While the weather is nice, I want to try and get outside more often. Longer walks with the dog and a chance to wear the kids out a bit more would be lovely.
This week we went to Tandle Hill Country Park in Royton, which is about a 25 minute drive from our house. We’ve got some lovely parks nearer to us but a change is always nice so my friend and I headed over there with the kids.
There are two play parks at Tandle Hill, and this one was deemed by the kids to be the most fun, although I’m not sure my friend’s daughter thought so, judging by the look on her face! This one seems to be designed with older children in mind, whilst the other has a sand pit, a huge slide down a hill and a little house to sit in, amongst other things. Both were very well kept and great fun for the children.
As the name suggests, this park is a little on the hilly side and definitely not suitable for those with mobility issues. They can of course access the park, but wouldn’t be able to appreciate the entire park in my opinion. Once you do climb up  few steps though you are rewarded with little scenes like this one:
There were a few squirrels scurrying around (avoiding the dogs) but we forgot our squirrel nuts so didn’t manage to get up close to them.
We walked for around an hour in the park, using the marked path way and also venturing a little off-course. The children did a little bit of hill climbing and some stream jumping – and nobody fell in, which was a result 😉
 Little Stream: Big Deal
There is some kind of visitor’s centre at Tandle Hill Country Park, though it was closed when we went so I can’t comment on it. There were toilets which were open, and they were clean and fairly tidy. Next to the centre and the park there are picnic tables for visitors to sit and enjoy their lunch amongst some lovely scenery.
This park seems very popular with dog walkers and dogs are often off the lead, so if you are wary of dogs at all, please keep that in mind.
The highlight of the children’s day was actually nothing to do with the park itself. It was an unfortunate turn of events for some poor soul but for the children there was much excitement when this appeared …
When all the excitement was over, we headed back to the car. I’d certainly take the children to Tandle Hill Country park again, even though it is a fair drive in comparison to other parks in the area. If you want to find your nearest country park, there’s a handy website called Natural England, which will help you to find your nearest country park.
I’ll be linking up to Coombe Mill’s Country Kids linky with this post – click below to find more tales of the outdoors from across the country.
Looks brilliant – I love it when kids enjoy being out and about.
I love the way it wears them out 😉
That looks like a nice day out and then my eyes completely widened at that helicopter! My z would go bonkers over that!! 😀
They did love that more than anything else!
Tandle Hill isn’t that far from me but we’ve not got round to visiting yet – must keep it in mind x
Maybe we could meet there Colette!
Looks like a fab day out Karen, we’ll have to pay it a visit soon!
It’s worth a visit Jen, definitely, though it is quite a drive.
love that woodland pic, looks perfect
It’s lovely isn’t it? Worth walking up the steps to be able to take the photo.
looks like you had a great time all together. Love all the photos. What an adventure outdoors. #sharefriday
We do love to get out and about Jenny!
Oh nooooo! It is very popular with dog walkers, though there’s no excuse for mess!
Looks like a really lovely day out and I also really like the photo of the trees! I’m so happy it’s spring and time again for walks!
Oh me too! I hate winter, I shiver just thinking about it!
Sand pit! My daughter already wants to go..!
It was a big attraction for my two, that’s for sure!
Oh it sounds- and looks- fab! I’ve never heard of Royton before so am off to google 🙂
x x
It’s near Oldham, and it’s where Emma Murphy (not such a yummy mummy blog) is from 🙂
Looks a gorgeous place and what a photo opportunity!
It’s really a bit of a hidden gem I think Sam. We’ll definitely return 🙂
YOur photos are awesome. IS THAT A HELICOPTER? What a highlight of the day thingy! #countrykids
Tandle Hill Country Park looks like a fabulous place to visit, especially if there are views like that one at the top of the hill 🙂
What a lovely Country Park with some beautiful views and plenty for the children to do of all ages – and it didn’t cost a penny! Thanks for linking up and sharing your outdoor adventure with Country Kids.