Rowntree Park: A Historic Urban Oasis in York
Historic memorial park in York offering scenic riverside walks, sports facilities, playgrounds, and a welcoming café for all ages.
Rowntree Park, located on Terry Avenue in York, is a cherished 30-acre green space gifted by the Rowntree family in 1921 as a memorial to World War I cocoa factory workers. This award-winning park offers a blend of recreational facilities including tennis courts, a skatepark, playgrounds, a wildlife pond, and a café, all set along the scenic banks of the River Ouse. Open daily from dawn to dusk, it provides accessible paths, rich history, and a tranquil environment for families, nature lovers, and sports enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to Rowntree Park
- Terry Ave, York, YO23 1JQ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on weekday afternoons to enjoy quieter playgrounds and walking paths.
- Check local flood alerts during rainy seasons as the park may close temporarily due to River Ouse flooding.
- Book tennis courts in advance through the Rowntree Park Tennis Club website to secure your spot.
- The café is charming but accessed by stairs; plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the ornamental lake or use the picnic areas scattered throughout the park.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Frequent bus services run from York city centre to Bishopthorpe Road, followed by a short walk to Rowntree Park. Travel times range from 10 to 20 minutes with tickets costing approximately £2-£4.
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Walking
A pleasant 15 to 20-minute walk from York city centre along the River Ouse or via the Millennium Bridge offers scenic access to the park. Paths are mostly flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Car
On-site pay-and-display parking is available on Terry Avenue adjacent to the park. Parking fees are reasonable compared to central York, typically around £1-£3 per hour. Limited disabled bays are provided.
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Bicycle
Bike racks are located at main entrances and throughout the park. Cycling along riverside paths or across the Millennium Bridge provides safe and direct access.
Rowntree Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Rowntree Park
A Legacy Rooted in Remembrance and Community
Rowntree Park was established in 1921 as a memorial from the Rowntree & Co chocolate company to honor their Cocoa Works employees who served and suffered during World War I. The park's historical significance is further marked by a set of wrought-iron gates added in 1954 in memory of those lost in World War II. Central to the park is a lychgate adorned with bronze plaques commemorating these sacrifices, blending solemn remembrance with community green space. Over the decades, the park has preserved much of its original layout while evolving as a vital recreational hub for York residents.Diverse Recreational Facilities for All Ages
Spanning approximately 30 acres, Rowntree Park offers a variety of amenities that cater to diverse interests. Visitors can enjoy six tennis courts managed by the local tennis club, a skatepark and basketball court for active sports, and several well-equipped playgrounds that engage children of all ages. The ornamental lake, home to swans, ducks, and geese, includes a designated area for model boating, providing a serene spot for wildlife observation. Additionally, two table tennis tables and woodland walking trails add to the park’s appeal for casual and active visitors alike.A Welcoming Natural Setting Along the River Ouse
Situated on the south side of York city centre, the park lies beside the River Ouse, offering picturesque riverside walks and scenic views. The woodland walk in the northern section provides a peaceful retreat for birdwatching and nature appreciation. The park’s flat, mostly level paths make it accessible for wheelchairs and prams, although the café requires stair access. As a floodplain, the park occasionally closes during high river levels, with natural drainage and maintenance ensuring its swift reopening.Community Engagement and Facilities
Rowntree Park is managed by the City of York Council with active support from the Friends of Rowntree Park, who organize community events and help maintain the grounds. The park includes public toilets, picnic areas, and the Rowntree Park Reading Café, which serves coffee, cakes, and light meals alongside a small book selection. The café, run by York Explore, adds a cultural touch to the outdoor experience. Dogs on leads are welcome, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment by cleaning up after their pets.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Open daily from 8am until dusk (closing times vary seasonally), Rowntree Park is free to enter and offers easy access via multiple entrances including Terry Avenue, Lovell Street, and Richardson Street. The park is a 15-20 minute walk from York city centre and is also reachable by frequent bus services and bike paths. On-site parking is available on Terry Avenue with reasonable fees compared to central York. The park’s accessible paths and diverse facilities make it an ideal destination for families, sports enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation or a nature escape within the city.Environmental and Cultural Significance
Rowntree Park has won the Green Flag Award annually since 2004, recognizing its high standards of maintenance, environmental management, and community involvement. Its combination of heritage features, natural habitats, and recreational infrastructure makes it a unique urban park that balances cultural heritage with modern leisure needs. The park’s role as a living memorial and vibrant social space continues to enrich York’s cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Millennium Bridge
0.4 km
Contemporary engineering meets riverside beauty—York's illuminated pedestrian bridge spanning the Ouse.
Ouse Bridge
1.0 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Walmgate Bar
1.0 km
York’s most complete medieval gatehouse, with the only surviving town gate barbican in England and a quirky coffee house inside its ancient walls.
