Homestead Park is a beautiful historic park in Clifton, combining play, nature and community spaces in York's first free-to-access public park. 

Homestead Park | Parks in York

• Opening Hours: Open daily, all year round | 8.30am - 7.30pm.
• Location: The Homestead, 40 Water End, Clifton, York, YO30 6WP
• Facilities: Children's play area with accessible equipment, toilets, pond and rockery, wildflower meadows, woodland walks, picnic lawns, outdoor gym equipment, community pavilion, The Hive café, seating, free cycle parking and free car parking
• Website: www.homesteadpark.org.uk
• Contact: Homestead.Park@jrf.org.uk | 01904 615900

Highlights

• York's first free-to-access public park, opened by Seebohm Rowntree in 1904
• Fifteen acres of gardens, meadows and mature trees to explore
• Large children's play area with equipment designed for disabled children
• Picturesque pond and rockery surrounded by seasonal planting
• The Hive café serving drinks, bakes and light lunches throughout the year
• Regular programme of community events, workshops and outdoor performances

Homestead Park has been welcoming York residents for more than a century. Originally opened by social reformer Seebohm Rowntree, the gardens of his family home became the city's first free public park and remain a treasured green space today.

Families will find plenty to enjoy, from the popular play area and open lawns for picnics to the peaceful pond and winding woodland paths. The carefully maintained gardens provide colour throughout the seasons, while wildflower meadows encourage birds, bees and other wildlife.

Managed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the park continues its founding vision of being a place where everyone is welcome. Community events, wellbeing activities and opportunities to connect with nature make Homestead Park much more than just a traditional park.

Good to Know

• The Hive café operates year-round, with reduced opening hours during the winter months - it's worth checking social media before visiting
• Free car parking is available at the Shipton Road entrance, alongside free cycle parking
• The park has entrances from Water End, Shipton Road and Clifton Ings
• Frequent bus services run from York city centre to nearby stops on Water End and Shipton Road
• Dogs are welcome, but should be kept under control and considerate of other park users
• The Pavilion and Winter Garden spaces can be used for approved community events and activities

Photo credit: https://www.homesteadpark.org.uk/