Our list of family walks includes information about which are dog-friendly, buggy friendly and is split into sections based on how far they are from York. Use the links below to jump to each section, or scroll the whole list and see how many of our list of more than 50 family-friendly walks you’ve yet to discover. We’ve recently updated our list of walks to add some walks in York with cafes nearby, woodland walks and circular walks in York.
Getting outside and walking is a brilliant free activity for the whole family to do with so many health benefits. It’s easy to run out of inspiration and go on the same old walks, then it starts to become less fun.
Fear not, as we have pulled together over 50 family-friendly (and many dog-friendly) walks in York and beyond most of which are based on recommendations from York Mumblers. If you need a few tips on how to make walking with children easy (or with maybe a bit less moaning!) then don’t miss our blog with 10 ideas to make walking more fun!
To make your life even easier we’ve provided useful information such as if they are suitable for buggies and if you can take your dog along, plus how far they are from York and even the postcode for your satnav. Also, the majority of the family-friendly walks we have listed are free!
Sometimes an afternoon out and a change of scenery feels like a little holiday. So what are you waiting for… get walking as a family and start exploring!
There are some lovely family-friendly walks in the heart of York itself, including lots of free trails to entertain the children. If you (and the kids!) are feeling particularly energetic you can even walk from one park to another for double playtime!
A classic walk but still a great one – enjoy seeing all the sights from a new perspective. If your walking companions have little legs you can always do a small section.
💷 Cost: Free
👶Buggy friendly: No
🐶Dog-Friendly: Only assistance dogs allowed on the walls
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 2 miles and takes about 2 hours
🚗 Car parking: City centre parking – charges apply
ℹ️ For more information see the City Walls website
What do Mumblers think? “Walk around the city walls – my little boy loved it and is free”
Have fun wandering the street of York, looking up to buildings you might have not noticed before to find all 22 cats. This walk is bound to keep the children entertained!
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: City streets, so dogs must be on leads
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Takes about an hour
🚗Car parking: City centre parking – charges apply
ℹ️For more information see the York Lucky Cats website
What do Mumblers think? “If you have kids that love treasure hunts and looking for things I can highly recommend the York Cat trail”
Discover some of the hidden treasures in the Museum Garden on this great interactive trail.
💷 Cost: Free (access the trail via a smartphone)
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Dogs allowed in the gardens but must be on a lead at all times
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Less than a mile & takes about 30-45 minutes
🚗Car parking: City centre parking – charges apply
ℹ️For more information see the Museum Gardens website
What do Mumblers think? “This is a fun little trail that takes you all around the gardens. My six-year old enjoy it (although might have enjoyed using my phone more than walking) and I learnt some fun facts along the way”
Our Mumbler Mythical Creature Quest takes you on a short but magical walk around York to seek out eight mythical creatures that are hiding in the city. Perhaps you’ve walked past some of them before and never even noticed them? Once you find each creature you’ll need to unscramble the clues to uncover the magical Mumbler password! Download your Mumbler Mythical Creature Quest map for FREE here or pick up your FREE quest map from Visit York Information Centre.
Watch our Mythical Creature Quest video on our York Mumbler You Tube channel.
📸 We’d love to see you out and about on our Mumbler Quest, so if you do take some photos, don’t forget to use the hashtag #MumblerMCQ so we can share the fun you are having! 📸
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: City streets, so dogs must be on leads.
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰ Distance/time: Takes about an hour
🚗Car parking: City centre parking – charges apply
ℹ️For more information see Mumbler
This great trail designed by Explore is guaranteed to burn off some energy as it takes you from Homestead Park to Rowntree Park. So with a 2 ½ mile walk under your belt, and two play areas, it might be best to get the bus home! To keep the children walking there is also a trail with things to spot along the way.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes (follow the alternative route for final section)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: City streets, so dogs must be on leads. Dogs allowed in both parks but not the children’s play areas.
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: 2 ½ miles and takes 1 ½ hours
🚗Car parking: Available at each park (charges apply at Rowntree Park)
ℹ️For more information see Mumbler
If you want a walk beyond York City Centre but don’t want to drive too far, then this is the perfect list for you. Less than a 20-minute drive from York, you can find your perfect family-friendly walk below or use our handy map!
