Forest bathing at Newmillerdam Country Park

Newmillerdam Country Park is about 95 hectares of woodland and water 3.5 miles south of Wakefield on the Barnsley Road. A central lake is ringed by a 1.5 mile surfaced path, and broadleaved and conifer woodland rises up the slopes on either side. The 1820s boathouse by the water was built as a place to entertain friends and family. It is a Local Nature Reserve, with great crested grebes breeding on the lake.

The lakeside path is the obvious easy-access walk and the busiest part, used by walkers and joggers. For quieter time, take one of the paths up into the woods on the slopes, where bluebells come through in spring. The pay and display car park is by the dam, with toilets nearby. Seckar Wood, a separate woodland of around 46 hectares, is close by if you want to extend the day.