Perfect places to walk your dog in Doncaster

Perfect for Autumn walks

Published 4th Sep 2020
Last updated 13th Aug 2021

Treat yourself and your four legged friend to some exciting and picturesque parks for their next walk in Doncaster.

We've drawn up a list of the best places to go stretch your legs (remember just to check any travel restrictions and stay safe).

Sandall Park

Known as an urban family park, Sandall Park is a perfect place to play fetch and let your pet have a good run around. There's also a beautiful lake for to have a stroll around. There are three fitness trails in the park, each designed to help improve your health in one of the borough's most beautiful environments.

Sprotbrough Canalside

Next to a 17th Century pub, Sprotbrough Lock is one of the loveliest spots of the canal. With its grassy banks for pooch to jump in and a range of trails for you to shake a stick at, this makes a perfect location to experience a scenic and a pleasant walk. It's an Outstanding Natural Beauty and this special place is an extremely popular spot for a Sunday stroll.

Sandall Beat Woods

Positioned on the edge of Doncaster Racecourse, this lovely mature woodland is a great place to go walking and get some exercise with your buddy. The wood has two weekly short walks which are perfect if you'd like to become more active. They're also a great way to enjoy being outdoors, with interesting facts pointed out along the way.

Doncaster River Walk

Featuring a lovely along the River Don from Doncaster to Conisbrough, it's a nice section of the river with weirs, nature reserves, bridges and locks to see along the way. The walk runs for about 6 miles on nice flat paths with the option of getting the train back at the end of the walk in case the walk has tired you and your pooch out!

Now check out our gallery of some of the most picturesque parks in South Yorkshire

Days out at Dearne Valley Country Park in Barnsley

This wildlife haven is just two miles outside the town centre, with extensive paths to explore the whole area. At the centre of the park is the River Dearne, so full of life that it's known as one of the best places in the Valley to see kingfishers all year round so be sure to snap a picture of them.

Visiting Endcliffe Park in Sheffield

Opened in commemoration of Queen Victoria, Endcliffe Park is a link from urban to rural Sheffield featuring vast parkland and woodland. As it's a peaceful park, it's great for nature spotting and the path leads to the not-too-distant Peak District for some beautiful scenic views.

Days out in Hillsborough Park, Sheffield

Hillsborough Park features a small pond, bowling green, walled garden and playground making it a great place to visit with the little ones. It also is home to Depot Bakery so be sure to pop in for a good ol' brew.

Things to do in Thrybergh Country Park in Rotherham

Perfect for walking, fishing, playing or birdwatching, Thrybergh has something for everyone. The park hosts a warm cafe with an ice cream parlour and indoor play area for the younger ones. It is set on flat land so the trip around the reservoir with its abundance of swans is accessible for everyone.

Things to do in Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham

A haven for wildlife, Rother Valley consists of 750 acres of parkland and open water for water sports now that the weather is getting nicer. The park hosts walking trails, a play area, water sports, and bridleways so you're sure to find something to do with the family.

Visiting Locke Park in Barnsley

Located just outside the town centre, Locke Park boasts 47 acres of open space for a great day out with the family. There's plenty to do here with a large play area for the kids to enjoy, vast spaces to walk the dogs and a quaint café to grab a bite to eat. You're guaranteed to enjoy your day.

A guide to Cusworth Hall Museum and Park in Doncaster

Dogs are welcome at the park but must be kept on a lead so not to disturb the wide variety of wildlife in the park. The Hall is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building situated in acres of historic parkland featuring lakes, plantations and pleasure grounds to explore and take in the dramatic views of the town from the top of the hill.

Weston Park and the Weston Park Museum in Sheffield

After an investment of ÂŁ2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Weston Park is a perfect place to relax and take in the views of Sheffield. Weston Park hosts the Weston Park Museum, providing a whole new experience for the family with its exhibitions changing regularly.

Elsecar Park, Barnsley

With its large reservoir and surrounding land being declared as a national heritage site, the charming views, large grassland and playground make it a fun day out for all the family whatever the weather. It's great for bike riding, taking the dogs for a run around in the green space and the lake and getting some fresh air instead of being cooped up inside.

Sandall Park, Doncaster

This urban family park hosts plenty of attractions such as a beautiful lake to walk the dogs around and a number of play areas for kids of all ages. The park also has a sensory trail for families whose children have extra educational needs and disabilities, providing an inclusive and sustainable outdoor experience.

Winthrop Gardens, Wickersley

Winthrop Gardens in Wickersley is a one-acre site with beautiful gardens with many sensory features and a very welcoming and friendly Cafe. When you're met with a host of beautiful flowerbeds, this well looked-after gem is quaint and quiet – perfect for a relaxing time and spot of lunch. Winthrop is run by a team of 80+ volunteers who are always there for a chat, to answer questions and to explain about our health and well-being ethos and the various events and activities organised . Winthrop is very much run by the community for the community and our team of volunteers are proud to offer a warm welcome to all, especially those who may need that extra bit of support.

Quarry Park, Doncaster

Just five miles outside the town centre, this small park is great to get a few hours out of the house to take in the views.
It's perfect for a little stroll, but also features an orienteering trail for those avid explorers. The park has won the Green Flag Award for parks 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.


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