This National Trust property in South Yorkshire is a fantastic spot for families to explore together. There are lots of things for little ones to spot, from statues and follies to wildlife and winding trails, so you can easily spend several happy hours there without running out of adventures. Whether you’re packing a picnic or just fancy a wander, it’s a day out that offers something for everyone.
Opening Times and Tickets:
For most of the year, Wentworth Castle Gardens are open everyday of the year, with late openings on Thursday throughout August. In the Winter months, they are open from Wednesday to Sunday. Check here for opening times before you go.
National Trust members go free, as do kids under 5. Other discounts are offered too, such as 25% off for MAX card holders and two carers can accompany a person for free. Car-free visitors also get 25% off entry or a free hot drink.
Parking and Travelling:
There is a large free car park, but use the postcode S75 3EN so you don’t end up at the wrong entrance like I did!
The nearest train station to Wentworth Castle Gardens is Dodworth station, around 1.5 miles away. Barnsley Interchange Station is around 3 miles away.
If catching the bus, you need to get off at Gilroyd Lane near the Strafford Arms pub. Buses 23a, 24, 24a, 34 and 410 stop here on request. After that, it is a ten minute walk along the visitor driveway up to Wentworth Castle Gardens entrance.
Prams and Accessibity:
We took a pram and whilst it was fine, I wouldn’t recommend it if you can avoid it. Lots of the paths have small obstacles like tree roots and are harder to navigate. You can borrow a powered mobility scooter for free if you organise this in advance, to help get around the site easier if you have accessibility difficulties. There is also a buggy shuttle service that will take you to various places within the parkland free of charge if you ask the welcome team.
The Long Barn Café and Conservatory building have accessible toilets with baby changing facilities.
Things to do at Wentworth Castle Gardens
1. Stainborough Castle
This castle was completed in 1731 in a medieval style by Thomas Wentworth for his kids to play in. To this day, it remains a wonderful place for kids to play and there is one remaining tower that you can climb up and admire the view from.
2. Explore the gardens and parklands
There are 60 acres of gardens to wonder through and discover different areas, such as the formal gardens and wilderness areas. There are also over 500 acres of parkland with plenty of wonderful walks to enjoy.
3. Visit the conservatory
Beautiful in the sun and an excellent place to shelter in the rain, this conservatory is filled with exotic plants from around the world and interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy. They can guess what’s inside the touchy feely boxes, lift flaps on a giant map to discover where different plants come from, and try to power lights by turning a wheel.
4. Play and relax
Not only is there tons of space for the little ones to safely run around and explore, but there is also an excellent play park. It has a great castle climbing frame, swings and slide, as well as a smaller play area for younger kids. Wentworth Castle Gardens also boasts a nice café with a bookshop in. The café sells cakes, pastries and drinks, although they are quite expensive for what you get.
Things to do nearby with kids
Cannon Hall Farm, located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is a working farm with a massive variety of activities to keep the kids entertained. With hundreds of animals, multiple adventure playgrounds, activities and events, you could easily spend all day here.
Don’t miss Cannon Hall Museum and gardens too, which are separate from the farm and have free admission.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a brilliant family day out in West Yorkshire, just a short drive from Leeds and Wakefield. Set in over 500 acres of beautiful parkland, it’s packed with striking sculptures, woodland trails, and open space to explore. There’s plenty to spark kids’ imaginations, and it’s easy to spend a full day adventuring here.
3. Barnsley Metrodome Waterpark
4. Whistlestop Valley (Steam trains)