One of the things I loved most about living so close to the centre of York is Rowntree Park. We used to walk past it regularly when strolling down the river into York. This wonderful space is near Bishopthorpe Road, and there are absolutely loads of things to do at Rowntree Park – they even hold events throughout the year.
The Friends of Rowntree Park do a great job of maintaining it! They are a registered charity whose volunteers help care for the park by gardening, litter picking, helping wildlife and running events. Any money raised from the membership scheme helps to fund their work.
There are public toilets and even a cafe. If you’re not within walking distance, then you can use the Rowntree Park car park or find parking around Terry Avenue on the fringes of the River Ouse.
About Rowntree Park
Rowntree Park is next to the banks of the River Ouse. It has a rich history dating back to its inception by York’s famed Rowntree family.
Rowntree Park opened on July 16, 1921. It serves as a tribute to Cocoa Works employees who lost their lives in World War I. The park’s land was purchased in 1919 for £1,500 and covers an area of 17 acres and had facilities to help people lead a healthy lifestyle. There was even an open-air swimming pool in 1924, which was demolished in 1985.
Frederick Rowntree designed the park and included flood prevention measures. Since opening, it has expanded. The Clementhorpe allotments were integrated into the park by 1926/1927.
A football field was added in 2000.
The park remains a powerful memorial. The centrally located lych-gate and dovecote contain bronze plaques commemorating the WWI service of Rowntree employees. Additionally, the eighteenth-century iron gates at the Terry Avenue entrance were installed to commemorate those who fell in World War II.
Green Flag Award Recognition
Rowntree Park has received the Green Flag Award every year since 2004. This award marks the park as one of the best globally, meeting high standards for cleanliness, safety, and management.
It’s also one of the most photogenic parks in York — the lake, the lych-gate, and the river path all make for lovely photos, particularly in autumn and on sunny mornings.
Important Visitor Information: Flooding and Closures
As a park situated next to the River Ouse, Rowntree Park is located on a floodplain. The park is often closed for safety reasons when river levels are high. It’s essential to check the status before you travel, especially after heavy rain. The best place to check for immediate updates on park closure is often the official Friends of Rowntree Park Facebook page.
Facilities at Rowntree Park
Children’s Play Area and Sports Facilities at Rowntree Park
The play area in York’s Rowntree Park is superb for children. It features a zip wire, swings, and special equipment for disabled kids. There’s also a dedicated space for toddlers.
For sports lovers, the park has basketball courts, a skatepark for skaters, tennis courts for players of all levels, and bowling greens for those who prefer this activity.
Reading Café and Picnic Spaces
I love going to the Reading Café after visiting the park. This café serves breakfast and home-cooked food all day. There’s also seating outside for warmer days. You can browse, borrow, or return books with a Library or York Card.
The café is accessible to wheelchair users and has baby changing facilities, ideal for families.
For those who like outdoor dining, Rowntree Park offers excellent picnic spots dotted around the park. There are picnic tables, or plenty of spaces to sit with a blanket.
Tennis Courts and Skate Park
Rowntree Park has six tennis courts run by Rowntree Park Tennis Club. Renting a court is £8 per hour. To book, scan a QR code. Besides tennis, the park offers a skate park and basketball court.
Events and Activities
Rowntree Park regularly holds events. From private hire options to birthday parties, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.
Regular children’s events in Rowntree Park
- The Very Young Friends of Rowntree Park monthly meet-ups – first Wednesday of each month, 10-11 am.
- Forest school for under 5-year-olds – 6-week blocks through the year
- Family Forest School for ages 2-12– One Saturday each month
Other events include easter egg hunts, Halloween specials, arts, crafts and more.
Adult events and activities
- Gardening – a range of sessions to volunteer and help with gardening around the park.
- Woods for Wellbeing – Mindfulness and natural crafts (one-off events).
- Whittling Workshops – green woodwork workshops where you can develop basic whittling skills.
- Nature and History Walks – walks for adults
- Christmas Wreath Making – annual (start of December).