Enjoy a tranquil walk around the boardwalk (perfect for buggies). Or get kitted out in your wellies if you want to explore any of the other paths – there is plenty of wildlife to discover.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly (boardwalk only)
🐶 Dog-friendly: Dogs must be on leads and stay on the boardwalk
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: ½ mile and takes 30 minutes
🚗Car parking: Free parking at the entrance
⏲Driving distance from York: 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO23 2UB
ℹ️For more information see the YWT website:
What do Mumblers think? “It’s a lovely walk, it’s very pushchair friendly with free parking too”
There is a fantastic circular walk around the perimeter of Beningbrough Hall. You will get to see glimpses of the house and the magnificent River Ouse.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes on leads due to cattle
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3 miles and takes about 2 hours
🚗Car parking: Newton-on-Ouse, opposite the entrance (requests a small donation to Air Ambulance), Home Farm Shop & Café (as long as you visit as a customer before/after your walk)
⏲Driving distance from York: 20 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO30 1DD
ℹ️For more information see the National Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “The walk around the perimeter at Beningborough is lovely, picnic bench part way round and park in Newton-on-Ouse”
This one can be a bit muddy (so avoid if the River Ouse has flooded!) as Fulford Ings a large area of open land next to the river. Great for walking the dog.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 1 ½ miles and takes 40 minutes
🚗Car parking: Landing Lane, Fulford Main Street
⏲Driving distance from York: 10 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO10 4PW
ℹ️ For more information see the York Civic Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “I go for dog walks on Fulford Ings most days and take my little girl in a baby carrier and she loves it”
Hagg Wood is an ancient wood, to the east of Dunnington. There are various paths to follow and plenty of wildlife to spot in the woods and ponds.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3 ½ miles and takes 1 ½ hours
🚗Car parking: end of Intake Lane
⏲Driving distance from York: 20 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO18 5NY
ℹ️ For more information see the York Civic Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “We went to Hagg Wood a couple of weeks ago and there were bluebells then, it was lovely”
Enjoy a circular walk around this beautiful village about 5 miles to the east of York. This walk starts at the Grade II listed village church and allows you to take in views of lovely open farmland.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No, 4 stiles on the route
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 2 miles and takes about 1 hour
🚗Car parking: Park in Holtby
⏲Driving distance from York: 20 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO19 5XQ
ℹ️For more information see the York Council website
Enjoy this circular route around Heslington, starting on Main Street. The walk takes you past the University Lakes so hopefully you’ll see some wildlife.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 2 ½ miles and takes about 1 hour
🚗Car parking: Park on Heslington Main Street
⏲Driving distance from York: 10 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO10 4HJ
ℹ️For more information see the York Council website
The Knavesmire is a fantastic huge grass space making it brilliant for walking dogs or children to run free. This circular walk follows a tarmac track so it’s also buggy friendly. Just make sure you visit on a non-race day!
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 2 ½ miles and takes about 1 hour
🚗Car parking: Roadside parking on Knavesmire Road
⏲Driving distance from York: 10 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO23 1FA
ℹ️For more information see the All Trails website
This 5-acre field near the Church in Poppleton is a perfect location for a toddler-friendly walk. With a duck pond, sculptures, sundial and orchard there are plenty of things to spot. You can ever see the trains passing by on the nearby railway line.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: 1 mile and takes about 30 minutes (longer if you feed the ducks or walk down to the river)
🚗Car parking: Free car park at the entrance
⏲Driving distance from York: 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO26 6LB
ℹ️For more information see the Millennium Green facebook page
What do Mumblers think? “We had a lovely afternoon at Nether Poppleton Millennium Green and pond today. It’s a nature reserve with a pushchair friendly flat path, sculptures, a sundial, lovely orchard, walkways through trees, dens built in the wooded parts, lots of sheep and lambs and you can see trains passing on the nearby railway line. It’s only fairly small but a great walk for toddlers our 2yr old loved it”
A favourite with York Mumblers, this woodland garden is part of the ancient Forest of Galtres. Perfect for little legs, there is a lot of things to spot along the way like carved trees, ponds and a treehouse.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: No dogs allowed
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 1 ½ miles and allow up to an hour
🚗Car parking: Park on the verge near the entrance gate
⏲Driving distance from York: 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO32 2RE
ℹ️For more information see the YMT website
What do Mumblers think? “It doesn’t take long to walk around & it has proper paths for buggies. It’s great for toddlers”
Rawcliffe Lake is a surprising find in the middle of Rawcliffe/Clifton Moor housing estate. It really is spectacular, and you don’t feel like you are in York at all!
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes on leads
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 1 mile and takes about 20 minutes or more if you stop and feed the ducks or do an extra lap!
🚗Car parking: Off street parking – numerous access points to the Lake (Oakdale Road, Greystoke Road & Beaverdyke)
⏲Driving distance from York: 10 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO30 4XL
ℹ️For more information see the York Council website
What do Mumblers think? “Rawcliffe Lake is nice and you can then play at the little playground at Rawcliffe Rec”
A scale model of the Solar System can be seen along the 6.4 mile stretch of the old railway line around York. There are plenty of places you can walk a short section – try starting from behind the racecourse or Naburn and stop at the Station Café.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: 6.4 miles and time depends on how much of it you do! Get on your bikes for the full experience.
🚗Car parking: Various places to park for free – depends where you start the walk
⏲Driving distance from York: 15 minutes
ℹ️For more information see the York Uni website
What do Mumblers think? “The planets walk is on the cycle path between York college and Nayburn. It’s a scale model of the solar system so might be cool for a kid with space interests. Nayburn has nice pubs, or you can come off early at Bishopthorpe”
A 24-acre site that was only designated as a Nature Reserve in 2004 and has been many things over the years including the city rubbish dump! Don’t let that hold you back though as it is now a brilliant open space with some great wildlife and a visitor centre.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Mostly
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes but must be on leads or close control
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Depends how far you walk
🚗Car parking: Small car park on site – entrance from Melrosegate or Harrington Avenue.
