York Rowntree Park Mini Trail

The beautiful 30-acre Rowntree Park is just a short walk from York city centre, situated on Terry Avenue on the banks of the River Ouse. The park was donated to the people of York as a memorial to the Cocoa Works staff who died and suffered during World War 1.

Essentially the park was designed to be a public park as well as a recreation ground. In a bid to restore the park to its former glory there has been a massive £1.8million refurbishment, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The restoration work has reaped its rewards, by helping the park gain the prestigious Green Flag Award every year since 2004.

Rowntree Park's stunning central location ensure it is a year round favourite with York residents and visitors alike. It is open from 8am Monday to Friday and 9am Saturdays and Sundays, closing at dusk every day of the year apart from Christmas Day.

Our Rowntree Park Treasure Hunt Trail has been designed specifically with our younger Trailers in mind. It is a mini Trail which will lead you all around the grounds, taking in each of the different areas. The Trail will appeal to young and old and will be sure to inspire you to return to the park time and time again.

As well as our fabulous Treasure Hunt Trail, there are plenty of other delights to keep you entertained within the park. The attractive ornamental lake is home to a host of noisy ducks who welcome any bread you may have spare. Watch out for the geese though, they're not always so friendly! Model boat enthusiasts are also encouraged to make use of the lake. For the more energetic, why not enjoy a game of bowls or burn off some calories with an invigorating game of tennis? The skate park, basketball courts and table tennis area offer alternative sporting opportunities. For the youngsters there are two well equipped children's play areas, with an array of interesting slides, climbing frames and assault course type paraphernalia for tots to toddlers to teens to enjoy!

After all that fun, why not recharge your batteries in the park's cafe? The terrace offers amazing panaramic views of the park, particularly pleasant on those nice clear days. Alternatively, why not pack a picnic and turn your outing into a day long adventure?


This Treasure Hunt Trail is a circular route and is shorter in length than many of our other Trails. It is approximately a mile in length and will take around an hour to complete. Set along an easy access route with mostly level paths, the Trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

There is a small pay and display car park at the park entrance off Terry Avenue. Fees apply from 8am to 4.30pm with discounts available for York residents.

Rowntree Park is also easily accessible by bike or foot along the riverside or across the Millennium Bridge. For local transport users, buses run frequently from York city centre to Bishopthorpe Road. You then need to follow signs down Butcher Terrace to the Millennium Bridge to reach the park.