Ilkley Riverside Gardens
A vibrant park along the River Wharfe, featuring a large playground, open green spaces, and scenic riverside walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Ilkley Riverside Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant park along the River Wharfe, featuring a large playground, open green spaces, and scenic riverside walks.
"A brilliant, easy-going day out with plenty to do, gorgeous surroundings, and everything you need nearby."
Bring your own bats & balls
For the public table tennis table, bring your own equipment or check with the hotel reception. :tabletennispaddle:
Card for toilets
Toilets cost 40p and are card/contactless payment only. Have your phone or card ready. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Playground
Central area
A large, well-equipped playground with zip wires, assault courses, and climbing frames to entertain kids of all ages.
Riverside Strolls
Along the River Wharfe
Enjoy picturesque walks along the River Wharfe, with pebble beaches and scenic views across the water.
Open Green Spaces
Throughout the gardens
Ample space for picnics, football games, or simply relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty.
Table Tennis Fun
Behind the hotel
A public table tennis table offers a fun, active diversion for visitors who bring their own equipment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Convenient Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own bats & balls
For the public table tennis table, bring your own equipment or check with the hotel reception. :tabletennispaddle:
Card for toilets
Toilets cost 40p and are card/contactless payment only. Have your phone or card ready. :moneywithwings:
Picnic paradise
Plenty of space for picnics, with nearby fish and chips for a convenient meal. :sandwich:
Explore the river
Enjoy tranquil walks along the River Wharfe and discover pebble beaches. :river:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own bats & balls
For the public table tennis table, bring your own equipment or check with the hotel reception. :tabletennispaddle:
Card for toilets
Toilets cost 40p and are card/contactless payment only. Have your phone or card ready. :moneywithwings:
Picnic paradise
Plenty of space for picnics, with nearby fish and chips for a convenient meal. :sandwich:
Explore the river
Enjoy tranquil walks along the River Wharfe and discover pebble beaches. :river:
Kid-friendly adventure
The large playground is a hit with kids, offering zip wires and assault courses. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ilkley Riverside Gardens for its excellent family-friendly facilities, particularly the large and engaging playground. The beautiful riverside setting and ample green spaces are highlighted as perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. While generally well-loved, some note the small fee for toilets and the potential for crowds during peak times.
"Spent a great afternoon at Ilkley River Gardens & Playground with two 10-year-old boys and a 5-year-old girl — perfect spot for a mix of outdoor energy and relaxed fun. The large playground kept the younger one busy, while the older two enjoyed a game of football in the open green spaces. There’s a great mix of play equipment including zip wires, assault courses, climbing frames and more — plenty to keep kids entertained for hours.
The park sits in a beautiful riverside setting with loads of space to roam, explore, or simply enjoy the scenery. Ideal for families looking to burn off some energy or enjoy a slower pace in nature.
Refreshments: The nearest food option is Riverside Fish & Chips, which also serves pizza — quick, tasty and really convenient.
Toilets: Clean and well-maintained. Just a heads-up — they’re 40p and card/contactless only, so have your phone or card ready.
Top tip: There's a public table tennis table tucked away behind the hotel. Bring your own bats and ball, or ask at the hotel reception — they sometimes lend them out for a small deposit.
All in all, a brilliant, easy-going day out. Plenty to do, gorgeous surroundings, and everything you need nearby. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area."
Yorkshire Walks & Wellies
"We thoroughly enjoyed our day there. We had a nice walk along the river. We sat and had ice-cream. There was busy places for kids and tranquil places if you wanted peace and quiet. We will definitely be visiting again."
Rosalyn Newman
"A lovely park for all the family regardless of age. Lots of seating. Great play area. Walk by the water, sit in the green areas or take the dog for a run. There's plenty of space to kick a ball around too."
Teresa Hall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ilkley Riverside Gardens is a short stroll from Ilkley's town centre. If driving, there are car parks nearby, including the Riverside Gardens car park. Public transport options to Ilkley are also available, with buses and trains serving the town.
Yes, there is a dedicated Riverside Gardens car park. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The gardens are conveniently located just a short walk from Ilkley's centre, making it easily accessible for a leisurely stroll.
