Yet another of these places that I visited because of a road sign. Aden Country Park has a lot to offer visitors, something for warm sunny days and others for wet days.
The park covers 230 acres and is well signposted from the road. The signed directions are not so clear within the park and it’s worth stopping at the first information board to get your bearings. There is more than one car park, people with blue badges can access the courtyard with the farming museum, information centre and cafe.
I arrived early, giving me time to explore the Sensory & Carers’ Gardens. Lovely small gardens where you can sit and contemplate?
At 10am the farming museum opened. A small museum giving a real insight into local farming over the years using both interpretive panels and a collection of implements. Interesting for adults of all ages, I’m sure that children will be fascinated. Attached to the museum is the Horseman’s House, a true home with remarkable amount of light for its age. The guides are happy to enter into discussions about the lifestyle of the people who lived and worked in these buildings.
Hareshowe Farm (related to the museum) is late 19th Century and was rebuilt at Aden Country Park. To quote the website ‘some areas of Hareshowe may not be accessible to visitors with mobility restrictions’
After the museum, it was time to head to the cafe. This was Monday and it was only serving coffees, not meals. The gift shop was in a temporary building next door because its own place within the courtyard was being renovated.
I really enjoyed my morning visit and seriously considered extending my trip by a day and staying on the park’s caravan site. The thought of spending a full day here, in the warm sunshine, was very inviting. Common sense took over and I decided to continue with my original plan which I realised was just as well- when it started to rain.
Also within this lovely park are:
• children’s tree house and play area
• aboretum & lake
• footpaths, cycle ways and outdoor gym
• orienteering courses & ranger service
• an agility course for dogs
• a bridleway and horse arena
Aden Country Park is definitely somewhere I’ll return when the weather forecast suggests a few ‘summer’ days.
Opening hours seem to vary so I suggest looking at the “website”:http://www.adencountrypark.org.uk/ for up-to-date information. Entry is free.
