The unofficial capital of Yorkshire has a vibrant culture, fantastic shops and outstanding restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Leeds is also home to several major parks, offering beautiful green spaces for people to discover.
From ancient woodlands to a tropical paradise, the green spaces in Leeds are wonderful to explore. The sophisticated Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre is a cosy oasis in the heart of the city, and perfect to relax in after a day in the park.
Roundhay Park
One of the most famous parks in Yorkshire, Roundhay Park, is a must-visit green space in Leeds. Originally an 11th century hunting ground, it is now home to some beautiful sculpted gardens and the popular Tropical World.
Roundhay Park has lots of places to explore, and maps of featured walks are available to make the most of a trip. Make sure you see the Monet Garden and the Alhambra Garden, the Waterloo Lake and fountains, the elegant Mansion, and the castle ruins. There are several cafes, lots of activities, and regular events taking place.
The star attraction in Roundhay Park is Tropical World, which has the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. Admission is cheap and allows you to see birds, reptiles, exotic animals, nocturnal creatures and a popular family of meerkats.
Kirkstall Abbey
The stunning ruins of Kirkstall Abbey on the banks of the River Aire in Leeds make a memorable place for a leisurely stroll. As one of the best remaining British examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey, it offers visitors the chance to get close to historic architecture in a gorgeous setting.
Kirkstall Abbey Park provides a home for wildlife and plants, and marked routes will help you explore the area. Visitors can discover a seasonal calendar of events, purchase gifts in the shop and find out more about the Abbey in the Visitor Centre.
Abbey House, housed in what was once the Gatehouse of Kirkstall Abbey, has a great museum and is home to the excellent Gatehouse café.
Temple Newsam
One of the greatest country houses in England, Temple Newsam is set in beautiful parkland in Leeds.
The romantic Tudor-Jacobean mansion of Temple Newsam has 40 restored rooms open for visitors to explore, with an impressive collection of decorative arts.
Temple Newsam Park is a wonderful green space in Leeds, and was landscaped by Capability Brown. There’s also a working rare breed farm, beautiful gardens, woodlands and a folly. The Temple Newsam tea rooms make a great place to stop for a refuel, and the shop has an excellent range of things to buy.
Golden Acre Park
The popular Golden Acre Park in Leeds is the perfect place for a day exploring nature.
The 55 hectare park features beautiful demonstration gardens, a wildfowl lake, cherry orchard, wildflower meadow, streams and lush woodland. Golden Acre Park is next to two nature reserves, Adel Dam and Breary Marsh, and has a great café and gift shop.
What’s the best park you’ve ever visited? Let us know below.