Homestead Park

Is it right for my child?

• Toddlers and young children: the playground has a separate under 7s area. Its rocking horse has been part of the park since the years after the Second World War.
• Older children: the council describes the play area as for under 12s. The main lawn is open for ball games, and the woods suit hide and seek and den building.
• Climbers: a much-loved pine tree blew down in the Easter storm of 2026. The park team have left the trunk in place, and children are still welcome to climb on it.
• Nature lovers: the Rockery and Pond area is a quiet corner where you might spot frogs, birds and insects. The Upper Meadow has grasses and wildflowers.
• Little collectors: a tiny wooden hut built in 2026 is a swap spot for zines and small treasures. Visitors have left pine cones, leaves and rocks.
• Water safety: the pond is a wildlife pond. Keep toddlers close in this corner of the park.
• History to share: Seebohm Rowntree, son of Joseph Rowntree, opened the park in 1904. The park describes itself as York’s first free public park.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Check the time. The park opens at 8.30am and closes at 7.30pm, every day of the year.
• Visiting on a winter weekday in term time that is not a bank holiday? Bring food and drinks, as The Hive is not listed as open then.
• Pack a picnic. The main lawn and the playground both have picnic benches.
• Leave the barbecue at home. Fires and barbecues are not allowed.
• Bringing the dog? Dogs must stay on a lead at all times, and only assistance dogs may go into the play area.
• Bringing bikes? Cycling is allowed, except on the path around the pond. Ride slowly, as walkers have priority.
• Bringing a small tent or shelter? It is allowed for your group’s own use. Count the pegs in and out, as lost pegs can damage mowers.

Prices and tickets

Homestead Park is free to enter, and the park says it has been free to enter since 1904.

• Parking: the park says free car parking and free cycle parking are available.
• Café: The Hive sells food and drinks. We did not find its prices on the official pages we checked.
• Family sessions: some activities run by other groups in the Pavilion charge a fee. For example, Creative Seeds home education sessions cost £5 per child, and free places are available on request.
• Parties: a private picnic or birthday party does not need permission. The park asks for a heads up if your group is very large.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Level entrances: both entrances have level access, with smooth paved paths leading into and around much of the park.
• Rougher ground: the Upper Meadow, the woods and the lower part of the playground have natural, uneven surfaces. Playground paths can be hard going when wet and muddy.
• Toilets: the public toilets are in the centre of the park, near The Hive and the Pavilion.
• Baby changing: the accessible toilet, to the left of the larger toilet block, has a baby change table.
• Breastfeeding: there is no dedicated feeding room, but the park says breastfeeding is welcome anywhere you feel comfortable.

Food and drink

The Hive is an outdoor café beside the Pavilion, near the public toilets. It serves drinks, ice creams, cakes and light meals to take away or eat at its outdoor seating.

Winter opening is Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm, plus bank holidays and school holidays from 11am to 4pm. The park’s home page says The Hive opens every day in York school holidays, including half terms. Check The Hive’s Instagram page for updates before you travel.

Picnics are a big part of a visit here. The council calls the park a popular place for picnics, and there are picnic tables, benches and shady trees on the main lawn.

Getting there and parking

• Address: The Homestead, 40 Water End, Clifton, York YO30 6WP. The park is about 1.5 miles west of the city centre.
• Two entrances: Water End is for walkers and cyclists only. The Shipton Road entrance (YO30 5RE) is for walkers, cyclists and cars.
• By car: there is a small free car park at the Shipton Road entrance. The council’s nearest car park is Bootham Row, about a 20 minute walk away.
• On-street parking: the council says you can use nearby streets, but please be considerate to residents.
• By bus: the number 2 Park and Ride from Rawcliffe Bar stops at Clifton Green, a couple of minutes’ walk from the Water End entrance. Buses 30 and 80 stop at Ouse Lea, opposite the Shipton Road entrance, or on Water End.
• By bike: there are bike racks by both entrances.

When to visit

• Open every day, all year, from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
• For a café stop in winter, come at a weekend, a bank holiday or in the school holidays.
• Spring and autumn: the council says the avenues and ornamental trees give colour in both seasons.
• Meadow works: in autumn 2026 the gardeners began turning strips of the main lawn into a wildflower meadow. Expect some bare, muddy patches either side of Cherry Avenue. The park says large areas of mown lawn will stay for games and picnics.
• Events: the park’s events page lists free and paid sessions. Creative Seeds, for home educating families, runs on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Additional needs and disability support

The park’s own access information lists these features.

Frequently asked questions

Is Homestead Park free?

Yes. Entry is free, and the park says car parking and cycle parking are free too. The Hive café and some organised sessions charge.

What age is Homestead Park suitable for?

The council lists an under 12s play area, and the park has a separate under 7s area. For babies, there is a baby change table in the accessible toilet.

Is there a café at Homestead Park?

Yes. The Hive is an outdoor café near the toilets. In winter it opens 11am to 4pm at weekends and on bank holidays, and every day in York school holidays.

Can you park at Homestead Park?

Yes. There is a small free car park at the Shipton Road entrance, postcode YO30 5RE. Cars cannot use the Water End entrance.

Are dogs allowed in Homestead Park?

Yes, on a lead at all times. Only assistance dogs may enter the play area. Water bowls are left near the toilets and café.

Is Homestead Park good for wheelchair users?

Mostly. All areas can be reached step-free, and there is an accessible swing and roundabout. Some areas have rough natural ground, and the playground can be muddy.

Checked on 11 November 2026 against the official Homestead Park website, including its plan your visit, history and events pages, and the City of York Council Homestead Park record. The park is run by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.