the Dam recently who were newly born. There’s plenty of birdsong in the woodland trails too. Don’t forget to switch Merlin App on and identify what you find.

Facilities

Cafés

  • The Boathouse Café (in the Georgian boathouse by the lake)
    Bright and welcoming, serving Dark Woods coffee, homemade traybakes, light lunches, ice creams and even puppuccinos for dogs on leads. They also offer takeaway, so you can grab something while you walk around the circular route.
  • Lakeside Café (671 Barnsley Road)
    A family-run spot open daily from 9 am–3 pm. Perfect for full English breakfasts, brunch, light lunches, afternoon tea, and even evening bistro-bar vibes with cocktails. Known by locals as one of the best all-around options in the area.

Restaurants

  • La Fortezza (675 Barnsley Road)
    Cosy rustic Italian specialising in traditional pizzas and pasta. Overlooks the dam. Ideal for laid-back family meals. We still like it here, but since its extension, it’s lost some of its personal touch.
  • Capri at Newmillerdam
    Opened in mid‑2024, this stylish Italian offers a slightly more upscale, celebratory vibe. Still relaxed enough for families, and perfect for birthdays or those treat-yourself nights. They have also started to offer takeaway cakes in the daytime.

Pubs

  • The Fox & Hounds (672 Barnsley Road)
    A classic pub featuring real ales, a beer garden, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and kids’ meals.
  • The Dam Inn (at the far side of the dam)
    A friendly, lakeside Thwaites pub known for hearty Sunday roasts, cosy pub charm, and outdoor seating right by the water, ideal for relaxed family lunches.


Toilets

Toilets are just next to the smaller car park. They’re pay-to-enter (bring 20p/50p coins!) and fairly clean. There are baby changing facilities, though they can be a little chilly in winter.

Parking

There’s a main car park right at the entrance (just by the dam wall), with reasonable rates:

  • £1 for 2 hours
  • £2 for 4 hours
  • £4 all day

These prices are accurate at the time of writing, but please do take a little more just incase!


Cycling Further – Connecting to the Trans Pennine Trail

If you head up through the top woods of Newmillerdam, past the Gnome Roam and across Hill Top Road, you’ll hit one of our favourite trail links—the Trans Pennine Trail.

This stretch connects Newmillerdam directly with Royston via quiet woodland paths and disused railway lines. It’s a brilliant route for solo and family rides. I have used this route for the past 4 years, and it’s a popular one for me. Away from the roads, just cycling and enjoying the scenery. 

Here are some of the important details about the rout,e but just give it a whirl and see how you get on. 

  • Newmillerdam to Royston (approx. 5.5 miles): A mostly flat, traffic-free ride that follows the old Barnsley Canal towpath and parts of the railway line. You’ll pass farmland and woods. It’s a wide path in most places, and there are always dog walkers/runners/fellow cyclists.
  • Stop-off points: There are benches and spots to rest along the way, and Royston itself has a few shops and cafés.
  • Extend the ride: From Royston, the trail continues onwards towards Barnsley or heads back round in a loop towards Worsbrough and Silkstone Common, if you fancy a bigger challenge.

It’s this kind of connectivity that makes Newmillerdam more than just a local park; it’s a proper gateway to bigger adventures. 

Would you recommend it?

Without hesitation, yes. For us, this place is more than a day out. It’s our local, our Sunday morning escape, our “let’s get some air” fix. We especially enjoy it in the winter months when getting outside for an hour or two is crucial. In the summer months, we tend to venture out camping or to explore new places, but it’s always one we come back to. 

The mix of well-surfaced paths and more rugged woodland trails keeps it interesting year-round. There’s always a great vibe about Newmillerdam, which is why we are so happy to have it on our doorstep. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a café?

Yes. The Boathouse café is right in the heart of the park, and there are more dining options nearby like La Fortezza and Fox & Hounds.

What is your favourite part?

The Gnome Roam in spring. Woodland floor covered in bluebells and the sign of life reappearing is particularly magic.

Is it suitable for dog walkers?

Very! You’ll see plenty of dogs around. Most owners are responsible, and there’s lots of space to roam.

How much is it?

It’s completely free to enter and explore. Parking costs £1–£4, depending on your stay. Bring change for the toilets.

Are there bike trails?

Yes. Flat loops for little riders, woodland tracks for more confident ones, and connections to the Trans Pennine Trail for extending your cycle.

Is there suitable parking?

Yes. The main car park is at the entrance. Reasonably priced, though weekends get busy. We often cycle or walk in to avoid the queues, but if you are coming from further afield, I would recommend getting to the Dam by about 10 am for comfortable parking.

Final Thoughts

If you live nearby, Newmillerdam is a gift. It’s one of those places that you return to again and again without ever tiring of it. For us, it’s where Barney and Matilda were introduced to the great outdoors. It was their grounding of sorts.


Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by Ryan

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