Hello everyone! We hope that you’re having a fantastic Mental Health Awareness Week, and have been able to find some time for yourself to be in nature to unwind and de-stress.
In the spirit of this years’ Mental Health Awareness Week, here is a list of some fantastic spots to go to get outdoors, have some fun, de-stress, spend time with loved ones, or #ConnectWithNature – all are either free of charge to visit, or as low-cost as possible.
Rowntree Park
Free entry to all.
This park is right on our doorsteps, a short walk from the city centre, and it’s completely free to visit. It’s a beautiful green space right on the river, with outdoor play areas that are perfect for a Saturday with the kids. Why not take a picnic and go spot some of the super cute ducklings that are currently learning to swim up and down the river.
Adults – £8.00 pp
Children aged 3-15 – £3.50 pp
Breezy Knees describes itself as ‘The flower garden of Yorkshire’ and once you visit, you’ll see that’s an understatement! Over twenty acres of incredible, award winning gardens packed with over 7000 varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees. This time of year, Breezy Knees is an absolute must-visit in York.
York Museum Gardens
Free entry to all.
A registered botanical gardens right in the centre of York, that’s well worth a visit all year round. Take a seat on a bench with a view of York’s fascinating history. The Gardens is in the perfect location for a solo stroll, situated by so many independent coffee shops – get yourself a large latte and sit in the gardens and listen to the birds.
Free entry to all.
York’s best kept secret, in Spring and Summer, this Edwardian garden is a rainbow of colour. Visit in May and June to see the beautiful bluebells, and enjoy the walk around the path to spot as many woodland creatures as you can.
Homestead Park
Free entry to all.
The kids will love the incredible play area at Homestead, with areas suitable for little ones and older ones. The huge open green space will be perfect for you to chill in while you watch them enjoy themselves on the swings! There’s a pop-up café for you to get yourself a drink, and a picnic area so you can make a day of it. And don’t forget their famous tree-trail, so you can explore all the wonderful wildlife.
York City Walls
Free entry to all.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget what we have right on our doorsteps. The city walls is a great quick way to get outdoors and see the city in a whole new light, free of charge.
Free entry to all, but parking prices go up to £9.00 per vehicle.
A fantastic forest adventure, Dalby Forest boasts that there are so many corners of the forest to explore that you’ll never have the same trip twice! The forest is the home to an abundance of wildlife, and an incredibly varied landscape. Perfect for a walk, a run, a bike ride, and the whole family.
Free entry to all, charitable donation optional but not compulsory.
A twenty-four acre green space right in the centre of York, this was once a landfill site that has since been transformed into a thriving nature reserve that does some amazing work in the community. The only evidence of the old rubbish tip now is the pear and apple trees that grew from discarded pips! The centre also offers pond dipping sessions, seasonable walks, and eco-therapy.
Adult aged 13 and over – £3.16
Children aged 12 and below – free entry
Don’t miss this, the fair and food festival is coming to York over the Spring bank holiday and half-term week (28th May – 6th June), and promises to showcase some of the best of Yorkshire. A vintage outdoor funfair hosted at the York Racecourse will be a memorable day out for the whole family.
We can’t wait to hear what you get up to, make sure to share on social media with the hashtag #ConnectWithNature so that we can get inspired!
Speak to you soon!
