Thornes Park — Attraction in Wakefield

Where to start.

I went here with my partner and my daughter on Sunday afternoon and was blown away. There is so much to do and it is lovely to see how well maintained the facilities and grounds are.

We started by going on the kiddies steam train. My girl loved it and so did my pathner and I. I could have happily spent the whole day riding round on that train. I have added some photos.

After the train, we walked over the other side to the duck pond. This was also a lovely area. All of the birds were healthy and everyone was maintaining social distancing, even though the restrictions have been lifted. This was very reassuring.

We walked along the side of the water and came to some trees and flowers. The selection of greenery was breathtaking and my camera got a LOT of use. A cool selection of insects too.

As if that wasn't enough, we left this area and came to a tropical bird area. It had informative information about the birds. A couple of the doves were bald and this was a little upsetting but I suppose there is always a chance that they will fight and get stressed being in a cage.

Despite the bald doves, I have to say that I was happy to see how large the aviary was. There was a private area in the other side where the birds could go and get shade and there was plenty of food and water and toys to keep them occupied. All in all, a lovely addition to a beautiful park

After this, we walked down through the park to the kids play area. There was a skate park which was very busy and a kids park which was also packed. I can see why as there were lots of cool slides and climbing nets. It also had swings and even had a separate area for the under 6's.

It was well maintained and there was an ice cream van and a food truck too. We had a lovely time.

The only slight issue I had was the litter, but that is just life. Unfortunately. More bins could help with this.

Also. To add. There is a putting green. The suggestion I would make would be to maybe open it in the summer evenings. I would love it if my partner and I could go for a game of golf, just for fun, on a summers evening.

Anyway, to sum it up. We had an absolutely lovely time. We spent about 3 hours there and there was lots to see and do and we will be back on a...

This used to be 3 parks...now its a hotel, a sports venue and a scrappy bit of parkland...on the plus side the playground is still pretty decent. Theres a miniature train which runs on a sunday..used to be reasonably priced till the council took it over but the view from the tracks can only be described as dank swampland and i have spent time wondering why the council hasnt used some of its profits from train tickets improving this area its enough to give a child bad dreams its so ugly and unappealing to view...theres a duck pond at the lower side of park...also in need of attention,...a cafe you'd be ucky to find open, a small tennis court area again in bad shape, an aviery which can only be described as cruel and unfit for purpose....also a victorian walled garden thats seen better days plus a tropical greehouse totally derelict which makes me sad, as a child i found this greenhouse a magical place. The skate park brings a certain amount of trouble but seems popular with the youth...all in all like most things committed to the care of wakefield council its in pretty poor shape slowly declining year on year...it is certainly not a place i would choose to spend my time but believe me when i tell you back in the 80s it was a stunning trio of beautiful parks one could happily spend hours exploring it was a jewel of a place back then...also as a last thought just be on the look out for dog poop underfoot and and be sure to admire the bags hanging from the branches...its a dog friendly park but there are consequences from this fact...to sum up in one word walefield...

Excellent place for walking and cycling for adults and kids. Loads of space for picnics. Loads of flowering plants and trees. The lake had many ducks and Swans. Adequate parking. There seems to be a well hidden Premier Inn on the premises in one corner. Children's play area is ok. Skating rink seemed ok. At one end there is the stadium with facilities for athletics. The gym area has activities for children and adults for gymnastics, gym etc. The Thornes park nursery is very reasonably priced for good quality roses and hanging baskets and other plants but had limited offerings but still very good value for money. They employ differently abled staff who are helpful and the manager Paul seemed nice and helpful. Some of the voluntary staff working there seemed very nice and helpful too. The garden next to the nursery is very nice too with many rises and climbing roses and Clematis and other climbers and Rhododendrons among many other plants. Very colourful in spring. There is an enclosed area for cacti which is nice as well with giant cacti and nice for kids to have a look at. The golf course is an 18 hole golf course and I know people who go there regularly to golf. Loads of locals don't have a clue how lovely this place actually is and don't know what's to see there. Lovely place for many long walks. Of course it could be better life everything else but for...