Park Life – Places to play

YORKSHIRE

ST IVES ESTATE
Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1BA
For the nature lovers, it’s a wildlife heaven over 500 acres with a mix of wooded areas, sculpture trail, pine plantations, meadows, moorland and ponds. For the casual ramblers, there are many paths crisscrossing the estate, making it very dog friendly. The Ivy Kitchen (when open) free parking and many picnic areas. visitbradford.com

HARROGATE VALLEY GARDENS
Valley Dr, Harrogate HG1 2SZ.

Valley Gardens in Harrogate is another favourite Yorkshire park. It offers English Heritage Grade II Listed gardens as well as woodland walks and a great play area. visitharrogate.co.uk

ROBERTS PARK
Higher Coach Rd, Baildon, Bradford. BD17 5RN
Set in the beautiful grounds of Saltaire on the banks of the River Aire and part of the Unesco World Heritage site, Roberts Park is a great trip out! Play area, skate park, paths for walking and biking, cafe, free parking next to Salts Mill, nearby canal with walking paths. bradforddistrictparks.org

YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK
West Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4LG.

The 500 acres of historic parkland and formal gardens are open to enjoy around 80 modern and contemporary sculptures in the open air. Booking essential. Car park. Open daily. ysp.org.uk

GOLDEN ACRE PARK
Otley Rd, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
Set in 179 acres of mature woodland with gardens surrounding an attractive lake. Many varieties of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. A popular park, well known for its circular lakeside walk. Free car parks off Otley Rd and Arthington Rd. Toilets, dog friendly, cafe with outdoor seating. leeds.gov.uk

SHIBDEN PARK
Shibden Hall Rd, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX3 9XY
Shibden Park has lovely grounds and a fantastic play area & biking path, and you can hire boats or take a ride on the miniature railway in the summer. You can also tour the historic grounds of Shibden Hall (admission fees apply). Parking. Cafe (take away services only.) Plenty of picnic benches available. calderdale.gov.uk

LANCASHIRE

WYCOLLER COUNTY PARK
Trawden, Colne BB8 8SX
Wycoller Country Park is one of the prettiest country parks in Lancashire. There are many footpaths leading to local beauty spots which include Bank House and Wycoller Beck. Disabled toilet facilities are provided within the country park. visitpendle.com

VICTORY PARK
Carr Road, Nelson, BB9 6DG
Specific features of interest in the park are a large lake, bandstand, bowling green, health walk routes and a children’s play area which are all spread evenly throughout the park. The park has three cycle routes, three health walk routes and a multi-use games area suitable for ages eight and over. Not all facilities may be open. Many of the footpaths are suitable for people with low mobility. The playground offers facilities for disabled users. visitpendle.com

TOWNELEY HALL AND GROUNDS
Todmorden Road, Burnley, BB11 3RQ
Towneley Hall is widely and affectionately known locally as ‘the jewel in Burnley’s crown.’ There is a huge area of open space to wander around within the grounds, including beautiful gardens, a children’s play area, and a large garden centre. There are exhibitions, woodland walks, sculpture trails, sports pitches, two golf courses, pitch and putt, ornamental gardens, cafe and a gift shop. burnley.gov.uk

AVENHAM & MILLER PARKS
South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JT.

Avenham & Miller Parks are located in the heart of Preston’s city centre. The parks are connected by beautiful and scenic paths, creating one large and diverse park. The parks create a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city and are perfect for a tranquil stroll mixing the natural beauty of the river with landscaped gardens, exotic trees. Also home to a children’s play area and vast green spaces. visitpreston.com

STANLEY PARK
Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9HQ
Stretching across 390 breath taking acres, this oasis of elegance boasts a magical blend of architecture, horticulture and recreation area, containing children’s play areas and sports facilities, from pedal boats to a game of pitch-and-putt, train rides to trampolining, BMX to bowling, Stanley Park has an impressive array of family attractions and play facilities for children. visitlancashire.com

HAIGH WOODLAND PARK
Haigh Woodland Park, Haigh, Wigan, WN2 1PE
Take a walk through the woodland or stroll by the canal. There’s 250 acres of park and woodland with magnificent views. Walks and cycle routes crisscross the entire estate. For those with a head for heights our aerial adventure is something you’ll never forget. haighwoodlandpark.co.uk