We’ve visited Knaresborough a lot over the last couple of years and we’ve eagerly watched the development of the new leisure centre. Upon a previous visit on the way home, we noticed the leisure centre had indeed opened and included a play area for the kids. We knew we had to check this out!
We recently visited during the Christmas school holidays and discovered a fantastic play area that our children, Matilda (8) and Barney (4), absolutely loved.
The great thing about the play area is its proximity to the centre of Knaresborough. We’ve gone into a little more detail for you below but it’s worth a visit!
Where is it located?
The Knaresborough Leisure and Wellbeing Hub is located on King James Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8EB. It’s just a short distance from the town’s historic centre, making it a perfect base for a day exploring Knaresborough. It sounds like a strange thing to do visiting the park of a leisure centre but it’s a really good location for walking into Knaresborough. The area can become incredibly busy yet the street parking nearby was quiet.
Street parking is available nearby, and it’s a short walk to the hub and the play area. Once you’ve had your fill of climbing frames and slides, you can venture into Knaresborough itself for the rest of your day but this is an excellent starting point.
History of the Leisure Centre Play Area and Knaresborough
The Leisure and Wellbeing Hub is one of the newest additions to Knaresborough’s family-friendly amenities, having opened within the last year. The outdoor play area was designed to encourage active play for children of all ages, making it a wonderful spot for families to burn off some energy. Knaresborough itself is steeped in history, dating back to Norman times. The nearby Knaresborough Castle, with its dramatic views of the River Nidd, is a great example of this. Knaresborough itself is now a wonderful place to visit with several restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
What is There to Do for Families?
At the Play Area:
- Climbing frames and slides: Both children loved the range of activities available.
- Zip wire: My children love a Zip wire and this is available at the Hub
- Spinning equipment and swings: A hit with kids of all ages.
- Wide-open spaces: Great for imaginative play or just to walk across.
Beyond the Play Area:
- Knaresborough Castle: A short walk away, the ruins offer a fun way to learn history while running around.
- Bebra Gardens: Descend the steep steps from the castle to discover this peaceful spot, ideal for picnics.
- The River Nidd: Stroll along the riverside, enjoy the views, or grab an ice cream in the town centre.
Future considerations:
We visited on New Year’s Day so the leisure centre was closed however we plan to structure our next visit around the ‘fun sessions’ at the swimming pool so we can combine a visit to Knaresborough, swimming and of course the play area. Sounds like a perfect day for my kids!
Facilities for Families
The leisure centre play area includes:
- Accessible pathways and seating for parents.
- Open grassy areas (though some were waterlogged during our visit).
- A cafe inside the leisure centre (not open at the time of visit)
- Cycle parking
- Proximity to Knaresborough’s town centre, where cafes and shops await.
While the play area itself doesn’t yet feature picnic tables I am hoping this is an addition they make soon as it’s a good spot for a picnic after playing.
Areas for Improvement
While the play area is fantastic, one area for improvement would be the surfacing. On our visit, parts of the space were quite waterlogged, limiting where the kids could play. A better drainage system or upgraded surfacing would make it an even better experience for families, especially during wetter months.
Secondly, as mentioned above there are no picnic benches or benches in general inside the play area. This would be a welcome addition.
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely! Despite the soggy ground, we had a wonderful time. The play area’s proximity to other family-friendly attractions like Knaresborough Castle and the River Nidd makes it a great spot for a full day out. It’s a versatile destination with plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the play area suitable for toddlers?
Yes, there are elements suitable for younger children, although some equipment may be better for older kids.
Is there parking available?
Yes, street parking is readily available near the leisure centre.You can park in the leisure centre car park but it’s a barrier system and you need to be utilising the facilities to do so.
Are there picnic facilities?
While there aren’t picnic tables at the play area itself, Bebra Gardens nearby is perfect for a picnic.
Can we bring a pushchair?
Yes, the pathways are accessible, though the steep steps to Bebra Gardens may be challenging.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spacious and well-equipped play area.
- Located near historic and scenic attractions.
- Suitable for kids of varying ages.
Cons
- Limited facilities at the play area (no picnic tables or seating inside the play area).
- The ground can become waterlogged after rain.
Park enjoyment rating
Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.