One of the many ponds around the walk
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Apedale Country Park

4.6
·844 reviews·High Lane, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful walks

CrowdLow
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One of the many ponds around the walk

Apedale Country Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(844 reviews)

"A refreshing area for a lovely walk on a nice day with great views from the highest point."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Apedale Heritage Centre

Apedale Heritage Centre

Heritage Centre

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

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Highest Point

Breathtaking vistas across the entire park and surrounding areas from the highest vantage point.

Woodland Nature Trails

Woodland Nature Trails

Various woodland sections

Discover secluded glades and diverse flora on quieter, smaller paths through the woods.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Trails

Apedale Country Park offers a network of paths, but signage can be outdated. Using GPS is recommended for first-time visitors to ensure you find key spots like the heritage center and cafe. Be prepared for hilly terrain, with plenty of benches for rest stops.

Family & Pet-Friendly Fun

This park is a fantastic spot for families and pets, with open meadows and nature trails perfect for a day out. Strollers are manageable on main paths, and dogs can enjoy off-lead walks in designated areas. The heritage center adds an extra layer of interest for all ages.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Cafe and heritage center open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A kids-, family-, stroller-, and pet-friendly farm — a wonderful place to spend the whole day together. We had an amazing day ❤️
a194_09
33 likes • 558 views

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

4.6
(844 reviews)

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

Peaceful atmosphere
Dog-friendly
Family-friendly

What People Dislike

Outdated signage
Hilly terrain (for some)

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for general access to Apedale Country Park. You can visit spontaneously and explore the grounds freely. Reddit

Yes, toilets are available and have been noted as being open and impeccable by visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit+1

Yes, the highest point in the park offers great views across the entire area in multiple directions, providing a rewarding experience after a climb. Reddit

The park is described as stroller-friendly, particularly on the main paths and open meadows, making it accessible for families with young children. TikTok

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. TikTok

🍽️ ☕ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

With its diverse habitats including meadows and woodlands, the park is excellent for nature photography, offering opportunities to capture flora and fauna. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more dramatic atmosphere, especially for landscape shots. Reddit

Yes, the steam trains at the Apedale Heritage Centre are a popular subject for photography, offering a glimpse into industrial heritage. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Apedale Country Park is a dream for families! The open meadows and nature trails are perfect for little ones to run around and explore. It's noted as being very family-friendly, and even stroller-accessible on many paths, making it easy to navigate with young children. TikTok

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. Reddit+1

🐶 Dog Owners

This park is a top pick for dog owners! Apedale Country Park is praised for being very dog-friendly, with many areas suitable for off-lead walks. The good fencing in key spots provides peace of mind for owners. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Hikers

For those who love a good walk, Apedale offers a network of paths with varying difficulty. While some areas are hilly, the views from the highest points are rewarding. Reddit The mix of open trails and woodland routes provides diverse walking experiences. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails

Apedale Country Park is crisscrossed with a variety of footpaths, ranging from open, well-maintained stone paths to smaller, more secluded trails winding through woodland. Visitors have noted that while the paths are generally clear, the signage can be old and not very visible, leading some to rely on GPS for navigation. The terrain is often described as hilly, offering a good workout for walkers, but there are plenty of places to sit and rest along the way. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Apedale Heritage Centre & Steam Trains

A significant draw for visitors is the Apedale Heritage Centre, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's industrial past. The center is home to well-maintained steam trains that are often seen running with passengers on board, providing a unique and engaging experience. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Family and Pet-Friendly Environment

Apedale Country Park is widely recognized as a fantastic destination for families and pet owners. The open parkland, nature trails, and meadows provide ample space for children to play and explore safely. The park is described as being 'kids-, family-, stroller-, and pet-friendly,' making it an ideal spot for a day out with the whole family. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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