West Bank Park
🏟 Playground & park · Holgate, York
West Bank Park
A Green Flag urban park in Holgate with two play areas for different ages, a basketball court, bowling greens and formal rose gardens.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open daily every day of the year and not locked at night · Free · No booking needed
About West Bank Park
West Bank Park is a 20-acre urban green space in the heart of Holgate, occupying the former site of the 19th-century Backhouse Nurseries. It has held a Green Flag Award every year since 2006, a mark of being among the best parks in the country. The park is a genuine surprise given its city-edge setting, blending formal rose terraces and a pergola walk with a wildflower meadow picnic area and open lawns. For families there are two play areas: a larger playground near the Hamilton Drive entrance aimed at younger children, and a smaller area for older children near the Acomb Road entrance, alongside a basketball court. Two bowling greens add to the recreational offer. Toilets are available on site, and there is a car park off James Backhouse Place as well as on-street parking in surrounding streets. Access is easy across most of the park, with the exception of the stepped rose garden and the woodland path. Barbecues are not permitted. The park is open every day of the year and is not locked at night, with free entry throughout, making it a welcoming spot for local families and visitors alike.
⭐ What makes this place special
- basketball court
- bowling greens
- rose terraces and pergola walk
- meadow picnic area
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: Car park off James Backhouse Place; on-street parking nearby
- Toilets on site
- Accessibility: Easy access other than to the stepped rose garden and woodland path; AccessAble guide available
🧒 Ages & play
- swings
- slides
- climbing equipment
- basketball court
📍 Nearby places to play
- Acomb Green · approx 0.7 miles · Acomb
- Scarcroft Green · approx 0.8 miles · Micklegate
- Woodthorpe Green Play Area · approx 1.3 miles · Woodthorpe
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is West Bank Park free?
Yes. West Bank Park is free to enter, open every day of the year and not locked at night.
What play equipment is at West Bank Park?
There are two play areas - a larger playground for younger children with swings, slides and climbing equipment near Hamilton Drive, and a smaller area for older children plus a basketball court near the Acomb Road entrance.
Are there toilets or a cafe at West Bank Park?
There are toilets on site. No cafe is listed on the council page for the park.
Where is West Bank Park?
It is on Acomb Road in Holgate, York, postcode YO24 4NS, a short distance from the city centre.
Is there parking at West Bank Park?
Yes. There is a car park off James Backhouse Place, and on-street parking is available in surrounding streets.