Oakwell Hall Country Park, Birstall Review For Families

Oakwell Hall Country Park, located in a peaceful setting, provides families with the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature and history. With its fascinating mix of parkland, play areas, and historical landmarks, Oakwell appeals to a wide range of interests and ages. The park is also home to Oakwell Hall, a historic house that is open to the public.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a day out in the countryside, Oakwell Hall Country Park is sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Oakwell Hall Country Park is a great place to spend a day with family and friends. There is something for everyone at the park, and it is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

Let’s discover all the family fun it offers.

Where is it located?

Oakwell Hall Country Park is conveniently situated on Nutter Lane/ Nova Lane, bridging Bradford Road and Fieldhead Road, making it easily accessible on foot. 

For those opting for public transportation, the 180 and 229 bus routes connect Leeds and Huddersfield, with a stop at Birstall marketplace, just a mile’s walk from the museum. Travelling by car? Use the postcode WF17 9LG for Sat Navs and enjoy free parking in two car parks: one near the Hall on Nutter Lane, and another on Bradford Road, open 24/7. Both car parks offer spaces for disabled users, emphasising accessibility for all.

History Of Oakwell Hall Country Park

The historical significance of Oakwell Hall Country Park adds to its charm. The estate dates back to the 17th century and was once comprised of over 370 acres of farmland and woods. However, over time, much of the woodland was lost. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to restore the area, resulting in even more woodland than existed in the 1700s.

The 20th century brought dramatic changes to the landscape when the Leeds New Line railway was built. Although it has been abandoned since the 1960s, remnants of the railway can still be seen today, hidden amidst the woodland. Oakwell Hall Country Park is now managed for wildlife and public benefit, earning numerous awards for its commitment to green space management. Visitors can also participate in courses, workshops, events, and volunteering opportunities.

What is There to Do for Families?

Alright, now that we’ve brushed up on the park’s history, let’s get to the good stuff – what’s there to do for families like ours? Well, hold onto your hats, because Oakwell Hall Country Park has something for everyone. 

Families visiting Oakwell Hall Country Park can look forward to a day filled with exploration and fun. Here are some highlights:

Children’s Play Area

As soon as we arrived at Oakwell Hall Country Park, our children, Matilda and Barney, were thrilled to discover the children’s play area. It was well-maintained and equipped with various play equipment, including a slide and a quirky tire swing set nestled in the woods. Matilda and Barney couldn’t contain their excitement and wasted no time exploring the play area. 

It was heartening to discover that Oakwell Hall Country Park caters to children with disabilities, as evidenced by the specially designed play equipment. Although my expertise in this area is limited, the park’s inclusivity spoke volumes about its commitment to ensuring every child has a delightful experience.

Scenic Country Walkway

For families who enjoy walks amidst nature, Oakwell Hall offers a well-signposted country walkway that takes you on a journey through the park’s beautiful surroundings. The paths are diverse and cater to different preferences, making it suitable for casual walkers, dog walkers, and families alike. We soaked in the beauty of the park, spotting wildlife and enjoying the lush greenery.

Mountain Bike Trail

For families up for some adventure, Oakwell Hall Country Park unveils a 1.4km blue-grade mountain bike trail. Ideal for beginners and those with a bit of biking experience, this trail is a gateway to excitement. To begin our escapade, we followed Warren Lane, passing the Hall and Visitor Centre, until the woods beckoned us.

We set off for a ride together as a family, ready to embrace the twists and turns of the trail at Oakwell Hall Country Park. Riding during daylight, we cherished this shared adventure. We had a great time on the route, which was just 1.4km long but enough to challenge Matilda and her cycling skills.

Old Country House Visit

One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the old country house located within Oakwell Hall. Although there was an entrance fee, it was absolutely worth it. The hall’s interior was carefully preserved, and we were captivated by its charm. The staff greeted us warmly and provided us with a quiz sheet for the children, encouraging them to engage with the exhibits. The quiz sheet added an extra element of fun and kept the kids entertained as they explored each room.

Facilities At Oakwell Hall Country Park

Oakwell Hall Country Park offers various facilities to enhance the overall experience for families. Clean and accessible toilets were available, catering to the needs of all visitors. We appreciated the provision of disabled toilets and the presence of disabled parking spaces, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the park without any hindrances.

Additionally, there is a lovely tea room and gift shop on-site. We stopped by the tea room to refuel and indulge in a delicious meal. The prices were reasonable, and we enjoyed our pizza lunch, accompanied by apple juice for the kids and a comforting latte for me.

Areas For Improvement

While our overall experience at Oakwell Hall Country Park was fantastic, there are a few areas that could benefit from improvement. Firstly, we found that the play area near the cafe could have better signage directing visitors to the main house’s toilets, which were located around a kilometre away. It would have been more convenient for families if there were toilets available nearer to the play area.

Additionally, during our visit, we noticed that the cafe only accepted cash payments, which could be inconvenient for those who rely primarily on card transactions. However, we acknowledge that services and facilities can evolve over time, and it’s possible that card payment options have been implemented since our visit. If not, we believe that introducing card payment facilities would ensure a hassle-free experience for all visitors, catering to a wider range of payment preferences. It’s worth considering this upgrade to enhance visitor convenience and satisfaction.

Would you recommend it?

Yes, I would definitely recommend Oakwell Hall Country Park for a fun-filled family adventure in Birstall. The park offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are suitable for all ages. Whether you’re looking to explore beautiful walking trails, unwind in picnic areas, or let your kids enjoy the playgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

The presence of a mountain bike trail further adds to the adventurous spirit of Oakwell Hall Country Park. Families can also take advantage of the amenities provided, such as free car parking, dog-friendly areas, and facilities including toilets, a shop, and a café.

What sets Oakwell Hall Country Park apart is the historical significance of Oakwell Hall itself, which adds an extra layer of educational value to the visit. Not only can you have a fun-filled day, but you can also learn about the rich history of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Oakwell Hall Country Park?

Admission to the park is free of charge. However, there is a small fee for general admission to the Hall. Adults are priced at £3.50, and children at £1.00. For the most up-to-date prices, kindly visit the official website.

Is there a cafe at Oakwell Hall Country Park?

Yes, there’s the Oaktree Cafe near the Hall, offering speciality drinks, sandwiches, hot meals, and desserts.

Are dogs allowed in the park?

 Yes, dogs are allowed within Oakwell Hall Country Park. However, it’s important to ensure that dogs are kept on a leash and that owners clean up after them.

Is Oakwell Hall Country Park wheelchair accessible?

While some footpaths are designed to be wheelchair accessible, certain areas of the park, such as the nature trail and woods, may present obstacles for wheelchair users.

Is parking available at Oakwell Hall Country Park?

Yes, the park provides free car parking facilities, ensuring that families have a convenient and hassle-free arrival. This ample parking space contributes to the park’s accessibility, making it easier for families to immerse themselves in the day’s adventures without any worries.

Pros & Cons

Park enjoyment rating

Image Credit: https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/gateway-to-the-north/explore-the-north/temple-newsam-house-and-farm-p347421

Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by Ryan