Hidden Yorkshire: Holden Park in Oakworth

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Yorkshire with a quirky twist, you’re going to love Holden Park in Oakworth, West Yorkshire!

This park has much more to offer than your traditional village park. Keep reading to discover exactly what makes it so special!

In this post you will discover the history of Oakworth Park, as well as everything you need to know before you go.

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What is Holden Park?

Holden Park, sometimes known as Oakworth Park, is a beautiful park in the village of Oakworth in West Yorkshire. 

However, Holden Park is much more than a beautiful green space. This unique park is home to a series of follies, grottos, and caves that make your visit a little more unusual!

Keep reading to discover the secrets of Holden Park!

Holden Park Oakworth History

Holden Park has a fascinating history. Prior to being open to the public, the park was part of the estate belonging to Sir Isaac Holden.

The follies, grottos, and caves of the park were all built by Isaac Holden when it was the site of his home. 

Following his death in 1897, the house and park stood empty before the building was lost to a fire. In 1925 Holden Park was donated to the people of Oakworth by Francis Holden Illingworth, the grandson of the former owner.

Today, the park remains a huge open space at the heart of the village. Locals and visitors love it, and it remains one of the best hidden gems in West Yorkshire!

Oakworth House

Oakworth House once stood on the site where the bowling green sits today. The house was a large Italianate villa built for Sir Isaac between 1864-74. 

The only section remaining is the portico, which hints at the grandeur of the lost building. You can also still see a glimpse of the Italianate style architecture when you find the summer house. Combined, these provide an idea of how grand and beautiful Oakworth House once was.

Sadly, the house was gutted by a fire in 1909. It was ironic, given it was the first house in the village to have a sprinkler system installed to extinguish fires. The damaged building was demolished in the aftermath of the fire.

Fortunately, the park remains long after the house was lost. It is still possible to admire the spectacular grounds that once surrounded the home, and they are a truly remarkable sight.

Holden Park Oakworth Parking

There is no dedicated car parking when visiting Holden Park. Instead, we made use of some of the on-street parking in the village. Specifically, we found a spot on Park Avenue, just around the corner from Holden Park.

Please be mindful if you are parking on the street in Oakworth and try to avoid parking directly outside someone’s house where possible. 

Holden Park Map

You can locate a map of Holden Park next to the war memorial, close to the main entrance on Chapel Lane. It highlights the notable sights and footpaths throughout the park.

The park is a little bit of a maze once you start exploring, so it is worth taking a photo of the Holden Park map when you enter to save you coming back and referencing it later.

Things to do at Holden Park, Oakworth

Although Holden Park is not one of the largest parks in the region, there is a lot to see here!

Allow about one hour to walk around the park. However, if you are visiting with kids or have a picnic packed you could easily pass half a day here.

Here is your guide to the things to do at Holden Park on your next visit.

Explore the Grottos

My favourite feature of the park is the many man-made caves and grottos dotted around.

Once you start exploring, you quickly find yourself immersed in a warren of caverns. From the inside, they are beautifully illuminated by light shining through the cracks and skylights.

It is the caves and grottos that make Holden Park unique and a hidden gem worth seeking out. While most villages in Yorkshire can boast a park or two, very few can claim one quite so quirky!

On your visit, make sure you allow plenty of time to discover every hidden route and cave that makes up the impressive network.

You’ll find yourself scrambling up stairways and down into dark depths much more than you anticipated! It is hard to fully grasp the scale of the caves without exploring them for yourself! 

Find the Mosaic Floor

And just in case you need reminding that these caves aren’t naturally formed, you can find a mosaic floor hiding inside one section if you are looking in the right place!

The fun detail of the mosaic floor is a handy reminder that the caves were built as a folly. Purely for fun and aesthetics, rather than any practical reason!

It is stumbling across these quirky details that makes exploring Holden Park so much fun! The place certainly has echoes of The Forbidden Corner as you are searching for the hidden gems.

Admire the Views

One thing I wasn’t expecting prior to visiting Oakworth Park was the spectacular views! As you climb upwards and on top of the cave structure, you can admire sweeping views across the park.

These impressive views are a great reminder that, although the park is quite small by some standards, it crams a whole lot of adventure into its modest space!

Stepping back and admiring the views is a fantastic way to envision what the place must have looked like when the grand home stood at the centre of the garden.

I’m sure Sir Isaac Holden would have stood up here plenty of times during his lifetime to admire his beautiful estate!

Take a Woodland Walk

Once you pass beyond the garden section of the park, you will find yourself enveloped within a shaded woodland area.

There are several footpaths that lead through the woodland, which makes it the ideal place for a stroll. 

You can follow the footpath that loops through the woodland, alongside the disused quarry and onto the pond beside Clough Lane. It is a lovely, quiet route to explore.

Pack a Picnic

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Holden Park is by sitting back and unwinding with a picnic.

The open grassland at the top of the caves is the perfect spot to roll out a blanket on a sunny day and tuck into some treats.

If you do bring a picnic to Holden Park, please remember to dispose of your rubbish in bins or take it away with you. This will help to keep the park looking beautiful for all visitors.

Visit the Children’s Play Area

Young children will especially enjoy a visit to Holden Park. Once they have exhausted all the caves and grottos to be discovered, there is a gated children’s play area where they can burn off even more energy!

The play area contains slides, swings, climbing frames and other apparatus. It is ideal for children aged ten and younger.

You can access the play area via a gate in the wall just beyond the summer house as you are heading in the direction of the caves. Interestingly, during Holden’s lifetime, this was the site of a Turkish bath and billiards room!

Things to do near Holden Park

While you are in the area, why not explore some of the other wonderful things to do near Holden Park? Here are some of the local highlights you don’t want to miss.

Visit Oakworth Station

Oakworth Station is a heritage railway station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. While the KWVR is one of the most popular heritage railways in Yorkshire, Oakworth Station is one of the smallest stations on the line.

With just a single platform, a waiting room and a pop-up cafe, there isn’t a lot to do at the station. However, it is one of the most famous stops along the line.

You see, Oakworth Station is one of the most iconic filming locations in Yorkshire. And while it has made quite a few film and TV appearances, it is best known as the home of The Railway Children. 

Both the 1970 film and the more recent 2022 sequel were filmed at Oakworth Station. So, it is a spot well worth visiting when you are in the area!

Oakworth Station is a half a mile walk down Station Road from Holden Park. Alternatively, you can drive down to the station, where there is a small car park.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase a platform ticket for a small fee, or purchase something from the cafe to help fund the maintenance of the station. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office or the machine in the entrance hall.

Discover the Brontë history in Haworth

The charming village of Haworth is just a short distance from Oakworth. It can be reached via road or onboard a steam train on the heritage Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Haworth is a quaint village with many independent shops and cafes to explore. It is most famous as the home of the Brontë sisters, who are world renowned for their classic novels including Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

You can discover the Brontë history of Haworth by visiting the Parsonage Museum in the building that was once their family home.

Alternatively, you can walk in their footsteps across the moors on a ramble to Top Withens, the setting that reputably inspired Wuthering Heights.

See the Bingley Five Rise Locks

The Five Rise Locks in nearby Bingley are considered an engineering feat. They are the steepest staircase locks in the UK and are an impressive sight to behold.

A walk along the canal is a beautiful way to pass an afternoon. Alternatively, you can pull up a chair at the canal side cafe and watch the boats expertly navigate the locks. 

Discover the full guide to visiting Bingley Five Rise Locks here.

Visit Saltaire

For visitors with a passion for art or history, Saltaire is the perfect place to visit. Sir Titus Salt built this historic Victorian model village for his factory workers.

The construction of Saltaire completely transformed the lifestyle of factory workers. It provided them with quality housing, schools, and recreational facilities they could never have accessed before.

Today, Saltaire is a trendy village packed with independent art and gift stores, plus many cafes and eateries.

The village is also recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, so you really don’t want to miss it!

Find out everything about visiting Saltaire here.

Places to Stay Near Oakworth

If you want to make the most out of your time in the area, why not turn your visit into a weekend away?

Here are some of the best places to stay near Oakworth for your next visit.

Ashmount Country House in Haworth

Nestled beneath the rugged moors, Ashmount Country House is a charming guest house that sits near the centre of Haworth.

A mere three-minute stroll from the Brontë Parsonage, this exquisite retreat offers an unrivalled location for those seeking the best accommodation near Oakworth.

Guests are welcomed into a world of opulence and comfort, with luxury ensuite rooms. Each room boasts indulgent four-poster beds, lavish baths, and the added luxury of private hot tubs.

Prepare to be enchanted as you step back in time and immerse yourself in the ambiance of Ashmount Country House. With its rich historical ties and unparalleled amenities, this idyllic retreat promises an unforgettable stay for those in search of a truly remarkable getaway near Oakworth.

Holme House Cottage in Oakworth

Right at the heart of Oakworth, Holme House Cottage stands as a delightful retreat for those seeking a memorable stay near this picturesque town. Offering captivating garden views, this enchanting holiday home invites guests to indulge in comfort and tranquillity.

Step inside to discover a cosy cottage adorned with a patio, where you can unwind. The cottage is thoughtfully furnished with all the amenities you could need.

Holme House Cottage boasts two inviting bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cosy seating area for entertainment.

With its idyllic setting and well-appointed amenities, this holiday home promises a memorable stay in Oakworth, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

The Old White Lion in Haworth

Discover a charming retreat in the heart of Haworth at The Old White Lion. This exceptional 4-star inn boasts a shared lounge, free private parking, a delightful restaurant, and a cosy bar.

Embrace modern comforts with the inn’s complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring you stay connected throughout your visit. Park your vehicle worry-free, thanks to the convenient free private parking.

Step into your well-appointed room, complete with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV, creating a comfortable haven for your stay. Rooms include a private bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer.

Awaken to a delightful array of breakfast options at The Old White Lion. Whether you prefer a hearty Full English breakfast, a vegetarian spread, or a delightful buffet, the inn ensures a satisfying start to your day.

More hotels in Oakworth

If you’re still looking for places to stay near Oakworth, here is a handy map to help you find the most convenient accommodation for your trip.

Will you visit Oakworth Park?

So, here is your guide to visiting Holden Park in Oakworth. Will you be visiting this historic site? Let me know in the comments!

If you want to discover more incredible Hidden Yorkshire locations, see here for the complete series.

And if you’re itching for even more Yorkshire adventures, check out the Ultimate Yorkshire Bucket List. This comprehensive guide contains over 100 must-see Yorkshire sights, plus handy checklists to keep track of your adventures!

Until our next adventure,

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