⏲Driving distance from York: 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO10 3ST
ℹ️For more information see the St Nicks website
What do Mumblers think? “St Nicholas Fields is lovely, accessed from Hull Road or off Melrosegate. There are tarmac paths for cycling, well-made bark chip paths for exploring, meadow and woods and a playground”
Wheldrake Woods is just seven miles to the south of York. Enjoy the stunning woodland as you decide which of the many informal paths to take that branch off the main track.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes, if you stick to the main paths
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Free on site
⏲Driving distance from York: 20 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO19 6BG
ℹ️For more information see the Woodland Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “Went to Wheldrake Woods for the first time yesterday. It’s great for dog walking but also has a main track that children can cycle on. Lots of other smaller tracks running off that for walking and exploring. Free car park too”
A circular walk that takes you through the village, along the edge of the woodland, past the Fisheries and back to the village church.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No, there are 2 metal gates with raised parts at the bottom
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 4 miles, takes about 2 hours
🚗Car parking: Free
⏲Driving distance from York: 20 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO61 1UF
ℹ️For more information download the walking leaflet from www.boroughbridgewalks.org.uk
What do Mumblers think? “There’s a nice little ramble In Aldwark. We went Saturday. Small play park and pub for tea. Great bridge to play Pooh sticks on!”
If you fancy going on more of an adventure and heading further afield, then we’ve got some great ideas of places to visit that are 30-60 minutes away by car from York. From sculpture parks to lakes and woodlands to rocks to clamber over there are lots of family-friendly walks and places to visit listed below and on our map.
There is plenty do to at Allerthorpe Lake in addition to walking! Explore all the footpaths that surround the 3 lakes, feed the fish & ducks, visit the play area or the sandpit. There are also plenty of water sports happening on the lake from open water swimming to pedalos.
💷 Cost: £2 per person/£5 per family
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Depends on your walk
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Yes
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO42 4RL
ℹ️For more information see the Allerthorpe Lake website
What do Mumblers think? “Allerthorpe Lake, just outside York. They’ve got a play park, cafe etc but check opening hours first. In summer you can paddle in the Lake and they have year-round water sports (kayaks and pedalos to hire etc). Not that long a walk but dogs can be off the lead and get a good run”
Enjoy the ‘Room on the Broom’ themed adventure trail starting at the Discovery Centre. Follow the route around the lake with a chance to see sculptures of the Witch, Cat, Dog, Bird From and of course the Dragon!
💷 Cost: Free (explorer pack available for £2)
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes but can be muddy
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 2 miles and takes about 1 hour
🚗Car parking: Yes, £3 for over 4 hours
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour
🗺Postcode for satnav: WF4 2EB
ℹ️For more information see the Wakefield Gov website
What do Mumblers think? “Just on the way back from the Room on the Broom trail! Fab kids loved it. Lovely walk not too long, and nice park area for after”
Just a few miles to the west of Selby lies Brayton. Enjoy this circular path route through this ancient woodland, which is perfect for buggies, although it is a little steep in places.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes but some sections are quite steep
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 1 ¼ miles and takes about an hour
🚗Car parking: Yes, just off Barff Lane
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode satnav: YO8 9ER
ℹ️For more information see the Yorkshire Water website
What do Mumblers think? “Visited Brayton Barff today on the recommendation of another Mumbler and just want to say it is definitely recommended! Took about an hour and a half to walk around and there is a clear path all the way around so suitable for pushchairs with lots of opportunities to explore further if you want. Dog-friendly too”
Not the longest of walks but perfect for younger children with a chance to feed the fish, visit the play area and for you to enjoy the tranquillity of the lakes. Truly beautiful gardens, well worth a visit.
💷 Cost: £6.10 per adult & £3.45 per child. Family tickets available and cheaper prices available during winter
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶Dog-Friendly: No
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: Short walks around the lakes, rockery and stumpery
🚗Car parking: Onsite parking
⏲Driving distance from York: 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO24 2QF
ℹ️For more information see the Burnby Hall Gardens website
What do Mumblers think? “Great play area and lots of little gardens to run around in and benches for picnics. “
You will get to enjoy magnificent views of Castle Howard, including the Great Lake, the Temple and the Mausoleum on this circular walk around the parkland.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes although some paths are grassy and may be muddy if it’s been raining
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leads or under close control
🚶Circular:
⏰Distance/time: 5 miles and takes about 3 hours (see map for slightly shorter version)
🚗Car parking: Free at Castle Howard
⏲Driving distance from York: 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO60 7DA
ℹ️For more information see the Welcome to Yorkshire website
💬 What do Mumblers think?
“A lovely walk with some interesting buildings to spot on the way round. The route is generally buggy friendly, though we were glad ours is fairly sturdy, as the walk begins down a fast road, so we were glad to be able to walk on the verge with it.”
💜 Mumbler tips
Two miles to the east of Easingwold lies the lovely village of Crayke. From the Durham Ox, there is a circular route which takes you right around the village.
