Following on from my previous post about indoor activities for new parents who happen to live in the Sheffield area, here’s an outdoor version! For those rare, sunny days that occasionally happen.
As it’s often the case, we live in nice areas but we barely know what lovely places are in our neighbourhood. I only moved to Killamarsh about four years ago, and I was always very keen to find all the nice spots in the area. This came in handy now, when I want to go for a stroll with my daughter or when I fancy a picnic in the park. There are some absolutely gorgeous places around. Here are some of my favourites things you can do with a baby if you live in the Sheffield area:
Probably my favourite place in the close proximity to home. I only discovered it last year, and I couldn’t believe such a gem was just around the corner. As more and more places go under the wing of National Trust, this exquisite place is still in private hands. The current owner, Alexandra Sitwell, has brought the hall and gardens back to it’s former glory, although I would go as far as saying she reinvented the place as I cannot imagine it ever looking better than it does now. Her family has lived in Renishaw for nearly 400 years!
There are numerous biographies written about the family so I strongly encourage you to get one and come and spend some time reading it, whilst having a picnic on the grounds (there’s a lovely, designated area). There’s a small caffe and even a museum and a tiny shop with gorgeous gifts.
2. Sheffield Botanical Gardens
First opened in 1836, the Gardens are listed by English Heritage as a Grade II site and contain a number of listed buildings, including the stunning glass pavilions. The Gardens provide a changing display all year around, with beautiful areas, such as Birch Hill, offering a wide variety of different types of birches, Mediterranean area with lavender and rosemary, rose garden, woodland garden, Asia garden, there’s something for everyone. Of course, this place would not be complete without a Tea Room with a patio, serving light lunches, ice cream and even gluten free toast!
Quiet paths, lovely spaces, plenty of benches if you just want to sit down and relax.. and all this for free! It’s a must see if you live in the area.
Don’t forget to take plenty of Monkey Nuts to feed the squirrels. Kids will love it!
3. Graves Park
Another great attraction that is absolutely free (except for the reasonably priced car park)! There is so much to do at this park! We have the farm area, where you can see and pet animals, (as well as feed them food from the shop) like goats, guinea pigs, sheep, donkeys, deer, pigs, goats, rabbits, cows and more. There is also a great play area, again: free.
There is a lovely, big pond with ducks. There are many attractions throughout the year, with a bouncy castle being a regular fix at most weekends throughout the summer.
There is a huge green to play, so bring a ball, frisbee or even a picnic.
4. The Butterfly House
It’s worth mentioning for anyone who had the pleasure of visiting this place a while back, that it has changed dramatically and definitely for the better. It now houses much more than just the butterflies. There are peacocks, chickens, otters, porcupines, monkeys, meerkats, snakes, crocodiles, spiders, parrots and many more.
It’s still fairly compact, so there is not too much walking for little feet. The facilities are clean and there are plenty of activities for the kids, despite the compact size of the place, parking is free and plentiful.
There are some brilliant shows running daily, from skateboarding parrots to falcons swooping down and catching their food mid air.
There is a lovely atmosphere and an excellent play area. We went there with our two girls, and even though there is a 16 years difference between them, they both really enjoyed it.
5. Endcliffe Park
There is a large expanse of lawn where kids can play, with a lovely playground but somehow this place emanates tranquility.
You can bring your dog, have a picnic, come for a walk, wander around the lake watching ducks or stop by the busy cafe. There’s something for everyone.
It’s usually pretty busy, but due to the vast area, it always feels very spacious.
It’s hard to believe such magnificent places are just around the corner.
Go out and explore! Let’s make the most of the rest of Summer, before the long, winter days descend upon us.
There are tons of things you can do with a baby, if you live in the Sheffield area. What’s your favourite local place to visit with your kids? Pop it in the comments below!
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