York Historic Environment Record

The land area of the Retreat and Heslington Road Conservation Area was originally outside the City of York and part of Fulford. It occupies the highest ground south of the City including Lamel Hill and Garrow Hill and commands views northwards across the City of York and southwards over Walmgate Stray and low Moor to the village of Fulford. It is located within the City of York Green Belt. The Conservation Area was designated in 1975. The main elements of the character and appearance of the area are: (1) The Retreat, set in parkland surrounded by high walls but with views out; (2) A series of gardens and adjoining parkland, giving a very open landscape character; (3) Pleasant Victorian suburban housing on Belle Vue Terrace which forms an edge to the open space; (4) The Conservation Area extends west to York Cemetery, south to Walmgate Stray and east to the landscaped campus of the University. It consists mainly of open greenspace on the edge of the city located within the City of York Green Belt.