Don’t want to leave the dog at home? Want something that the dog and the kids will enjoy? Fancy a day in the sun? Well look no further because here’s some ideas of places to go, things to see that involves everyone.
Forge Dam
Forge Dam is a great place to get the whole family out and about this summer. Feed the ducks, tramp through the woods and have a paddle in the water. And when everyone undoubtedly gets peckish stop at the café for a rest.
The café is dog friendly with water bowls and tie up points so you can relax for a little bit. There’s also a sheltered seated area outside if you’d prefer to sit there – especially in the summer. It’s also open Monday to Sunday 9:30 till 5. Next to the café is a playground as no matter how much kids are outside; they’ll always want a park to play in.
Getting there is easy. Just jump on the 120 bus and get off at Silver Birch Avenue (about 25 minutes on the bus) and from there it’s a 10ish minute walk to the café.
Abbeydale Miniature Railway
If you fancy a little Sunday adventure, Abbeydale Miniature is a good little place. Open on the 14th and 28th of July and the 1st of September between 1 and 5pm.
The Abbeydale Miniature Railway is a non-profit society run by volunteers and is easily accessible via train and bus. It’s only a short walk from Dore and Totley station or hop on the bus which from Sheffield city centre stops right near the entrance (the buses which stop nearby are the 97, 98 and 218).
If you need to drive you can park there on the field. It is free, however, it is limited and you can only park between 1 and 5pm. If you have to park on the street, they ask you to be considerate and to not block driveways and inconvenience their neighbours. The recommended postcode to pop in your SatNav is S17 3LB.
Feel free to bring the dog, however, they do need to be on a short lead at all times.
To ride the trains its only £1.50 each so it’s cheap and will hopefully everyone will be cheerful in the end. There is another weekend where the railway is open which is August 11th. This is a Teddy Bears Picnic charity day raising money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital and all proceeds will go there.
For any more information that you may need check out their website here: http://www.sheffieldmodelengineers.com/
Norfolk Heritage Park
Only a short while away from Sheffield city centre there is Norfolk Heritage Park which has some really views over the city. There is also 2 parks – one for the under 8s and one for the over 8s which is a bit more adventurous. When walking around the park have a look for the sculptures or if you don’t fancy walking about there’s plenty of space to relax and eat a picnic. However, there is also a café which has really nice food of you don’t want to bring a picnic or this day out is spontaneous.
If there’s any more information you’d like to know about the park click here.
Ecclesall Woods
Ecclesall Woods – fun for everyone. With over 15km of trails and paths to follow and explore. Another reason it is good is that there’s a ‘Easy Going’ trail so you can bring pushchairs and wheelchair without a worry.
There’s plenty to see in the wood – from a World War II bomb crater to a 200 year old oak tree – and not forgetting all the animals and plants in the wood
If you get peckish along the way, drop by The Woodland Coffee Shop which is open 10am – 4pm Tuesday to Sunday during the school holidays.
Parking can be a challenge especially in the summer months so public transport would be better if you can. Travel South Yorkshire website found here
Summertime in Sheff 