With the UK in the grips of a June heatwave, many will be hoping to escape their homes and enjoy fun activities outside in the sun.

And in Huddersfield, the outdoors has plenty to offer with a wealth of parks, picnic spots, sports facilities, ornate gardens not to mention endless countryside walks.

When the sun is out and the weather is glorious, you could hop on the Kirklees Light Railway before grabbing a picnic in Greenhead Park.

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But if that doesn't take your fancy, there are plenty more things you can do and we've got a full list of them here.

Here's out breakdown of 16 brilliant activities perfect for a sunny day in Huddersfield.

1) Hop on board the Kirklees Light Railway

Kirklees Light Railway, Clayton West
Kirklees Light Railway, Clayton West

All aboard the Kirklees Light Railway for a scenic journey through the south Pennine foothills!

The railway features eight little steam engines - Hawk, Owl, Fox, Badger, Jay, Katie, Sian and Tram No.7 - and is popular with young and old alike. The track runs from Clayton West to Shelley and visitors can ride all day for the cost of one fare.

The Shelley terminus has a tea room offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It sells drinks, snacks and light refreshments. There's an outdoor adventure playground, sand pit, outdoor picnic area and bouncy castle (weather permitting).

And at the Clayton West station there is the larger Buffer Stop Cafe which serves fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced produce. There is a large free car park, gift and model shop, an outdoor adventure playground, outdoor picnic areas, a miniature train (weather permitting) and toilet and baby change facilities.

Adult fares cost £7.50 on the day or £6.50 in advance. Concessions are a pound cheaper and children aged 3-16 years go a pound cheaper still. Children under three go free. A family ticket, for two adults and two children, can be snapped up for £24 (£20 in advance). Click here for the Kirklees Light Railway timetable.

2) Play tennis at Greenhead Park

Tennis lover Terry Cole at Greenhead Park
Tennis lover Terry Cole at Greenhead Park

Budding Andy Murrays can perfect their serve for free on the tennis courts at Greenhead Park.

The courts, which were refurbed in 2011, can be found at the top of the park. They're the perfect setting for a few sets on a sunny day - and spectators can enjoy an ice cream at the Cafe in the Park, which overlooks the courts. Today, Greenhead Park - tomorrow, Wimbledon!

3) Go boating on the Mere at Shibden Park

Shibden Park, Halifax
Shibden Park, Halifax

Rowboats are not just for Oxford and Cambridge, you know - in fact, the chance to grab the oars and sail across a lake is right on your doorstep.

Rowboats and children's paddleboats are available for hire at Shibden Park throughout the summer and are a lovely way to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

If it isn't too busy you can visit Shibden Hall up the hill, home to Anne Lister who was the subject of the enormously popular BBC historic drama Gentleman Jack.

4) Admire some art at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield

Known as the 'gallery without walls', this internationally renowned free attraction offers a wide range of sculptures and modern art scattered across 500 acres of 18th century parkland. Based in the grounds of Bretton Hall, Wakefield, Yorkshire Sculpture Park also features several indoor galleries including the national award winning Weston Gallery.

There is currently a number of works by legendary British artist Damien Hirst by the park's lower lake.

A café and restaurant overlooking the park serves hot food, coffee and cakes, and visitors can take a little bit of the sculpture magic home with them with a visit to the giftshop. Visit the park on a sunny day to see modern art like you've never seen it before.

5) Pack a picnic for Oakwell Hall and Country Park

Oakwell Hall, Birstall
Oakwell Hall, Birstall


Popular with Bronte fans and wildlife enthusiasts alike, Oakwell Hall and Country Park is the perfect spot for a summer picnic.

A favourite spot for dog walkers and horseriders, the Birstall park offers woodland walking trails, plenty of green open space and an adventure playground to keep little ones active. And of course the historic hall, made famous as the inspiration for Fieldhead manor house in Charlotte Bronte's Shirley, offers a snapshot of life in the Elizabethan era, surrounded by immaculate gardens.

There's also The Oaktree Cafe next to the hall serving coffee, cakes and sandwiches plus a gift shop, visitors' centre and a play area.

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6) Cycle the Calder Valley Greenway

Calder Valley Greenway
Calder Valley Greenway

Why not get on yer bike and take in some of the Calder Valley's spectacular views on the Calder Valley Greenway?

The four-mile, largely rural route connects Huddersfield and Dewsbury via woodland, farmland and riverside paths.

Stand-out views along the greenway can be found from the Ridings, which looks down to the John Smith's Stadium and Dalton Bank; Bradley Viaduct; Lower Spen, offering views of the Spen Valley up to Norristhorpe and Roberttown, and the River Calder, offering excellent views of the river and weir.

7) Shoot some hoops at Beaumont Park

Basketball game at Beaumont Park
Basketball game at Beaumont Park

Sunny weather and sport go hand in hand, so why not head down to the basketball courts at Huddersfield's Beaumont Park and perfect your hook shot?

The Victorian park, also has football goal posts, an adventure playground and woodland trails to follow - perfect for an active day out this summer.

