Museums&Parks

Looking for a family adventure in the beautiful Bakewell area of the Peak District? We recently spent a fun-packed day exploring Great Longstone Park and Bakewell Recreational Grounds, two fantastic spots for outdoor family fun. It was the October half-term and we ventured to the Peak District without a plan other than to explore the local area. We’ve visited Bakewell several times and enjoyed the pedestrianised nature of the high street.  

We had heard of Great Longstone from our cycling adventures on the Monsal Trail and were informed it had a nice little park. For such a small village, we were keen to check this out as part of our trip.

Join us as we review these parks, sharing everything from what facilities they offer to whether we’d recommend them for a family day out.

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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.

familycycling.co.uk

Pontefract Park is a hidden gem that promises an enjoyable experience for families seeking outdoor adventures and quality time together. As a family that loves to explore nature’s wonders, we recently had the pleasure of visiting Pontefract Park. The visit gave us some happy memories and a strong wish to tell other families about our time there. 

The park’s serene beauty and array of activities truly cater to everyone, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. From the exhilarating racecourse to the natural beauty of Pontefract Park, from the thrilling play area to the bike-friendly paths, this park offers a plethora of experiences that cater to the diverse interests of families

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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.

familycycling.co.uk

As a family with two small children, we always look for new outdoorsy things to do on the weekend. The excitement when you discover a new place to visit within a radius of your home is something we love.

We have a list of safe cycle routes which will form the primary part of the website however we also visit a large number of parks which continue the outdoor theme throughout the website. Although not explicitly cycling these cater to those looking for inexpensive (or free) outdoor fun for children of all ages. Beaumont Park was definitely one of these.

Located in the Beaumont Park area of Huddersfield a couple of miles outside the town centre, the park was Huddersfield’s first public park and officially opened in October 1883.

Having studied the history of the Park it has been down to the local residents (The Friends of Beaumont Park group) who have managed to revive the park in collaboration with Kirklees Council. The history of the park and how it fell into disrepair is documented on the about page here. It’s worth a read as the park couldn’t be more different today.

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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.

familycycling.co.uk

Nestled near Bingley, West Yorkshire, St. Ives Estate stands as a testament to nature’s magnificence, offering families a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply seeking a peaceful day in the park, St. Ives Estate has something to offer everyone. 

St. Ives Estate is a country park of 500 acres belonging to Bradford Metropolitan District Council with public access to a large part of the area. The dense woodlands, wildflower meadows, and breathtaking views provide a perfect backdrop for a day of exploration. In this comprehensive review, I will share our family’s experience visiting St. Ives Estate and highlight all the wonderful things it has to offer.

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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.

familycycling.co.uk

Families who love a varied family day out should definitely visit Thornes Park, Wakefield. It offers a wonderful opportunity to have fun, relax, and spend quality time together. 

The park provides a variety of activities and spaces suitable for adventurers of all ages, making it an ideal picnic spot. It has athletic tracks, an indoor leisure centre, bike-friendly paths, a duck pond, a miniature railway, bowling greens, and a skate park etc.

Having visited the park multiple times as Wakefield residents, we can confidently say that it offers a great range of activities. Our kids, Barney and Matilda, always find something they love to do on weekends. 

What’s even better is that all these amenities are available free of charge.

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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.

familycycling.co.uk

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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Beth

Hi I am Beth, mummy to Barney & Matilda and wife to Ryan. I love to do many things – explore, exercise, spend time with loved ones, read – to name a few. For paid work I teach primary children, I teach Bikeability, I work on our businesses, and we are always dabbling in something together. I like to write for our blog, and I am here for our children every day wherever they need me, and for that, I am very happy. We love to experience new and old adventures, whether that’s on our bike or via foot or further afield. Whatever you do in life, try to do it with passion, care and kindness.

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. 

Read more

Beth

Hi I am Beth, mummy to Barney & Matilda and wife to Ryan. I love to do many things – explore, exercise, spend time with loved ones, read – to name a few. For paid work I teach primary children, I teach Bikeability, I work on our businesses, and we are always dabbling in something together. I like to write for our blog, and I am here for our children every day wherever they need me, and for that, I am very happy. We love to experience new and old adventures, whether that’s on our bike or via foot or further afield. Whatever you do in life, try to do it with passion, care and kindness.