Glen Gardens

Glen Gardens is a Green Flag award-winning park in Heworth, offering play areas, sports facilities and peaceful gardens just east of York city centre. 

Glen Gardens | Parks in York

• Opening Hours: Open daily, morning until dusk.

• Location: Glen Gardens, East Parade, Heworth, York, YO31 0XH

• Facilities: Children's play area, bowling green, two tennis courts, basketball court, rose gardens, petanque court, Keith's Wood, kiosk, toilets, seating and bike racks

• Website: www.glengardens.org

• Contact: Friends of Glen Gardens - friends@glengardens.org

Highlights

• Green Flag Award winner every year since 2005

• Traditional neighbourhood park located around one mile east of York city centre

• Children's play park featuring a Mosaic Garden and petanque court

• Keith's Wood provides a peaceful area for walking and wildlife spotting

• Volunteer-run kiosk serving hot drinks and homemade cakes

• Bowling green, tennis courts and basketball court for active visitors

Glen Gardens has long been a much-loved community space in Heworth, combining formal gardens with opportunities for play, sport and relaxation. Managed by City of York Council and supported by the dedicated Friends of Glen Gardens volunteers, it continues to thrive as a welcoming destination for local families and visitors alike.

Children can enjoy the well-used play area, while older visitors may prefer a game of tennis, basketball or bowls. Keith's Wood offers a quieter corner of the park, with benches dotted throughout the gardens providing the perfect place to pause and take in the surroundings.

The volunteers play a huge role in enhancing the park, running events throughout the year and operating the popular kiosk beside the bowling green. Their efforts help maintain Glen Gardens as a vibrant community hub as well as a peaceful green retreat.

Good to Know

• The volunteer-run kiosk is typically open on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, with Bank Holiday Mondays replacing Tuesdays when applicable

• Cycling is not permitted within the gardens themselves

• Buses run frequently from York city centre to nearby Glen Road

• The nearest council car park is East Parade car park, approximately a two-minute walk away

• The play area is suitable for children from toddler age up to around 13 years and is locked overnight

• Bike racks are available throughout the park

Photo credit: https://www.glengardens.org/

Opening information and kiosk hours were correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.