
Apedale Country Park
A peaceful country park with varied trails, a heritage center with steam trains, and stunning views. Ideal for families and dog walkers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks

Apedale Country Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful country park with varied trails, a heritage center with steam trains, and stunning views. Ideal for families and dog walkers.
"A refreshing area for a lovely walk on a nice day with great views from the highest point."

GPS is Your Friend
Signage can be tricky; use GPS to navigate to the cafe or heritage center. :iphone:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The park is hilly with varied paths, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Apedale Heritage Centre
Heritage Centre
Explore steam trains and enjoy a well-stocked cafe. A surprising gem for all ages.

Panoramic Views
Highest Point
Breathtaking vistas across the entire park and surrounding areas from the highest vantage point.

Woodland Nature Trails
Various woodland sections
Discover secluded glades and diverse flora on quieter, smaller paths through the woods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trails
Family & Pet-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
GPS is Your Friend
Signage can be tricky; use GPS to navigate to the cafe or heritage center. :iphone:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The park is hilly with varied paths, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Doggy Paradise
Great for off-lead walks, with good fencing in many areas. :dog:
Cafe Delights
Enjoy coffee and tasty treats like flapjacks at the heritage center cafe. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
GPS is Your Friend
Signage can be tricky; use GPS to navigate to the cafe or heritage center. :iphone:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The park is hilly with varied paths, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Doggy Paradise
Great for off-lead walks, with good fencing in many areas. :dog:
Cafe Delights
Enjoy coffee and tasty treats like flapjacks at the heritage center cafe. :coffee:
Watch for Pot Holes
Be cautious of a large pothole near the visitor center car park. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Apedale Country Park is a peaceful and refreshing destination, highly praised for its suitability for families and dogs, with lovely walking trails and scenic views. Visitors appreciate the heritage center and cafe, though some note that signage could be improved. The hilly terrain offers a good workout, and the overall atmosphere is one of tranquility and natural beauty.
"Really peaceful place to walk. Very hilly but lots of places to sit for a minute. Good paths, good fencing where necessary so I felt my dogs were safe off their leads 🙂
Sadly the signage is old and not very visible so I need to use GPS to find my way! That’s why only 3 stars
Toilets were open and impeccable.
I would recommend walking here"
Sophie Mitchell
"Lovely park, wandering along the paths, seeing where they go, cafe very good.
Take care at the car park on the right before the visitor centre, large pot hole, tried to avoid not realising that the green bollard on the left has a piece sticking out which scraped the side of my car. Need yellow warning tape on"
Karen Johnson
"I refreshing area for a lovely walk on a nice day. Plenty of things to see with a great view from the highest point across the whole area in multiple directions"
Robert Woodward
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Apedale Country Park is accessible by car, with parking available at the visitor center and Whitebarn car park. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advised. The park is well-known among locals for its walking trails.
Yes, there are car parks available, including one near the visitor center and the free Whitebarn car park. Be aware of a large pothole near the visitor center car park.
The park has open parkland and footpaths, making it suitable for cycling, especially on the wider stone paths. Enjoy a scenic ride through the meadows and glades.
While car access is straightforward, public transport links may be less frequent. It's best to check local bus schedules in advance if you plan to visit without a car.
The main access points are typically via the visitor center and the Whitebarn car park, both offering entry to the network of footpaths and nature trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Apedale Country Park is generally free to enter, allowing visitors to enjoy the open parkland, nature trails, and meadows without any admission cost.
As an open country park, Apedale is typically accessible from dawn till dusk. However, specific facilities like the heritage center and cafe have their own operating hours.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for general access to Apedale Country Park. You can visit spontaneously and explore the grounds freely.
Yes, toilets are available and have been noted as being open and impeccable by visitors.
The heritage center is part of the park, and while entry to the park itself is free, there might be specific charges or activities associated with the heritage center exhibits or train rides.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking on footpaths and nature trails, explore open meadows and secluded glades, visit the Apedale Heritage Centre with its steam trains, and relax at the cafe. It's a great place for dog walking and family outings.
Absolutely! The park offers a variety of paths, from open stone paths to smaller woodland trails. It's known for being a peaceful place to walk, though some areas are quite hilly.
Yes, the highest point in the park offers great views across the entire area in multiple directions, providing a rewarding experience after a climb.
The park is described as stroller-friendly, particularly on the main paths and open meadows, making it accessible for families with young children.
As a country park with meadows and woodlands, you can expect to see various bird species, insects, and potentially small mammals. The diverse habitats support a range of wildlife.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at the heritage center that serves coffee and tasty treats like flapjacks. It's a popular spot for visitors to refuel.
The cafe offers refreshments such as coffee and popular snacks like flapjacks. It's a good place to grab a bite while visiting the heritage center.
With its open meadows and parkland, Apedale Country Park is an ideal location for picnics. Bring your own food and enjoy a meal amidst nature.
While the park has its own cafe, there might be local pubs or eateries in nearby villages if you're looking for more extensive dining options outside the park.
Information on whether the cafe is dog-friendly is not explicitly stated, but the park itself is very dog-friendly, so it's worth checking upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The highest point offers panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots. The woodland trails provide atmospheric scenes, and the heritage center with its steam trains is a unique subject.
With its diverse habitats including meadows and woodlands, the park is excellent for nature photography, offering opportunities to capture flora and fauna.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more dramatic atmosphere, especially for landscape shots.
Yes, the steam trains at the Apedale Heritage Centre are a popular subject for photography, offering a glimpse into industrial heritage.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial purposes or specific events, it's always best to check with the park management or heritage center.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Apedale Heritage Centre, where kids can be fascinated by the steam trains. The cafe also offers a nice spot for a treat after a day of adventure. It’s a place where you can easily spend the whole day together, enjoying the fresh air and diverse activities.
🐶 Dog Owners
Your furry friends will love exploring the varied terrain, from open fields to woodland paths. It's a great place for them to burn energy and enjoy the outdoors alongside you. Just be sure to keep them under control where necessary and respect other visitors.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
Be prepared for potentially unclear signage by using GPS, and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. The park is a peaceful escape, perfect for a refreshing stroll or a more vigorous hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
The park's diverse landscape means you can experience open meadows perfect for a leisurely stroll or more adventurous exploration, as well as shaded glades within the woods. This variety makes it suitable for different preferences, whether you're looking for an easy walk or a more challenging hike. Remember to wear sturdy footwear to make the most of your exploration.
For those who enjoy discovering hidden spots, the smaller paths through the woodland offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature. These trails can lead to quieter areas of the park, providing a more intimate experience with the natural surroundings. Always be mindful of your surroundings and consider carrying a map or using a navigation app.
Apedale Heritage Centre & Steam Trains
Beyond the trains, the heritage center also houses a cafe that has received positive mentions for its coffee and tasty flapjacks. This makes it a perfect stop for a break during your visit, allowing you to relax and refuel while enjoying the atmosphere.
Visitors have expressed pleasant surprise at the quality and upkeep of the heritage center and its attractions, noting it as a worthwhile addition to a visit to the country park. It adds an educational and entertaining dimension, making Apedale Country Park a destination with something for everyone, from nature lovers to history enthusiasts.
Family and Pet-Friendly Environment
For dog owners, the park is a paradise. Many visitors highlight the suitability for off-lead walks, with good fencing in necessary areas ensuring dogs can roam safely. This freedom allows pets to fully enjoy the expansive grounds, making it a popular choice for those with canine companions.
The combination of accessible paths, open spaces, and the general welcoming atmosphere makes Apedale Country Park a go-to location for creating lasting memories with loved ones, both human and furry.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit