Newmillerdam Country Park lies adjacent to the main A61 Barnsley to Wakefield road in West Yorkshire. I have driven past here many times and I have always made a mental note to pay it a visit but it was only very recently that I finally got the chance to stop and have a look around.
The country park is located approximately 5 kilometres south of Wakefield and covers an area of 237 acres. It consists of mixed broadleaf woodland centred around a large lake. When I visited here in early November the trees were lovely shades of golden brown. There is a large car park (pay and display) and a footpath goes all of the way around the lake. There are smaller footpaths that extend into the woodland and these are all popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The earliest reference to this area date back 1285 when the area was known as New Mylle on Dam, taking its name from a corn mill that stood on the site. This mill was located upstream towards the far end of the park but in 1633 it was moved to its present location by Francis Nevile who lived at nearby Chevet Hall. The current country park is located within the grounds of the former Chevet Hall estate and the once grand house has long since been demolished. A large water wheel was built to power the mill but in the 1820's the mill was largely demolished and a new mill was built on the same site.
In 1765 the estate was purchased by the Pilkington family and during their ownership a grand boathouse was built on the water's edge. We know that the Newmillerdam Boathouse was built by William Pilkington and that it first appears on a map in 1826 but very little else is known about its early history.
Today the Boathouse is open to the public every Sunday at the following times:
1st April - 31st October: 13.00 hours - 16.30 hours 1st November- 31st March 12.00 midday - 15.30 hours
Entry is free. It is available for private functions including parties and seminars. It can accommodate up to 30 people.
Newmillerdam is now managed as a local nature reserve by Wakefield Council's Countryside and Conservation Service and it is an important habitat for both water and woodland birds. Angling is allowed around the lake by permit.
The footpath around the lake is flat and of good quality. It is suitable for both wheelchair users and pushchairs providing that the weather has not been too wet. Towards the far end of the lake where the mill is located a bridge crosses a narrow span of the water and many people cross the bridge at this point. A circular walk around the lake from the car park via the first bridge is 2 kilometres in length. If you wish to walk around the very top part of the lake then this will extend your walk to just over 3kilomteres. Whichever route you take it is an easy and pleasant stroll.
Newmillerdam Country Park Barnsley Road Newmillerdam Wakefield WF2 6QP
Telephone: (01924) 303980
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There's a lot more of it than you might think - if you cut through the woods there are several 'mini-parks' inside and around the area. Also, an orienteering course! This is where I go when I need to film an outdoor scene for a short film. Always fun!
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