Yorkshire's best free parks for a family day out

A big park with a playground, a lake and room to run is one of the best free days out there is. These ten Yorkshire parks are free to enter — some have paid extras like boats, cafés or historic houses, which we've noted where we can.

1. Roundhay Park, Leeds

One of the biggest city parks in Europe, with lakes, woodland, gardens and the Canal Gardens. (Tropical World next door charges.)

2. Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds

Huge parkland and woodland around a grand historic house. The grounds are free to walk; the house and farm may charge.

3. Lister Park, Bradford

An award-winning park with a Mughal-style water garden, a boating lake and Cartwright Hall art gallery (also free).

4. Weston Park, Sheffield

A lovely park with a lake and playground, right next to the free Weston Park Museum.

5. Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Beautiful landscaped gardens with historic glass pavilions — free to wander.

6. Valley Gardens, Harrogate

Harrogate's famous gardens, with colourful flower beds, woodland walks and plenty of space for children.

7. Peasholm Park, Scarborough

A Japanese-style park with a lake and island pagoda, famous for its summer "naval battle" shows on the water.

8. East Park, Hull

Hull's biggest park, with a boating lake, play areas, an animal education centre and a summer splash park.

9. Cannon Hall Country Park, near Barnsley

Rolling parkland and lakes around Cannon Hall. The farm and parking may charge.

10. Shibden Park, Halifax

Parkland and woodland around Shibden Hall, home of Anne Lister. The park is free; the hall and some attractions charge.

Find every free park in Yorkshire on our map.

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Everything here was free to visit when we wrote this, but opening times, parking charges and access can change — please check before you travel. Spotted something that's changed? Use "Suggest an edit" on the place's page.

Cover photo: Roundhay Park by Chemical Engineer · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons.