West Yorkshire

Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Chapelthorpe to Royston Route Review

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Trans Pennine Trail Chapelthorpe to Royston

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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Great Longstone Park & Bakewell Recreational Ground Review For Families

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Bakewell Recreational Grounds

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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Pontefract Park, Pontefract Review For Families

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Pontefract Park Review

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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Nostell Priory National Trust Review For Families

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Nostell Priory is a Palladian house located in Nostell, near Crofton, close to Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, approached by the road to Doncaster from Wakefield. It dates from 1733 and was built for the Winn family on the site of a medieval priory.

Now looked after by the National Trust it’s approximately 6 miles from the city centre. From our home in Sandal, it’s a merely 15-minute drive and is a regular on our visit list.

It is nestled in the small village of Wragby and can be found via Sat Nav at the following address or postcode. Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield WF4 1QE.

We are lucky that we can cycle directly from our home to Nostell Priory via mostly off-road cycle routes. We reviewed this route here but this article will focus on the National Trust itself.

Nostell Priory is over 300 acres of parkland and woodland. With a beautiful cafe, shop, play park and of course the main house it’s a fantastic place to visit with the family. 

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Beaumont Park For Families Review

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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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St. Ives Estate, Bingley Review For Families

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St Ives Estate, Bingley Play Area

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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Thornes Park, Wakefield Review For Families

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Thornes Park, Wakefield

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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Springhead Park Rothwell Review for Families

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Springhead Park Rothwell

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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Temple Newsam, Leeds Review For Families

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Temple Newsam For Families

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. 

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Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge Review for Families

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Calder Holmes Park For Families

Hebden Bridge, with its eclectic charm and vibrant community spirit, has always been a draw for those who relish its mix of the arts, history, and natural beauty. Tucked within this extraordinary town is Calder Holmes Park, a family-friendly oasis that deserves its own spotlight.

Our family’s first outing to Calder Holmes Park happened on one of those rare, unplanned Saturdays when the weather was too inviting to stay indoors. A perfect sunny day called us to explore, so we packed up our essentials—snacks, water bottles, and the kids’ boundless energy—and set out for what we hoped would be a decent day out.

With its lush greenery and plethora of activities, it was the perfect backdrop for an amazing day with Matilda and Barney. It’s true; this place is wedged between a canal and a river, making for a pretty special setting. And it’s not just for the little ones, teenagers and adults find their spot too, either on that large circular swing or strumming guitars in the sun. It’s a community vibe that’s second to none.

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