"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."
"Boasting the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens, Tropical World is also popular for its adorable meerkats, terrapins, turtles, tropical birds and butterflies (which are free to flutter around the attraction). As the name suggests, the tropical origins of its inhabitants mean the attraction is kept warm and humid - but you soon adapt to the balmy setting. Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay LS8 1DF (within Roundhay Park)."
"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"
"For those who live in Horsforth, it's no secret that this place becomes swamped in the summer months and it's got a bit of everything. If you fancy burning off a few calories then the Trim Trail is one of the best around and it's also plenty big enough for a quick game of cricket or football, but the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning Japanese Garden."
"Just north of Rodley Nature Reserve is this park with a Japanese garden, trails and plenty more. The main entrance is off Hall Lane, Horsforth"
"Another set of magnificent gardens in Harrogate are these towards the western edge of town, which reflect the Yorkshire landscape with a selection of trails, a log maze and tea rooms. There's also a range of boutique shops and tours on offer at the 17 acre site which, as is the case with many parts of Harrogate, was formerly the location for a bath house and a spa. Harlow Carr Gardens are at Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB. The gardens are open from 9.30am throughout the year and close at 6pm from March to October and 4pm for the rest of the year."
"Ripley Castle near Harrogate is a child friendly estate which offers regular castle tours especially for children. The children’s tours are a child friendly length of 45 minutes but there are also adult tours available. The extensive grounds of the estate include a deer park, a small children’s play area and a pretty walled kitchen garden so are ideal for a good run around."
"Very close to our Yorkshire Dales distillery in Kettlesing, Ripley Castle is among the best things to see in the Yorkshire Dales. Over 700 years old; the castle has lakes, a deer park, walled gardens, hothouses and more to explore. The grounds are particularly attractive in Spring, when they’re in full bloom."
"Ripley Castle and Gardens, near Harrogate, is an historic attraction open to the public all year round and makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location."
"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."
"Just below Tropical World are the beautiful Canal Gardens which again, despite being in the area many times exploring Roundhay Park I had never noticed before I ran past them during a lockdown run. I came back again a couple of weeks later with my new tripod (best purchase!!!) to photograph them. In Spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom in this peaceful place."
"Harrogate has two main theatres which both stage regular performances of plays, concerts and stand-up comedy. Both the Royal Hall and Harrogate Theatre were built in the early 1900s but have undergone regeneration projects to make them suitable for modern performances. Harrogate Theatre is situated at and Royal Hall is at Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SY. For show listings and ticket information for both venues visit www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk."
"Did you know that Leeds is one of just three cities in the UK with its own ballet and opera companies?. The former is Northern Ballet, a critically acclaimed company that’s widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Led by David Nixon OBE, they offer up unique reinterpretations of classics like Swan Lake alongside new ballets like Casanova, The Little Mermaid and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas."
"The Northern Ballet is a touring dance company which performs locally, nationally and internationally, with its home in Leeds. They are well-known for transforming popular stories into Dance, such as The Little Mermaid and The Great Gatsby. You should definitely take up the opportunity to watch one of their mesmerising ballets if you have the chance."
"Tharavadu is a Malayalam word which roughly translates into “keeping traditions alive”. This is the idea that is at the very heart of this ever popular south Indian inspired restaurant. Regularly cited as one of the most unique restaurants in Leeds, it has a vast array of choices on the menu and is well regarded for its unusual dishes, such as crab in coconut, fried lentil doughnuts and toffee steamed rice cakes!"
"A post shared by Tharavadu (@tharavadu) on May 17, 2017 at 10:39am PDT. Tharavadu loves to shout out that it’s Michelin recommended, but I completely understand, because they wholeheartedly deserve their success. Their menu is blummin' massive and they are not sparing with their vegan options."
"There’s no menu here, per se – just tell the restaurant any dietary requirements you have and then enjoy as you’re served an impressive four- or eight-course meal. Menus change according to the season, but the black pudding macaron is their signature. If you’re thirsty, sister venue and natural wine bar Cave du Cochon, down the road, is just as classy."
"Le Cochon Aveugle serve a fine dining blind tasting menu for the more adventurous foodie. “It is a small stripped back restaurant in the heart of York, serving a frequently changing tasting menu. The contemporary European menu is rooted in classical French techniques, and showcases the very best produce available to the kitchen on each individual day."
"They’re famed for their wings, and they double cook them to give them a unique crunch. But that’s not all they do. Look out for heaving Bird Burgers or mix it up with one of their chicken-waffle combinations, like the Chilli Choc Wafflewich, which comes drizzled with their signature chocolate and chilli sauce."