Ilkley Park/Riverside Gardens — Attraction in Bradford

Spent a great afternoon at Ilkley River Gardens & Playground with two 10-year-old boys and a 5-year-old girl — perfect spot for a mix of outdoor energy and relaxed fun. The large playground kept the younger one busy, while the older two enjoyed a game of football in the open green spaces. There’s a great mix of play equipment including zip wires, assault courses, climbing frames and more — plenty to keep kids entertained for hours.

The park sits in a beautiful riverside setting with loads of space to roam, explore, or simply enjoy the scenery. Ideal for families looking to burn off some energy or enjoy a slower pace in nature.

Refreshments: The nearest food option is Riverside Fish & Chips, which also serves pizza — quick, tasty and really convenient.

Toilets: Clean and well-maintained. Just a heads-up — they’re 40p and card/contactless only, so have your phone or card ready.

Top tip: There's a public table tennis table tucked away behind the hotel. Bring your own bats and ball, or ask at the hotel reception — they sometimes lend them out for a small deposit.

All in all, a brilliant, easy-going day out. Plenty to do, gorgeous surroundings, and everything you need nearby. Definitely worth a visit if you’re...

I have been here only once before with my son and really liked it so I brought my mum too for the ice-cream and this time I remembered to ask if it was vegetarian and they said NO! So the ice cream was made from animal fat as it had a lot of E numbers when they showed me the box and so I thought I’ll purchase her some chips only. I waited in the line and when it was my turn to be served. She told me that they make the chips with the beef burgers! So I couldn’t purchase any chips for my mum OR ice cream! Good thing we ate before we came but honestly! In this day and age there should be AT LEAST VEGETARIAN friendly food. And I’m guessing VEGAN is out of the question? And why would you mix your chips with the meat and everything else? Isn’t that unhygienic and against food and health codes? Who has allowed this to happen? What a shame. I wouldn’t go back here and not sure if this comment will be seen and if any changes will be made. Really disappointed...

Beautiful. Lovely playground with sand area for young children all safely enclosed, gardens are nicely kept and you walk on the tarmac path which is next to the edge of the river. All very tranquil. If you go towards the main road exit and follow the path at the left hand side underneath the bridge, (it goes under the main road) this brings you out into a field along the river edge where you can easily get down onto the lovely big pebble beach which is great for my grand children to paddle in their wellies even on a cold day. It is usually quite shallow at the edge unless there has been lots of rain. We just use our common sense and stay in the shallows. It is very popular here. There is usually an ice cream man somewhere around up on the road. Also at the other end is a lovely pub...