💷 Cost: Free
👶Buggy friendly: No as there are 4 turnstiles to go through & some of the fields can be muddy.
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3.5 miles and takes 1-2 hours
🚗Car parking: Free
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO61 4TE
ℹ️For more information see the OS website
Enjoy the beauty of the lake on this circular walk, offering a fantastic opportunity to spot lots of birds and wildlife. There is also plenty for children to do at the visitor centre, with a Discovery trail quiz as they walk around, a play area, den building and a treehouse.
💷 Cost: Free – car parking charges apply
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes but keep on a lead around the lake
🚶Circular: Variable, but we have linked to a circular walk
⏰Distance/time: Variable or 5 miles and takes about 2 ½ hours on the walk we have highlighted
🚗Car parking: £4 per car (non RSPB members)
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: WF10 2BH
ℹ️For more information see the RSPB website
What do Mumblers think? “We’ve just been to Fairburn Ings (RSPB) Nature Reserve and I was really surprised how much there was for kids. Car parking £4, pond dipping £2, free quiz trail, discovery trail, tree house, den building, a park with bug hotels etc, and duck feeding. It was a lovely afternoon out and not very expensive”
Situated between Pocklington and Market Weighton, you can enjoy a circular walk around the village. Appreciate the peace & quiet of a former deer park and the lake.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No as there are several gates
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3 miles and takes about 1 ½ hours
🚗Car parking: Yes at Towthorpe Corner lay-by
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO43 3LQ
ℹ️For more information see the National Trails website
This beautiful 52-acre wood is 4 miles from Pocklington is a great circular walk with the opportunity to build dens and climb up lots of steps!
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes but only if you give the 170 steps a miss!
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, under close control
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 2 miles and takes about 45 minutes to an hour
🚗Car parking: Yes at the entrance
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO42 1TZ
ℹ️For more information see the East Riding Coast & Countryside website
What do Mumblers think? “We love Millington woods – mine are 5 and 7 but have been going for years. Used to take them on their balance bikes when they were really little. There are dens that are made on the embankments that you can play in or take apart and remake. We normally spend a couple of hours there then go into Pocklington for snacks and hot chocolates at one of the cafes. PS I’d probably take wellies”
This circular walk starting in the lovely market town of Pickering takes you over the railway crossing at Newbridge. Then into the woodland and onto see Pickering Castle on the final section.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No (stile, gates and steps)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 2 miles and takes about 45 minutes
🚗Car parking: Ropery car park pay & display
⏲Driving distance from York: 50 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO18 8DY
ℹ️For more information see the All Trails website
Enjoy 30 acres of parkland, tranquil lakeside walks and amazing rock formations and Plumpton Rocks. Located just to the east of Harrogate, these gardens are well worth a visit.
💷 Cost: Adults £3.50/Children £2.50 (open weekends March-October)
👶 Buggy friendly: No, as quite steep in places
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leads
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Onsite
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: HG5 8NA
ℹ️For more information see the Plumpton Rocks website
What do Mumblers think? “I went last weekend with my two (7 & 4 year old) they absolutely loved it. However I wouldn’t take a pushchair as it’s steep in places and steps also, definitely a sling place”
The canal runs for nearly 10 miles between East Cottingwith and Pocklington and there is so much to see. You can spot swing bridges, locks and lots of wildlife along the way.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: 9 ½ mile canal in total (allow 3 – 4 hours for your visit)
🚗Car parking: Yes in Melbourne or Pocklington
⏲Driving distance from York: 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO43 3QJ (Melbourne) or YO24 1NW (Pocklington)
ℹ️For more information see the Canal River Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “Pocklington Canal have free nature walks and open days from the rivers and canal trust and they are interesting and at Melbourne there is a free little boat trip you can go on every Sunday and bank holiday too”
This huge park in Leeds has four circular walks that are great for children. The Secret Gorge Walk is steep but offers great views. A walk around the Upper Lake is flat and perfect for little legs. The Formal Garden walk is perfect with buggies, and finally, the lake view walk allows you to take in the tranquillity of the lake.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes (except the Gorge walk)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: Variable – see map liked
🚗Car parking: Free, five car parks around the park
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: LS8 2HH
ℹ️For more information see the Roundhay Park website
What do Mumblers think? “Roundhay Park is good. Walks, two parks, lake. Lovely place”
Start at Selby Lock Basin and walk as far as you can manage along the towpath by this mile stretch of canal. There is plenty to see along the way including the swing bridge, sculptures and plenty of ducks to feed.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: 5 miles one way and time depends how far you decide to walk
🚗Car parking: Yes, charges apply
⏲Driving distance from York: 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO8 4NW
ℹ️For more information see the Canal & River Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “Drive to Selby lock and walk on towpath. Flat and pram friendly all the way. Good pubs on route too”
Just over 10 miles to the south of York, this National Nature Reserve is a large area of open heath, ponds, fen and woodland. There is a choice of three signposted trails to follow which vary in length so there is something to suit everyone.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes but some uneven paths
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes but on leads & under close control
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: Various options from 2 to 5 miles
🚗Car parking: King Rudding Lane car park or Sands Lane car park,
⏲Driving distance from York: 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO19 6QL (King Rudding).
