Top Rated Parks to Visit in Newton Upon Derwent

"Housed in a majestic stone building with pillars reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece, sits one of the best collections of archaeology and geology in Europe. Ranging from prehistoric natural history, through ancient Roman treasure and up toward the modern-day, this is a great early stop on your exploration of York. Arm yourself with knowledge of the history that makes this city so special, and watch as every subsequent attraction comes to life with your new understanding."

"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."

"While it’s generally perceived to be more of a child’s haven rather than a suitable Instagram location, Rowntree’s Park does in fact have many cute places to grab the perfect shot. During the summer, the park is positively heaving with families and children indulging in picnics and ice creams, and in the winter you’ll often find couples snuggled together, taking a romantic stroll around the park. The little bridges that go over the river and lake in the park make great backdrops for Instagram opportunities, regardless of the time of year."

"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."

"Located between Leeds and Wetherby, Bramham Park is the site of the iconic Leeds Festival which occurs every August bank holiday weekend. If you don’t hold tickets to the festival, visit during the rest of the year to explore the 18th Century manor house and its sprawling grounds."

"Located on Stonegate, this independent family-run business offers a delicious brunch and lunch menu (with great vegan and gluten-free options!), as well as coffee, tea, cakes, ice-cream, freakshakes and more for both sit in and takeaway. They have 3 themed dining rooms – the gorgeous Garden Room with flowers all over the walls and swings for seats, the luxurious Bohemian Room full of floor cushions and low tables, and the eccentric Neon Room, which is also dog friendly. Plush has some amazing and unusual ice-cream flavours to choose from."

"Self-described as the ‘most instagrammable cafe in York’, head over to this independent cafe on Stonegate to find out why. With three themed dining rooms – the Garden room, the Neon room, and the Bohemian room – and crazy and colourful sweet and savoury treats, this place is a must-try."

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."

"Designed in fine Georgian style, the Fairfax House was built in 1762 as a dowry for Anne Fairfax, daughter of Viscount Fairfax. The house’s interior is the masterpiece of John Carr, the most eminent architect in York at the time. In 1982 the house was restored by the York Civic Trust and it became, as mentioned in the best-selling book England’s Thousand Best Houses, “the most perfect eighteenth-century townhouse to come across anywhere in England.” Discover its decorative flourishes and artistic treasures, including the Great Staircase, the Venetian Window, and its decorative wrought iron."

"There are two Rustique French restaurants in York, the second one opening a few years ago after the popularity of the first on Castlegate. “Established in 2004, Rustique specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere. Offering a large and varied selection of traditionally cooked, locally sourced meat and fish dishes, we pride ourselves on giving our customers a first class, French-inspired dining experience."

"Established in 2004 in the former Francois Restaurant Bistro on Castlegate in York. It specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere, offering a large and varied selection of meat and fish dishes cooked traditionally, using local products. 28 Castlegate, YO1 9RP YorkT: 01904 612744"

"Just around the corner from The Shambles on Castlegate, Rustique is the York’s finest French restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner every day, this heaving spot makes for the perfect mid-sightseeing break. Expect everything from crêpes to steak frites."

"Reviews: "Went back to cognac on Sunday and meal again was outstanding. The filet Monte Carlo was delicious and we enjoyed our 3 courses. Service was attentive and excellence.". "Everything from start to finish was simply outstanding. The food, the staff, and the service was top quality and so professional. The ambience was perfect, everything looked stunning and was so clean. We will 100% be returning again, one the best restaurants/meals we have both had."

"Recent review: "This place is one of the best restaurants in Hull the service is fantastic the food is even better! Kinda blink and you will miss it if driving down there but you won't be disappointed a hidden gem 5 stars thank you cognac we will be back!!!". Dish to try: Crab cakes"