Now that we have eased out of Winter and leapt into Spring, nature is blooming all around York. There are endless outside spaces to explore and enjoy the season, from city centre sites to Yorkshire beauty spots. All within a half-hour journey, here are a few of our favourite ways to walk into the season with a Spring in your step.
York City Walls
Starting in the city centre, York’s city walls are an evocative sight at all times of the year. Walk them in the Spring and you’ll not only take in the fascinating history and the fabulous views, you’ll also get to see the abundance of daffodils colouring the city. You can walk it all in a couple of hours, or take in the parts you prefer. And whilst here, enjoy further city flowers at Clifford’s Tower and Museum Gardens.
Rowntree Park
Rowntree Park is a lovely piece of nature in the city. Just a 15 minute riverside stroll from the city centre, the lovely expanse has plenty of activities here, and is equally worthwhile for a gentle walk around. Having flooded during the Winter, the park had been closed since December, with the volunteer group Friends of Rowntree Park working admirably to Spring it back into life! Elsewhere in the city, York is blessed with greenery, as a walk at the beautiful 14 acre Homestead Park in Clifton confirms.
Castle Howard
The stunning stately home Castle Howard, located between York and the North York Moors, is open for the public to explore the impressive building and surroundings. From here, you can walk as you wish – the parkland circular is a 5 mile meander through lakes and monuments, with daffodils flourishing in the Spring. Further afield, the Howardian Hills are an area of outstanding natural beauty that offer miles of trails to wander and views to wonder.
Beningbrough
Beningbrough is a National Trust site which provides a great day out for various reasons. Visit the enigmatic baroque house, explore the gallery of art exhibitions, and discover centuries of history; or simply enjoy the outside, where 8 acres including a new Mediterranean garden are a Spring joy. Follow the yellow way-markers on the circular walk from Beningbrough Hall, through woods and along the River Ouse, with sweeping views across the estate and a range of wildlife.
Moorlands Nature Reserve
A short drive to a small woodland leads to an immense place of huge beauty. Moorlands Nature Reserve is part of the ancient Forest of Galtres and is ablaze with colour in Spring. Snowdrop, primrose, daffodil and bluebell form a backdrop to a succession of mature rhododendrons, azaleas and maple. Walk the circular route of over 5 miles to breathe in the nature and jump into Spring.
