Thornes Park
A sprawling 148-acre green oasis in Wakefield, featuring a skate park, athletics stadium, lake, and hidden gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Thornes Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 148-acre green oasis in Wakefield, featuring a skate park, athletics stadium, lake, and hidden gardens.
"A great park with plenty of space for walking, a tennis court, a playground, and a skate park."
Skate Park Hotspot
Thornes Park has a great skate park, popular with scooter riders too! :skate:
Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy the spacious grounds. Cafe and ice cream stands available. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thornes Park Skate Park
Near the playground
A popular spot for skaters and scooter riders, featuring ramps and rails for all skill levels.
+5
The Secret Garden
Within the park
A tranquil, hidden oasis offering a peaceful escape with beautiful flora and a sense of discovery.
Duck Pond & Wildlife
Central area
Home to ducks, geese, and even resident kingfishers, it's a delightful spot for wildlife spotting and feeding.
Athletics Stadium
Eastern side
Recently upgraded, this stadium is perfect for runners and athletes looking for a dedicated track.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Perks & Practicalities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skate Park Hotspot
Thornes Park has a great skate park, popular with scooter riders too! :skate:
Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy the spacious grounds. Cafe and ice cream stands available. :sandwich:
Wildlife Wonders
Spot ducks, geese, and even kingfishers at the pond. Bring birdseed! :duck:
Hidden Gems
Explore the Secret Garden and old gravestones for a touch of history and tranquility. :map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Skate Park Hotspot
Thornes Park has a great skate park, popular with scooter riders too! :skate:
Picnic Perfect
Bring a picnic to enjoy the spacious grounds. Cafe and ice cream stands available. :sandwich:
Wildlife Wonders
Spot ducks, geese, and even kingfishers at the pond. Bring birdseed! :duck:
Hidden Gems
Explore the Secret Garden and old gravestones for a touch of history and tranquility. :map:
Dog-Friendly Fun
A great place for dogs to roam and play, with plenty of space for them to enjoy. :dog:
Restroom Strategy
Restrooms near the pond can be tricky. The sports center by the playground is more reliable. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thornes Park is a well-loved community space offering a wide array of activities and natural beauty. Visitors appreciate its free entry, ample parking, and diverse facilities like the playground, skate park, and tranquil Secret Garden. While some mention occasional litter issues in the past, recent reviews indicate it's well-maintained and thriving with wildlife.
"A great park with x2 free car parks, a big playground and skate park. Great circuit of the park for kids on their bikes including the old golf course for riding over bumps. Lots of unexpected places to find like the pet cemetery, hidden garden and a good rope swing opposite the bandstand. You can easily spend a few hours here."
Nick Lawrence
"There is plenty of space for walking, a tennis court, a playground, a rose garden, birds, a sports field, and a skate park. There is a problem with access to toilets if you park near the pond. The sports center near the playground has restrooms. The park offers a lot of space for a family picnic.
My favorite place is the Secret Garden. There are two ice cream stands within the park. It's a great place to relax with family."
Monia12879
"One of three adjoing parks in Wakefield giving great walking running cycling opportunities etc. Very well maintained and some fabulous colours in the flowers. Duck pond too with a good number of chick's out. Tennis courts on site and some outdoor gym pieces if that's your thing."
Iain Wooding
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thornes Park is easily accessible by car, with free parking available. It's also a short walk from The Hive coworking space, making it a convenient spot for a break.
Yes, Thornes Park offers two free car parks, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Thornes Park is part of a network of adjoining parks in Wakefield offering great cycling opportunities.
Yes, the park provides excellent walking and running routes, including a 2-mile trail and the athletics stadium for dedicated training.
Thornes Park is located in Wakefield and is easily accessible. It's a popular local spot for residents and visitors alike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Thornes Park is a public park and offers free entry to all visitors.
As a public park, Thornes Park is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific facility hours may vary.
For general park access, no tickets are required. However, special events like 'Eid in the Park' or fun runs may have their own ticketing or registration procedures.
Thornes Park is very dog-friendly, with many visitors bringing their pets. Please ensure dogs are kept under control and clean up after them.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with Wakefield Council for specific regulations regarding drone operation in public parks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a wide range of activities including walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, scootering, picnicking, wildlife spotting, and exploring the playground and skate park. +5
Yes, Thornes Park features a large playground, making it a great destination for families with children.
The park is home to various wildlife, including ducks, geese, squirrels, birds, and even kingfishers in the pond.
Restroom access can be inconsistent near the pond. The sports center adjacent to the playground is a more reliable option for facilities.
The Secret Garden is a tranquil, hidden area within Thornes Park, offering a peaceful retreat and a sense of discovery for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a couple of ice cream stands within the park and a cafe near the duck pond.
Absolutely! Thornes Park is ideal for picnics, with plenty of open space and scenic spots to lay down a blanket.
The cafe near the duck pond offers refreshments. For specific menu details, it's best to check directly with the cafe.
Yes, there are dining options available in the vicinity of Thornes Park, especially in Wakefield city center.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics and personal consumption within the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Secret Garden, the duck pond with its wildlife, the athletics stadium, and the skate park offer diverse photographic opportunities. The park's natural beauty and seasonal changes also provide great shots.
Yes, the duck pond is a prime location for wildlife photography, with opportunities to capture ducks, geese, and even kingfishers.
Definitely! The skate park is a dynamic location for action photography, capturing skaters and scooter riders in motion.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or filming, it's advisable to seek permission from Wakefield Council.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
+1 You can join outdoor fitness groups that utilize the park's open spaces and outdoor gym equipment. +5🐶 Dog Owners
+2 Many visitors bring their dogs for walks and to enjoy the park's atmosphere. Remember to keep your dogs under control and always clean up after them to ensure the park remains enjoyable for everyone. The variety of terrain and open areas make it a great spot for dogs to explore.📸 Nature & Photography Lovers
+1 Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for stunning images.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Skate Park Culture at Thornes
+5 The park features ramps, rails, and other obstacles suitable for various skill levels, from beginners practicing flat tricks to more experienced riders performing complex maneuvers. It's a place where riders push their limits and share their passion, often capturing their sessions on video. The atmosphere is energetic, especially during warmer months when the park is buzzing with activity. Community insights suggest that while the park is well-loved, it can get busy, particularly on weekends. Redditors have confirmed its existence as a decent spot for practicing new skills.
Exploring Thornes Park's Natural Beauty
Instagram reels highlight the park's suitability for leisurely walks and appreciating the local environment.
+1 The presence of squirrels and bees further enhances the park's biodiversity. Even in winter, the park can offer picturesque views, with snow adding a magical touch to the landscape. The park's commitment to maintaining these natural spaces ensures it remains a beautiful and engaging destination for all who visit, offering a refreshing connection with nature right within the city.Active Pursuits at Thornes Park
+1 Instagram content showcases track interval sessions, highlighting the stadium's utility for serious training. Beyond the track, the park provides ample space for general fitness activities, with outdoor gym equipment available for public use. For younger or more adventurous visitors, the skate park is a major draw, attracting skateboarders and scooter riders.
+5 The park's circuit is also ideal for cycling, with a dedicated trail and even an old golf course offering varied terrain for riding over bumps. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit