Explore sweeping wetland habitats teeming with wildlife, featuring family-friendly hides, adventure playgrounds, and pond-dipping activities across idyllic walking trails.

RSPB Dearne Valley – Old Moor is a family-friendly nature reserve spanning wetland habitats with outstanding wildlife-watching opportunities throughout the year. Visitors can wander through scenic landscapes, enjoy panoramic views from specially designed hides including The Lookout (built for families), and experience diverse seasonal wildlife displays. Spring brings Great Crested Grebes, summer showcases wildflowers, orchids and butterflies, autumn features Barn Owls, and winter attracts vast flocks of ducks, geese and birds of prey. The reserve is particularly renowned as a location to spot Kingfishers. Old Moor caters exceptionally well to families with young children, offering an adventure playground, wild play areas, discovery backpack hire, family trails and activity sheets. From April to October, visitors can hire pond-dipping kits to engage children with aquatic wildlife. The venue features accessible facilities including two accessible toilets (one with changing table and hoist), baby changing units, and pushchair-friendly pathways throughout. The on-site Old Moor Cafe provides refreshment options, while a shop is available for gifts and supplies. With free entry, ample parking (106 spaces including Blue Badge spaces), and facilities designed for all ages from birth onwards, this reserve offers an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor nature exploration and educational wildlife experiences.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink