West Bank Park - Image 1

West Bank Park

York, United Kingdom•4.6(830)•City Park, Playground

Explore a beautiful 16-acre urban park featuring woodland walks, two children's play areas, bowling greens, and picnic spaces with refreshments available.

West Bank Park is a stunning 16-acre urban park located in Holgate, York, occupying the former site of the 19th century Backhouse Nurseries. The park features a mature woodland and former arboretum at its top end, home to specimen trees including dawn redwoods and a giant redwood. The woodland attracts diverse bird species such as long-tailed tits, goldcrests, and greater spotted woodpeckers, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and families exploring natural habitats. The park offers excellent facilities for families with children, including two dedicated play areas designed for under 11s and over 11s respectively. Visitors can enjoy woodland walks, meadow picnic areas, wildflower terraces, and a pergola walk. Additional amenities include two bowling greens, a basketball court, and toilets throughout the park. Drinks and ice creams are available at the Bowling Club pavilion from 2pm–4pm (volunteer-run, subject to change). West Bank Park has been awarded the Green Flag Award every year since 2006, recognizing it as one of the best parks in the country. The park provides level access in many areas, making it accessible for pushchairs and families with varied mobility needs, though woodland walks and stepped gardens may present challenges. It's an ideal destination for families seeking free outdoor activities combined with nature exploration and recreation.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 07:30 – 21:00
Tuesday: 07:30 – 21:00
Wednesday: 07:30 – 21:00
Thursday: 07:30 – 21:00
Friday: 07:30 – 21:00
Saturday: 07:30 – 21:00
Sunday: 07:30 – 21:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Bowling Club Pavilion

Refreshments including drinks and ice creams available at limited hours

Hours: 14:00-16:00 daily (volunteer-run, subject to change)

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Google Reviews

4.6(830 reviews)
G
Google Reviewer

Google Reviewer

3 weeks ago

Lovely park. Great for a nice stroll, good swing park, lots of shaded or sunny spots for a picnic and very dog friendly. I also believe there is a cafe although I did not get the cjance to visit. It does have toilets which is allways usefull!

M
melanie Hillman

melanie Hillman

2 months ago

Lovely walk around all year round, goes from Hamilton drive all the way to Acomb road. Summertime is beautiful through the middle walkway as the trailing plants are stunning. Lost a lot of the rose plots. Queen Victoria at top end has been damaged a few times. So come in from Acomb Rd you have basket ball/netball area go past that your in the woods nice walk through with a picnic area, option to come out behind houses or down a hill bottom part gravel so just be careful. Then you get to grass further down 2 bowling greens well kept, further down little ones play area, go left and walk around the other way back up big open space with big trees wheelchair friendly there but there is a bit of a hill. Or walk back past bowling greens in the middle there's a lovely walk through with 2/3 sets of steps we'll worth walking through my favourite but all is great, unless you get a dog who the owner cannot recall then it's annoying.

N
Nathan Harris

Nathan Harris

4 months ago

A lovely park for walks, with plenty of space for kids to play and dogs to enjoy too.

J
JUDIT BERDAN

JUDIT BERDAN

2 years ago

We do love coming here. The woods are beautiful, peaceful yet simple as given by nature and different to other ones in York (somewhat more relaxing and catching ) Clean throughout and large enough for walk and to play. Feels safe to -in the day . Playground has plenty of shades and play equipments-although not many or newish (possibly due for update)but they are good enough for keeping kids busy.l I.e.zipline. To the front there is also a basketball area and other play equipment just opposite. A football area to the main playground . Benches and beautiful flowers . .Parking spaces all around the park -to the entrances . There are toilets (which unfortunately isn't very nice/hygienic) and a small 'cafe shop 'with drink,snacks etc at a very good prices ( hygiene I'm not too.sure of) In overall ,a pleasant place to go.

C
Caroline Crutchley

Caroline Crutchley

3 years ago

A gorgeous oasis but not just a council park. Once a garden for a mansion it's now a dog friendly place. Woodland areas, children play area, cafe bowls and shady spots. Lots of benches. Really well kept.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at West Bank Park

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about West Bank Park

Is West Bank Park free to visit?

Entry to West Bank Park is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is West Bank Park suitable for?

West Bank Park is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is West Bank Park dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at West Bank Park.

Is there parking at West Bank Park?

Yes — West Bank Park has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at West Bank Park?

Yes — Bowling Club Pavilion is on site at West Bank Park. Refreshments including drinks and ice creams available at limited hours

Is West Bank Park pushchair-friendly?

Yes, West Bank Park is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at West Bank Park?

West Bank Park is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to West Bank Park by public transport?

West Bank Park is well-served by public transport.
Kiddy Compass