5 Places with outdoor Sandpits

The sun is shining and for those of us who don’t fancy the long journey all the way to the seaside, Sandpits are a happy alternative.

Sandpits can provide hours of fun and are a great sensory experience for children of all ages!  The texture, submerging fingers and toes, making sandcastles, destroying sandcastles; it’s such fun exploration.  

We’ve pulled together a list of our top places with sandpits and pop-up beaches this May half-term & Summer in and around Wharfedale & Craven. 

1. Aireville Park, Skipton
   

   Image rights Craven District Council

   FREE: The park boasts a new children’s playground – with an exciting range of play equipment including climbing frames, slides, swings, tunnels, a spinning swing, a den-building area, a sand-pit, musical instruments and a willow dome and tunnel. A Wheel park for BMX, skateboards and rollerblades, a Pump track for bicycles, a 14-hole pitch & putt course and a Zip wire.

   Grab a ball and make use of the Multi Use Games Area for football, tennis, netball and basketball!

   Address: Skipton BD23 1UD

2. Roberts Park, Shipley
   FREE: There’s a brilliant play area with sandpit, zip-slide and skate park, as well as a beautiful bandstand where concerts are staged throughout the summer months. Come down for a play, take a stroll or relax on the grass and soak up the atmosphere of a cricket game.Address: Higher Coach Rd, Baildon, Bradford BD17 5RN
3. Hesketh Farm Park
   ADMISSION APPLIES: It’s Time to relax, catch up with friends and enjoy a picnic in our beautiful surroundings. There is lots to keep everyone happy with our go-karts, Spiders Web, Outdoor sandpit and our large playhouse.Address: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HA
4. Bolton Abbey: Pop Up Beach & Pirate ShipADMISSION APPLIES: Saturday 1 July – Sunday 3 September 2023Our magnificent pirate ship will be returning from the high seas this summer and will be moored on the ‘pop-up’ beach on the bank of the River Wharfe, outside the Cavendish Pavilion.

   Let your little ones imagine they have taken to the high seas by captaining our wooden galleon. Once on deck little pirates can enjoy the ship’s slide, climbing net, climbing wall, pirates’ pole and ship’s wheel! And of course there is space to build sandcastles galore!

   Parents can watch their children playing whilst enjoying refreshments at the Cavendish Pavilion.

   Don’t forget your bucket and spade!

   Address: Bolton Abbey, BD23 6EX

5. Grasshoppers at Tong & Tingley Garden Centres

   ADMISSION APPLIES: Hop along to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play area at Tong and Tingley Garden Centre for a proper playtime!

   You’ll find a huge outdoor adventure playground with sand pits and bouncing pillows and a large indoor play area, with sports court, a big play frame and a baby and toddler zone, where your young ones can enjoy playtime – whatever the weather!

   Address: Tong Garden Centre, Tong Lane, Bradford, BD4 0RY / Tingley Garden Centre, Thorpe Lane, Tingley, WF3 1SL