Within easy reach of Doncaster – huge lake to walk around (2 mile lakeside trail suitable for walkers, joggers and cyclists), Woodland walk and bird hides. plus adventure playground, picnic areas and a cafe.
There is also a Room on the Broom Adventure Trail. Activity packs 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.
Anglers Country Park, Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield, WF4 2EB
Enjoy a walk around the lakes followed by coffee and cake at Annabel’s. They now have a pizza oven too!
Parking available in Loversall, DN119DD
(Please note no parking at Dominion).
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
There are 245 steps down into the cavern and back up again.
Open from 9.30am daily.
Perfect for family days out, visit the world famous cavern in Castleton.
Blue John Cavern, Mam Tor, Castleton, Hope Valley , Derbyshire, S33 8WA
Dramatic moorland rock formations. Explore Brimham Rocks, and have a great day out at nature’s playground.
This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.
We visited recently (August 2020). It’s a wonderful place, the kids loved climbing (my heart was in my mouth a few times as they climbed bigger rocks) but we all loved exploring. The toilets were open and social distancing measures in place.
There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.
Non National Trust members, our car parking charges are as follows: £4 up to three hours, £5 thereafter
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.
Play Facilities at Central Park
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.
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
Walk in the footsteps of the Ice Age hunter and enter a world of fire and flint.
Discover a legacy etched in stone with cave art 10,000 years older than the pyramids.
Explore life on the edge of the Ice Age world.
There is no charge to visit the Creswell Crags site or to walk around the lake and gorge. It is also free to visit the shop and coffee shop.
There is a £3 charge for all day parking (the ticket machines require exact change – change is available from reception).
Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre
Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LH
The museum collections reflect the daily lives of people in Doncaster from the 18th century to the present day. There is no charge for entry into the Museum but donations are welcome.
Cusworth Park Toilet facilities available 10.30am-4pm.
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.
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.
Toilet facilities are open from 10:30- 4pm.
Situated in Cusworth Hall’s former stable and coach house, Butlers Tea Room and Bistro serves meals, snacks and drinks.
The Old Brewhouse is a cosy microbrewery and bar built into the original brewhouse which served the Wrightson family for centuries.
Cusworth Lane, Doncaster DN67TU
01302 782342
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.
Several Heritage Walks ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 miles in length.
Doncaster Heritage Walk:
Conisbrough Heritage Walk:
Don Gorge Heritage Walk
Sprotborough Heritage Walk
Mexborough Heritage Walk
Swinton Heritage Walk
Explore the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle. From its hilltop position you can enjoy spectacular views of the pretty, medieval village of Castleton, as well as a magnificent panorama of Mam-Tor – the shivering mountain and site of a Bronze age hillfort.
Mentioned in the Domesday survey, this castle is one of England’s earlier Norman fortresses and the keep was built by Henry II in 1176.
Adult £6.50, Family £16.90
Market Place, Castleton, Derbyshire, S33 8WQ
“There are great paths around the Harewood estate (outside of the “need-to-pay” boundaries). You can park in the village hall car park where there’s an honesty box, or just down that little road (the road on the right before you get to the lights that used to have a little sofa / upholstery shop on the corner) then walk down the main path into the estate. Amazing views and very buggy-friendly – can do quite a good big circuit”
Shared by Mumbler Annie in the Doncaster Mumbler Parents Chat Group
“Magical Wood, we park up Harwell lane just after it meets Pinfold Lane, you can park on the verge.”
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.
We thought it was a very pretty park with lots of beautiful scenery including woodlands and the Dell. They have hosted events previously (which we have been to) including one at Halloween and they had lots of activities for the children to take part in, plus performances from local choirs etc in the bandstand. Worth looking out for as it is quite a mysterious place by night and by candlelight looked magical.
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
Howell Wood Country Park is the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy being in the outdoors.
The northern part of the wood is home to a country park, which is open to the public all year round.
Howell Wood Country Park, bottom of Burntwood Lane, S72 9EZ (parking available).
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 last summer 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 this year.
Chancery Lane, Retford, DN22 6DF
Did you know that there is a FREE trail to do at Doncaster Lakeside with the kids?
A wonderful place to discover spectacular views of the Peak District, ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland. Nearby Padley Gorge is great for paddling.
Several car parks including the main Woodcroft car park (which has toilet facilities), plus the smaller Wooden Pole and Haywood car parks. There is a large house, currently closed during the Covid pandemic.
We visited recently (about an hours drive from Doncaster) and it was a great place for a walk, with stunning views, lots of interesting trees and dens. We were amongst the grazing sheep too. There is a large pond with ducks. Toilets were open in the main car park. Parking is free for National Trust members.
Just nearby is Padley Gorge, which is brilliant for paddling.
Mam Tor is a good mountain to climb with children, we followed a circular tour, which you can see here , which was great for mini Mumblers little legs! The views of the peak district were amazing.
This wood and country park is a great space to get outdoors and enjoy a walk in some beautiful scenery.
It is ideal for walking and cycling.
Melton Wood Country Park is between Sheep Lane and Hangman Stone Road, with a small car park off Sheep Lane. Use the postcode DN5 7EB.
The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales.
The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell.
It was recommended to us by Mumblers in the Doncaster Mumbler Parents Chat Group as a good place to take my mini mumbler, who needed a good route to practice and build up his confidence on his bike.
We went in September 2020 and parked at Hassop Station (you need to pay for parking – they do take card), where there was a cafe, toilet facilities, bike hire and a play area – see a map of the Monsal Trail here
Using this as our start and finish, we cycled along the former railway line with amazing views along the way and it was a lovely straight path to cycle on. Perfect for a family bike ride and there were places to pull off the track and have a picnic, which we did. Cycling through the tunnels was a novelty and there is lighting in the tunnels (the lights operate dawn to dusk and in the winter switch off around 4.30pm).
My youngest, age 6 managed to cycle around 8 miles, heading back to Hassop Station after we went through the Headstone Tunnel and we rewarded ourselves with some delicious ice cream whilst we waited for my daughter and husband doing the extra stretch – they cycled 14 miles-ish and my 8 year old loved it…she was very tired though!
We can really recommend it, whether you’re cycling or walking.
Find more information on their website
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).
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:
Adult- £7.50
Children (5-16years)- £4.50
Under 5s- free
During the winter season there is only a £4 car park charge to pay and you will not be charged anything else on entry.
Normanby Hall Country Park, DN15 9HU
The North York Moors National Park is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, spectacular coast, ancient woodland and historic sites.
Find out what there is to see and do and discover how the National Park Authority works with the people who live here to care for this beautiful place.
Northwood Trail is nestled in a 100 acre wood at Buttercrambe close to York and this delightful woodland fairy sanctuary is the first of its kind in the world. The eco-aware sanctuary is off grid and, quite uniquely, designed to appeal to adults as much as children. As well as a beautiful woodland trail, it also includes an intriguing Fairy Museum, to display what is believed to be the world’s largest collection of fairy artefacts, collected over many years by owners Carolyn and Christian.
Northwood is about fostering a connection to nature, at its most beautiful and magical. The woodland trail winds through 1.5km of old fairy paths, peppered with fairy tree houses, stump houses, a willow walled maze and Elven thrones. There is also a natural play area for smaller children and den building for older kids. In keeping with the sustainable ethos, a stylish woodland kitchen will be serving organic teas and coffees as well as healthy and delicious local food.
Buttercrambe Wood, YO41 1AP
We have visited here a couple of times. It is well worth a trip. We loved climbing the Abbey Ruins and following the river. There is a great adventure playground too.
See the National Trust website for more details.
Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY (about 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Doncaster)
There are centuries of history to explore in these gardens and perfect picnic spots, plus a castle that’s not quite what it seems!
Large play area suitable for all ages too and seasonal trails around the gardens. We visited in the Autumn and did a lovely trail with the kids.
From 25th July- 30th August we’ll be taking part in ‘Come out and play this summer’. There will be activities to keep the whole family entertained, from archery and tennis to garden games and orienteering. Get creative and invent your own games or obstacle course, or discover the hidden table tennis in the Union Jack garden. Find the fun throughout the gardens and on our dedicated play field.
Adult £5, Child £2.50, Family £12.50
Wentworth Castle Gardens, Park Drive, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3EN (around 40 minutes drive from Doncaster)
Recommended by Mumbler Annie in the Doncaster Mumbler Parents Chat Group
We visited during lockdown and it was a lovely magical wood with some really interesting trees, some to climb and a pond.
