The historic parkland surrounding Cusworth Hall is open to the public every day of the year. It’s the perfect location for picnics, walks with the dog, or family days out. There is no charge for entry into the Museum but donations are welcome.
Children’s play areas and a playing field are also located within the park and a variety of walking trails are available from the Hall reception. Admission to the park is free but car parking charges apply. The park also features a gorgeous river, alongside three lakes that have stunning decorative scenery.
Situated in Cusworth Hall’s former stable and coach house, Butlers Tea Room serves meals, snacks and drinks.
The Old Brewhouse (Ten Eighty Six Brewery) is a cosy microbrewery and bar built into the original brewhouse which serves freshly made pizzas.
Cusworth Lane, Doncaster DN6 7TU
01302 782342
A short walk from Adwick Interchange, Adwick Park is a lovely outdoor space with play areas, sports and more.
There are toddler and junior play areas, playing fields, sports facilities (including cricket and football pitches, plus a basket ball post and bowling green).
Adwick Park, Adwick -le-street, DN6 7AD
Within easy reach of Doncaster. There’s a huge lake to walk around (2 mile lakeside trail suitable for walkers, joggers and cyclists), a woodland walk and bird hides. There’s also an adventure playground, picnic areas and a cafe.
There is also a Room on the Broom Adventure Trail. Activity packs (optional) can be purchased from the visitor centre for £2. Follow the trail, find sculptures, look for animal footprints, trace rubbings and have fun doing activities along the way. Accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Parking is free for the first two hours and £2 for up to four hours which you pay for via an app.
Anglers Country Park, Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield, WF4 2EB (around 45 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Askern Boating Lake has beautiful scenery, various spots and play facilities and a cafe with a view of the lake.
There are toddler and junior play areas, playing fields for the kids to have a good run around, sports pitches (football and cricket), plus places to eat (cafe and picnic areas).
If you fancy a walk, there are various walking routes.
Askern Boating Lake, Off Station Road, DN6 0JB
Barnby Dun Playground is located to rear of Barnby Dun Parish Hall (you can park in the car park here) and is a fantastic playground for children of all ages. There are toddler and junior areas, tampolines, a zip wire, a large climbing frame, grassy areas and picnic tables.
If you fancy a quiet walk in gorgeous woodland then Bawtry Forest is a great place to explore. Perfect for dog walking too but make sure you have your wellies on in winter!
Bawtry Forest, Doncaster, DN10 6DA
Bentley Park is a fantastic outdoor space, with the borough’s only water play area.
There are many weekly activities at Bentley Pavillion, including trampolining and gymnastics.
The park has a toddler and junior play area, with great facilities including the water play area (which is closed during the winter months), a zipwire and trampoline. There is also a big playing field.
In addition, for the older children, there is a multi-use games area, skate park, basketball post and sports pitches.
If you’re thinking about fitness, the park is also part of the Toll Bar Fit and Fun walk, which is an organised walk (FREE), which is less than 3 miles or less than an hour. For a timetable call 01302 735403 or check out details on our adult fitness page.
Bentley Park, Askern Road, Bentley (Opposite the Bentley Baptist Church).
There are lots of things to see and do at Campsall Country Park including Toddler and Junior play areas, with great facilities including a rope spider-web climbing frame and a tyre zip-wire.
Do a nature trail with the kids, taking in the beautiful scenery including meadows, woodland areas, ponds, and wildflower areas. Then take a walk around the gardens of Campsall Hall, which are open for everyone to enjoy.
There are playing fields and walking routes, including a Fit and Fun Walk. (see our adult fitness area)
Camspall Country Park, near Park Drive, DN6 9NU. (Parking available at the park).
Cantley Park has a range of things to see and do, whether it is a ride in the skate park, a game of pitch and putt or enjoying time outdoors.
There are toddler and junior play areas (including natural play areas), playing fields, multi-use games area, skate park, football pitches, a golfing ‘pitch and putt’ course, plus beautiful nature and scenery including woodlands, wildlife and ponds for angling.
If you’re looking to do some walking, there is a three and half mile around the park on to Sandall Beat Wood.
Cantley Park, DN4 6HD
Castle Hills Park is home to some iconic outdoor scenery, including the remains of an ancient motte and bailey castle.
Perfect if the kids are doing about Castles at school!
Castle Hills Park, S64 0HJ
Ingenious treetop nest structures connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment will allow the Skelves to take young visitors on an adventure like no other.
Skelf Island is included in a gardens ticket.
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA. Tel: 01653 648333
The main car park is accessed from the Kingsway on the A18. There is also a secondary car par park accessible from Ashby Road, the A159. Car parking here is free of charge. It is about a 30 minute drive from Doncaster. Central Park is a great place for a picnic, a walk or a bike ride.
At the centre of the park there is an excellent play facility with lots to offer for children of all ages. Featuring the Nutshell Café, this central hub is a vibrant area easily accessed from the car parks via the adjoining footpaths and the boulevard. Picnic tables are available for use in this area.
