Shibden Park Playground

Lovely playground, probably more suited to older children over toddlers. Although their were swings that my son could go on - he’s crawling but not walking. The only shame is the toilets they weren’t accessible with a pram.

The playground itself is divided in to parts. One play area is a little bit more challenging, suitable for older kids... till, say, age 10 or 12? There are a couple of toddler-friendly things on that side, but few. This is one of the only down sides... you can't have different age group kids playing side by side... so if you have them, you have to split your time with who has fun. There are climbing ropes and chains, levels, a big slide and a medium one, balance games, etc. Although the amaller slide is toddler-usable, no toddler can reach it unassisted. There is then a section of regular swings and sit-on fixed bouncy horses that are truly fixed like on a carroussel and don't bounce, (who knows how they are supposed to be fun?) And a spinning cup, followed by a third section of toddler/smaller-aged kids playground, which is quite nice, including a climbing frame with slide, a spinning-floor type of carroussel, a truck that wobbles, etc. Once again, the older kids won't enjoy this end as much. There are toilets and a changing room for babies right next to the toddler games and we saw the cleaner, so assume they are regularly sanitized. Quite a generous option in terms of what you could do, tho. Being in a wood and having a lake are a bonus, providing the extra fun you'd expect. Be advised it can get quite muddy and parking can leave you quite far and must be paid for (max price is £1.50 for over 2 hrs). There are 3 car parks, onle leaves you nearer the hall, the other two near the cafe but the one closest to the cafe is past the first one on that side, accessed by a very narrow yet somehow two-way muddy road... There cafe on the grounds is good value for money. Cheaper tham Costa, but more than Greggs, food looked great, they sell ice-cream too, they also have an events area indoors and outdoor eating space and toilets. Birds, trails, lake boats for hire, some sculptures, a little train circuit, lots of benches and picnic tables add to the offer. All very tidy, adding to what you can do when special events happen. Plus the old hall, of course and a stone masonry sample area. Can be steep if you do the walks. Few if any of the trails are wheelchair or buggy-friendly... specially if the ground isn't dry.

Kids always love the run round and great on an eveing

Cafe is expensive. The grounds are lovely

Has everything - Gentleman Jack used to be the Boss.