Top Rated Parks to Visit in Castle Howard

"Visiting the Museum Gardens is yet another free activity to do in York. On a nice, summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or simply visit The Yorkshire Museum."

"While it’s generally perceived to be more of a child’s haven rather than a suitable Instagram location, Rowntree’s Park does in fact have many cute places to grab the perfect shot. During the summer, the park is positively heaving with families and children indulging in picnics and ice creams, and in the winter you’ll often find couples snuggled together, taking a romantic stroll around the park. The little bridges that go over the river and lake in the park make great backdrops for Instagram opportunities, regardless of the time of year."

"Rowntree Park, on the flood plains of the River Ouse, is a myriad of paths and walkways along the river. It was York’s first ever municipal park, presented to the public by sweets company Rowntree & Co to commemorate the 200 members of their staff who died in World War I. If you’re in search of a little exercise during your visit, the park boasts six tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court, two tennis tables and two bowling greens. The duck pond also makes for an excellent picnicking spot."

"Located on the banks of the River Ouse, Rowntree Park was built as a scenic memorial to those who fought in the World Wars. Across its 30 acres, you will find children’s play areas as well as facilities for bowling, tennis and basketball. Enjoy walking around the lake, woodland and flower beds for free!"

"Just behind the North Bay is the fanciful Peasholm Park, designed in an Oriental style in 1912. At that time the park was Scarborough’s venue of choice for extravagant galas and exhibitions, but its glory faded as the century wore on. The park closed in 1999 after its pagoda was damaged by arson, but reopened in the 2000s and is now a treasured part of the resort."

"There is a miniature railway which will take you to Scalby Mills and back with a miniature steam train. A must visit when in Scarborough. Address : North Bay, Scarborough YO12 7TR, United Kingdom"

"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"

"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."

"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."

"Just south of the spa, the South Cliff Italian Gardens were plotted at the turn of the 20th century and sit on a terrace that bends with the contours of the cliff. In the Italian Renaissance style, the gardens have geometric flowerbeds, a lily pond topped with a statue of Mercury and two very ceremonious stairways climbing to shelters beneath pergolas dating to 1914. It’s all part of a long tapestry of open spaces, including a rose garden and a cliff-top path with wonderful vistas back to the castle, all equipped with stairways and the Cliff Lifts down to the beach."

"It has lots of flowers, well arranged in and around sitting areas. A good place to relax while walking around the South bay. Highly recommended to take some monkey nuts and feed the squirrels."

"Located between Leeds and Wetherby, Bramham Park is the site of the iconic Leeds Festival which occurs every August bank holiday weekend. If you don’t hold tickets to the festival, visit during the rest of the year to explore the 18th Century manor house and its sprawling grounds."

"Soak up the sunshine and take stock of your day’s sightseeing by enjoying one of York’s magnificent parks. The city is blessed with an abundance of green spaces, so take your pick...The York Museum Gardens are one of the reasons York is so wonderful. As well as being a beautiful botanical garden, you’ll find the Yorkshire Museum, York Observatory, York Hospitium, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and a Roman Fortress."

"Situated in the heart of York, York Fine Arts has been family owned and operated for 42 years. We specialise in traditional and contemporary fine art, and feature over 300 British artists. We also offer custom framing, art restoration and valuation services."

"Set inside a large and elegant building, an £8 million development back in 2015 has seen York Art Gallery rise to one of the best regional galleries in the country. Boasting 7 exhibition spaces across 2 floors and an outdoor Artist’s garden, there’s plenty to see for the art lovers visiting York, including an internationally significant collection of ceramics spreading across 2 galleries and temporary exhibitions that mean there is always something fresh to see. Keep your eyes out for works by hugely famous artists such as Turner and Hockney."

"York Art Gallery boasts the largest collection of British Studio Ceramics in the country in its Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA). The 19th century building (restored 2013-2015) contains works from the 14th century to the present day including altarpieces, drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, L S Lowry and David Hockney."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Perhaps one of the most unique establishments in York – Spark is a vibrant hub of some of the best food and drink in the city. With large benches on the lower and upper floors, this venue is the perfect place to grab and go, or to spend an evening with a few friends and drinks."

"Sparks is a relatively new addition to York and it has quickly become known as a local hotspot. Popular with everyone, Sparks has loads of different food spots but if you’re vegan or veggie, head straight to Donner Summer’s for kebabs, hot dogs and more."

"Blossom Street Gallery, which makes its home in the historic Micklegate quarter of the city, was conceived to bring local artists and creatives together in a central space and provide an opportunity for Yorks’ residents and visitors to enjoy local artwork. Blossom Street hosts regular exhibitions with notable artists, predominantly from Yorkshire but sometimes from a little further afield. They aim to offer art which everybody can enjoy – from original pieces, to prints, to handcrafted and design-led gifts and cards, and innovative framing options and supplies."

"Afro-Portuguese chain restaurant serving flame-grilled chicken in spicy chilli sauce and more, including vegan and vegetarian options. We are a 1-min walk from the Coppergate Shopping Centre. Vangarde Shopping Park, Vangarde Way, Huntington, North Yorkshire, YO32 9AET: 01904 621563"

"02/04/2021: Takeaway Collection.We collected some food from Nando’s after ordering via the app. Order process was simple and straight forward. Collection felt safe and the bag was checked before given to me so that everything was correct."

"This restaurant features over 150 authentic dishes from all over the world daily, and at the live cooking stations, they provide fabulous food with great entertainment. You get an unbeatable casual dining experience at a great value, within luxurious surroundings. All you have to do is choose your favorites and let the tastebuds do what they are best at."

"Panda Mami is an all-you-can-eat restaurant tucked away just off Ouse Bridge. They have all sorts of food stations, including a sushi bar. They have other sections, like a traditional carvery, Japanese food, Chinese food, Indian Food and a huge dessert selection, including a chocolate fountain."