Is a walk in the park
There’s a lot to do at this park nestling on a hillside below the famous and historic Shibden Hall. At the bottom of the hill there’s a boating lake and miniature railway, children’s play area, catering and toilet facilities. Take a rowing boat out onto the lake or try your hand at pitch and putt. The parkland is open in summer from 8am to 9pm. Although entry is free, it’s up to £4.90 for a train ride and £3.30 for mini golf. Coming up: Pirate Days at Shibden on Thursday, August 10, various times. Pirate-themed activities for children, crafts and a woodland walk. Visit museums.calderdale.gov.
This park has a wide grassy area, popular with dog walking families, a safe play area for young children (enclosed and with a rubberised surface), demonstration gardens and a pond. There’s also a little cafe overlooking the play area. However, for just £1 per person (under twos free) it’s possible to access The Jungle Experience, a converted glasshouse that is home to quail, terrapins, fish and butterflies as well as tropical vegetation. A great venue for a cool or rainy day. Coming up: The RSPCA K9 Party in the Park on Sunday, July 2, celebrates everything to do with our canine friends. Open from noon until 5pm. UNEARTH the mysteries of the industrial revolution at a week-long Woodland Archaeology Festival in Calderdale from Saturday to Sunday, June 10 to 18.
The National Trust property Hardcastle Crags, near Hebden Bridge, is hosting a free hands-on event during which there will be a community archaeological excavation of a charcoal burning platform.
Each weekend will see experimental archaeology sessions, during which there will be demonstrations of the historic process of charcoal production, iron smelting, pot making and woodland crafts.
Organised by Woodland Heritage Officer, Chris Atkinson, the festival is an opportunity for families and those interested in archaeology to find out more about how woodlands were used as a resource by earlier peoples. It is hoped to date the charcoal burning platform, one of many found across Hardcastle Crags.
While this event is free and open to the public, those who want to take part in the excavation need to book a place (get in quickly as some days are already fully booked). Email Chris at Chris.Atkinson@pennineprospects. co.uk for details.