Historic England - York Office
1.1 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Parliament St
1.1 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
1.1 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The Stonebow
1.2 km
A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
11 Shambles
1.2 km
Explore the enchanting 11 Shambles in York, a medieval street with charming shops, historic architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Red Tower
1.2 km
Explore the historic Red Tower in York, a captivating landmark that showcases the city's rich medieval heritage and stunning architecture.
The York Ghost Merchants
1.2 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
1.2 km
Explore the depths of history at DIG in York, where archaeology comes alive through interactive exhibits and hands-on adventures for all ages.
Ghost Hunt of York
1.2 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
GR8escape York
1.2 km
Experience the thrill of adventure at GR8escape York, the ultimate escape room destination for fun, teamwork, and unforgettable memories in the heart of York.
Roman Bath
1.2 km
Discover ancient Roman baths beneath a lively York pub, blending history and hospitality in the heart of the city.
York's Chocolate Story
1.2 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Unmissable attractions to see
Pikeing Well
0.2 km
An 18th-century ornamental well by John Carr on York’s scenic New Walk, blending medieval stonework with historic riverside charm.
Skeldergate Bridge & Bishopgate St
0.6 km
Historic Victorian Gothic Revival bridge over the River Ouse, blending York’s past with scenic riverside charm and modern social spaces.
Baile Hill
0.6 km
Explore Baile Hill, York’s serene Norman motte and bailey castle site with rich history and stunning views of York Minster.
Skeldergate Bridge
0.6 km
A Victorian Gothic iron bridge offering scenic River Ouse views and a glimpse into York’s rich industrial heritage.
Tower Gardens
0.6 km
A serene, shaded garden by the River Ouse offering peaceful riverside views and a quiet escape near York’s historic Clifford’s Tower.
Fishergate Postern Tower
0.7 km
Discover the Fishergate Postern Tower, a historical landmark in York offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past and stunning views.
Fishergate Bar
0.7 km
Discover the historical significance and architectural beauty of Fishergate Bar, a captivating landmark in York rich with stories and charm.
York Barbican
0.7 km
York's premier indoor entertainment venue hosting world-class concerts, comedy, sports, and conferences.
York Castle Museum
0.7 km
Step back in time at York Castle Museum, where historic prison walls and a vibrant Victorian street bring York’s rich past vividly to life.
Dick Turpins grave
0.8 km
Discover the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin’s final resting place in York’s historic St George’s Churchyard, steeped in legend and 18th-century intrigue.
Clifford's Tower, York
0.8 km
Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
York Army Museum
0.8 km
Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
0.8 km
Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
Fairfax House
0.9 km
Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
The York Dungeon
0.9 km
Step into York’s darkest history with live actors, chilling shows, and immersive effects at The York Dungeon.
Essential places to dine
Melton's Restaurant
0.4 km
An intimate York gem offering inventive Modern British tasting menus with expert wine pairings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
The Olive Tree
0.8 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
0.9 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
Rustique Restaurant
0.9 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
Corner Grill House
0.9 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Tabanco By Ambiente
1.0 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and sherry in a warm, inviting atmosphere at Tabanco By Ambiente in York’s historic Walmgate.
Il Paradiso Del Cibo
1.0 km
A lively, cash-only Italian gem on Walmgate, serving authentic Sardinian-style pizzas, pastas, and hearty meat dishes in a bustling, family-run setting.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
1.0 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
Delrio's Restaurant
1.0 km
Experience authentic Italian and Sardinian cuisine in York’s cozy cellar setting, where passion and tradition create unforgettable flavors.
The Blue Barbakan
1.0 km
Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
Kapadokya
1.0 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
1.0 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
Pavement Vaults
1.0 km
Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
Partisan
1.0 km
Artistic café serving seasonal brunch and lunch in a bohemian Parisian-inspired setting on historic Micklegate.
Ate O'Clock
1.1 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fenwick York
0.9 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Dog & Bone Vintage
0.9 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.9 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Greybear
1.0 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
York Souvenir's
1.0 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Expressions
1.0 km
Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Give The Dog A Bone
1.1 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
Hidden Treasures
1.1 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Gift Gallery
1.2 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
1.2 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
1.2 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Take One Gifts
1.2 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
1.2 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Cello by Collectables
1.2 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Sterling Souvenirs
1.3 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dyls
0.6 km
Historic bridge tower café-bar in York offering riverside views, locally sourced brunch, and vegan-friendly delights in a cozy, unique setting.
Plonkers
0.9 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.9 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
1.0 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
Tank & Paddle York
1.0 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Jalou York
1.0 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
The Three Tuns
1.0 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
Social 8 Lounge
1.0 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
The Fossgate Social
1.1 km
A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Golden Fleece York
1.1 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The Hop York
1.1 km
A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
The Blue Bell
1.1 km
York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
Pitcher & Piano York
1.1 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Revolution York
1.2 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Dusk
1.2 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
