Bawtry Paintball Fields is Europe’s biggest outdoor activity centre, voted Europe’s Best, and the UK’s highest rated on Trip Advisor with over 1500 5-Star reviews!
Looking for a family day out, an awesome birthday, stag or hen party, or a fantastic team build event – BPF has something for everyone. Our lovely little café serves hot and cold food and drinks, ice cream and slush all day, so you can stay fuelled and relax in one of our picnic areas between activities.
There is something for everyone at Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre in Doncaster, the number one place for those seeking fun in the great outdoors!
We host a range of water-based activities on our very own lake, including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. We also have an inflatable Aquapark, which has recently expanded and will soon be open for bookings from May 19th 2023. You can also enjoy a swim in our natural lake pool, the newest addition to our growing number of water activities.
For those who prefer to stay dry, you can challenge yourself to reach new heights on our 14-metre-high climbing wall; we have plenty of aerial challenges and obstacle courses for you to complete off the ground. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can find your thrills at an axe-throwing or archery session. You can learn how to throw axes at a target and how to use a bow safely. Awe-throwing is available to book now and archery will be available very soon.
All our sessions, both water and land, are taught by experienced instructors in a safe and welcoming environment. For anyone wishing to extend their visit and wake to another exciting day of activities, we have a campsite too.
EPIC NEWS ALERT- TICKETS NOW LIVE! 
Get ready for an AWESOME adventure because MISSION OUT is reopening on SATURDAY 23RD MARCH!
NEW FOR 2024 
ADULTS pay ONCE and come back 4 FREE throughout 2024!*
KIDS ANNUAL PASS: For just £39.95, you can play ALL SEASON LONG!*
FAMILY TICKET SPECIAL: The Family Ticket is back and better than ever! Add additional tickets, and you’ll get AN EXTRA 15% off each single ticket. Concessions/max card not applicable*
Don’t miss out on EPIC FAMILY FUN at even better VALUE this season.
Within historic woodland along the River Nidd is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birthplace of Yorkshire’s famous prophetess. It is situated next to the Petrifying Well, England’s oldest visitor attraction. The attraction tells the story of Mother Shipton and the water which turns objects to stone.
The park is a unique, unspoilt remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. During a visit it is an old tradition to make a wish. The Wishing Well is fed by the same magical waters as the Petrifying Well and has been wished upon for over 300 years. Many visitors have been in touch to tell us their wishes have come true!
The park has several scenic picnic areas, a coffee and ice cream kiosk, an adventure playground and museum and gift shop. Dogs are welcome in all areas, apart from the playground.
Themed events run during school holidays. For more information about family events visit our website.
Please check the website for up-to-date opening times and any unforeseen park closures. Open weekends in March and daily from April.
A circular walk is the perfect walk when coping with little legs, there is no going back on yourself or having to traipse back to the car! These are Mumbler’s favourite circular walks for families in and around North Leeds.Take part in your biggest ever game of hide and seek on your visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Hide in all corners of the large abbey ruins before following the river to the water garden. Race around the moon ponds, see the swans swimming and discover the winding dark tunnel. Emerge from the tunnel to find three fun buildings called follies along this woodland path. With acres of space to explore, hidden places to discover and lots of sniffs to sniff, Fountains Abbey is the perfect place to bring your four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome in all the outdoor spaces and in the Visitor Centre Restaurant too.
Be sure to have a playground adventure. There are things to wobble along, jump over and climb on…you’ll find a wooden abbey, a woodland house, scramble nets and posts, swings, fireman’s poles, a slide, a roundabout, a gigantic rope bridge and a huge zip wire for the most daring adventurers of all.
Have a well-earned sit down with a seasonal meal in the Visitor Centre Restaurant, tuck into tea and cake with a lakeside view at Studley Tea Room or a sweet treat at Mill Café.
If there’s still oodles of energy left visit the deer park. Admire the views down to Ripon Cathedral and see if you can spot the deer. There are three different types from small fallow deer to the largest of them all: red deer.
There’s lots to do but don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in this time – we’ll be here another day! Become a member on your first visit and come back for free as many times as you like. Plus, get the feel-goods about it as every time you scan your membership card, you’re contributing towards the essential conservation work we do.
National Trust Nostell is a Georgian treasure house, with landscaped gardens, parkland and stables courtyard.
Nostell is one of the greatest treasure houses of the north of England, surrounded by 300 acres of parkland and gardens. Created as an ambitious statement by the Winn family between 1725 and 1785, generations added to the richness of the house, from Robert Adam interiors and a world-class collection of Thomas Chippendale furniture, to priceless paintings and antique curiosities.
Become a Damage Detective and learn about all the things that can damage an old house like Nostell, from dust to light to little bugs, on our new house trail.
Beyond the house, there’s lots to discover. You can wander through the Kitchen Garden and marvel at the towering banana trees. Make the most of your day and explore acres of parkland, grab a bite in the Courtyard Café, or get your muscles moving in the Play Area.
Nostell also has a shop and a second-hand bookstore.
