Top Rated Parks to Visit in Heslington

"Visiting the Museum Gardens is yet another free activity to do in York. On a nice, summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or simply visit The Yorkshire Museum."

"This is a lovely place to relax and unwind in the heart of the city. Grab yourself a coffee or snack and sit on one of the benches with a friend, taking it all in. York Museum Gardens is home to some amazing trees and plants."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Rowntree Park, on the flood plains of the River Ouse, is a myriad of paths and walkways along the river. It was York’s first ever municipal park, presented to the public by sweets company Rowntree & Co to commemorate the 200 members of their staff who died in World War I. If you’re in search of a little exercise during your visit, the park boasts six tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court, two tennis tables and two bowling greens. The duck pond also makes for an excellent picnicking spot."

"Located by the river to the south of the city centre, Rowntree Park is York’s first municipal park, and boasts a combination of historical features and a multi-functional recreational space. With a performance space and a sculpture play trail as well as children’s play areas and sporting facilities, Rowntree Park has much to offer, and serves as a commemoration to all those members of the company’s staff who lost their lives during World War I. Price: admission is free"

"Originally built as a public space for the working classes to relax, Pearson Park has now become one of the locals’ most favourite green areas. READ THIS:Sofia sightseeing: local's guide to Sofia. Pearson Park is a great place for picnicking, letting your children go wild at the colourful playground, watching ducks swimming in the lake, as well as checking out the plants at the lovely greenhouse."

"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"

"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."

"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."

"Pickering Park first opened in the summer of 1911, making this one of Hull’s oldest recreation grounds!. The 25-acre park offers both toddler and junior play areas, with various equipment including an exciting trim trail for the older kids. Activity towers with rope climbs and slides, rock climbing walls, monkey bars, a basket swing, rockers, and cute animal-themed obstacle courses are just part of the many features the park has to offer."

"West Park is yet another addition to the list that has recently received refurbishment!. Boasting a new 7.24-metre medieval-inspired activity tower, various sized slides, spinning bowls, and a rope climb, the play area is now suitable for both toddlers and older children. The bright colouring of the apparatus separates this play area from the rest, there’s also a popular skatepark, animal aviary, and an outdoor gym that will open once lockdown lifts again."

"From grain to glass, see how traditional ale is created at York Brewery. Located just inside the city walls on Toft Green, York Brewery has been handcrafting real ales since 1996. The brewery site was built in the late 16th century, and has seen many uses over its history, but now it is home to a 20-barrel brew plant, with six traditional open top fermenters and five conditioning tanks."

"Located on Walmgate, the beer garden at Brew York is a hidden gem that overlooks the River Foss and Rowntree’s Wharf. With unique barrel benches and YUZU street food also on offer, make this your next stop for a fresh brew."

"Sited at the top of Micklegate a few yards from the city walls this bar from independent Scottish brewing giants Brewdog opened after a protracted court battle with a local trader – much to the relief of their loyal following of fans in the York area. I say fans because Brewdog as a company have so far attracted investment in their crowdfunding equity scheme from over 100,000 loyal drinkers. The multi-roomed bar is huge."

"A post shared by Kristal Ireland (@kristalsmile) on Dec 24, 2016 at 5:13am PST. Established in 1998, this patisserie and chocolaterie has carved itself a well-deserved reputation across Yorkshire. A chocolate sweet lover’s heaven, you’ll find a vast selection of hand crafted chocolates, dainty pastries and elegant French patisseries at the counter, along with freshly baked artisan breads."

"Lotte Inch Gallery first came to York in 2012 in the form of a pop-up art gallery space – but many glorious years later and after several small pop-up exhibitions, the gallery moved from its previous space near York Minster to its current location in bustling 14 Bootham. The eponymous Lotte comes from a background in Art History and Heritage, having worked for The National Trust; Scampston Hall and Gardens; and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at The University of Leeds, amongst others – making her a mastermind when it comes to art. The gallery is the ideal place to discover new artists, designers and makers, alongside established names and figures, hoping to be a “welcoming and inclusive place with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions."