Horton Park

  • Horton Park Avenue, BD7 3EG
  • Open 24 hours a day, all year round
  • Bowling green
  • Car parking
  • Children's play area
  • Fitness equipment
  • Play area for ages 0-3
  • Pond

Horton Park, Horton Park Avenue, Bradford, United Kingdom

Quick description

A large leafy park boasting beautiful gardens, a modern play area, and a duck pond. 

What’s there?

Horton Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the city of Bradford. It is filled with beautiful gardens and plenty of paths to explore. The modern play areas provide the perfect spot for young people to have fun.  

This peaceful oasis tucked away within an urban environment, with its towering trees and a tranquil duck pond at its centre, provides a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Play areas 

A space designed to spark excitement and promote exploration. Some sensory-rich features include steppingstones, sandpit, animal sculptures and splash pools. Other facilities are designed to provide adventure, including a slide, balance beams and open spaces.  

A traditional fenced play area with swings and a slide sits alongside this.  

Better Place Installation

Promenade  

A winding carriage drive encircles the park, interconnecting with a broad, straight promenade through several curved pedestrian pathways. 

Ornamental water fountain  

In 1886, Alderman Morley and Councillors Firth, Fletcher, and Hammond of the Little Horton Ward donated a central ornamental memorial fountain to a pond constructed of stone and polished red granite.  

Bowling greens 

Three bowling greens and a timber clubhouse sit south-east of the park.  

Outdoor gym equipment   

A neatly compact fitness area offers a space to exercise in the fresh air, surrounded by nature and with no membership required!   

Multi-sports pitches   

Includes a football pitch and a basketball court.   

History

Opened on 25 May 1878 on land purchased by Bradford Council in 1873. William Gay landscape gardener and surveyor designed the park. 

Natural history

The park is abundant with wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, providing a sanctuary for British birds and wildlife. Visitors can expect regular visits from woodland birds like the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Robin, and Goose. The park is also home to squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals.  

Resources

Friends Group

Visit the Friends of Bradford District Parks page to find out more about activities and initiatives coordinated by the Friends of Horton Park.   

A Better Place park

The Better Place initiative is a component of the Better Start Bradford project. Better Place identifies and oversees improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families.

To find out more, including which parks have benefited, visit: https://www.betterstartbradford.org.uk/project/family/better-place/

What’s on

Visit the things to do area for details of all events.    

Park run    

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Every Saturday at 9 am. Visit the Parkrun website for more information: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/hortonpark/ 

Better Start Bradford events  

There are various activities organised by Better Start Bradford and other local organisations. This has included the Horton Park Parade, art projects, wood workshops and tree planting. For more information, visit: https://www.betterstartbradford.org.uk/horton-park/  

Friends of Horton Park   

The Friends of Horton Park group organise various events throughout the year, which are regularly posted on the Friends Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofhortonpark   

Events at Horton Park

See our things to do page

Return to parks & greenspaces page