Spring is an amazing time of year, especially after the long winter months. With a riot of colour from daffodils and bluebells, trees full of blossoms and the arrival of all the baby animals, there is plenty to look for when you are out and about on a spring walk in York.
This post is all about fantastic spring walks in York and beyond, where you can look for signs of spring, but if you fancy a trip somewhere to feed the lambs and see baby animals, don’t miss this post about where to see spring animals.
In number one spot is the one closest to home. The daffodils on the city walls are always a splendid sight in March and April. You get fantastic views of the city and it takes about 2 hours to walk all the way around. Please note there are lots of steps, so it’s not buggy-friendly.
It might be too much for little legs, but it’s easy to do a small section and then head back into town for rest (also known as coffee & cake) or the Museum Gardens has lots of spring flowers you can enjoy. More information is available here.
Whilst you are out and about don’t miss Clifford’s Tower when it’s covered in daffodils or all the crocuses in Dean’s Park behind York Minster.
What do Mumblers think?
“I really enjoy walk unground the city walls – my little boy loves it too and is free.”
You can see thousands of gorgeous daffodils flowering on the bank in spring which provide a fantastic display with the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey as a backdrop.
You can also see lots of other spring flowers depending on the time of year, including lots of tulips and crocuses dotted all around the gardens.
What do Mumblers think?
“There is always something new to see in the Musuem Gardens! It’s always fun trying to spot the squirrels too!”
📍 Museum St, York, YO1 7FR
Homestead Park is a beautifully maintained park and is renowned for its fabulous planting throughout the seasons!
You can also enjoy the blossoms on the cherry-tree-lined avenue in March, April or even May, depending on how mild the winter season has been.
What do Mumblers think?
“The flower displays are always amazing at Homestead Park. I love going to see them and combine it with a trip to the play area for my daughter. Both of us are happy!”
📍 The Homestead, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
A Mumbler favourite, this is a great family-friendly circular woodland walk. This small woodland garden is full of colour in spring – snowdrops, primroses, daffodils and bluebells. By May or June the mature rhododendrons are in flower, so the woods are ablaze with even more colour.
It is great for children of all ages, and accessible with prams/buggies. Free parking is available on the verge, just by the entrance. Please note dogs are not allowed. More information is available here.
What do Mumblers think?
“Recommended walk in the woods; We went to Moorlands Nature Reserve, near Skelton yesterday and would recommend it as a lovely place for a walk with little ones, good distance, circular route, pram friendly paths and lots to see on the way round, our little boy loved it.”
🚘 Distance from the centre of York by car: 6 miles/20-minute drive
📍 Moor Lane, York, YO32 2RE
At Beningbrough, you can explore over eight acres of formal gardens surrounded by parkland and mature trees. There is always wildlife to spot and plenty of plants and flowers that change throughout the season. There is plenty of blossoms and often a lovely tulip display in the West Formal Garden.
What do Mumblers think?
“It’s always lovely and relaxing to wander around Beningbrough, especially the walled gardens to spot what fruit and vegtables are growing.”
🚘 Distance from York by car: 8 miles/25 minutes
📍 Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD
🎟 Entrance charge applies/membership fee.
You’ll probably be hard-pressed to find more daffodils in one place than the wild ones at Farndale. A trip to Farndale from mid-March to mid-April means you can enjoy a spectacular spring walk.
A 3 ½ mile route next to the River Dove and back will mean you’ll see hundreds of glorious wild daffodils. The walk is relatively flat and there are several gates but no stiles so navigating with little ones shouldn’t be too much bother and there is plenty to see along the way to keep them entertained.
Spaces at Low Mill car park are severely restricted at Daffodil time, but the privately run Daffy Car Park (charges apply) is available in an adjacent field during this busy period. A full route and lots more information is available here.
What do Mumblers think?
“We love Farndale daffodil walk from low mill to the Daffy cafe! It’s a must this time of year.”
🚘 Distance from York by car: 32 miles/1 hour drive
📍Low Mill, North York Moors National Park, York YO62 7UY
A bit further afield is the spectacular Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At this time of year, the woodland is carpeted with spring flowers.
There are many circular walking routes available including this one that takes you through the woodland, and offers views of Bolton Castle and the waterfalls. It starts and ends in Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre which has a pay and display car park, toilets and café.
What do Mumblers think?
“We took our 2,4 and 8 year old. Awesome place. We climbed down and walked on the large stone at the water level.”
🚘 Distance from York by car: 55 miles/1 ½ hour drive
📍Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3TH
Last but certainly not least is Middleton Woods in Ilkley which is famous for the bluebells which cover the woodland floor from May. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy this woodland, as there are so many wildflowers to spot – bluebells, wood anemones and wood sorrel to name but a few.
There is parking available by the woods, but it might be easier to park in Ilkley and walk from there. More information is available here.
What do Mumblers think?
“Middleton Woods is absolutely beautiful in the spring”
🚘 Distance from York by car: 36 miles/1 hour
📍 Ilkley, LS29 0BZ
🚶♀️💐We hope you enjoy a lovely spring walk in York or beyond! 🚶♀️💐