Ilkley is well-served by public transport, including regular bus services and a train station, making it accessible for day-trippers from surrounding areas like Leeds and Bradford.
The gardens are easily accessible from the town centre, with clear pathways leading down to the riverside. The playground and main areas are well-signposted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ilkley Riverside Gardens is a public park and entry is free. You can enjoy the grounds, playground, and riverside walks without any admission fee.
As a public park, Ilkley Riverside Gardens is generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like the toilets may have limited hours.
The playground within Ilkley Riverside Gardens is free to use for all visitors.
While entry to the gardens and playground is free, the public toilets require a small fee of 40p, payable by card or contactless.
There's no need to book picnic spots; the gardens offer ample open green spaces for visitors to find their own perfect picnic location.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include enjoying the large playground, walking along the River Wharfe, playing football on the open fields, having picnics, and playing table tennis.
Yes, the playground is designed for a range of ages, with equipment like zip wires and climbing frames that appeal to both younger and older children.
Dogs are welcome in Ilkley Riverside Gardens, and there's plenty of space for them to run around, especially in the open green areas.
The riverside setting, the suspension bridge, and the general greenery offer lovely photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
The gardens offer a mix of lively family fun around the playground and tranquil spots for relaxation by the river, making it suitable for various preferences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Riverside Fish & Chips is conveniently located nearby and also serves pizza, offering a quick and tasty option.
Absolutely! The gardens have plenty of open green spaces perfect for picnics.
While there are no cafes directly within the gardens, Riverside Fish & Chips is adjacent, and Ilkley town centre offers various dining options.
You can find classic fish and chips, as well as pizza, at the nearby Riverside Fish & Chips. Ilkley town centre offers a wider range of cafes and restaurants.
Bringing your own picnic is a great option to enjoy the scenic surroundings and save money, especially with the ample picnic space available.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside itself, the suspension bridge, and the open green spaces offer picturesque views. The gardens are particularly beautiful during spring with cherry blossoms.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the scenery. Early mornings can also be peaceful and offer soft light.
The 'Pooh stick' game played on the bridge can make for charming and whimsical photos, especially with a bit of animation.
Yes, you can take photos of the playground, but always be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Capturing the joy of children playing can make for great shots.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most shots. For wider landscape views, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the gentle riverside walks offer a calmer activity for younger children or a break from high-energy play. The convenience of nearby fish and chips is a major plus for easy family meals. Remember to bring change or a card for the 40p toilets.
🚶♀️ Nature Lovers & Walkers
The gardens are also a great starting point for exploring the wider Ilkley area, which is known for its natural beauty and walking opportunities, including nearby hills and the famous White Wells.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog under control, especially near the playground and other visitors, and always clean up after them to help keep the gardens beautiful for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at the Gardens
Beyond the playground, the riverside setting adds another layer of enjoyment. Families can take leisurely walks along the River Wharfe, explore the pebble beaches, and enjoy the picturesque views. The convenience of nearby Riverside Fish & Chips makes it easy to grab a quick and tasty meal, perfect for refueling after a day of play.
Practical tips for families include bringing a card or change for the 40p toilet facilities and considering bringing your own table tennis bats and balls for the public table. The overall atmosphere is one of relaxed enjoyment, making it an ideal spot for a stress-free family day out.
Exploring the Riverside
These riverside paths are ideal for a leisurely stroll, whether you're looking for a peaceful walk with a dog or a scenic route to enjoy the fresh air. The views across the river are consistently praised, making it a popular spot for those seeking a connection with nature.
For those interested in a bit of playful activity, the 'Pooh stick' game on the bridge is a charming tradition that adds a touch of whimsy to a riverside visit. It’s a simple yet delightful way to engage with the environment and create fun memories.
Community and Activities
Beyond organized events, the gardens foster informal community interaction. The public table tennis table is a great example, encouraging spontaneous games and social engagement among visitors. It’s a simple amenity that adds a layer of active fun to the park experience.
Social media often showcases the vibrant community spirit, from sound baths held at the nearby Ilkley Lido
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit