Plan your visit
Opening hours
Every day
8.30am - 7.30pm
Contact us
Homestead.Park@jrf.org.uk
01904 615900
The Homestead,
40 Water End,
York YO30 6WP
Getting here
Homestead Park is located 1.5 miles west of York city centre at 40 Water End, Clifton, York YO30 6WP.
There are two entrances: a pedestrian and cycle only entrance from Water End, and another on Shipton Road for pedestrians, bicycles and cars.
These are both level access, with smooth paved surfaces leading into and around much of the park.
There are bike racks by both entrances. Please either dismount or ride slowly and considerately in the park; please remember that pedestrians have right of way.
The park can be accessed by a few different bus routes:
The number 2 Park and Ride from Rawcliffe bar stops at Clifton Green, a couple of minutes walk from the park’s Water End entrance..
The number 30 and 80 stop at Ouse Lea, opposite to the park’s Shipton Road entrance, or at Water End which is opposite the pedestrian access gate.
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The park is accessible by wheelchair via both entrances (Water End and Shipton Road) and all areas of the park can be accessed step-free. Smooth and level paths link up most of the central areas, and there are no level changes to access The Hive Cafe and Pavilion building. The Upper Meadow, Woods and lower section of the Playground have rougher, natural surfaces.
The Playground features a wheelchair accessible swing (please get in touch to arrange the use of hoists) and roundabout. Please note that improvements to paths in the Playground are planned, but until these take place, access to these pieces of equipment can be difficult if conditions are wet and muddy.
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We have one accessible toilet (located to the left of the larger toilet block). This includes a baby-change table.
The Pavilion building includes two accessible toilets, for use by community groups hiring this space.
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Although we have no dedicated feeding space onsite, breastfeeding is very welcome in the park – wherever and however you feel comfortable.
It’s our ambition to become a radically accessible public green space, which truly welcomes everyone. However, we know we have some work to do to make this a reality. Please get in touch with our team if there is anything we can do to help make your time in the park safe, comfortable and fun.
Accessibility
What to see and do
A space to rest and play. The Main Lawn offers plenty of room for picnics and includes benches, picnic tables and several mature trees offering excellent shade to sit under. Music, sport and community events often take place here. Ball games are encouraged.
Main Lawn
Playground and Outdoor Gym
Our large and well-equipped Playground includes an under 7s area and accessible swings (please get in touch to arrange the use of hoists). Adults can get active using the Outdoor Gym and table-tennis tables. Surrounded by trees, the Playground has plenty of picnic benches and lawn, providing a lovely place to set up for a day of play.
The Rockery and Pond area was developed 1911-13 by the York Quaker firm of Backhouse & Son Ltd. This peaceful corner of the park features a beautifully landscaped rockery and a wildlife-friendly pond, offering a quiet retreat and a chance to spot frogs, birds, and insects.
Rockery and Pond
A wilder, more natural space filled with grasses and wildflowers, the Upper Meadow is ideal for strolls, nature watching, and moments of calm away from the busier parts of the park.
Upper Meadow
The wooded area offers winding paths under mature trees – a perfect place for imaginative play, hide-and-seek, den-building, bird-spotting, or a cool and quiet haven on warmer days.
Woods
Drift Garden
Designed with pollinators in mind, the Drift Garden is full of colour and movement, with gently flowing plantings that change beautifully with the seasons.
Serving a delicious range of drinks, ice creams, cakes, and light meals, available to take away or enjoy at the cafe’s outdoor seating. The Hive can be found outside the Pavilion (near the public toilets).
Winter hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 4pm
Summer hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm.
Check The Hive on Instagram for more details and regular updates.
The Hive Cafe
The Pavilion
Built around 1904 to a design by Fred Rowntree (cousin of Seebohm), the Pavilion was intended from the start to be made available as a meeting and tearoom for communities. After falling out of public use, the Pavilion is being returned to the community. We are trialling the use of the Pavilion Community Room by various community groups – to enquire about using the space, please fill in the enquiry form. Visit our events page to see what is currently going on in the Pavilion.
The Pavilion is also home to Abundance Press – a community riso press – run by York Zine Fest.
FAQs
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Yes. Cycling is permitted through the park (except the path around the Pond). Please note pedestrians have priority at all times, so please ride slowly and with consideration for others whose park this is too.
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Dogs are very welcome in the park. For everyone’s health and safety, we do require that dogs be kept on a lead at all times. No dogs are allowed in the children’s play area except for assistance dogs.
Please dispose of dog waste in the general waste bins dotted around the park.
Dog water bowls are provided near the toilets and café area. Please plan your visit and do not leave dogs in hot cars.
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No. Fires and barbecues are not permitted in the park. They damage the ground and can too easily spread when the vegetation is dry.
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You are welcome to put up a small tent or shelter for your party’s sole use (and at your own risk). Please take care to erect it safely and ensure that you are confident that you can do so competently.
It is important that no tent pegs are left in the ground, as these can cause significant damage if caught by a lawnmower. Please count pegs as they go in, and ensure they are all collected when you leave.
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Yes. We can help you choose a suitable way to commemorate and remember loved ones in the spaces they loved. These have commonly taken the form of trees, nesting boxes and benches; however, we are very open to what form this may take.
If you would like to spread or intern your loved one’s ashes in the park, please speak to us before doing so.
For any questions about memorials, get in touch via email Homestead.Park@jrf.org.uk
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Yes. It is located next to the other toilets in the centre of the park.