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Please note some of the below recommendations involve open water and whilst other Mumblers have recommended these for places to paddle we would suggest checking these out yourself and ensuring a responsible adult is present at all times
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.
An adventure in all things water. Be warned – you’re going to get wet, wet, wet as you spray, mist and squirt your way around.
Remember a towel and a change of clothes!
AQUA-TEK is open weekends and school holidays only.
Magna, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX. Tel:01709 720002
Bebra Gardens is open all year round, 24 hours a day. The paddling pool is open from Spring Bank Holiday (at the end of May) to the first week in September.
All-day parking at Waterside Car Park, HG5 8DF, the gardens are sign posted from there.
Synonymous with Bolton Abbey, the stepping stones were the crossing point for the lay workers at the Priory. The 60 stepping stones offer a fun and challenging experience for today’s visitor. For those who do not wish to cross via the stepping stones there is a bridge offering a safe and dry passage.
North of the stepping stones is a large beach area popular with visiting families. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, build sandcastles have a little paddle in the river or simply relax and take in the view of the Priory.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AL
The largest urban water feature in the UK, with over 100 fountains. Children can enjoy running through the water features in the summer when the weather is hot.
Creepy Crawlies have a lovely water play area where little ones can splash, pour, drizzle and spray with pumps, dams, streams, squirting chickens and paddling area!
The Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, YO32 2RH Tel : 01904 692221
There’s a few shallow entry points along the beck and I find it pretty magical to have this lovely little stream in an ancient wood in the middle of the city. Mumbler August, 2019
Greenhead Park is a great place to visit, especially now it has been restored to its former glory. The park opens daily at 7am.There are two play areas, a miniature railway and the paddling pool which has provided summer fun for children since the 1930’s and is still a big attraction on sunny days.
The pool is normally open from late May to September, depending on the weather.
Greenhead Park, Huddersfield HD1 4HS.
Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales within a steep rocky gorge of the River Ure. You can take a walk through the woods and paddle in the river and streams.
Find out more on the Woodland Trust website.
It’s on the outskirts of the village of Grewelthorpe, there is a small car park before you enter the village or roadside parking.
No amenities but there is a family friendly pub, The Crown in Grewelthorpe.
Area: Scarcroft, North Leeds
Car Parking: Limited roadside parking available.
Amenities: None
Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve is a great place to explore as a family, there are lots of paths to follow through the woods and some great opportunities for a game of hide and seek! There is a tree swing and a lovely little stream to paddle in or have a game of ‘poo sticks’.
You can do a nice circular route from the car park, if you follow the path down to the stream, hang a right and follow the path around in a loop. Suitable for younger children distance wise but not buggies. More walking route details here.
A favourite place with my Mumblers and you can call off on the way home for ice cream at the Milk Churn!
If approaching via the A58 Leeds-Wetherby road, to reach the main entrance on Milner Lane take the turn right signposted Thorner at the New Inn pub crossroads at Scarcroft. Keep left at a triangular intersection and the nature reserve entrance is on the left, 0.5 miles further on. There is also a public footpath (parking for a few cars) from the side of the A58 at Bardsey.
Milner Lane, Scarcroft, LS23 6NA.
Ilkley’s lido is a good day out when it’s hot – big outdoor swimming pool and plenty of space to sunbathe.
Indoor pool, Outdoor pool (opens end May), Tennis, Putting green, Bowling, Picnic area, Cafe, Ramped access.
You can take your own food & drink and there are picnic tables for you as well.
The indoor pool is open all year round. The outdoor pool is summer only (not heated), see here for Ilkley Lido opening times.
Denton Rd, Ilkley LS29 0BZ. Tel: 01943 600453
As well as the paddling pool in Bebra gardens there’s a little beach bit on the river at Knaresborough and is easy to get down too for paddling.
Swing, play, ride, splash, and run in Newby’s legendary Adventure Gardens. A perfect place to meet up with friends; eat, discover, relax, shop and smile all in the stunning setting of Newby Hall.
Newby hall has lots of water jets/fountains in a great area within the grounds. Parents can sit and relax on the grass whilst children play. Remember costumes and towels!
Newby Hall, Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon HG4 5AE Tel: 01423 322583
There is endless fun to be had with lots of activities to try! Challenge your friends on our inflatable AquaPark and bounce your way to victory on the trampolines and blast bags! Try kayaking around the lake, put your balance skills to the test on the stand-up paddle boards or take a cruise on one of the mini ports or pedalos. There is something for everyone!
Booking required.
Wykeham Lakes, Long Causeway Road, Wykeham YO13 9QU. Tel: 01723 865052
Go into the woods near the cricket club and follow the stream as it flows down. You’ll get to a paddock and a sandy bank where you see the Meanwood Valley trail signs for Adel.
At the bandstand side of the river, you can paddle in the shallow side water near the bridge. There is also a pebbled area to sit/sunbathe. Also great for feeding the ducks.
Loads of picnic tables and seating. At certain times of the year, the brass band is playing.
You can also enjoy a walk alongside the river.
Plenty of free car parking in the Wilderness (bandstand) car park.
Enjoy a walk/bike down the river, paddle and coffee and cake at the Riverbank Coffee Hut.
Burnsall Green, Burnsall, Yorkshire Dales National Park BD23 6BT
Fish and chips are available until 8.00pm at the Riverside Gardens Hotel (01943 607338 for more information)
Toilets are situated near to the Riverside Gardens Hotel (but in a separate building). Open 9.00am – 5.00pm – and are free to use.
Meanwood Park is great for families, from the main bottom car park there is a playground and lovely cafe leading on to extensive walks for various abilities.
Enjoy a walk along the beck to the waterfall and back, or turning left up into the hollies, or venturing right into the woods where you can stumble across fairy doors hidden within the trees.
A good section of beck in Meanwood Park for children to paddle is accessed from the entrance just off the ring road between Tongue Lane and Weetwood Lane on Parkside Lane.
The premier play park in Harrogate! The equipment is fantastic here with loads to do for all ages including a zip wire, fortress, plane, paddling pool as well as the usual slides, swings etc. There is also the recently completed skate park for the older kids.
There is a kiosk selling ice creams and light refreshments in the play area and further down the gardens there is a café which sells Ripley ice-cream as well as a boating pond and bandstand.
The park also offers pitch and put, crazy golf, Frisbee gold and tennis courts.
At the top of the Gardens lie the Pine Woods.
Valley Gardens, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
Lying alongside the river Wharfe, the park and gardens are the perfect place for a picnic, to feed the ducks and have a little paddle. The play area and skate park are great ways to entertain the kids and if you’re feeling very adventurous, you can take a boat out on the river.
Farnley Lane, Otley LS21 2RW