8) Make some furry friends at Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre

Llama at Ponderosa
Llama at Ponderosa


From farmyard favourites to exotics and reptiles, Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre has a wealth of animals at its farm, based off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike. The mini zoo has lemurs, wildcats, meerkats, marmosets, parrots, pythons and more.

There's also an adventure playground, soft play barn and a restaurant.

Combined entry to the farm and one hour's play costs £7.95 per child and £26 for a family of four.

9) Go fishing at Ladywood Lakes

Ladywood Lakes - we can't guarantee you'll catch a fish this big but you'll have fun trying
Ladywood Lakes - we can't guarantee you'll catch a fish this big but you'll have fun trying

Angling enthusiasts can while away a few sunny hours at Ladywood Lake Fishery's two lakes.

The larger lake, in Sands Lane, Mirfield, boasts more than 500 fish, with a 41lb Lady Kamara holding the lake record. The smaller 2.5 acre lake is stocked with more than three tonnes of bream, roach, perch and carp.

Day fishing is available from 7am until 7pm. Day tickets for Monday to Thursday cost £12, 24-hour tickets cost £24 and a 48-hour ticket costs £46. For more information visit Ladywood Lakes' website.

10) Explore Marsden Moor

Marsden Moor
Marsden Moor

Marsden Moor offers a wealth of activities for all the family as well as breathtaking views and scenery.

From guided walks and themed trails to geocaching and photography, the rugged moors are the ideal destination when the weather is fine. The National Trust Estate stretches across 5,685 acres and is popular with para gliders and birdwatchers. Have a picnic at Eastergate Bridge, or watch the sunset from Pule Hill - there's plenty to explore.

For opening times and more information, click here.

11) Smell the roses at Manor Heath Park

Manor Heath Park, Halifax
Manor Heath Park, Halifax


Manor Heath Park, Halifax has bagged both Green Flag and Yorkshire in Bloom awards, and boasts a woodland walk, park trail, wildflower area and more - perfect for a sunny day stroll. The former site of its grand manor house, demolished in 1959, is now a sunken garden, with a picturesque walled garden to boot.

Grab a bite to eat at the Flutter Bites café and let the little ones loose in the play area, or check out the Jungle Experience tropical oasis, packed with fish, quail, terrapin and butterflies.

The Jungle Experience and its accompanying Walled Garden, in Manor Heath Park, Halifax, is open seven days a week, 9.30am-5pm from March 30 until winter. Winter opening hours are different. Admission is £1 per person, with under 3s free.

12) Go crazy for cute at Cannon Hall Farm

Cannon Hall Farm visitors see newborn lambs

With lambs, piglets, llamas, donkeys, Shetland Ponies and goats, Cannon Hall Farm has the cute factor when it comes to family days out. Baby animals are born on the farm all year round, and unusual creatures including kune kune pigs from New Zealand and big horned, hairy Highland Cattle are also in residence.

Based just 10 minutes from junction 37 of the M1, five miles west from Barnsley, the farm also has an adventure playground, farm shop, tea room, delicatessen and licensed restaurant. Admission is £5.95 during the week per child and adult and £7.95 at weekends. Under twos go free.

13) Climb Castle Hill

Victoria Tower, Castle Hill
Victoria Tower, Castle Hill


One of Huddersfield's most popular attractions, Castle Hill stands more than 900 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views. The site, a scheduled ancient monument, also features Victoria Tower, which is open to the public every day of the summer holidays and most weekends

Admission to the tower costs £2 for adults, 60p for children and £4 for families (two adults, two children). Kirklees Passport holders go free.

14) Admire the views at Odgen Water Country Park and Nature Reserve

Take a stroll around the reservoir at Ogden Water and Country Park
Take a stroll around the reservoir at Ogden Water and Country Park


Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Ogden Water Country Park and Nature Reserve, Halifax, and admire the scenic views of its 34-acre resevoir. Pack a picnic, enjoy a hike and feed the park's wildfowl with duck food from the park's visitor centre.

The visitor centre, open 10.30am-3.15pm, also offers tea, coffee and baked treats, plus guides to woodland walks and other outdoor activities.

15) Try something new at Another World Adventure Centre

Mountain boarding and grass sledging at Another World Adventure Centre
Mountain boarding and grass sledging at Another World Adventure Centre


From grass sledging to paintballing, mountain boarding to archery, Another World Adventure Centre in Halifax is bound to keep the whole family busy. Have your world turned upside down - literally - in a zorb ball, build and race a go-kart, or tackle a fun team building challenge.

The Kids Adventure Centre runs a school holiday activity club on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the holidays. For more information and prices, click here.

16) Secret Beach

Gaddings Dam isn't anywhere near as busy as the tourist beaches
Gaddings Dam isn't anywhere near as busy as the tourist beaches

It's not very secret anymore. However there are few greater draws on a hot day than a beach and there's one in landlocked West Yorkshire.

Gaddings Dam is just 45 minutes from Huddersfield - compared to well over an hour for the nearest coastal spot.

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