Days Out: Oakwell Hall, Birstall

Picturesque surroundings, wildlife and a network of footpaths fill the 110-acre park, and there’s a Nature Trail which includes various information points to help families learn more about the flora and fauna they see along the way.

From August 21-31, a family activity pack is available for £1.50 from the Visitor Centre Shop to help young explorers discover and learn more about nature whilst getting active around the park.

With picnic sites, restored gardens, woodland, streams, ponds, bridleways, a children’s playground, gift shop and café, there really is something for everyone to make it a great day out.

Visitors can also head inside the Hall, which was built by John Batt in 1583 - today it is furnished as the Batt family home in the 1690s.

Tours of the Hall provide a fascinating insight into a post English Civil War household, with history coming to life as visitors walk through the fine period rooms with its 17th century carved furniture.

Charlotte Brontë was so inspired by the house during her visits in the 19th century that she featured it as “Fieldhead” in her classic novel Shirley.

Oakwell Hall & Country Park in Birstall, West Yorkshire is a fantastic day out for the whole family, with both indoor and outdoor highlights, come rain or shine.

Plans are also afoot to create a new crazy golf area and a cycle track through part of its woodland.

Factfile - Oakwell Hall

Address: Nutter Lane Birstall, WF17 9LG

Opening times: Sat/Sun/bank hols noon-4pm; Tues-Thurs in school holidays noon-4pm; Visitor Centre open 10am-5pm daily

Admission to hall: Adult £3.50, Child £1 and Families £8; park admission free

Web: www.kirklees.gov.uk/oakwellhall

Telephone: 01924 324761

Find out more: Yorkshire.com