Charlie Cake Park

Charlie Cake Park is located in the Armley district of Leeds, well known for its industrial past, mills and rows of back to back terraced houses. The park is less than a mile from the city centre and home to the Leeds Industrial Museum.

A breath of fresh air

A lovely little green space in the heart of a busy city, Charlie Park provides an opportunity to get out in nature and enjoy the fresh air. Admire the rose beds and the trees as they change throughout the seasons

Stretch your legs, read a book and enjoy some family time

Go for a brisk stroll or jog, take a moment to appreciate nature on your lunch break or take the children and dog for a much needed run about.

Live nearby? Why not take your book and soak up the sunshine on a hot summer’s day. Or enjoy a picnic with the family and build rope swings in the trees.

In need of some exercise?

Why not make the most of the free gym equipment dotted around the park on your visit or enjoy a football kick about on the bowling green.

Walk the Dog

Charlie Park is dog friendly, perfect for a quick morning or evening stroll. Please use the dog bins provided.

Volunteer with your local community

The park is looked after by Armley Common Lands Trust, who host regular clean ups and planting days. There is also an annual East Egg Hunt and free hanging basket days for all the family to enjoy and an outdoor cinema every once in a while.

Did you know that Charlie Cake Park’s official name is Whingate Park and was previously owned by the Gotts who were a prominent family in Leeds in the 18th and 19th centuries (which is also where Gotts Park gets is name, just around the corner). It was a patch of waste ground that they swapped with the Churchwardens and Overseers of Armley Township for a piece of land on Redcote Lane. It is now maintained by the Armley Common Right Trust.

Legend has it that the park was affectionately named Charlie Cake Park after a local pedlar Charlie from Pudsey who used to rest his horse and sell cakes on the triangle strip of land. Charlie Cake was well known in the Armley area and as far as Kirkstall for his fine pastries and gateaux.

His signature cake was a spicy shortbread in the triangular shape of the park and he would often give a free cake to loyal customers. Charlie Cakes shortbread became so famous that it was presented to Queen Victoria at the opening of Leodis Town Hall in 1858. Charlie was so loved by the local people that after his death, the park was renamed Charlie Cake Park by the Gotts family.

Charlie Cake Park was also a meeting place for the famous Leeds bands Sisters of Mercy and the Mekons back in the 1980s.

There are no toilet facilities at Charlie Cake Park.

Fancy a bite to eat? Head over to Murrell’s Bakery, offering a selection of hot and cold sandwiches, pastries, freshly made bread and homemade buns.

Out for an evening stroll? Grab yourself a tasty Chinese from Hong Kong Chinese Takeaway.

Whilst there is not an on-site car park, parking is available in nearby roads. Please be considerate of local residents. Roads we recommend using for parking are:

• Town Street (LS12RF)
• Whingate

There are paths through the park and flat ground making  is accessible to wheelchair users  and pushchairs.

The park is easily accessible by car and bus.

Bus route 16 towards Pudsey from Leeds City Centre passes directly by Charlie Cake Park. The Town Street Springfield Mount bus stop drops you off right outside the park.