Looking for dog walks in Wakefield? We’ve got you covered, with walks across the whole district.
From tranquil lakeside strolls to invigorating woodland hikes, our guide will lead you to the most picturesque and dog-friendly routes available. Discover the beauty of the Wakefield district, from Castleford to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, as you and your canine companion embark on memorable adventures together.
Grab the lead and get out there!
Horbury Lagoon is a 5-acre fishing water surrounded by picturesque woodland and park.
Horbury Lagoon is the perfect spot for a walk, with paths around the water alongside the river Calder. Dogs will love the opportunity to dive into the water mid-walk, plus there’s a large grassy area for them to run around to dry off after.
Green Lane, Horbury, WF4 5ET
Anglers Country Park is a Green Flag park on the outskirts of Wakefield with countryside, woodland, wetland and trails to explore.
The path around the lake is around 2 miles long, just the perfect length to work up an appetite for something tasty from the Woodland Café for you and a delicious natural dog chew (available from the Visitor Centre Gift Shop) for them!
Wintersett, WF4 2EB
Newmillerdam Country Park is a picturesque lake surrounded by sloped woodland. There are plenty of shallow spots to let your four-legged friend dive into the water, and the woodland location means there are an abundance of sticks ready to be thrown and fetched.
There are a variety of routes you can take around the park, from a short walk around the lake to a 2 hour long walk through the woods. Either way, make sure you stop off at The Boathouse Newmillerdam for a drink and dog-friendly treat!
Wakefield, WF2 6QP
Pontefract Park sits one mile north of the town centre and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or to take advantage of the 2 mile track on the inside of the racecourse.
The north section of the park called “Pontefract Park North” is a designated Local Nature Reserve, offering a range of habitats and complex mosaics of vegetation; with grassland, a lake, as well as woodland, wetland and small areas of open water.
Spot the wooden sculptures from the Peter’s Lost Peregrine story trail dotted around the park, and see if your dog is as perplexed by the wooden dog as Dougie is!
Pontefract, WF8 4QD
Sandal Castle stands in a commanding position overlooking the River Calder, to the south of Wakefield city centre. The castle is best known for the role it played in the Battle of Wakefield in 1460 during the Wars of the Roses where Richard, Duke of York was killed.
Climb to the top of the keep and see if your handsome hound is the king or queen of the castle, then on your way down stop off at the Castle Café for a bite to eat for the both of you.
Sandal, WF2 7DS
Spanning 65-hectares and providing enticing meadow and woodland to explore, the many paths of Fryston Country Trails offer a wonderful showcase of green space in Castleford, and are a hidden gem for dog walkers.
The network of trails weaves through lush meadows and enchanting woodlands and along the tranquil River Aire. The varying terrains provide a stimulating environment for dogs, allowing them to exercise both their bodies and minds.
Castleford, WF10 2RD
Notton Wood nature reserve has been enjoyed for its woodland walks for a number of years. Originally planted for its commercial value, this woodland consists mostly of pine and larch trees, with some stands of broad-leaves.
The wood is an interesting place to explore all year round and the network of pathways and tracks means you can take a different route with your canine companion every time you visit. Or just let them off the lead and see which way they bound – if you’ve got a water-loving dog we’re sure they’ll make a beeline to one of the streams!
Wakefield, WF4 2PB
From pup-approved cafés to dog-friendly pubs, welcome to Wagfield.
Thornes Park is one of three parks that makes up Wakefield Park, and is located only a 15 minute walk (or 5 minute drive) from the heart of Wakefield city centre. The two mile circular path around the park takes in all that’s on offer here, including the rose garden, aviary and miniature railway.
With vast open spaces perfect for racing about, and sticks aplenty ready for fetching, Thornes Park is a perfect for dogs needing to burn off some excess energy, while slower dogs will love a stroll around the secret garden in the centre.
📸 @hueys_hound_friendly_haunts
Wakefield, WF2 8QE
Friarwood Valley Gardens are an oasis of calm in the bustling streets of Pontefract town centre. The gardens were laid out as a public park in the mid-20th century in the town centre of Pontefract, on a site originally associated with the town’s medieval monastery.
Take a peaceful stroll through the rose garden and spot the vibrant colours and make sure you visit in the springtime: the blossom trees are a stunning part of the gardens and you can get your own brilliant photo of your dog surrounded by blossom – just like Milo here!
Pontefract, WF8 2RR
Nostell is one of the greatest treasure houses of the north of England, surrounded by parkland and gardens, and welcomes all well-behaved dogs and their humans. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere in the parkland at Nostell, but must be kept on a short lead at busy areas such as in the courtyard, around the Lower Lake and in fields where cattle are grazing.
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens and house, but you can make the most of your day and explore the 300 acres of parkland. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat in the Courtyard Café where doggy drinking bowls are also available.
Wakefield, WF4 1QE
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure in the outdoors, head over to Haw Park Wood and journey through the beautifully dense woodland. Haw Park Wood has historic links with the nearby Walton Hall Estate, once home to Charles Waterton, the famous 17th century naturalist and conservationist. One of his original wildlife observation hides still remains in the woodland.
There are plenty of places for your dog to roam off the lead and wide pathways allowing plenty of space for those of a more nervous disposition.
If you want to extend your journey a little further, head out along the disused Barnsley Canal or the Trans Pennine Trail that links the woodland to the wider countryside.
Wakefield, WF4 2EB
Located 3 miles south east of Wakefield, Walton Colliery Nature Park consists of lakes and ponds, woodland and grassland and also a section of the Barnsley Canal. Follow the Trans Pennine Trail north from Haw Park Wood and you’ll come across this former colliery site with its ponds, grassland, wildlife and a good path network.
Walton Colliery Nature Park is a great place to walk dogs, with a number of routes you can take around the park and plenty of opportunities for water-loving pooches to dive in to the water.
Wakefield, WF2 6PR
Take a stroll along the lakeside path and let your dog burn off some energy on the 250-acre site at Pugneys Country Park. Head along the woodland trail to see a glimpse of Pugneys’ second lake, which is a hive of wildlife activity.
Please note that there can be Green Algae present in the lake. Green Algae can develop into Blue Algae and is hazardous to both people and dogs, so please do not enter the water or allow your dogs to enter the water. Please check the signs before allowing your dog into the water.
Wakefield, WF2 7EQ
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a leading international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture and is situated in a 500-acre site on the 18th-century Bretton Hall estate.
Head down to the lake to see the resident wildlife, frame the sky and watch the clouds go by in James Turrell’s Deer Shelter Skyspace or enjoy Country Park views with a freshly ground coffee and cake.
Dogs can be walked on a lead around the grounds of the park (to protect livestock dogs are not permitted around the Upper Lake or Menagerie Wood) and all the outdoor areas of the cafes.
Wakefield, WF4 4LG
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