Popular Gardens in Lower Dunsforth

"In the Museum Gardens in York, you will find the ruins for the St Mary’s Abbey, Roman ruins and the York Botanical Gardens. On a beautiful day, they would be a brilliant place for a picnic or a lazy afternoon tea. The York Museum Gardens are located centrally next to the River Ouse"

"This is a lovely place to relax and unwind in the heart of the city. Grab yourself a coffee or snack and sit on one of the benches with a friend, taking it all in. York Museum Gardens is home to some amazing trees and plants."

"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)."

"Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most popular family attractions which offers a unique opportunity to explore the habitats of the Tropics and other hot places from around the world. It includes jungle, desert, nocturnal and aquatic habitats with plants and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats complete with babies!"

"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."

"Rather than being your trendy, modern coffee shop, it’s a traditional café with smooth, Italian coffee and the ultimate bacon sandwiches – think plenty of crispy bacon on freshly baked focaccia bread. All the food here is great in taste and portion size, along with the milkshakes and the cakes, and you’ll always get the friendliest service. It’s not really the kind of café I’d go and work in, but I’d definitely spend a lazy weekend morning in there eating my way through the menu at this Leeds coffee shop."

"San Co.co is a cheap and cheerful cafe that prides itself on being a fuss-free eatery. You can start with a coffee or one of their huge range of Twining teas, before choosing something from the menu. They make an early start here, so you can grab a bacon butty on the way to work, but if it’s lunch you’re after, you can choose from a vast array of sandwiches, salads and hot dishes, made fresh each day."

"San Co Co has plenty to offer, but their coffee, in particular, has earned them plenty of fans. Using Caffe Vero Italian coffee blends from Nottingham, they offer a slew of tremendous brews, including an awesome macchiato and a delicious iced coffee. Their little cafe is the perfect spot to stop for a brew, and watch the world go by, but don’t be surprised if you’re tempted in by the food."

"Nice café for breakfast and lunch with kids toys to keep them occupied. 482 Roundhay Road, Oakwood, LS8 2HU, Tel: 0113 3456319"

"There are two Revolutions in Leeds, so you should definitely be able to get a space at one or the other if you book in advance. At only £20 per person, their bottomless brunch is cheap as chips, and you can enjoy it on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 and 4. There are six boozy drinks options, and in terms of food, there are all kinds of things, ranging from pizza to pancakes to full English-style brunches."

"48 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 6DT41 Cookridge St, Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AWYou can view Revs’ vegan menu online, with plenty of plant-based options available."

"Not just a spot for a night out - the Cookridge Street Revolution bar came in at number one for places to grab food in Leeds city centre."

"Formerly known as the Clock Café, this is another place that’s atmospheric enough to make you feel fancy, whilst also being affordable enough to enjoy yourself in without worrying. It’s Hyde Park location makes it a popular haunt for students grabbing a bite to eat or catching up on a few drinks in the evenings. They also have a whole host of events like poetry readings, pub quizzes, jazz and open mic nights, so you can pretend to be cultured."

"LS6, otherwise known as The Clock Cafe, has one of the best breakfast menu’s going. They then follow this up with a separate brunch menu, so there is no end of choice. Choices range from a classic Yorkshire Full English to the Huevos Rancheros if you’re up for trying something a bit different."

"Leeds' most interesting museum was originally built in 1996 to house armour and weapons from the Tower of London, but subsequently expanded to cover 3000 years of combat and self-defence, becoming home to the national collections. The exhibits are as varied as they are fascinating, covering subjects such as jousting, fencing and Indian elephant armour. To get here, walk east along the river from Centenary Footbridge (approx 10 minutes), or take the free boat from Granary Wharf outside Leeds train station's southern entrance."