Pinewoods, Harrogate

Is it right for my child?

• Woodland walkers: North Yorkshire Council describes informal recreational areas and sites of conservation interest. The council and local volunteer groups manage the wood together.
• Tree spotters: the council lists 14 species, including Scots pine, birch, holly, English oak, rowan, beech, yew and European larch.
• A bit of history: the first Scots pines were planted here in 1796, and the wood takes its name from them. Pines are still in evidence, though the council says it is unlikely any originals still exist.
• Orienteering: a medium-length permanent orienteering course runs through the wood, supported by Claro orienteering club.
• Younger children: the council says many paths are relatively flat. Its Pinewoods page does not mention any play equipment. The children’s playground is in Valley Gardens next door.
• Nature notes: information boards highlight flora and fauna, events, paths and points of interest.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Pack wellies or boots in winter. The council says the wood is typically wet at its lowest points at that time of year.
• Look at the plan of the site that the council links from its Pinewoods page before you go.
• Plan toilet stops around Valley Gardens. Its Cornwall Road toilets open 8am to 6pm from 1 November to 31 March.
• Bring snacks and drinks. The council’s Pinewoods page does not mention a café or kiosk.
• Want to try orienteering? The council’s page does not say where to get a map for the Pinewoods course, so ask Claro orienteering club or the council first.
• Driving? Park off Crag Lane, near the wood’s south-western corner.
• Finish at the information board by the war memorial, where Pinewoods meets Valley Gardens.

Prices and tickets

The council’s Pinewoods page lists no entry charge and no tickets. It describes the wood as a site with informal recreational areas, managed by the council and local volunteer groups.

The page does not mention any charge for the orienteering course or for the Crag Lane parking area. Valley Gardens next door has paid games. The council lists 18 holes of crazy golf at £3.80 for adults and £2.90 for a child or concession. Nine holes of disc golf cost the same.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Paths: the council says tarmac footpaths lead to the wood from the town centre. Many paths through it are relatively flat.
• Slopes and mud: the site falls about 20m from north-east to south-west. Its lowest points are typically wet in winter.
• Pushchairs: the council does not comment on pushchair access directly.
• Toilets: the Pinewoods page does not mention toilets. The council lists public toilets in Valley Gardens next door, on Cornwall Road, HG1 2PQ.
• Toilet hours: 8am to 6pm from 1 November to 31 March, and 8am to 8pm from 1 April to 31 October. The council lists disabled facilities there.
• Baby changing: neither the Pinewoods page nor the toilet listing mentions baby changing, so bring a changing mat.

Food and drink

The council’s Pinewoods page does not mention a café, kiosk or picnic tables. Packing your own snacks is the safe plan.

Valley Gardens next door has two council-listed options. The games pavilion sells light refreshments. The council lists its opening times as Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, school holidays and bank holidays, from 10am to 5pm. It may close at short notice in bad weather or when short-staffed.

The Magnesia Well café in Valley Gardens also sells light refreshments, but its opening times vary. The council suggests calling 01423 525149 to check.

Getting there and parking

• Address: the council gives Nursery Lane, Harrogate HG2 0AZ.
• Where it is: about 1km south-west of Harrogate. The council’s community asset listing describes 96 acres from Crag Lane to Harlow Moor Road to Valley Gardens.
• On foot: tarmac footpaths lead to the wood from the town centre. The council says most local residents arrive on foot.
• From Valley Gardens: the two sites meet by the war memorial, where there is an information board.
• Parking: car parking is available off Crag Lane, close to the wood at its most south-westerly point. The council page does not give charges, spaces or opening times for it.
• Buses: the council mentions road links using public transport from Knaresborough, but it does not name routes or stops.

When to visit

• Opening: the council’s page gives no opening hours and no seasonal closure for the woodland. It does not mention any Christmas changes.
• Winter: the council says the wood is characteristically wet at its lowest points in winter. Waterproof footwear is a sensible choice in the winter months.
• Short winter days: the Valley Gardens toilets close at 6pm until 31 March 2027, so plan the end of your walk around that.
• Weekends and holidays: the Valley Gardens games pavilion opens on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, school holidays and bank holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
• Asset of Community Value listing: the council has listed Pinewoods as an Asset of Community Value from 4 March 2025 to 3 March 2030. The Pinewoods Conservation Group nominated it.

Additional needs and disability support

The council lists only a few access features for Pinewoods, set out below.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pinewoods in Harrogate free?

The council’s Pinewoods page lists no entry charge and no tickets. It does not mention a charge for the orienteering course or the Crag Lane parking area.

Are there toilets at Pinewoods?

The council’s Pinewoods page does not mention any. The Valley Gardens toilets on Cornwall Road open from 8am to 6pm between 1 November and 31 March, with disabled facilities.

Is Pinewoods muddy?

It can be. The council says the wood is characteristically wet at its lowest points during winter. Boots or wellies are a sensible choice.

Where do you park for Pinewoods?

The council says car parking is available off Crag Lane, close to the wood at its most south-westerly point. Its page does not list charges for this parking.

Is there orienteering at Pinewoods?

Yes. Supported by Claro orienteering club, the council provides a medium-length permanent course through the wood. The council’s page does not say where to get the map.

Can you walk from Valley Gardens to RHS Harlow Carr through Pinewoods?

Yes. The council says one of the most popular walks links Valley Gardens with RHS Harlow Carr gardens on Crag Lane. Locals call it the mile walk or memorial walk.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official North Yorkshire Council pages for Pinewoods, its Asset of Community Value listing, Valley Gardens, the Valley Gardens toilets and games in parks. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.