South Yorkshire Archives |

Endcliffe Park, Sheffield Review for Families

January 15, 2024 by Beth

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.

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.

Locke Park, Barnsley Review For Families

June 28, 2023June 28, 2023 by Ryan

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!

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

Dearne Valley Country Park Review For Families

June 21, 2023 by Ryan

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.

Ryan

familycycling.co.uk

The Monsal Trail cycling for families

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 by Beth

The Monsal Trail is located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England. This scenic trail runs along the former Midland Railway line and offers a unique experience for families to enjoy the beauty of the English countryside.

We parked at the old Hessop train station (Hassop Station, Hassop Rd, Bakewell DE45 1NW), which has been converted into a fantastic cycling dream, along with a lovely cafe, play area and ice cream truck.

Beth

Langsett Reservoir walking for families

February 20, 2023 by Ryan

Langsett Reservoir is a stunningly beautiful body of water located in the Peak District National Park in South Yorkshire, England. The reservoir, which was constructed in the late 19th century to supply water to the city of Sheffield, has become a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers from all over the country. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the history of Langsett Reservoir, the various walking routes surrounding it, where to park, cafes available nearby, and why it is a great place to visit as a family.

Ryan

familycycling.co.uk

Cusworth Hall Museum & Park For Families

February 3, 2023January 16, 2023 by Ryan

Cusworth Hall Museum & Park is a Grade I listed building located in the village of Cusworth, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire. It was built in the 18th century by the Wrightson family, who were local landowners and industrialists. The Hall was designed by architect James Paine and is considered one of the region’s best examples of Georgian architecture.

Today, Cusworth Hall Museum & Park is a popular tourist attraction and offers a wide range of activities and events for families. The Hall itself is open to the public and visitors can explore the building and learn about its history. The park surrounding the Hall is also open to visitors, and it features a lake, a children’s play area, and a variety of walking trails.

We visited Cusworth Hall recently having continued our exploration of local places to enjoy the great outdoors. We were hugely impressed by Cusworth Hall Museum & Park it’s a wonderful place for children of all ages. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a perfect place to spend a day out with the kids, and the wide range of activities available ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is also a great place for families to learn about the local area and its history, as well as about Georgian architecture and lifestyle.

Ryan

familycycling.co.uk

Wentworth Woodhouse For Families Review

February 3, 2023January 11, 2023 by Ryan

Wentworth Woodhouse is a magnificent historic mansion located in the village of Wentworth, South Yorkshire, England. The house, which is the largest privately owned residence in the United Kingdom, was built in the 18th century and has a rich history. It was once the seat of the Earls Fitzwilliam, a powerful and influential family in the region. Today, Wentworth Woodhouse is open to the public, and it is a great place to visit for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, Wentworth Woodhouse is a stunning architectural masterpiece. The house was designed in the Palladian style, which is characterised by symmetry, balance, and proportion. The mansion is set on a sprawling estate that includes over 60 acres of gardens and parkland, making it a beautiful and serene place to visit. The house itself is over 500 feet long, making it one of the longest country houses in Europe. It has over 300 rooms, including a grand entrance hall, a library, a dining room, and a ballroom. The house is adorned with ornate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, and intricate wood carvings, making it a true feast for the eyes.

In addition to its architectural beauty, Wentworth Woodhouse also has a rich history that adds to its appeal. The house was built in the 1730s for Thomas Watson-Wentworth, the 1st Marquess of Rockingham. The house passed through several generations of the Watson-Wentworth family, who were prominent figures in the region. In the 19th century, the house was inherited by the 5th Earl Fitzwilliam, who made significant renovations to the house and grounds. The house was used as a military hospital during both World War I and World War II, and it was later sold to the National Coal Board. In the 1990s, the house was sold to a private company, which has since restored it to its former glory.

We visited Wentworth Woodhouse over the Christmas/New Year period on a beautiful crisp day. There is plenty to explore and do for children of all ages and we really enjoyed our time within the house.

Ryan

familycycling.co.uk

Wentworth Castle Gardens National Trust Review

May 9, 2023November 23, 2022 by Beth

This National Trust is a go-to favourite of ours. It is situated in Barnsley off junction 37 of the M1 using postcode S75 3EN on maps.

Offering 60 acres of differing beautiful gardens, the park and woodlands surround a grand stately home that is now used for various other uses, including training. It is South Yorkshire’s only Grade 1 registered landscape which is pretty special I would say!

It is quite a pleasant drive up to the entrance passing a nice (it looks nice but we have never been in) pub on the right-hand side. As you go further up the hill you pass many sheep which is lovely.

Whenever we have visited, and we have been many times over the past couple of years, it has never felt too busy. That is what we always feel as we park up. There are always plenty of spaces and it does not feel crowded in any way which I know is important to a lot of people. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere and there is so much to explore

Beth

Damflask Reservoir walking for families

February 3, 2023November 10, 2022 by Ryan

This is predominantly a family cycling blog but as active travel enthusiasts, we also like to walk too!

We had a quiet Saturday afternoon and decided to grab our spreadsheet of ‘free family fun’ things to do and find somewhere relatively local. Damflask reservoir was on our list.

Damflask Reservoir is popular for angling and water sports, but there’s also a great walk around the water’s edge.

It sits just within the boundary of the Peak District National Park, giving it a beautiful countryside setting whilst still being easily accessible from the centre of Sheffield, just 5 miles to the east.

There are actually a number of other reservoirs in the surrounding vicinity so if walking is your thing it’s a good place to visit. These include Agden Reservoir & Dale Dike Reservoir both of which are managed by Yorkshire Water.

There’s no parking at the reservoir however it’s situated just outside the village of Low Bradfield which has plenty of parking and facilities available. The village for us was the icing on the cake and made the day even more enjoyable than we could imagine. The village has fantastic facilities including public toilets, a village hall, The Schoolrooms cafe, a post office/shop, a village field and a play park. It has everything you could imagine to enjoy an afternoon out.

Ryan

familycycling.co.uk