Wibsey Park

West View Park, rechristened Darwin Gardens at the turn of the century, are unique community gardens, with some beautiful features linked exclusively to Ilkley. With stunning views of Ilkley Moor, and heritage connections to Darwin’s stay in the town, the Gardens are a fantastic place to come and explore.

Visitor photos

Useful Information

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Address

West View Park, Darwin Gardens, Wells Road, Ilkley

Opening Times

All Bradford District Parks are open 365 days a year, 24 hours.

Access

The park is accessible to wheelchairs, although it is very steep in nature which can make it hard-going.

Directions

By Car

From The Grove (B6382) in Ilkley, follow Wells Road uphill. There is a car park on the right, just after you pass Crossbeck Road on the left.

By Bus

No buses pass particularly close to the park, but it is only a short walk from the centre of Ilkley (note: the walk is uphill for much of the way). Information on public transport to Ilkley can be found by contacting Metro on 0113 2457676 or www.wymetro.com. Information is also available on the Keighley and District buses website or on 01535 603284.

By Train

Riverside Gardens is a short, although uphill, walk from Ilkley Train station. Trains travel to Ilkley frequently from both Bradford and Leeds. For train timetable information contact Metro on 0113 2457676 or www.wymetro.com.

Facilities

Car Park

Free to use, open 24 hours. Situated just off Wells Road.

Friends of Group

West View Park (Darwin Gardens) has an active Darwin Gardens Trust which operates with the aim of helping to care, enhance, protect and broaden the enjoyment of their local Park. If you are interested in joining, the group would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Nanette Metcalf (Development Officer) on 01274 433828 for further details. Visit the Friends website for more information.

Millennium Green

The Millennium Green is an area where people can relax, enjoy nature, and where children can play. The Darwin Gardens Millennium Green has a number of unique and beautiful features. More information can be found on the Darwin Gardens Trust website. Highlights include the Millennium Maze which incorporates 1000 flagstones - one for each year of a Millennium. Its design is based on the fylfot symbol, which is also used on the famous 'Swastika Stone' of Ilkley Moor. A mosaic, ‘Living Waters’ related to the local tradition of hydropathic spa treatment, uses pebbles gathered from the River Wharfe.

Picnic Area

The gardens have several picnic benches situated next to the wildflower meadow and perfect for relaxing on a sunny day.

Maintenance

Help us to maintain this area by reporting any problems to the Area Parks and Landscape Manager on 01535 618068 or email mel.smith@bradford.gov.uk