Trees, Woodlands and Wildlife – Parking onsite.
Peasholm Park Scarborough, North Yorkshire is open for everyone to enjoy all year round, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Entrance to the Park, which is never closed, is FREE.
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. Parking facilities are available near to the Post Office on the High Street, Dunsville.
The Park has fantastic facilities for families to enjoy a brilliant day out in the fresh air. We currently have a take away service at the Stables Café located at the Park Courtyard Area, Ice Cream Vans are located in the park daily and you can bring 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 pedal boats for 4 people, rowing boats for four people and canoes for 1, 2 and 3 people for leisure hire. Water zorbing is popular with children and 5 minutes in one of these will tire out the most active of children.
For families who want to learn something together the Activity Centre offers lessons and courses that you as a family can take part in together, taster sessions in canoeing and sailing, level 1 and 2 in sailing, 1 star and 2 star canoeing. You can even have an instructor for Archery for your family. Lessons and courses are to be booked in advance.
Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ (around a 30 minute drive from Doncaster)
Set in beautiful parkland, there is lots to explore. Woodlands, a lake and gardens.
Great for a family picnic. Lots of space.
Free admission but costs £4.00 parking per car.
Rufford Abbey, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF
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 new 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
With activity trails, play areas, bike hire, wild running and mountain biking trails, Sherwood Pines will set the scene for a great day out for all.
We have visited this place a lot and love it every time. They often have different trails available such as the Gruffalo orienteering challenge and the new Superworm trail, which is really interactive.
It’s a great place to cycle, there are lots of bike trails to suit all abilities. There are some purpose built World War I trenches too that you can climb down into – it’s a little walk to find them.
There is lots of space to picnic and a great cafe. There is also a Go Ape for adults, a high ropes adventure for children over 1 metre tall and a Go Ape Nets Adventure suitable for anyone aged 1+.
There is a charge for parking but other than that you could spend a whole day here with a picnic and not spend a penny.
Edwinstowe, Mansfield NG21 9JL
Join Superworm and friends on their brand new forest adventure!
Follow the Superworm trail and see what amazing facts you can discover about the small but mighty creatures in the much loved Superworm story. The trail should keep the little ones entertained for around an hour leaving plenty of time to find more fun and explore the forest.
Trail activity packs are available to purchase from the Visitor Centre during opening times and cost just £3.50.
Sherwood Pines, Kings Clipstone, Nottingham, NG21 9JL
Picturesque Sprotbrough Flash is one of the richest wildlife sites in South Yorkshire. A mosaic of open water, wetland, woodland and limestone grassland, the site offers a year-round treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
Sprotbrough Flash is half a mile south of Sprotbrough village. You can park just off the road on Nursery Lane next to the river – please note that this can get very busy. From here it is a two minute walk along the towpath to the nature reserve. A footpath follows the Don, taking you past a screen and two bird hides, and you can walk back through the woods.
The woodland is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. The towpath along the river Don is level and accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs, although it is a fair distance to the bird hides. Both hides are wheelchair-accessible. Dogs can be walked here on leads.
Thoresby Park, about 40 mins from Doncaster, is a lovely place to visit all year round with a range of attractions for all of the family no matter how young or old.
Opening times are from 9am until 5.00pm and admission is FREE. The cost of parking is currently £1.50 for up to an hour or £3.50 for the full day.
Beautiful surroundings, arts and crafts gallery, outside play area and seasonal trails. There’s lots of space to run around and picnic.
There is a licensed cafe and some shops in the courtyard.
Thrybergh Country Park has something for everyone. Whether it’s a walk around the lake or you just want to relax and enjoy the local wildlife and countryside.
There is also a cafe here with a small soft play area inside which children can use for an additional charge.
Doncaster Rd, Thrybergh, Rotherham S65 4NU
Located on the outskirts of Tickhill, Sunny Acres is the perfect hideaway to enjoy some chill time and do something a little bit different!
Alpaca Countryside walk – £25 per Alpaca (maximum 2 people per alpaca)
Alpaca Glamping – £95 per night (Sunday- Thursday) £115 per night (Friday & Saturday). Tent sleeps up to 6 people.
Sunny Acres, Hindley Lane Off Apy Hill Lane, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9BF
Karen: 07881 309 166
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
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