- Pilates in the Park
- Salsa
- Tai Chi
- Orienteering
Private Hire and Birthday Parties
You can have birthday parties at Rowntree Park. Choose from two options: a party with a Forest School Leader or hire a space for £30. The two railed gardens and woodland story circle are popular choices. Small inflatables are allowed, but bring all the required paperwork.
For barbecues or tents, get permission first and arrange insurance. This ensures safety and compliance with rules, making the celebration worry-free.
Opening Hours and Accessibility
Rowntree Park opens every day at 8.00 am. Closing times vary, from 4.30 pm in winter to 10.00 pm in summer. The park is often closed when it’s flooded in the area, so check beforehand.
- The park features mostly level paths, ensuring easy accessibility for all visitors.
- Free parking is available adjacent to the park on Terry Avenue.
- Visitors can access the park via buses from the city centre, and there are bike racks at the main entrances for those who prefer cycling.
Car parking is available at Terry Avenue (York, YO23 1JQ). Fees apply, though Blue Badge holders park for free in the two dedicated disabled bays. This car park is often busy on weekends, so be prepared for potential alternative on-street parking.
Parking and Public Transport Options
Rowntree Park is easily accessible by car and public transport. Here’s what you need to know:
- Car parking is available at Terry Avenue, York, YO23 1JQ.
- Fees are £3.00 for up to 1 hour, £6.00 for up to 2 hours, and £9.00 for up to 3 hours (correct March 2026).
- Blue Badge holders can park for free, and there are 2 dedicated Blue Badge bays.
- No electric vehicle charging points are available at the car park.
Nearby Attractions
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the iconic Millennium Bridge and scenic river walks. Also, don’t miss out on exploring York City Centre. There’s York Minster, the JORVIK Viking Centre, and the York Dungeons.
Rowntree Park is genuinely such a beautiful park. It’s a fantastic spot to head to when you want some fresh air or a nice stroll. It’s a large park with so much to explore, and you can even wander beyond the park up the river banks on a warm day — it’s a lovely walk.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rowntree Park York
Is there parking at Rowntree Park?
There is no parking within the park itself. The nearest car park is at Terry Avenue, York YO23 1JQ (a short walk to the Terry Avenue entrance). As a guide, charges were £3 for up to 1 hour, £6 for 2 hours and £9 for 3 hours at time of writing, though these may have changed. Blue Badge holders park free in 2 dedicated bays. On-street parking is also available along Terry Avenue.
Is Rowntree Park free to enter?
Yes — entry to Rowntree Park is free. Some activities within the park have charges (tennis courts at £8/hour, for example), but the park itself costs nothing to visit.
Can Rowntree Park flood?
Yes — the park sits on a floodplain next to the River Ouse and is often closed during periods of high water. Before visiting after heavy rain, check the Friends of Rowntree Park Facebook page for current status.
Is Rowntree Park good for children?
Yes — there is a well-equipped play area with a zip wire, swings, accessible equipment and a dedicated toddler space. The park also hosts regular children’s events including Forest School sessions and monthly Very Young Friends meetups.
Does Rowntree Park have a café?
Yes — the Reading Café in the park serves breakfast and home-cooked food all day, with seating inside and outside. It also doubles as a library where you can browse, borrow or return books with a Library or York Card.
What is the history of Rowntree Park?
Rowntree Park was opened on 16 July 1921 as a memorial to Cocoa Works employees who died in the First World War. The land was bought in 1919 for £1,500 and covers 17 acres. It was designed by Frederick Rowntree and includes flood prevention measures. The park has received a Green Flag Award every year since 2004.
Looks like a lovely park. I love that there’s activities on there for adults too. It’s not something you see very often!
This park looks lovely – and it looks like it’ll be perfect as your family grows through each phase of life. We are now at the bring the bike and football phase which I LOVE!
Rosie
Rowntree Park looks lovely, it’s the sort of park I’d like to go for a walk in! x
Lucy