Quality family time at country park

We did a bit of Googling and were surprised to find we were just five minutes away from Angler’s Country Park, just across the border from us into Wakefield.

We got togged up in wellies and body warmers and headed out for a stroll - and ended up very pleasantly surprised by what we found!

We kicked off our visit at the park’s ‘Squires Tearoom’ which serves a decent selection of hot and cold sandwiches, toasties and jacket potatoes to get you stocked up before heading out - though be warned it’s cash only.

After lunch Imogen insisted on running us ragged around the little adventure playground for a while before we finally made our way out into the open park.

The country park is perfect for a family stroll: featuring the two mile Lakeside trail - lovely and out in the open, with plenty of space to run free and feed the ducks; the Woodland Walk - great for exploring the woods and, in our case, ‘Going on a Bear Hunt...’ and Waterton Trail - which passes right through the park. For families with older children, there’s also bike hire.

There’s also, and most excitingly for little ones, a ‘Room On The Broom Adventure Trail.’ Activity packs can be bought from the visitor centre near the carpark for £2, and then you’re off! Following the trail, finding sculptures, looking for animal footprints, and tracing rubbings as you seek all the characters from the favourite Julia Donaldson book, with plenty of guaranteed photos opps along the way. Immy was in her element everytime she saw a witch hiding up ahead, or rounded a corner to discover a cat flying on a broom!

We followed the Lakeside trail for quite a while, jumping in every muddy puddle we could find, enjoying the open space, splashing in the water on the edges of the lake and waving at the ducks. We followed animal trails and had to stop for pictures at every ‘Room on the Broom’ inspired animal character we came across.

About a third of the way around, we decided to turn around, to spare Immy’s little legs, and start heading back. But rather than retrace our footsteps, we delved off into the Woodland Walk and stomped our way back to the carpark through the forest, following little paths filled with interesting flowers and plenty of twigs to snap.

We whiled away a lovely afternoon at Anglers and - with free parking and free entry - it’s a great spot for some inexpensive quality family time in the great outdoors.