Entry and parking is free for National Trust members. For non-members there is a parking fee of £5, with additional admission charges for the house and gardens.
Please visit the National Trust website for admission fees
Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield WF4 1QE
Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
Less than an hour from Leeds, Sutton Bank National Park Centre has options for everyone in the family when it comes to cycling! Plus, entry is free, so you only need to pay for parking!
As well as a number of bike trails to choose from (including Cliff, a family friendly ‘green’ circular 3 mile trail), there’s a 2.5km flat and off-road family cycle trail, a small skills area and a pump track.
At the visitor centre, you can find a cafe, toilets, a play area and bike hire.
Here’s our pick of places around North Leeds and Wetherby where you can enjoy a good family walk and some tasty refreshments from a pub or cafe!
Sandpits are a great sensory experience for children and can provide hours of fun for all ages! The texture, submerging fingers and toes, making sandcastles, destroying sandcastles; it’s such fun exploration. They also resonate summer, and for those of us who don’t fancy the long journey all the way to the seaside, are a happy alternative. Area: Wakefield
Car Park: Plenty of car parking, charges apply
Amenities: Cafe, toilets and adventure playground next to the Visitors Centre
Large country park that is great for walking, children’s biking and picnics. It also has a children’s adventure playground and The Room on the Broom trail. You can purchase activity packs from the Visitor’s Centre for £2. From the centre you’ll follow the trail, find sculptures, look for animal footprints, trace rubbings and have fun doing activities along the way.
At the visitor’s centre you can hire running buggies and bikes for the whole family including bike trailers for the tiniest!
Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 2EB. Tel: 01924 303980
Area: Harrogate
Car Park: Parking is free for National Trust members.
Non National Trust members, car parking charges £6 for 4 hours, £9 per day.
Amenities: Toilets and catering facilities are located 550 metres from the car park, baby-changing facilities
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.
There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks.
Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW. Tel: 01423 780688
A day out with the kids at Castle Howard just became even more adventurous and intriguing. Now they can join into the treetops of the adventure playground, Skelf Island.
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
A lovely 3.5 mile walk around Saxton starting at the Crooked Billet. It gives lovely views over the countryside and is a good way for children to strech their legs- there are a couple of uphill stretches (nothing too severe). AND what’s better than finishing where you started and enjoying a good pub lunch at the Crooked Billet (which does offer children’s meals). Read more about this route on the Muddy Boots Mummy site.
Clifton Park in the heart of Rotherham is a wonderful place for the whole family. With parks, gardens and sport, rides and games and even an amazing museum, Clifton Park has everything you could need for the perfect day out!
Clifton Park has 2 car parks:
Dalby Forest is always a fantastic day out with the family. Here’s some of our favourite things to do;
Friends of Roundhay Park (FORP) FREE adventure trails in Roundhay Park have been designed by local children!
The trials are free to use by all park visitors, with clue sheets being accessible in the Lakeside Cafe, Tropical World and the Mansion art gallery. You can also download the trail sheets here forp.org/little-friends-trails/
There are two trails, the first is an imagination trail called The Magical Fountains of Roundhay and is aimed at under 6s.
Designed for pre-schoolers this trail route is fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. The route is split into 3 sections (ranging from 1km -1.5km in length) which can all be done together or split over several visits – children will need your help to read and understand what to do. Imaginations at the ready
The second is an adventure trial where older children (6+) have to solve The Secret of Roundhay Castle by undertaking various tasks.
Designed for children of ages 6 and older, this trail is longer and more challenging. The route is split into 3 sections (ranging from 1.5km – 2.5km in length) which can be done together or split over several visits.
FORP are encouraging children to undertake the trail and upload a photo to social media with the hashtag #littlefriendstrails. The answer sheets, certificates of completion and further information can be found on the FORP website – forp.org/little-friends-trails
Hesketh Farm Park is set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. As Dales’ weather can be unpredictable they have a large cosy, undercover barn. There’s loads to do including feeding and stroking the animals, having fun in the giant sandpit or playing hide and seek in the straw maze. They have a small cafe and they also host parties.
NO NEED TO BOOK
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA. Tel: 01756 710444
Rich in wildlife, winding woodland paths, cooling water ways and unique land art, the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park near Ripon has 45 acres of gardens, arboretum, lakes and over 80 sculptures …. a log cabin tearoom & horsebox full of tasty treats with a woodland playground for kids.
Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, Grewelthorpe, Nr Ripon, HG4 3DA
Discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World zoo.
The expansive grounds and gardens are lovely walking spots, with or without four-legged companions. The two playgrounds mean there’s plenty of space for running about and letting off steam, with zip wires for older children to enjoy. The evolving zoo, Wildlife World, is a real highlight and visitors can see the Humboldt penguins splash and swim in their pool. To discover the history of the estate step inside the former home of the Gascoigne family and wander the rooms. The traditional stables area courtyard is where you’ll find the Stables café serving a range of lunch options, cakes and ice creams.
Children under 5 can visit for free.
