Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park Review For Families

Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

We really loved our visit to Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. It opened in 2017 and is part of Askham Bryan College, tied in with their animal management and conservation programmes. That means it’s both a public attraction and an educational space. On a weekend, when the students aren’t around, it feels peaceful and relaxed, absolutely perfect for families to wander at their own pace and discover an incredible variety of creatures. The park is home to over 170 species, from mammals and birds to reptiles, amphibians and fish, many of which are threatened.

Park Overview

Location
Askham Bryan village, 6 miles south-west of York. Free and easy parking next to the entrance.
Best For
Animal encounters, peaceful walks, family picnics, hands-on craft and learning.
Facilities
The Hive Café, craft room, small gift shop, toilets with baby changing, accessible paths.
Cost
Adults £8.50, children (3-15) £6.50, under 2s free, concessions £7.50, family ticket £29.50.
Conservation
Part of European breeding programmes, supports local projects like the Tansy Beetle Action Group, and raises funds for global wildlife charities.
Top Tip
Bring a picnic and take your time — there are plenty of benches and peaceful spots to stop and watch the animals.


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Graves Park, Sheffield Review For Families

Graves Park For Families

Graves Park in Sheffield is one of those places that really does have something for everyone. From the free animal farm to the big playgrounds, woodland walks and wide open fields, it’s a great place to enjoy a day out if you are in and around the Yorkshire area.

We’ve taken Matilda and Barney a few times now, usually making a beeline for the animals, but the rest of the park is just as good for letting off steam and enjoying time outdoors.

Park Overview

Location
South Sheffield — main access via Hemsworth Road (animal farm). Additional car parks at Cobnar Road and Charles Ashmore Road.
Best For
Free animal farm, two playgrounds, woodland walks, big open fields for a kick-about.
Facilities
Rose Garden Café, toilets (incl. baby changing), multiple car parks.
Cost
Free entry to park & animal farm. Pay & display at main car park.
Events
Annual Country Show, Food Festival, plus seasonal family activities.
Top Tip
On busy event days arrive early, and bring snacks/picnic for flexibility.


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RSPB Dearne Valley – Old Moor Review For Families

RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor

We’ve visited RSPB Old Moor a few times now, and it’s firmly cemented itself as one of our favourite family-friendly nature spots in South Yorkshire. It’s the kind of place that ticks all the boxes: open space for the kids to run wild, engaging activities like pond dipping and birdwatching, a nice, welcoming café, and genuinely peaceful views across the wetlands. We usually spend about 3–4 hours here, and could easily stretch it longer on a warm day.

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Rivelin Valley Park Review For Families

Rivelin Valley Park

We recently spent a crisp February afternoon at Rivelin Valley Park in Sheffield – and it really is one of those places that ticks all the boxes for a family day out. We’d previously visited in early autumn and loved it so much we came back again. With its woodland trails, river stepping stones, play park and café, it’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.

It’s more of a walking place than bikes, and on our two visits, we didn’t manage the splash park as it wasn’t open, but we’re already planning a return visit in summer to try the splash area and explore more of the surrounding valley trails.

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Free Public Play Areas Within the Sheffield District

Endcliffe Park Sheffield

Sheffield boasts a wealth of free outdoor play areas suitable for families. From expansive parks with diverse facilities to charming neighbourhood playgrounds, there’s something for everyone. We have visited approximately 5 of these parks, but shamefully have only written up two of them. We plan to write the rest up shortly. We can vouch for the two we have written up, though. They are both excellent parks.

The beauty of our location in Wakefield is that you can venture into Barnsley, Leeds, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Bradford (to name a few) quite easily and enjoy the amenities they have to offer. Our weekends are typically spent venturing around parks and spaces throughout the county. Sheffield is just 30/40 minutes away so we can sample all the parks they have to offer with just a short drive into South Yorkshire.

Below is a summary table to help you compare the parks at a glance, followed by detailed breakdowns for each one.

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Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Chapelthorpe to Royston Route Review

Trans Pennine Trail Chapelthorpe to Royston

Route at a glance

Total distance~8 miles / ~13 km out & back (4 mi each way)
DifficultyBeginner–Intermediate (mostly flat, wide)
Top things to see
  • Barnsley Canal stretch & rail-bed cuttings
  • Woodland sections near Chapelthorpe
  • Newmillerdam detour for cafés & toilets
  • Open, family-friendly trail feel

The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is a popular multi-user trail crossing the breadth of northern England, with a mix of scenic countryside, woodland, and picturesque urban sections.

My local haunt is the segment which lies between Chapelthorpe in Wakefield and Royston in Barnsley, approximately 4 miles in length one way (8 miles round trip). I have cycled this route approximately 50 times in my life as in terms of proximity to my home it’s one of the easiest to get to without much road use.

It dawned on me today that it’s actually a brilliant beginners route for those wanting to dip their toe into cycling. It’s relatively flat, wide and traffic-free. Perfect for those stepping back onto the bike after some years off or little people making their first strides.

This review covers the highlights, practical details, and suitability of this beginner-friendly route, offering insights for families and solo cyclists alike.

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Millhouses Park Sheffield Review for Families

Millhouses Park Sheffield Play Area

If you’re looking for a perfect spot to spend a weekend with the family, Millhouses Park in Sheffield might just be your next destination. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a laid-back day out with the kids, this park has something for everyone. With its lovely mix of play areas, scenic spots, and child-friendly facilities, Millhouses Park is a must-visit for families.

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Endcliffe Park, Sheffield Review for Families

Endcliffe Park Sheffield

We visited Endcliffe Park this Saturday and it was one of our favourite new places. From where we live it was about 45 minutes, including a little drive through the centre of Sheffield. It is located to the southwest of the city and had a great vibe about it as soon as we arrived. There are lots of interesting things to do and see, including lots of wildlife, a play park, beautiful trees, and lots of water to throw sticks into – there are two great small bridges to play Pooh Sticks! It was full of people doing a variety of everyday exercise and having fun.

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Locke Park, Barnsley Review For Families

Locke Park Barnsley

If you’re looking for a short &  peaceful weekend getaway, Locke Park is your next destination. 

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Locke Park, a hidden gem nestled right in the heart of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. As a family always on the lookout for exciting destinations, we couldn’t wait to explore this spacious park and create lasting memories.

With its interesting history, fun-filled activities, and convenient facilities, Locke Park proved to be the perfect spot for an unforgettable family day out.

It’s a place where our kids Barney, Matilda, and our whole family can have endless fun and adventures, and the best part? It’s absolutely free!

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Dearne Valley Country Park Review For Families

Dearne Valley Country Park

I’m always on the lookout for places where my family can enjoy quality time together, surrounded by nature and filled with adventures. Last month, my family and I embarked on an exciting adventure to Dearne Valley Country Park. 

Little did we know that this hidden gem would become the backdrop for some of our most cherished memories. From the moment we arrived, we were enchanted by the park’s natural beauty, rich history, and a wide range of activities perfect for the whole family. 

In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through this remarkable park, sharing our experiences and the endless possibilities for fun and exploration.

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