We visited Stockeld Park for the first time during February half term 2022 for Talking Animals Week. It was a huge hit, and after spending the whole day there the kids didn’t want to leave without a promise that we’d go back soon!
There’s loads to do, including an Enchanted Forest, five adventure playgrounds, a big maze, special pantos and a covered ice skating rink. Most of the activities are outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather.
At around a 1.5h drive from where we are in Gateshead to Wetherby (near Harrogate) it’s just about manageable as a day trip, although we’ve discovered that North Yorkshire is perfect for family holidays and have added Stockeld Park to our list of favourite places to visit.
There’s a free Stockeld Park app that has a useful map to get an idea of the layout if you haven’t visited before, and to make sure you don’t run out of time before you’ve seen everything! We began the Enchanted Forest walk first, most of the activities and playgrounds are spread out along this circular route. Although it’s quite a long walk for little legs there are constant surprises and stops along the way, it’s buggy friendly and there’s a takeaway cafe and toilets just over half way round.
The kids were fascinated listening to the talking animal statues and learning fun facts to complete the quiz. The adventure playgrounds had a good range of equipment for all ages. My 6 year old loved the obstacle course in the Tangle Tree Climb and the rope bridges in the Spider’s Lair, and my 4 year old loved playing pirate and getting covered in sand (despite the weather!) in Woodlands Cove.
As well as the main playgrounds, there’s fun themed slides and lots of lovely musical instruments dotted around, then a Musical Garden by the lake which we went round twice and could have easily spent longer at!
After the Enchanted Forest we warmed up watching Farmer Foster’s panto, with lots of animal antics and giggling as the actors ran around the audience. It was a nice touch at the end when the animals came round to visit the kids in their seats, and there was an opportunity for photos on stage as well.
We had a delicious pizza lunch in the Woodland Cafe to gather some strength for the Magical Maze. We all had a laugh at the worrying signposts, and after about half an hour when we were starting to think we wouldn’t make it out we came across the talking globe in the centre. Among other things we found out an average 4 year old asks 400 questions a day (although it definitely feels like more some days!).
It was a great day out and the kids can’t wait to go back, there was barely enough time to fit everything in, and we didn’t even get round to the ice skating which looked great fun.
Stockeld Park’s upcoming Easter Adventure will run from 2nd–24th April and there are even more activities on offer – including outdoor inflatables, Buccaneer Boats, pedal go karts, giant Easter eggs, bunny hunt, meet the Easter Bunny and more! Find out more and book HERE.
Stockeld Park, off the A661 Wetherby Road, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN
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Complimentary Forest and Maze tickets were kindly received for this review, however all comments are open and honest.
Read our Mumbler Review for Stockeld’s Easter Adventure here, and if you’re planning on booking a Weekend Adventure make sure to use our Exclusive Mumbler 25% DISCOUNT HERE
