During this half term , Oakwell Hall really has something for everyone. The country park is in full glory with the trees displaying all the wonderful rustic colours of autumn.
Taking a walk there this lunchtime, I forgot that it was half term and was at first surprised by the number of cars parked up; quickly realising that mums dads and grandparents were out in force enjoying the scenery and fresh air with their dogs and families. Granted, it was a chilly 7 degrees, but that wasn’t stopping folks enjoying themselves.
First a Little Bit of History
Built in 1583 by John Batt, Oakwell Hall was subsequently furnished by the Batt family in the 1690s. In the 19th century, the hall was used as a girls’ school and following a visit, Charlotte Bronte was inspired to include the hall which she named ‘Fieldhead’ in her classic novel ‘Shirley’.
More recently, the hall provided a magnificent location for the 3 part drama ‘Gunpowder’ which aired on BBC1 about this time last year. The Hall itself is thought to have a resident ghost…
What's on Offer?
Set in 110 acres, the country park includes a walled garden, shop and information centre, a café, picnic sites and play areas, as well as the manor house itself which you can visit for a small fee. You can take a tour of the hall here.
Dog Walking at Oakwell Hall
There’s no doubt that dog walking comes into its element at Oakwell and you only have to visit once to see why many others have made this hideaway in Birstall a favourite. Dogs are welcome and it is requested that they are kept on a lead while on the nature trails or in the magnificent walled garden.
Water bowls seem to be placed in totally random places with dogs made welcome in the café and the outdoor area which has benches set under the trees. You can download or print the general nature trail leaflet here.
Check out the gallery below for some stunning views...
A Halloween Treat
Dog walking in general is amazing here but this half term week in particular (and my excuse for writing this blog post) is the Halloween trail on offer which is a massive hit with the kids. For £1.50 you can pick up a Trail Activity Pack from the Visitor Centre Shop and then, over about one hour, discover lots of spooky and scary things as you make your way around the park. When I was there today the children were literally shrieking with excitement whenever they found the next scary item.
Running until the 4th November, the Visitor Centre Shop is open from 10am to 4pm. Click here to find Oakwell Hall and more information.
Happy Halloween from Beauty Petz, why not book your dog in with us for a Christmas groom or a nice bath after those leafy autumn walks…