There is also a fully accessible Splashpad, suitable for accompanied children from three to 12 years old, which operates throughout the summer season. No dogs are allowed in this area.
There is a secure, fully accessible play area split into three zones for children of all ages with seating and grassed picnic areas.
No dogs are allowed in these areas.
Central Park, Kingsway, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 1BJ
Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. There is always something new to see and do in the house, garden, farmyard & adventure playground.
This is a fabulous park, free to get in aside from parking. There are then optional extras (such as the splash pool in summer or the fairground rides).
We have been lots of times and not had to spend a penny – there is loads to keep the children entertained without spending a fortune. There are play areas for big and little children, a sand pit and lots of space to run around and picnic.
At Clifton Park Museum you can step back in time and explore the story of Rotherham as told through fascinating collections and exhibitions.
Clifton Park, Doncaster Road, Rotherham, S65 2BH
Clumber Park is a place for everyone to enjoy, with 3,800 acres of historic parkland to roam.
Get off the beaten track and explore the woodland together, visit our Cycle Hub and get kitted out with bikes for all the family, picnic in the Pleasure Grounds and build a den in our Leaping Bar natural play area. We also have a woodland playground for children, which can be found in the Turning Yard, by the main visitor facilities.
Clumber Park is open to the public seven days a week, with admission charged 8.45am – 4.45pm during the summer season and 9am – 4pm throughout winter. There is no need to book your visit to Clumber Park.
Admission prices are as follows:
Clumber Ln, Worksop S80 3AZ
Denaby Memorial Park has toddler and junior play areas, multi-use games area and outdoor gym equipment.
They also fun a Fit and Fun Walk, starting and finishing near the park. Find out more within our adult fitness pages.
Denaby Memorial Park, between Rossington Road and School Walk, DN12 4TA.
A short walk from the town centre, Elmfield Park is a great place for walk with the little one’s. There are places to play including toddler and junior play areas and a playing field.
It’s a great place to take a picnic in the summer.
Sports facilities include tennis courts, basketball post and football pitches.
Elmfield Park, Chequer Road, DN1 2AN
Grove Gardens (Grove Park) has a bit of everything including places to play and sports facilities.
There are Junior and Toddler play areas, somewhere to picnic, tennis courts, football pitches, and lots of walking routes through the gardens.
Grove Gardens is between The Grove and Armthorpe Road, just above the Hillcrest Road bus stop. DN2 5LY
Whether it’s seeing Doncaster’s only public bird aviary, or strolling through the historic Dell gardens, there is a lot to do at Hexthorpe Park.
The park has places to play including toddler and junior play areas (we have enjoyed these in the past and there seemed to be something to suit various ages).
There are also natural play areas, a playing field and multi-games area, skate park, BMX track, tennis courts and a basketball post.
The Dell Cafe provides somewhere to sit and have something to eat and there are also picnic areas and teen sheltered seating.
Hexthorpe Park, Bramworth Road, DN4 0HY
Highfields Country Park is perfect for enjoying family time outdoors.
There is beautiful scenery, including woodlands, wildflower areas and the lake, perfect for a nature trail.
A perfect place for a picnic, there are also playing fields.
Highfields Country Park, Coppice Road, DN6 7JA
A well maintained, award winning park for everyone to enjoy with many facilities including open green spaces, a skate park, a great children’s play area, seating, a rose garden, a formal garden and wildlife gardens. There is a great variety of trees and a bridge takes you over the River Idle.
We enjoyed a day out a Kings Park on a lovely sunny day. My mini mumblers enjoyed paddling in the river, playing on the playground and ice creams from the kiosk. There is also a splash park here which looked great but wasn’t in operation at the time due to Covid-19. We’ll definitely visit again.
Chancery Lane, Retford, DN22 6DF
Kirk Sandall Playground is located on Dentons Green Lane close to the Church Hall. It has a toddler and junior play area, a zip wire, a basketball court, grassy areas and picnic tables.
A great place to visit for a free day out in the summer months as it has a splash park but there are many other things to enjoy in the park at other times of the year too. There’s a fishing lake, junior and toddler play equipment, a skate park, an under 12s football pitch, woodlands, wildlife and butterfly meadows and a cafe.
Church Street, Langold, Worksop (around 25 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Newmillerdam Country Park has a central lake, surrounded by a surfaced path. It is around a 50 minute drive from Doncaster.
Help Gnome Tony find his gnome friends and the bear that has scared them all away! Enjoy a scenic walk, find the sculptures and complete activities and challenges as you go. Pick up a leaflet from the dispensers in the car park. Suitable for all ages and accessible for pushchairs and most wheelchairs (there are some slopes on the route). The Boathouse Newmillerdam is a dog friendly cafe perched on the waters edge with lovely views.
This is a free activity but car park charges apply if parking in the car park for more than two hours.
