Locke Park
Location - Locke Park, Park Road, Barnsley, S70 1YG - (what3words location)
Distance (around) - variable distances, depending on your choice (17 acres of land)
Terrain - flat and stable most of the way, some hills depending on where you go
Points to note -
Free parking, there are 2 Blue Badge spaces, car park can be busy
Toilets including Changing Places (radar key needed)
Cafe facilities are available, lots of places to eat picnic style food, ice cream also available
Play area for kids and a bowling green
Situated in Barnsley, but outside of the City Centre, Locke Park was founded in 1861 and opened in June 1862, after Phoebe Locke gifted the area to the people of Barnsley, the large watchtower was built on the highest part, to overlook the whole park in 1866 after her death. There was a bandstand added to the park in 1908.
We entered the carpark located on Keresforth Hall Road, it was busy, however it was during the summer and the weather was really warm so this could impact, there were limited Blue Badge spaces and we parked in-front of a locked gate (on the day we were there it was allowable, however there was a sign which said the gate was open on ‘fun run’ days and so might need checking prior). The car park surface is tarmac and flat, which allowed me to get into my scooter quite easily.
From the carpark, the entrance is quite obvious and easily accessible, no barriers. As it was our first time visiting, we didn’t have any idea where to go and so we just started walking, the paths were all tarmac and wide enough for the scooter and people to walk side by side, Betty was once again on her long lead and able to run on the grass right at the side of the path we were walking on.
We were mainly just wandering along, the main aim was to find the large watchtower - so we knew we would be going uphill, you have lots of paths to choose from, there are a few inclines of differing steepness, we went up quite a steep hill to start with, passing the bandstand, but then for quite some distance the paths were quite flat. We realised whilst walking we were approaching the cafe area, so decided to get some food and take it up to the tower area itself (we had seen online there were benches near the tower), the cafe is easily accessible with a flat entrance, the door was open on our visit, they also allow dogs so we will be returning and sitting inside with Betty. There is a kiosk outside which sells ice cream, and toilets, including a RADAR accessible disabled toilet and Changing Places facilities. There was quite a good food selection, including hot and cold drinks, we ordered and took the path back on ourselves up to the watch tower, which had a lovely view over the park, with lots of benches to sit and eat, whilst seeing the good view. We sat there for quite some time, just enjoying the warm weather and Betty was happy to sit in the sun, barking at passers-by, with her bowl of water. There were a few bins dotted around for rubbish and dog waste.
On our return to the car we went back to the cafe for an ice cream, and then continues along the flat path, where we came across some fun murals, one for Leprechaun and one for Neverending Story, they were fun to look at, even Betty appreciated the artwork. This area was flagged, so there were a few uneven parts, but no issue for the scooter. a little further along we came across a fountain and garden area, which was very ornamental and lovely to look at, the ground here was a little uneven but nothing too concerning. And another opportunity for Betty to explore new areas.
This set us on the path to returning back to our car, we re-joined the original path we had taken, out of the park. This was a really great walk, lots of areas to discover, it can be a long or short walk and has difficult or easy as necessary, there was plenty of opportunity for food and drink and it will definitely be somewhere we return, maybe even in the winter months when we need a solid path.
Tip: plan to go on warm day, you could happily spend a calm peaceful day there with food and space available
