Top Parks in North Yorkshire
Our top parks and gardens where you can stretch out, relax and enjoy beautiful surroundings
- Stories & Inspiration
- Top Parks In North Yorkshire
From coastal gardens to riverside parks, discover some of our favourite places to stretch out, relax and enjoy North Yorkshire's beautiful surroundings.
Peasholm Park
Just a short walk from Scarborough’s North Bay, Peasholm Park is one of the Yorkshire Coast’s most iconic green spaces. This beautiful oriental-themed park is centred around a picturesque lake, with winding paths leading past streams, waterfalls, bridges and landscaped gardens, overlooked by a striking pagoda.
Hire a rowing boat or dragon pedalo, enjoy a round of mini golf, or simply relax and take in the scenery before stopping for a snack at the café or an ice cream from the kiosk. During the summer months you can also experience the famous Battle of Peasholm Naval Warfare, a unique attraction that has entertained visitors for almost 100 years, featuring 20-foot replica boats staging mock naval battles on the lake.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great day out for the whole family.
Filey Country Park
Perched above the dramatic cliffs of Filey Brigg, Filey Country Park offers some of the best coastal views in Yorkshire. The park includes a children’s play area, mini golf, a café and the Dragon Ring stone circle. Each September, the skies above the Park come alive with colourful kites for Filey Kite Festival.
Its standout feature is Filey Brigg itself - a long rocky peninsula steeped in history. Legend has it this rocky spine is the backbone of a dragon which terrorised the town until enterprising locals fed it so much sticky Yorkshire parkin that it fell, over-stuffed. The area is also popular for whale and dolphin spotting, and also marks the meeting point of the Cleveland Way and Wolds Way walking routes. If you're exploring the Brigg, be sure to check tide times before you visit.
Valley Gardens, Harrogate
In the heart of Harrogate, Valley Gardens is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy some time outdoors. With 17 acres of colourful gardens and open green space there's plenty to explore, offering space to play in between shopping or visiting the town's museum and galleries. Surrounded by historic buildings and elegant tree-lined avenues, it's easy to see why this award-winning park is one of the town's most popular attractions.
Let the kids burn off some energy in one of the largest playgrounds in the area, spread out a picnic on the lawns, or take a stroll through the flowerbeds and formal gardens. No matter the season, you'll find something different in bloom.
Take your time, find a shady bench beneath the trees, enjoy an ice cream, or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere in one of Harrogate's most loved green spaces.
Norby Park, Thirsk
Follow the path from Millgate Picnic Area and you'll find Norby Park, a peaceful green space beside Cod Beck that's perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. With mature trees, open grassy areas and plenty of room to stretch your legs, it's an ideal spot to slow down and enjoy some fresh air.
Bring a picnic, let the children explore the play areas, or find a bench by the water and watch the world go by. There's plenty of space for ball games, family time and dog walks, all with lovely views of the beck.
When you're ready to explore a little further, Thirsk's marketplace is just a five-minute walk away, with plenty of independent shops, cafés and places to stop for lunch.
Selby Park
In the centre of Selby, you will find Selby Park, a pretty public green space with five acres of gardens which are open all year round. Originally part of the abbey footprint, you can wander through the gardens and see the beds which are filled with different types of plants, depending on the season.
Younger ones can have fun in the play area and families can play a round of mini golf. There is also a bowling green.
Enjoy a picnic on the grass or at one of the picnic tables or pick up some refreshments from the pavilion (open April to October)
Aireville Park, Skipton
Located a short walk from the centre of Skipton, the green open spaces of Aireville Park are a popular area for visitors to enjoy the fresh air. Surrounded by mature trees, the parkland is great for dog-walking and exercising or you can simply find a bench and read a book in the great outdoors. Lay out a rug or have a picnic on one of the picnic tables.
The play park is great for children with lots of different climbing frames and play equipment perfect for having fun with friends before heading to the Revive Café for a healthy snack or drink.
The wheel park is perfect for older children who want to show off their BMXing or skateboarding skills while the pump track is a safe space for children who are learning to cycle to practice and get more confident.
Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground
If you're looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, head to Pateley Bridge Recreation Ground, right beside the River Nidd in the heart of Nidderdale. There's plenty of space to spread out a picnic, enjoy the riverside setting or simply sit back and take in the views.
Little ones can race off to the playground, with swings, slides, climbing equipment and a zip wire to keep them entertained, while older children can enjoy a game of basketball or make the most of the open grassy spaces. Throughout the summer, the bandstand hosts live music, adding to the friendly community feel of the park. You'll also find colourful planting, a bowling green and lots of spots to sit and watch the world go by.
When it's time for a drink or a snack, Pateley Bridge's independent cafés and shops are just a few minutes away - including the world's oldest sweet shop.
Top Tips
When you're out enjoying North Yorkshire's parks and green spaces, please help us look after them for everyone to enjoy:
- Pack a picnic rather than lighting a barbecue or campfire
- Dispose of cigarettes responsibly
- Take all litter home with you. Glass bottles and reflective waste can easily start fires in dry conditions
- Follow the Countryside Code
- Keep dogs on leads where signs ask you to and always clean up after them
Looking for even more green spaces to explore? North Yorkshire is home to an array of beautiful gardens, from historic estates and formal grounds to vibrant floral displays and peaceful hidden gems. Discover more inspirational gardens across the county.
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