Central Park, Haworth Review For Families

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, England, lies a charming village that seems plucked from the pages of a storybook – Haworth. Famous for its association with the Brontë sisters, this village oozes history and literary charm. But what many families might not know is that Haworth is also home to a fantastic place for outdoor adventures and family fun – Central Park. 

Central Park is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Haworth. Surrounded by the quaint stone buildings that give this village its unique character, the park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We were pleasantly surprised by the sheer size and beauty of this park, which covers over six acres of land.

The park’s layout is thoughtfully designed, offering something for everyone in the family. Whether you have toddlers who want to run around, teenagers itching for adventure, or grandparents looking for a serene spot to relax, Central Park has got you covered.

Where is Central Park located?

Situated in the picturesque village of Haworth, West Yorkshire, Central Park is easily accessible by car and public transport. The park’s address is Central Park, Haworth, West Yorkshire, BD22 8DX. It’s conveniently located, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists to explore.

History of The Haworth Central Park

Before we dive into our adventure at Central Park, let’s take a quick peek into its rich history. Haworth Central Park has been a beloved part of the community since it opened its gates in 1927. As you enter, you’ll notice a stone plaque at the west entrance commemorating its inauguration. But it wasn’t until 1937 that the park added a Bowling Green and Pavilion, an occasion celebrated with a special tablet.

Central Park is English Heritage Grade 2 Listed and has been honoured with the prestigious Green Flag status since 2006. The Green Flag is a national award that recognizes exceptional green spaces in England and Wales, and it’s easy to see why Central Park earned this distinction. Haworth Central Park is a valuable asset to the community. It is a place where people of all ages can come to enjoy the outdoors, relax, and learn about the history of Haworth.

What is there to do for families?

Now, let’s get into the exciting part of our visit: all the activities and attractions that make Central Park, Haworth a fantastic destination for families.

Children’s Play Area

One of the first things that caught our eye upon entering Central Park was the fantastic playground. If you’re visiting with little ones, this is the place to be. Matilda and Barney absolutely loved the children’s play area. Filled with exciting play structures, swings, and slides, it provided endless entertainment for them. They couldn’t get enough of the playground, and it was truly a joy to see them laugh and explore.

As parents, we appreciated the clean and well-maintained play area. It was clear that the park staff takes pride in keeping the facilities in top shape. Plus, the playground is conveniently located near the park entrance, making it easy to keep an eye on your kids while they explore.

Memory Garden – A Touching Tribute

One of the standout features of Central Park is the Memory Garden. Constructed by students from Keighley Technical College, the garden boasts pillars and flower beds. Local artist Craig Dyson’s stainless-steel structure, “The Meet,” takes centre stage in the garden. Shaped like a bird’s wing, it symbolises freedom and invites visitors to attach padlocks in memory of their loved ones. Just beyond the pillars, a stainless-steel arch guides us to a serene spot for quiet contemplation

Bandstand Delights

As we continued our journey, we came across the park’s bandstand, which was officially opened in June 2014 by the Lord Mayor of Bradford. What sets this bandstand apart is its unique design – it’s at ground level to accommodate a variety of uses. Though there wasn’t any live music on the day of our visit, we could easily imagine the joyful tunes that must have filled the air during events.

Bike Friendly Paths

Haworth Central Park is a great place to cycle, with a short, flat bike path that is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Matilda, our little adventurer, took full advantage of this bike-friendly environment, pedalling with glee as she gained confidence and honed his cycling skills. The Haworth Central Park flat paths are a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a great place to teach your kids how to ride a bike.

Bowling Green and Tennis Court

For the older members of the family, Central Park offers a well-maintained bowling green and a tennis court. Even if you’ve never played before, it’s a fun opportunity to try your hand at these traditional games. We didn’t give it a shot this time, but we’ll definitely consider it on our next visit.

Nearby Attractions

If you have more time to spare, Central Park’s location in Haworth provides an opportunity to explore other attractions in the area. Haworth is renowned for its connection to the Brontë sisters, famous authors of classic novels such as “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights.” A visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives and literary works of these talented sisters.

Facilities At Central Park, Haworth

Central Park, Haworth, caters to the needs of its visitors effectively. During our visit, we noted several facilities that enhance the overall experience:

Seating: There are plenty of benches and seating areas throughout the park, strategically placed to offer amazing views. It’s a thoughtful touch for those who want to take in the scenery or simply rest their feet.

Wheelchair and Pushchair Accessibility: The park’s paths are wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, although they can be a bit undulating and steep in some areas. It’s worth noting for families with young children or those with mobility needs. Public Toilets: Public restrooms are available at the park’s entrance on Bridgehouse Lane. However, please be aware that they might have closing times, so plan accordingly.

Areas For Improvement

While our visit to Central Park was mostly positive, we did notice a few areas that could be improved. We observed that the park’s public restrooms were closed during our visit, which could be quite inconvenient for families with young children. We agree that accessible and well-maintained facilities are essential. Another minor issue we noticed was overflowing trash cans during our visit. It would be wonderful to see more regular maintenance to keep the park clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Would you recommend it?

Without a doubt, Central Park in Haworth comes highly recommended for families seeking a fun-filled day out. We had a great time here, and Matilda and Barney truly enjoyed the park’s offerings. From the captivating flower gardens to the play area and bowling green, Central Park provides a variety of activities suitable for all ages. It’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours engaging in outdoor fun and creating lasting family memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a café?

Central Park doesn’t have a dedicated cafe within its premises. However, being located at the heart of Haworth village, you’ll find several cafes and eateries nearby where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy a refreshing beverage.

What is your favourite part?

We loved the flower gardens and the Memory Garden in particular. It’s a serene spot for reflection and a beautiful addition to the park. While we enjoyed every aspect of the park, our kids particularly loved the play area. It was a highlight of our visit.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Central Park, but they should be kept on a lead. It’s a lovely place to take your four-legged family members for a walk.

Can we bring our own bikes?

Yes, you can bring your own bikes to Central Park. The park offers well-maintained paths and open spaces that are perfect for cycling. It’s a fantastic way to explore the park and enjoy some outdoor exercise.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is parking available near Central Park. While specifics may vary, the surrounding areas offer parking options for visitors to conveniently access the park.

Is there any entrance fee for visiting the park?

No, Central Park in Haworth is a free public park. You can enjoy all its amenities without any entrance fees.

Pros & Cons

Park enjoyment rating

Image Credit: https://www.visitbradford.com/things-to-do/central-park-haworth-p1622851

Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Ryan