ℹ️For more information see the Friends of Skipwith Common website
What do Mumblers think? “Skipwith Common – they have wild ponies in there and an old war bunker to explore. Then nip to Riccal play park which is 2 mins away in the car. Skipwith Common is great and has a tarmac path. Though dogs need to be on a lead because there is cattle around”
Spectacular views are guaranteed at Sutton Bank on the edge of the North York Moors. You can spot gliders and the famous White Horse of Kilburn. The short walk we have linked starts at the Visitor Centre.
💷 Cost: Visitor Centre is free
👶 Buggy friendly: No (although if you park at the visitor centre you can take a short buggy friendly walk to see the views)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3 miles and takes about 2 hours
🚗Car parking: Charges apply, £2.20 for two hours & £4 per day
⏲Driving distance from York: 45 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO7 2EH
ℹ️For more information see the Top 10 Trails website and the North York Moors website
What do Mumblers think? “Just been to Sutton Bank Visitors Centre (45 mins from York) – it’s a lovely little picnic and play area with cafe/ice creams and its FREE! Great place to meet friends”
There are nine great walks listed on the Visit Thirsk website that you can choose from. There is a ‘Past & Present’ trail around the area, a Blue Plaque Trail and six circular walks in a range of distances including a pushchair walk.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Some of the walks are buggy friendly
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Some of the walks are
⏰Distance/time: Various
🚗Car parking: Car parking charges apply – full details here
⏲Driving distance from York: 35 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO7 1EY (Market Place car park – short stay), YO7 1FT (Nursery Car Park – long stay)
ℹ️For more information see Visit Thirsk website
You can explore 100 acres of superb woodland and enjoy a seasonally-themed trail walk. Or run free and wild and visit the adventure play area.
💷 Cost: Adults £9.95, Child 4-16 £6.40, family tickets available
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a lead
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Onsite parking
⏲Driving distance from York: 50 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: DL8 2PS
ℹ️For more information see the Thorp Perrow website
What do Mumblers think? “A recommendation for Thorp Perrow Arboretum at Bedale Lots of woodland paths to explore, a little lake, lovely little play park, birds of prey and small animal park (There’s a main cafe at the entrance and a snack place by the birds of prey (drinks/sandwiches/hot dogs/soup/bacon butties/cakes) also plenty of picnic benches”
Situated in an area in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a 30-minute drive from York is Yearsley Woods. There are many paths you can take through the woods. We have highlighted a short walk to allow you to enjoy the views.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: 1 ½ miles and takes about 45 minutes
🚗Car parking: Yes at the entrance
⏲Driving distance from York: 40 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO61 4SN
ℹ️For more information see the website here
What do Mumblers think? “Yearsly Woods is good, quite hilly but pram friendly”
This amazing parkland has a collection of more than 6,000 trees from around the world. There is so much to explore and wonderful views. There is also a woodland play area and a tree trail to follow.
💷 Cost: Adult £7, under 12s free, 12-16 year old £3.50
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, must be on leads in all areas expect Gatehouse Field.
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Free onsite parking
⏲Driving distance from York: 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO60 7BY
ℹ️For more information see the Yorkshire Arboretum website
What do Mumblers think? “There’s a playground, lake to walk around and loads of space to run off some energy. It’s got a lovely cafe too in the summer great to sit out with dog. Definitely worth a visit”
With 80 sculptures around the grounds, there is so much to look at. Unlike many traditional galleries, you can touch most of the artwork. Enjoy a walk around the lake and woodland to discover bridges, stepping stones and a magical Shell Grotto.
💷 Cost: Free (car parking charges apply)
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes (although some areas are hilly & can be muddy)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: £12 all day
⏲Driving distance from York: 50 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: WF4 4JX
ℹ️For more information see the YSP website
What do Mumblers think? “We love the sculpture park. My little boy is 7 and there’s loads of room to run, some really good bushes and trees to climb/make dens and hopefully some of the art will rub off too. The cafes are good but loads of space for picnics”
If you fancy turning your family walk into a full day trip out, then we’ve got a list of some brilliant places that are an hour away or more from York. So get your car parked up with your walking boots and a picnic and off you go!
There is a lot for children to look forward to on this exciting walk at Bolton Abbey – come prepared to get muddy! With tunnels, scramble nets, balance beams and many more obstacles it is great fun. If you don’t fancy the mud, with 80 miles of footpaths, there is plenty more walking to be had.
💷 Cost: Free, parking charges apply (Welly Walk open 25 May – 3 Nov 2019)
👶 Buggy friendly: No
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a lead
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: £10 per car
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: BD23 6EX
ℹ️For more information see the Bolton Abbey website
What do Mumblers think? “Bolton Abbey welly walk is good fun, we went last week and although touristy it wasn’t too busy, kids love the stepping stones and playing in the river after the walk”
Made up of 400 acres of moorland and rocks, there a lot of fantastic walks that allow you to take in the panoramic views of Brimham Rocks. A short circular walk allows you to take in the highlights of the rock formations and the heather moorland.
