Wharfemeadows Park

Wharfemeadows Park is a large, well-kept park in Otley that runs alongside the River Wharfe. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and the weir makes for a striking spot to stop and watch the river in full flow. There is a good range of unusual trees dotted throughout, and an Archimedes-type generator station on site that generates electricity from the river.

For families, there is a recently refurbished children's play area with stepped decking seating that looks out over the river, outdoor gym equipment, a bowling green, three tennis courts (free to use), and a skate park. The play area and skate park are set apart from each other, which works well when you have kids of different ages. You can also hire rowboats for 30 minutes or an hour and get out on the water.

There is a cafe right next to the playground with views over the river, so you can keep an eye on the children while you have a sit-down. The park is open 24 hours a day and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. It can get muddy underfoot in wet weather, so boots are a good idea if rain is forecast.

This is a great spot for a wide range of ages, from toddlers in the play area through to older children and teenagers at the skate park. The park connects to a longer riverside walk, so it is easy to make a proper half-day of it.