The summer holidays are upon us, and with any luck, Huddersfield will see some sunny weather perfect for a day out with the kids.
But days out in the six-week holidays don't have to cost the earth — here are some recommendations for adventures in the great outdoors that offer free entry!
Some additional activities cost a small fee — but you can still take in some fresh air and beautiful scenery without breaking the bank.
Here are some ideas for great days out in and around Huddersfield this summer.
Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre, Marsden
Sited off the A 62 between Huddersfield and Oldham, this visitor centre tells the story of the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain, built 200 years ago. Open from 10.30am, until 4pm daily during the school holidays, the centre is a good base from which to explore the canal towpath and surrounding countryside. It is possible to take a 30-minute boat trip into the tunnel but there is a small charge for this (from £4 to £5). Free parking at Marsden Railway Station and disability parking at the centre. Toilet and cafe facilities are also available on site.
Marsden Moor
Take a ramble in some of the region’s most unspoilt countryside. This National Trust site covers acres of open moorland and miles of footpaths. Walk to Buckstones or Pule Hill for far-reaching views over the Colne Valley; visit Wessenden Head to see the Framing the Landscape ‘frame’ sited by artist Ashley Jackson; or seek out the Stanza Stone in Pule Hill Quarry, which bears a poem written by Simon Armitage. On the way keep an eye out for wildife such as mountain hares and curlews and wild bilberries, ready for cropping in July and August. A range of walking leaflets can be downloaded from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/marsdenmoor
Castle Hill
The area’s most iconic hill is a great place to take children, particularly those interested in photography, as it offers panoramic views of the town and plenty of space to run around. Incorporate a history lesson by pointing out that the Romans may well have had a fort there and Iron Age people certainly lived on the hill. The remains of a medieval castle are still to be seen by the eagle-eyed - check out the ditches and drop a pebble down the well. The tower itself is open during the school holidays, but payment will be required to climb to the lofty summit - it’s open from noon until 4.30pm, £1.85 for adults, 55p for children.
The Trans Pennine Trail
This 215 mile (346 km) coast-to-coast route travels from Southport to Hornsea and takes in a six mile section between Penistone and Dunford Bridge to the south of Huddersfield. It is an easy walk through stunning countryside, passing the Wogden Foot Nature Reserve, Magic Wood and several other scenic places. Take the train to Dunford Bridge or Penistone (both stations also have car parks) and walk the off-road trail. The section can also be cycled. There are toilet facilities at Penistone station.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Another easy and great walking adventure for families. Walkers are advised to join the canal at Chapel Hill and follow the towpath through Milnsbridge and Slaithwaite to Marsden. It’s about 13km (8 miles) for this section. For dedicated walkers with older children, it would be possible to do the return journey in a day, albeit with several picnic stops (don’t forget to pack treats for the many ducks to be found along the way). Otherwise, let the train take the strain at the end of the walk.
Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Dales
On the edge of the National Park, this venue offers a stunning riverside walk, ancient priory and picnic area. It is 35 miles from Huddersfield and the journey there should take just over an hour. However, it’s worth the trip for the scenery and the chance to dabble in the river, skim stones, feed ducks and walk the valley. There’s a large walkers’ cafe a mile or so along the river and access to the priory ruins is free. However, there is a parking charge of £8 per car.
Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge
The 400 acres of unspoilt woodland off the A6033 Keighley Road are perfect for ramblers and have miles of marked footpaths of varying difficulty levels. There’s a pay and display car park with plenty of spaces and it’s free to enter and explore the woodland. At the heart of the site is Gibson Mill, which is now the National Trust’s flagship sustainable building. There is a small charge for entry to the centre, which has a cafe and toilets attached. For children, there’s a stream to paddle in and wildlife to look out for. The area is famous for the northern hairy wood ants, who create large ‘haystacks’ throughout the woodland.
Oakwell Country Park, Birstall
Older children might enjoy seeing the exterior of Oakwell Hall, featured by Charlotte Bronte as Fieldhead in her novel Shirley, while most will love to explore the country park with its rolling acres and many places to picnic. There’s a small admission charge for the house (£1 for children, £2.50 for adults) but if the weather’s fine then the great outdoors, with play park and nature trail, is just as fine a place to be. A cafe on site offers drinks and snacks and there’s ample free parking.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton
The award-winning sculpture park may be a fair trek from Huddersfield but on a sunny day there’s nowhere finer to ramble and enjoy both natural beauty and the man made creations that are scattered throughout the 500 acres. Admission to the park and most of the galleries is free but there are parking charges. There’s a lovely cafe and free use of mobility scooters for those who need them (book ahead on 01924 832631). The park is open every day from 10am until 6pm, and runs regular activities for families throughout the summer.
Greenhead Park, Huddersfield
Open every day from 7am until 10pm in the summer, the park is a mini resort. From tennis courts and bowling greens to a paddling pool and adventure playground, there’s lots to do. A conservatory and cafe provide shelter, if needed, from the elements. Parking in the area is often congested, so it’s perhaps best to walk from the town centre.
Manor Heath Park, Halifax This park’s crowning glories are its demonstration gardens and Jungle Experience – a tropical world of prehistoric plants, terrapins, fish and Chinese quail. It’s free to enter the park, but £1 to enter the jungle (under fives free).
There’s a gated, safe playground for younger children, and an outdoor gym for fitness fanatics. This is a popular venue for dog walkers, so bring the family pet along. Small charge for on-road parking.
Shibden Park, Halifax
Situated on the A 58 Leeds/Bradford road out of Halifax, this extensive park, with steeply sloping hill, land train, pitch and putt course, boating lake and gardens, is also home to Shibden Hall, home of 19th century diarist and adventurer Anne Lister. While it’s free to enter the grounds, there is a charge for parking and to enter the hall. Take a picnic and cut the costs.