💷 Cost: Free (car park charges apply)
👶 Buggy friendly: In places, lots of purpose-built pathways but probably easier without
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a lead
🚶Circular: Variable
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: £6 for 4 hours, £9 per day (National Trust members free)
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour
🗺Postcode for satnav: HG3 4DW
ℹ️For more information see the National Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “Brimham is good, it’s full of rocks and loads of places to burn lots of energy off”
Situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest has 13 walking trails so you are never short of options. If you have young children there is a Zog activity trail where you can follow markers through the woods. Spot characters from the story and collect stars just like Zog!
💷 Cost: Free (car parking charges apply)
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes (but not all the walking trails)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes & are allowed off leads in some areas
🚶Circular: Variable
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Nov-Feb £5 all day, Mar-Oct £9 until 4pm, £5 after 4pm
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO18 7LT
ℹ️For more information see the Forestry England website
What do Mumblers think? “We love Dalby Forest. Loads of fun on the park and paddling in the stream. Lots of lovely walks and trails and activity centre. Take a picnic”
The best time to go on this circular walk around Farndale is spring to see all wild daffodils but it is lovely to visit at any time of the year. This walk takes you along the River Dove and is relatively flat so good with buggies or little ones in tow.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes (several gates but no stiles)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, but preferably on a lead at all times
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3 ½ miles and takes about 2 hours
🚗Car parking: Donation box at Low Mill car park
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO26 7UY
ℹ️For more information see the North York Moors website
What do Mumblers think? “Farndale walk is a nice one with a cafe at the end and pushchair friendly”
This circular walk starts at the Lighthouse and takes you along the cliff tops so you can admire the coastal scenery. You will also see an octagonal chalk tower which was the old lighthouse. If you have a dog, then they will enjoy a run on the beach which allows dogs year-round.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes but there are some steps & uneven surfaces
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time:
🚗Car parking: At the lighthouse
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO15 1AN
ℹ️For more information see the Trinity House website
What do Mumblers think? “We went to Flamborough Head. Never been before but it was so beautiful! My little boy didn’t even complain his legs were hurting… Spotted seals, too”
This amazing forest it at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and within the steep rocky gorge of the River Ure. You will see lakes, waterfalls, follies as you explore the network of paths along the banks of the river.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No. The paths can get very muddy & there is a very steep slope.
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 4 circular walks varying from 30 mins to 3 hours
🚗Car parking: Free (just before Grewelthorpe Village)
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour
🗺Postcode for satnav: HG4 3BS
ℹ️For more information see the Woodland Trust website
What do Mumblers think? “Hackfall Wood is great, just near Ripon. Two walks both circular I think, one longer than the other. Not pushchair friendly but you will be fine with a carrier and great pub not too far away too”
There is plenty to see in this wooded valley which has a rocky cove, a tumbling waterfall and giant boulders. The walk takes you above the cliffs to Hayburn Wyke. You return along the old Scarborough to Whitby railway line.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, but on a lead during the clifftop section as it is unfenced.
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 5 miles and takes about 3 hours
🚗Car parking: Free in Cloughton
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO13 0AB
ℹ️For more information see the 10 trails website
Note: The cliff top path is unsuitable for young children.
What do Mumblers think? “Hayburn Wyke, go. It’s a little beach which has its own downhill walking path that’s a woodland type area. And it has a waterfall…. Its own little waterfall. It’s a very stony beach but its v small too! Good for looking for fossils. And a pub at the start of the walk”
If you have a dog and children then Hunmanby Gap comes recommended by Mumblers as a great beach to let your dog off its lead and walk along the vast beach. A walk that everyone is guaranteed to enjoy… weather permitting!
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes but with help as it’s quite steep to get down to with rocks at the bottom to get to the beach
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Yes, close to the beach, charges apply
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: YO14 9QJ
ℹ️For more information see the Get Outside website
What do Mumblers think? “Hunmanby Gap is lovely beach. Just a little cafe no amusements so proper old fashioned fun. You follow the road to Filey and it is signposted after Primrose Valley. There is a steep hill to walk down/up but it’s a lovely beach. Car park at top £5 all day”
The flat sandy beaches stretch for eight miles, so less of a traditional walk and more of a let everyone (dogs and children!) run off some steam on the beach.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, but dogs are restricted to certain areas.
🚶Circular: No
⏰Distance/time: Variable
🚗Car parking: Car parking charges apply in summer
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour 15 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: TS10 5BJ
ℹ️For more information see the Beach Guide website
What do Mumblers think? “We went to Redcar yesterday, free parking on the seafront until May, a cafe on the seafront, our dog and kids loved it! Plenty of beach to run on”
This circular walk offers you amazing views of the coastline. Or why not just have a bracing long walk along the beach?
