West Yorkshire

Sandal Castle Review for Families

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Sandal Castle

I can’t believe we haven’t reviewed Sandal Castle – we have been here so many times and have so many memories here! It has been so nice looking at all our photos and choosing some to add to the article. 

We live close to Sandal Castle and there are a few walking/cycling routes we can take to get there. We have visited at various different stages of our lives since we moved here…when we had Matilda and she was in a sling, then a pram, then running around, and then on her bike. We then had Barney and did all of the same but as a family of four. It is somewhere we have met with family and friends and I would say it is quite special to us for all of these reasons.

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Best Places to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike in West Yorkshire

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Walton Colliery Nature Park

Teaching your child to ride a bike is one of the most rewarding experiences you can share as a parent. It’s a rite of passage that builds confidence, encourages physical activity, and opens the door to a lifetime of adventures.

We taught our daughter in lockdown 2020. She had just turned 4 and we were able to take advantage of the quiet streets and car parks to teach her with ease. It’s a little more challenging in normal times.

With pavement parked cars, busy streets and traffic it’s a real challenge to give your child the wings of cycling unaided to set them free.

Finding the right place to start can make all the difference and since we have started to teach Barney we’ve realised these things need to be carefully thought through!

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best spots in West Yorkshire to help your child take those first wobbly pedals free from traffic and the pressures of other road users. We’ve tested many local spots to find the best places for beginners and the list we have below are just some of our favourites. You’ll understand the types of places we are looking at and maybe be able to find similar ones closer to your home. Most of these are within a 20-minute radius of our home and are regular, familiar places to get started.

The key? Flat, even paths and plenty of space to practice. Here are our top recommendations, along with tips to make it into an entire day of fun versus a grind for you and your child.

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Scout Dike Reservoir Review For Families

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Scout Dike Reservoir

One thing we love about the school holidays is the new places we can visit. Whether that’s a significant car journey away or something a little closer to home; there are always new places to experience.

Over the Christmas school holidays, we visited Scout Dike Reservoir, a fantastic spot for introducing young children to the great outdoors. On the day of our visit, the wind levels were INSANE. Given its location in Penistone, it’s a considerable height above sea level so we certainly felt the wind!

Despite the blustery weather, it turned into a memorable trip that both our children, Matilda and Barney, enjoyed. Here’s a breakdown of our experience and everything you need to know before planning your visit.

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Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Denby Dale to Skelmanthorpe Route Review

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Denby Dale to Skelmanthorpe Route Review

As a Wakefield-based user of the Trans Pennine Trail, we wanted to explore some areas outside our home patch. We’ve always liked Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. They feel like a throwback to the traditional past of the area. Imagine my delight when analysing the local Trans Pennine Trail routes and I noticed that there’s a connection between Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe and it’s largely all off-road.

This small section of the Trans Pennine Trail connects the two villages nicely and we couldn’t wait to try it out. We used the car for this one to transport our bikes to the area as we were short of time and we are firmly in the ‘leisure cyclist’ camp.

Starting at Gilthwaites Lane in Denby Dale (Next to Denby Dale Primary School), the route follows a trail winding through a serene mix of open fields and woodland before arriving in Skelmanthorpe. The mast at Emley Moor is always in your eyesight on this trip and although short it’s a nice simple route.

While only a short stretch, this portion of the trail provides a valuable link for locals, offering a practical walking route, enjoyable leisure rides and a way for students of Shelley College to walk independently and safely to school. 

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Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park Route Review

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Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park Route Review

I am fortunate to live close to the Trans Pennine Trail. I can easily reach the Wakefield sections from my front door and other sections within a short drive. This section is the link from my daughters’ school to Anglers Country Park (and beyond for those with more time).

I try to focus on rides of approximately 60-70 minutes. These are more convenient and consistent and can be part of an everyday exercise routine. Sandal Train Station is not part of the Trans Pennine Trail, but a multi-use section has been authorised for use and it links nicely with Oakenshaw Lane in Walton to create a mostly off-road cycle experience.

Exploring the Trans Pennine Trail is always a delight, and the route from Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park via Walton offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and cycling fun.

This stretch provides a stable and scenic ride suitable for beginner to intermediate cyclists, with a few narrow and uneven paths to challenge your balance and concentration. Here, we’ll delve into the route details, its history, and why it’s worth considering for your next adventure.

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Cycling the Calder & Hebble Navigation: Wakefield to Dewsbury Route Review

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Calder Hebble Navigation Cycle Review

The Calder & Hebble Navigation towpath is a route I’ve taken a few times but never written up here but it’s one many would enjoy. It’s flat, easy to navigate (it’s a canal so pretty straight!) and suitable for varying ability levels.

If you are looking for a relaxed jaunt on your bike with nice scenery and a flashback to Wakefield’s industrial past, this is a cool route. I took the route from the Navigation in Calder Grove to Dewsbury.  This route spans approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km), making it an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a manageable yet rewarding journey.

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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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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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