Quick answer
Newmillerdam Country Park is a free woodland park with a central lake, 3.5 miles south of Wakefield on the A61 Barnsley Road. It suits buggy walks, toddlers who like birds and older children who like trails. It is outdoors, so it is not a rainy day pick. The council lists it as open every day. Parking is charged from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday. The council warns that open water is never safe to go in or on, and that includes frozen water.
Is it right for my child?
- Buggy-age walkers: the council lists a 1.5 mile surfaced lakeside path. Experience Wakefield says the lakeside path is accessible to all, including wheelchairs, booster scooters and pushchairs.
- Bird spotters: the council says mute swans, mallards and coots are on the lake all year. Great crested grebes breed there and do their courtship dance in spring.
- Trail fans: the Gnome Roam is a simple walking trail where children follow signs and clues to spot carved statues of gnomes and wildlife.
- Sculpture hunters: in an August 2026 news story, the council said eight new wildlife sculptures by artist Mike Burgess had gone in along the lakeside. They include an owl, a swan and a badger.
- Older children: the council lists an orienteering course, geocaching and way-marked trails.
- Nature lovers: the park is a local nature reserve. Experience Wakefield says the arboretum is at the top of the hill across the lake, with tree name signs.
- Toddlers and under 5s: the path runs right round the lake. Our advice is to keep under 5s within arm’s reach whenever you are near the water.
Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist
- Bring coins or the MiPermit app for parking. The council says the machines take cash only, or you can pay by phone with MiPermit.
- Expect to pay for the toilets too. The council lists toilets with a charge, but does not say how much or how to pay.
- Talk about the water before you set off. The council says lakes and ponds in its parks are never safe to go in or on, even for strong swimmers. Frozen water may look safe to walk on, but it is not.
- Keep dogs on a lead in icy weather or when blue-green algae is in the water, as the council asks. Never follow a pet into the water.
- Leave the barbecue at home. The council asks visitors not to bring barbecues to any of its parks.
- Download the park map. The council’s map shows the surfaced footpaths, the boardwalk, the bridleway, the arboretum, the boathouse, the car park and the entrances.
Prices and tickets
Experience Wakefield lists free entry. The council park page lists no entry charge and does not mention booking.
The car park is pay and display. The council’s price table says:
- Up to 2 hours: £1.00
- Up to 4 hours: £2.00
- Up to 24 hours: £4.00
The same council page says charges apply from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday, and gives a maximum stay of 10 hours. It does not explain how the 24 hour price fits with the 10 hour limit, so check the machine when you arrive. The toilets also carry a charge, and the council does not give the amount.
Pushchairs, babies and toilets
- Lakeside path: the council describes it as 1.5 miles and surfaced. Experience Wakefield says it is accessible to pushchairs, wheelchairs and booster scooters.
- Other paths: the woodland sits on slopes around the lake, Experience Wakefield says. The council map also shows a bridleway, public footpaths and the Lawns Dike boardwalk. The official pages do not describe their surfaces.
- Toilets: the council lists toilets as open, with a charge. It does not give their opening hours or exact location.
- Baby changing: the official pages do not mention baby changing facilities.
Food and drink
Experience Wakefield lists The Boathouse Newmillerdam, a café on the water’s edge in the park. It says the café serves coffee, homemade food and sweet treats. It lists opening hours of 9am to 4pm, Monday to Sunday.
Experience Wakefield also says the café is very dog friendly, with dogs welcome inside and outside. It says café guests can use the public car park at the entrance to the dam, then walk a short way down the path.
The café’s own website did not load on 13 November 2026, so we could not check its hours or any Christmas changes there. Experience Wakefield gives no Christmas or New Year hours for the café, so check before you travel.
The official pages do not mention picnic tables.
Getting there and parking
The council address is Newmillerdam, Wakefield, WF2 6PZ. The park is 3.5 miles south of Wakefield on the A61 (Barnsley Road).
- Car park postcode: the council gives WF2 6QQ for the car park. It also says WF2 6QP is approximate but works with satnavs. Experience Wakefield gives WF2 6QP for the car park.
- Spaces: 105, including 5 disabled spaces, the council says. It does not say whether Blue Badge holders pay.
- Charges: 8am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday. Pay and display, maximum stay 10 hours, cash or MiPermit.
- Buses and trains: the official pages do not give bus routes or the nearest station.
When to visit
The council says the park is open every day. It gives no opening or closing times for the park itself. It does not mention Christmas or New Year arrangements, so check before you travel.
The council says swans, mallards and coots are on the lake all year round, so winter is a good time for bird spotting. Its bats and bluebells are seasonal: bats feed over the dam after sunset in the warmer months, and bluebells flower in spring.
On frosty days, remember the council’s warning that frozen water is never safe to walk on.
The park does not suggest a visit length. Our own unverified estimate for a lap of the lake path with small children is about 1 to 2 hours.
Additional needs and disability support
The official pages describe a few access features, mainly around the lakeside path and the car park.
- Lakeside path: Experience Wakefield says it is accessible to all, including wheelchairs, booster scooters and pushchairs.
- Disabled parking: the council lists 5 disabled spaces among the 105 in the car park.
- Assistance dogs: Experience Wakefield lists assistance dogs as welcome at the park and at The Boathouse.
- Not mentioned: the official pages do not mention an accessible toilet, a Changing Places toilet, sensory guides or quiet times.
Frequently asked questions
Is Newmillerdam Country Park free?
Experience Wakefield lists free entry, and the council page lists no entry charge. Parking costs £1.00 for up to 2 hours, £2.00 for up to 4 hours and £4.00 for up to 24 hours. Charges apply 8am to 6pm daily.
Can you take a pushchair round Newmillerdam?
Yes, on the lakeside path. The council describes it as a 1.5 mile surfaced path, and Experience Wakefield says it suits pushchairs and wheelchairs. Woodland paths on the slopes are not described.
Can you swim or paddle in the lake at Newmillerdam?
No. The council says the lakes and ponds in its parks are never safe to go in or on, even for strong swimmers. That includes walking on ice in winter.
Are there toilets at Newmillerdam Country Park?
Yes. The council lists toilets with a charge, but gives no opening hours. The official pages do not mention baby changing.
Is there a playground at Newmillerdam?
The official pages do not mention a play area. For children, the council promotes the Gnome Roam trail and the lakeside wildlife sculptures instead.
Can you take dogs to Newmillerdam Country Park?
Experience Wakefield lists the park and The Boathouse café as dog friendly. The council asks you to keep dogs on a lead in icy weather or when blue-green algae is present.
Checked on 13 November 2026 against the official Wakefield Council pages for Newmillerdam Country Park, water and fire safety, story trails and the park map, plus Experience Wakefield’s records for the park and The Boathouse. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.
