Now that summer is apparently here, I thought that it would be good to share some thoughts as to some of the best parks in Yorkshire.
Yes, some can be a bit bare and a bit run down, but there are a few diamonds out there. These allow for a lovely way to spend an hour or so in the sunshine.
Wilton Park – WF17 8NN
A (very) local one to me with a standard playground at one end. However, when the cafe opens at the other end, there is a boatload of outdoor toys to play with for the children. In between is a lake where on weekends you can watch model boat enthusiasts navigate their boats on the water.
On weekends, there is usually an ice cream van and a land train. As the cafe has recently been renovated, the facilities are top notch. If you fancy the half mile walk up a big hill through the woods, there is Bagshaw Museum (free) which will entertain for an hour.
A word of warning, the hill is very steep and not the easiest for little legs or pushing a pushchair (I know from personal experience!). Parking can get problematic at weekends and so you’re best using the car park at the “playground” end as it is easier to park in there although getting back out to the busy Bradford Road is often a challenge!
Valley Gardens, Harrogate – HG1 2SZ
This is probably one of the best pure playgrounds in Yorkshire, with relatively new and diverse equipment and enough to go round as well. Perhaps more suited to school age children, there is plenty of space within the playground and the gardens themselves to allow children to run free.
Parking tends to be an issue as it is pretty much in the centre of Harrogate. When we went, the toilets were closed. However, when the kiosk is open, you can play crazy golf and there is an open paddling pool for the summer months.
We tend to park in the centre of Harrogate and walk to the gardens. On the way back, stop off for a bun or two before heading back home! I would recommend the world famous Betty’s tea room, although may not be the best with a toddler!
Pudsey Park – LS28 7RR
The actual playground is pretty run down and not the best at all. However, the small animal enclosure is a little unusual but nonetheless worth the trip.
There are quite a number of small animals to look at. Whilst you can’t touch them, it is all indoors so you can enjoy in the relative warmth. It is free as well so it is well worth a trip out, even if it is to talk to the birds in the enclosure!!
The park itself is quite large and flat and the paths would be ideal for learner cyclists or scooterists. Free on street parking is available and there are nearby shops as well. Just don’t build up your hopes for the playground…
Manor Heath Park, Halifax – HX3 0EB
A lovely park hidden away even though it is just a mile away from the town centre. Quite a large playground but a large sand/water play area which means that it makes the list. Just make sure you take a spare set of clothes!
Toilets are not the best but there is a butterfly/tropical enclosure within the park for a bargain price of £1 each. This doesn’t get nearly enough publicity as the larger Tropical World in Leeds. As it is much quieter, Manor Heath is a much more enjoyable experience and much better value for money.
There is plenty of free street parking and lots of open grass to play and have a picnic. Also, there are a couple of beautiful gardens as well, just vary it up a little bit, in case the little ones are interested in natural habitat.
Wharfe Meadows Park, Otley – LS21 2BH
Situated next to the River Wharfe, this is a large playground with cafe and a short walk into the town. Free street parking is available albeit a squeeze at times. However, there are plenty of playground toys to play on, especially for the older children.
As it is so large, there is no fencing surrounding the playground so you need to be careful a little and keep your eye out. However, the paths are ideal to practice cycling. As it is next to the fast flowing river, there are plenty of ducks there to feed as well!!
The short walk into the town is a must as well, to see life at a somewhat different pace!!
I am sure that there are other parks in Yorkshire that I have missed so feel free to add a comment and I would be more than happy to include it on an update!
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We love the playground at St Ives Estate near Bingley, well worth a visit! Apparently the cafe is pretty good too but it’s a bit of a walk from the playground so we haven’t been yet. Also the playground at Roberts Park in Saltaire is great!
Never been to Bingley to be honest. Will have to go… Completely forgot about Roberts Park! You’re right, that is really good there and with the various things going on in Saltaire, we tend to spend a good hour or so. Will make sure it is included when I revisit the post!
Thanks for commenting ☺
We love the playground at Nostell Priory in Wakefield too. Great woodland playground with a nice cafe onsite and plenty of bike friendly paths.