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, but not allowed on certain areas of the beach
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 5 miles/3 hours
🚗Car parking: Various pay & display car parks
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour 30 minutes
🗺Postcode for satnav: TS12 1HQ
ℹ️For more information see the Northern Railway website
What do Mumblers think? “Saltburn. Perfect for the dogs, kids and fish & chips are ace”
This circular walk takes you around the beautiful village of Sawley which is situated between Pateley Bridge and Ripon.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: No, as lots of stiles
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leads
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3 miles and takes about 2 hours
🚗Car parking: Free around the village green
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour
🗺Postcode for satnav: HG4 3EQ
ℹ️For more information see the Sawley Arms website
Nestling in the spectacular Washburn Valley this walk offers fantastic views of the water. The footpaths are great to walk along and very buggy friendly, so it’s a great walk for young families.
💷 Cost: Free
👶 Buggy friendly: Yes
🐶 Dog-Friendly: yes
🚶Circular: Yes
⏰Distance/time: 3 miles and takes about 1 ½ hours
🚗Car parking: Free parking onsite
⏲Driving distance from York: 1 hour
🗺Postcode for satnav: LS21 2NP
ℹ️For more information see the Yorkshire Water website
What do Mumblers think? “Swinsty Reservoir is lovely. Picnic area around the lake and you can see the planes taking off from the airport. There is a nice circular and you can do pram or carrier and there is ducks to feed/toilets/ice cream half way too”
What’s better than a walk that involves stopping off at a cafe for a coffee and restorative cake or even lunch? Take your pick from our delicious list of independent cafes and enjoy the perfect family-friendly walk!
Enjoy one of many walks around York city centre or enjoy looking for the Cat’s on the Cat Trail whilst drinking a delicious coffee from the Dark Hore Espresso Bar.
💜Don’t forget to mention Mumbler for a 15% discount! 💜
ℹ️ Find out more: See Mumbler for more information about the Dark Horse or see the Dark Horse website.
🗺 Cafe Location: 5 Silver Street, Shambles Market, York, YO1 8RY
An independent coffee shop in Haxby offering snacks, lunch options and all-day brunch! Enjoy their award-winning brownies! Where possible they use local independent suppliers.
5 walks around Haxby can be found in this pdf and range from a quick 30 minutes to just over an hour. Or why not pop by the duck pond in Haxby or nearby Wigginton and feed the ducks.
ℹ️ Find out more: See more details on Curious Coffee’s website or find them on Instagram. Open Monday – Friday 7.30am -4pm, Saturday 8.30am -4pm & Sunday 9am – 3pm.
🗺 Cafe Location: 8 Haxby Shopping Centre, Haxby York YO32 2LU
Robinsons Cafe offers delicious, homemade food and a great range of drinks. There are plenty of nearby walks, including the Knavesmire to Bishopthorpe Road, or you could have a walk & play in Rowntree Park before heading over to Robinsons, which is only a 10 minute walk away.
ℹ️ Find out more: See more details and a full menu on Robinsons Cafe website. Robinsons is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 2:30 for takeaway only.
🗺 Cafe Location: 7 Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NA
52 Broadway is an independent coffee shop in Fulford and serves up a locally roasted coffee and a great selection of homemade cakes.
In Fulfold you can do a circular walk around Fulford Ings which is about 1/2 miles or you can discover one of the walking routes around Walmgate Stray.
ℹ️ Find out more: Check out their Facebook or Instagram to see pictures of deliciousness. Open Monday – Saturday between 8am-4pm.
🗺 Cafe Location: 52 Broadway, York, YO10 4JX
This independent coffee shop in Dunnington serves brunch, lunch, homemade cakes and of course great coffee!
There is a 3 3/4 mile circular walk around Dunnington or you can walk around Hagg Wood.
ℹ️ Find out more: Check out their Facebook or Instagram page to stay up to date. Open Friday and Saturday 10-1pm for takeout coffee, sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones.
🗺 Cafe Location: 16a York Street YO19 5PN Dunnington
Caffé Valeria is a Sicilian Caffé located in the village of Wheldrake, serving up Italian pastries, food and Sicilian coffee.
Great walks include Wheldrake Woods, where you can spot a huge range of wildlife as you wander the informal paths. There is also a 6 mile walking route around Wheldrake if you want to justify eating more than one cake!
ℹ️ Find out more: See Caffé Valeria’s website or Facebook page for more details. Open Tues to Thur 8am – 5pm, Mon & Sat 9am – 5pm and Sun 10am – 5pm.
🗺 Cafe Location: 3A Main St, Wheldrake, York, YO19 6AG
Serving homemade food for breakfast and lunch, this independent cafe in Copmanthorpe offers a warm welcome and great coffee.
There are four walking routes you can discover around Copmanthorpe which all start and finish at the Royal Oak Rub on Main Street.
ℹ️ Find out more: See Little Acorns Facebook page for more information. Open Mon 9am – 3pm, Tues to Fri 8am – 3.30pm & Sat 9am – 2pm.
🗺 Cafe Location: Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3SE
Located within the Poppleton Community Centre, the Poppleton Social offers delicious homemade cakes, sandwiches and coffee. It also has a great play area very nearby.