Barnsley Road, WF2 6QQ (USe Post code WF2 6QP)
This is a great, affordable day out for all the family. There is a duck pond, trees to climb and open areas to cycle, scoot or walk. It’s also a lovely place for a picnic. They have a brilliant splash pad and two play areas which are fun for all age groups, with things for under 5’s and older children alike (such as zip wire). They also have a Go Ape on site too.
Annual memberships offer a great value way of enjoying the park all year round. The membership is valid for a 12 month period from the date of purchase and gives unlimited year round access to the park and grounds, complimentary car parking and entry to the Hall and Farming Museum throughout the summer months. A variety of membership packages are available to be purchased online.
Day entry (purchased on arrival) is charged per person and includes entry to the park and grounds plus the Hall and Farming Museum during the summer period and is charged at the following rates:
During the winter season there is only a car park charge to pay and you will not be charged anything else on entry.
Normanby Hall Country Park, DN15 9HU
Situated one mile from J39 of the M1, it is a 300 acre park – facilities for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing (equipment available to hire). Cycle hire available too. There is also a pirate playground.
Pugneys Light Railway is the scale miniature railway operating within Pugney’s Country Park during the summer and most school holidays.
Blown Away adventure trail : Zoom the zip line, snap yourself in the face boards, solve the puzzle boards, count the Geese, make some noise and more…a circular route around the lake accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Asdale Road, off Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF2 7EQ (around 40 minutes drive from Doncaster).
A former quarrying site is now an award-winning park and local nature reserve, with a wide range of things to see and do.
There is a toddler play area, with slide, swings, a rope net pyramid and sand pit, plus a junior play area with climbing frame, tightrope walk, a hammock and zipwire. There is also a playing field and sports facilities including a multi-use games area and outdoor gym equipment.
Enjoy one of the walking routes and nature walks, along with an orienteering course if you want to do some exploring.
As a nature reserve, you will be able to see a variety or wildlife, so it’s a great place for a nature trail.
Quarry Park is just over 5 miles outside Doncaster town centre on the A18 to Dunsville. Car parking is provided at the bottom of St Mary’s Road off the A18 (1st traffic lights as you enter Dunsville from Doncaster)
The Park has fantastic facilities for families to enjoy a brilliant day out in the fresh air. The Stables Café is located at the Park Courtyard Area, Ice Cream Vans are usually in the park daily and you can take your own picnic.
The park has plenty of open spaces to play your own outdoor games, walk, cycle visit the play areas, ride on the miniature train, feed the birds and animals at station farm.
The activity centre is located on the main lake and has a variety of water sports (including water zorbing) and boats for hire.
For families who want to learn something together the Activity Centre offers lessons and courses in canoeing and sailing.
Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ (around a 30 minute drive from Doncaster)
A great place to enjoy the outdoors in woodland, enjoying a picnic, walking and playing.
There is a play area, sensory area and car parking.
Covill’s Trail is a 2km circular path through the wood, suitable for pushchairs.
The postcode for Sandall Beat Road is DN2 6JP and there is free parking.
One of the largest parks in Doncaster, Sandall Park is home to beautiful scenery and a variety of facilities.
There is lots of open space and lots to keep children entertained, including toddler and junior play areas, with zipwire and climbing frame, plus a brilliant woodland adventure play area. They also have a sensory trail, which is an inclusive outdoor experience suitable for families whose children have special educational needs and disabilities.
A range of sports facilities are available including outdoor gym equipment, basketball post and 3 football pitches.
We have enjoyed a picnic many times at Sandall Park, but there is also a cafe.
If you’re looking to get fit, there are Fit and Fun Walks, plus the Doncaster Parkrun here. See our adult fitness pages for more information.
Sandall Park, Thorne Road (opposite KFC). DN2 5DW
Exciting treats and different flavours of ice cream.
Rosehill Victorial Park, Rotherham S627HJ
One of Doncaster’s largest outdoor spaces, Town Field is great for walking, playing football or just enjoying the outdoors.
Just outside the town centre, there are large playing fields, with multi-use games area, sports pitches and walks.
Fit and Fun walks take place at this park. See our adult fitness area for more information.
Town Field, DN2 6BZ
Walkers is an award winning garden centre which is well worth a visit if you’re looking for house plants, bedding plants, fruit trees garden furniture or you just fancy a browse. There’s a lovely cafe, a gift shop and a deli counter too.
They have some lovely show gardens which are free to explore and provide the backdrop to some beautiful photographs. In February 2023 they opened a new children’s play area which is a great addition to the place, meaning you can now take a trip to Walkers and make a day of it!
Mosham Road, Blaxton, Doncaster, DN9 3BA
Warmsworth Park is a great place to keep kids of all ages busy, with toddler and junior play areas, multi-use games area, playing fields, picnic area, wildflower area and lots of walking routes.
Warmsworth Park, Edlington Lane, DN4 9LS
Westfield Park has a variety of things to see and do, from places to play to sports and exercise facilities.
There are toddler and junior play areas, playing fields, skate park, tennis courts, sports pitches and a picnic area.
Westfield Park, Littlemoor Lane, DN4 0LN