Lotherton Hall, Collier Lane, Aberford, LS25 3EB. Tel: 0113 378 2959.
A small park and gardens in Leeds City Centre, situated on the south east corner of Merrion Street and Wade Lane, adjacent to St John’s Church. There is some adventure play equipment, more suited to children aged 5+.
Here our our favourite pram walks and buggy walks near Leeds, West Yorkshire. They’re recommended by fellow parents and carers, on paths and tracks suitable for prams and buggies.
We love a walk around a reservoir, there is so much wildlife to spot! We are very lucky to have some beautiful spots locally which you can enjoy. Here are further details!
A little known, and very scenic, route from Granary Wharf to Leeds Dock. Jump on board one of the yellow water taxis, for a 15 minute trip down the canal, from the train station to the Royal Armouries Museum.
Mon – Fri: 7am-7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6pm
£2 per person, per journey.
Children 5 and under travel free.
Cash and card (including contactless) payments accepted.
The Room on the Broom trail takes visitors across Anglers Country Park on a special themed walk.
Starting from the Discovery Centre, the trail follows a route around the lake giving youngsters the chance to see sculptures of Witch, Cat, Dog, Bird, Frog and the terrifying Dragon! For extra fun and games along the trail, purchase an Explorer Pack for £2 from the Discovery Centre before you set off. As you journey along the route look out for the wildlife that call Anglers Country Park their home.
Some parts of the path may be muddy so sensible footwear is advised. Suitable for bikes and pushchairs.
The Adventure Trail and Country Park are both open all day, every day with free entry (parking is pay and display). There is also a great outdoor play area at the end of the trail.
Read more about Wakefield’s story trails here
Haw Park Lane,Wintersett,Wakefield,WF4 2EB. Tel: 01924 303980
If you’re a family who loves walking and the great outdoors, you may be looking for some good options for longer walks; walks that mean a day out, a possibility of a picnic, and a hopefully a pub or cafe somewhere along the way. You want more of a family hike than a potter, but something achievable for your adventurous children. Here are my suggestions for some GREAT family walks- all within a 90 minute drive of Leeds.
Here’s our Mumbler picks of the Best Woodland Walks in Leeds for families (and some just outside of Leeds but DEFINITELY worth the effort)! Woods and forest walks are also BRILLIANT for those rainy days or super sunny days where you want to get out but want a little bit of shelter!The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park and the Yorkshire Dales. A tourist visitor attraction unlike anywhere that you have been before, ideal for the adventurers and those young at heart!
Tupgill Park Estate, Coverham, Middleham, Leyburn, DL8 4TJ Tel: 01969 640638
This FREE two mile walk is great for children! A bear has scattered the gnomes around Newmillerdam and you must follow the trail and find them all (just watch out for the bear!). Each gnome has a different activity for children to enjoy.
The route can be steep in places (particularly the start from the car park) and is on trails but you can get round with a buggy.
Location: Newmillerdam Country Park, sat nav postcode: WF2 6QP
Find more information on the Muddy Boots website here.
Start your walk at the old station carpark on Linton Road. The first section of the walk is on the Harland Way, a lovely bridlepath, take the right fork signposted towards Deighton Road. Turn right at the road (beware of little legs, this is a busy road) and head towards the town centre, where you can stop off at one of the great cafes in Wetherby for refreshments!
Cross Wetherby bridge, and take the first right towards the leisure centre, then pick up the path that follows the river. In drier weather this route is great for buggies, but this river path can get muddy. Cross the footbridge, have a little play at the play area and then climb the stairs (or ramp) to the road and back to the carpark!
If you pack a little bike then you could also enjoy a visit to the Little Toe Pump TrackLittle Toe Pump Track!
A Great Family Day Out! Climb aboard our little steam trains for a scenic railway journey from Clayton West to Shelley, in the beautiful South Pennine Foothills. Cafe, shop, playground, miniature railway, picnic areas and bouncy castle. Special seasonal events. Birthday parties.
Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Clayton West HD8 9XJ.Tel: 01484 865727
William’s Den is a new and exciting adventure attraction, giving children the chance to connect with nature and get active as they explore a custom designed complex that brings the great outdoors inside. Children can play, explore, run, climb, build dens and learn, all in an open, rural and natural setting with a range of facilities tailored to families.
Special events and activities in the school holidays.
William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS. Tel: 01430 47223
York Maze is not just the largest maze in the UK it’s an award winning fun filled, day out in the country.
With over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy York Maze offers an amazing fun-filled full family day out. Opens mid July, check website for exact timings
Dunnington Lodge, Elvington Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 5LT. Tel: 01904 607 341
The only one of its kind, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an international centre for modern and contemporary art, experienced and enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.
West Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4LG. Tel: 01924 832631
Enjoy lots of Whistlestop fun with your little ones at their mid-week Young Engineer sessions!
The Firebox will be open to serve a reduced menu or treat yourself to a Hungry Engineers’ Afternoon Tea, available to pre-order only for collection & enjoyment on the day.
Tickets are 5.95 per person.
