Castle Hill & Victoria Tower
From history trails to wildlife spotting, there’s plenty to see and do at Castle Hill - one of Huddersfield’s most iconic sites.
A Natural England designated Nature Reserve, it has some really fun walks to do with children of all ages and most are relatively easy on the legs. There are numerous trails at the top around the Tower and information points that explain the rich history of the site and the diverse wildlife habitats that can found in the area.
For a more challenging walk, those with longer legs can walk up from the bottom of the hill, to the plateau where the Tower sits.
Do check the weather before you go as the wind can be bracing to say the least – you’ll be sure to see a few kite fliers at the top!
Speaking of the top, the views over Huddersfield are incredible and worth the trip alone.
Greenhead Park
One of our favourite places to go and one we visit more regularly than most, given its proximity to the nurseries in Huddersfield.
There are plenty of opportunities to, play, walk and explore in the park for children of all ages.
As well as the playgrounds, cafés, sports courts, zip wires, and a miniature railway, there is several miles of footpaths to discover and some less structured fun to be had.
Our kids love running and hiding in many of the hundreds of trees in all areas of the park – climbing near the fountain at the bottom entrance to the park and creating dens in the evergreen laurel bushes – waiting for us to walk past so they can jump out and scare us!
There are also rocks and a small stone tunnel that the little ones love to play games in and the braver ones can jump off onto the soft grass. Great fun for kids – and parents!
Scammonden Reservoir
For those looking for a longer walk and something a bit more adventurous, Scammonden Reservoir has miles of foot-pathed walks around its stunning perimeter.
A short drive out of Huddersfield through Outlane, it’s nestled in the Pennine Hills that are stunning at any time of year.
Walking down from the main car park (one of three) to the waters’ edge will give you an indication of what climb to expect on the return journey. This is the steepest part of the walk and coming back up – particularly with tired little legs - can be a struggle, so it’s worth leaving some energy in the tank.
The main walk is adjacent to the M62 which curls around the edges of Scammonden Reservoir, giving you the best views of the water and the hills through woodland and rough pastures. The walk is mainly on well-surfaced paths, but there are some steep gradients. It’s also a good idea to watch the weather – it can get pretty wet and muddy, so be prepared!
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Not quite in Huddersfield, but only fifteen minutes’ drive away is the amazing YSP. It’s our ‘go to’ place on the days we wake up without a plan and just need to get out and do something.
Set in the grounds of the wonderful Bretton Hall, YSP is an open-air gallery in West Bretton near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. As well as artwork by famous British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, the park has many walks through its 500 acres of varied landscape and wilderness that will delight and enthral kids of all ages.
River, lakes, hills and woods; bridges, follies, a Greek-style summer house, Boat House, an Obelisk and Stepping Stones, YSP has it all - and stunning at all times of the year.
The going under foot is varied depending on where and how far you want to walk – as well as the season. Some walks are muddy, but still great fun and there’s a every chance you’ll see some great wildlife and you may just run into some highland cattle!
Digley Reservoir
Situated just outside Holmfirth, Digley reservoir is on the boundary of the Peak District National Park. It sits just below the petite Bilberry Reservoir and is great to get out and stretch the legs with kids of all ages.
There is a path all the way round the reservoir but we found that it is usually muddy and uneven no matter what time of year we go, so sturdy shoes or wellies are advised for everyone.
The path loops all the ways round bring you close to the water and up into a small woodland area that is great for Bear Huns and other fun games.
The architecture of the dam is something to behold and can be a point of learning and discussion with children.
It’s a shorter walk than Scammonden reservoir, but the views across the water and over the surrounding valleys are just as stunning – Huddersfield at its best!
