Deciding between a family walk around York city centre or a woodland walk nearby? It’s a dilemma! We’re lucky to have lots of great options for places to walk with kids. York itself is a very walkable city – all of the main attractions, from York Minster at one end to the JORVIK Viking Centre at the other – are a short stroll apart, which is the perfect excuse to ditch the car (not to mention the extortionate parking charges and difficulty in finding a car park). There are several excellent bus services, the rail connections are excellent and it’s a bike-friendly city too. A walk around York is a brilliant thing to do with kids, and the iconic 3km walk around York’s city walls is a unique experience that’s completely free of charge.
For the ultimate recharging experience, though, a walk in the woods can’t be beaten: fresh air, oodles of space, interesting things to discover, wildlife to spot and more sticks than you can, well, shake a stick at, it’s a paradise for kids in particular. There are lots of excellent woodland walks near York, some within a short drive and others slightly further afield.
We’ve handpicked nine of our favourite woodland walks in and near York, from small nature reserves that are perfect for little legs to forests with enough space to tire out bigger kids. Several are free to visit, and some have a café for that all-important treat afterwards. Pack your snacks, pull on your wellies and see where the path takes you.
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The nine best woodland walks near York
Knavesmire Wood
Knavesmire Wood is a magical place to escape to that children love, and it’s one of the closest woods to York city centre. It’s not big but it’s beautiful, with towering trees, greenery galore and lots to explore. Look hard enough and you’ll find dens, rope swings and plenty of trees to climb. Right on the edge of York Racecourse, we often combine a visit with a bike ride around the racecourse. Knavesmire Wood is a Woodland Trust place that’s free to enter. If you’re lucky, you might spot a woodpecker too. No parking, no loos, no cafe!
Address – Knavesmire Wood, Dringhouses, York YO24 1JX
More info – Visit the Woodland Trust website here
Moorlands Nature Reserve
Moorlands Nature Reserve might not be as well known as other green spaces in York, but it has a large and loyal fan base among Yorkshire families. Those lucky enough to live in nearby villages use this Yorkshire Wildlife Trust place as their second garden, and it’s not hard to see why. This little woodland punches above its weight, with a stunning collection of trees and wildlife that are a pleasure to wander through at any time of year. It’s a nature spotter’s paradise, too, so pack binoculars or a bird-spotting book and see what you can find. If you’re looking for a short but beautiful walk just outside York, Moorlands is a great option. Read our five reasons to visit Moorlands here. Good to know – Entry’s free, with a mostly flat 1km circular route that’s ideal for a shorter adventure. There’s limited roadside parking near the entrance, but no toilets or café on site.
Address – Moorlands Nature Reserve, Moor Lane York North Yorkshire YO32 2RE
More info – Visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website for more information about Moorlands
Dreamery Gardens – England’s Fairy Sanctuary
Dreamery Gardens (formerly known as Northwood Trail) is a family-run woodland attraction near York, designed to enchant both adults and children. Spanning 100 acres of beautiful woodland, it features a 1.5km nature trail filled with magical surprises. Highlights include a willow-walled maze, fairy doors on trees, fairy treehouses connected by rope bridges, a tree stump village, a giant mushroom ring, Elven thrones and more. This rustic attraction offers a year-round escape for families to reconnect with the magic of the outdoors. The on-site cafe, Northwood Kitchen, is a beautiful space to relax and refuel in, and their woodland-themed afternoon tea is gorgeous (read our review here)
Address – Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail), Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1AP
More info – Visit the Dreamery Gardens website
Askham Bog
If it’s some fresh air and exercise in a beautiful setting that you’re after, but you don’t want to travel far from York, Askham Bog is just the place. A stone’s throw from the city, it’s an easy circular walk with plenty to see. Askam Bog is looked after by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, so it’s no surprise that it’s host to a huge amount of wildlife. If you’ve got a little one or just have time for a short walk, stick to the path. For older kids in the mood for adventure, climb over the stiles and see what you can discover. Parking is free, as is admission. No loos or cafe! Find our five reasons to visit Askham Bog here.
Address – Just off the A1036 York North Yorkshire YO23 2UB
More info – Visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website for more about Askham Bog
Hagg Wood
Hagg Wood is an ancient wood just outside Dunnington, and it’s somewhere we’d wholeheartedly recommend for a trip with kids. It’s beautiful: tall trees, massive ferns, an abundance of wildlife and an interesting history. If you want to let your kids run free, make dens, collect sticks and get some fresh air, it’s a brilliant option not far from York city centre by car. There’s some local debate over parking, so you’re best off parking in the village and walking.
Address – Hagg Wood, Dunnington, York YO19 5NY
Dalby Forest
If you’re looking for woods to escape to near York, Dalby Forest is a brilliant destination. It’s one of Yorkshire’s most stunning spots and one of our favourite places near York for a walk. In under an hour from York, find yourself embarking on a bike or walking trail (all abilities; clearly marked) or enjoying an amazing adventure playground that’s suitable for all ages. The family trails, including Room on the Broom and Gruffalo Orienteering, are perfect for kids by giving them things to look out for along the way. There’s an adventure playground too, but leave time to explore beyond it: with woodland paths, walking routes and wildlife to spot, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy. Parking charges apply, and some activities cost extra.
Address – Dalby Visitor Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering YO18 7LT
More info – Visit the Dalby Forest website for the latest opening hours
Castle Howard Arboretum
Just over the road from Castle Howard, Castle Howard Arboretum is a brilliant place for a family walk in the woods near York. There are 120 acres to explore, with ponds, lakes and woodland galore, and an impressive collection of trees from across the globe that you won’t have seen before. Don’t miss the red squirrel enclosure, where you might just see them as they scamper about. It’s included in admission, and well worth taking your time over: walk slowly and quietly for the best chance of spotting one. There’s a lovely café serving drinks and home-cooked food too.
Address – Castle Howard Arboretum, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7BY
More info – Visit The Castle Howard Arboretum website for more details
Sutton Bank and the White Horse at Kilburn
Sutton Bank is one of the most popular spots for a walk in the North York Moors, and a lovely day out from York. Park at the Visitor Centre (fee applies) and do the circular walk that takes in the White Horse at Kilburn and a walk through the woods. You’ll find a cafe, shop and helpful info at the Visitor Centre, and there’s bike hire too. A short walk from the car park you’ll find ‘England’s Finest View’ – cameras at the ready! Read our review of a walk at Sutton Bank before you visit here.
Address – Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH
More info – Visit the North York Moors website
Falling Foss and May Beck
Falling Foss is a magical place for a woodland walk, just outside Whitby. If you’re looking for a really pretty walk that isn’t too taxing for younger children (and has the prospect of caffeine en route), then this is a good option. Reward your walking efforts with refreshments at the Falling Foss Tea Garden (let’s face it – the prospect of a cake and juice by the stream is a great incentive for even the most reluctant walkers). It’s hard to think of a more idyllic spot to sit and watch the wildlife go by. It gets busy during peak times, like the summer holidays, so we’d always advise arriving early if possible. Here are our five reasons to visit Falling Foss with kids.