To enjoy a pre or post cake walk, park at Poppleton Community centre, then walk out of the centre and turn left. Then turn left immediately up Ouse Moor Lane. Then follow a circular walk around the rural backfields of Poppleton: Follow Ouse Moor Lane and turn left down Common Croft Lane. Then follow this and turn left down West Fields Lane. Follow this and turn left again down the Green where you will arrive back in Poppleton village. Follow the main road back up to the Community Centre
ℹ️ Find out more: Find out more on the Poppleton Social website and on their Facebook page. Takeaway cake & coffee Tues – Fri 8.30am – 4pm & Sat 10am – 4pm. Pizza collection Thur, Fri & Sat 5 – 9pm.
🗺 Cafe Location: Poppleton Social Community Centre Main Street, York YO26 6JT
You can enjoy a wander around the farm, plus breakfast, brunch, lunch or coffee from this award-winning farm shop.
There is a 7 mile walk around Boroughbridge here, or if you need something more leisurely for little legs, then you could walk along the River Urn and Ripon Canal on the flat canal towpath and enjoy spotted barges, locks and bridges.
ℹ️Find out more: See Yolk Farm website for more information. Open all week 9am – 4.30pm (4pm on Sundays). A more extensive takeaway menu is available Fri – Sun 10am -2pm
🗺 Cafe Location: Minskip Road, Minskip, York YO51 9HY
Offering a great selection of homemade cakes and coffee or even a picnic to take on your walk.
Enjoy a short walk in Acomb Wood and Meadow Local Nature Reserve which is about a mile from Love to Eat. Or you could pop by Love to Eat after a visit to Askham Bog if you are in the car.
ℹ️Find out more: See more on Love to Eats Facebook page. Open for Takeaway Wed – Sat 10am – 4pm.
🗺 Cafe Location: 52 Moor Lane, Woodthorpe, York YO24 2QY
It’s always fun to explore woodlands with kids as there is often so much wildlife to discover. If you want more ideas to entertain the kids on a woodland walk, and even more woodlands to discover near York, then head over to our Woodland Walk guide here.
This small wood is perfect if you want to go on a short woodland walk with small children. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the roads in this small tranquil spot. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, and once you’re there you will feel like you are miles from anywhere.
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Circular: Yes
Car parking: Park is available nearby
For more information on the Woodland Trust website
A lovely small wood at the edge of the racecourse. It’s a great place to take smaller children on a mini woodland walk and you don’t need to travel very far to get there! There is plenty of wildlife to look for or listen out for. There is one main footpath down the central lime avenue and an informal path around the perimeter of the wood.
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Circular: Yes
Car parking: Off street parking – please park with consideration for local residents.
For more information on the Woodland Trust website
This small wood, located in Haxby, about 6 miles from York is perfect for a short family woodland walk with young children. The wood was created to commemorate the Millennium and has a number of old and mature hedgerow trees and a small pond.
Dog-Friendly: Dogs must be on leads and stay on the boardwalk
Circular: Yes
Car parking: Parking is available on Eastfield Avenue
For more information on the Woodland Trust website
The perfect walk with kids is one where they can’t moan about having to walk ‘all the way back….!’ Circular walks are your friend here as there is no trudging down the same path back home or to the car. We got lots of circular walks near York listed in our Circular Walk guide here, plus a few below to inspire you!
This walk from iTravel York starts at Main Street, Fulford and takes you around Germany Beck Nature Reserve. This new nature area has several lakes that have been created to prevent flooding in the area. You will then head past Fulford Golf Club and pass through Heslington Tillmire. You’ll then go back towards Fulford and past Fulford Allotments.
Buggy friendly: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep on leads
Circular: Yes
Distance/time: 6.5 miles and takes about 3 hours
For a map and more information see iTravel York
Another great walk from iTravel York, which starts in Bishopthorpe and offers plenty of things to see along the way! Head along Ferry Lane towards the River Ouse. Continue walking along the river until you reach Acaster Lane. You will then walk along a series of public footpaths and through several fields before reaching the York to Selby Cycle Route and back into Bishopthorpe.
Buggy friendly: Yes, but there are two stiles to pass over so not ideal if you are the only adult!
Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep on leads
Circular: Yes
Distance/time: 4.5 miles and takes about 1.5 hours
For a map and more information see iTravel York
Starting in Stockton on the Forest, this almost 4 mile circular walk from York Council is easy to follow. Starting on Main Street you head towards Bean Land Lane and then onto a path by open fields. You’ll then go onto Rudcarr Lane, past Brockfield Farm and then back towards Stockton on the Forest along Carrbank Lane.
Buggy friendly: No as three stiles to climb over
Dog-Friendly: Yes, keep on leads
Circular: Yes
Distance/time: 3 3/4 miles/ 1 1/2 hours
For a map and more information see York.gov.uk
Disclaimer: Whilst York Mumbler has extensively researched these walks online and via the York Mumbler Chat Group, we recommend you check the distances, suitability of the walk for your needs/family and up-to-date charges before setting off. All driving times are approximate based on travelling from the centre of York by car.
If you have any information about any of these walks that could improve this page, please email jane@mumbler.co.uk so we can update it.
