Mackintosh Park

Already planned my visit to Knaresborough so first thing first lets have a long walk in Mackintosh Park beside river. Very nice lush green area. Many walking trails in park which leads you for long circle walk. Love visit nature places these days and why not because summer is best for that. Couple of benches on your way to have a break, enjoy the atmosphere and carry on. Worth to visit.

Mackintosh Park in Knaresborough is a truly charming green space that combines tranquility, accessibility, and community spirit in a way that feels increasingly rare. Tucked just a short distance from the town centre, the park offers a calm retreat for visitors of all ages, whether they are seeking a peaceful moment alone, a family outing, or a place to enjoy the outdoors with friends. One of the most notable features of the park is its thoughtful layout: open lawns provide ample room for picnics, informal games, and leisurely walks, while the surrounding trees offer pleasant shade and contribute to the park’s inviting atmosphere. The play area is particularly well designed and maintained, making it a strong draw for families. Children have access to modern, safe equipment, and the space is large enough to accommodate busy weekends without feeling overcrowded. For adults, the seating areas throughout the park encourage longer visits, allowing people to read, relax, or simply enjoy the greenery. The park’s cleanliness and upkeep also stand out; grounds staff clearly take pride in ensuring the environment stays tidy, welcoming, and well cared for throughout the year. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor exploring Knaresborough, Mackintosh Park is well worth a stop. It offers a comforting blend of peacefulness and community energy, making it one of the area’s most enjoyable outdoor spaces.

We started our walk over in Calcutt and followed the Harrogate Ringway Triangle signs which took us up to Bilton Park and you can do a circular route back 🔙 round to Knaresborough, very enjoyable and only took us about 2 hours. Don't forget to visit The Gardeners Arms at Bilton Park it's got the biggest beer 🍻 garden ever and the beers are the best.

Extremely busy with expensive parking for what is essentially an open space near a river. We found somewhere better and free not too far away. If you do visit at busy times, take note that there appears to be only 1 parking machine, located near the entrance. Once you've parked at the other end, it is about a 5 minute walk each way to get a ticket and display it. Or you can get a ticket as you pass, then risk not finding a space.

Riverside walks through woods and meadows. If you are quiet and observant you can see many birds including kingfishers and herons. One is a tiny flash of iridescent turquoise and orange, the other large and very still (until disturbed).