Valley Gardens in Harrogate, under an hour's drive from York, is home to a popular children's paddling pool alongside a charming model boating pond, set within 17 acres of award-winning parkland. 

Valley Gardens Paddling Pool | Outdoor Paddling Pool Near York

• Opening Hours: Daily, from the Saturday of the late May bank holiday weekend until the Friday of the first week back at school in September
• Location: Valley Gardens, main entrance facing the Royal Pump Room Museum, Royal Parade, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ (other entrances on Cornwall Road and Valley Drive) 
• Suitable for: Children, with adult supervision required at all times
• Booking: No booking required
• Website: https://www.friendsofvalleygardens.co.uk
• Contact: FOVG@friendsofvalleygardens.co.uk

Set within Valley Gardens, Harrogate's 17 acre award-winning park, the children's paddling pool is a firm favourite for families looking to cool off during the summer months. It runs daily from the late May bank holiday weekend right through to the first week back at school in September, making it a reliable spot for a warm-weather day trip from York.

Right alongside the paddling pool is the model boating pond, a charming spot where children can while away time watching - or sailing - model boats on the water. Both attractions sit within easy reach of the gardens' wider amenities, including a children's play area, crazy golf, and the Ripley Ice-cream and Café for a treat afterwards.

The team regularly empty, clean and refill the pools to keep the water safe, with regular chlorine testing and checks for litter or broken glass, so visitors should be prepared for occasional short closures during a visit.

Good to Know

• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times
• Appropriate footwear should be worn in the pool area
• No running, jumping or diving in the paddling pool
• No dogs are allowed in the paddling pool
• No glass permitted in or around the pool area - please use the bins provided for litter
• There are no first aiders or lifeguards at the paddling pools
• Pools may be emptied at short notice for cleaning - please follow staff instructions
• Free street disc-zone car parking is available on Cornwall Road and Valley Drive
• Disabled toilets and public conveniences are available in the gardens

Photo credit: https://www.friendsofvalleygardens.co.uk