Popular Gardens in Sutton on the Forest

"The Museum Gardens are potentially my favourite place in the whole of York. Regardless of the time of year, the Museum Gardens always look in pristine condition and there are ample places for you to get a good pic for the ‘gram. From St. Mary’s Abbey that provides an idyllic historic backdrop, to the plethora of trees, plants and flowers that are scattered all over the gardens, as well as the Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens are an incredible place for taking pictures."

"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."

"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."

"Finally, this indoor attraction is home to one of the largest collections of tropical plants anywhere in the UK, and a whole host of exotic creatures including crocodiles, butterflies, piranhas, and meerkats. The different areas will take you on a thrilling journey through mangroves, desert and rainforest, exploring the habitats of some amazing animals. The rainforest canopy and waterfall areas are a particular highlight."

"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!"

"With tree-lined walkways, vast swathes of grassland and a traditional bandstand where live entertained play during the summer, Horsforth Hall Park is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Japanese gardens are its crowning glory – created in 1987, they reflect the diverse landscapes of the Japanese isles and create a place of contemplation for visitors. The park also has a skate park and a cricket pitch."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Soak up the sunshine and take stock of your day’s sightseeing by enjoying one of York’s magnificent parks. The city is blessed with an abundance of green spaces, so take your pick...The York Museum Gardens are one of the reasons York is so wonderful. As well as being a beautiful botanical garden, you’ll find the Yorkshire Museum, York Observatory, York Hospitium, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and a Roman Fortress."

"Although not a royal castle by any stretch of the imagination, Roundhay Park has its own castle that sits within its grounds (btw don’t worry – Roundhay Park will get its own mention later on 🤪). Grab a shot that looks like you travelled miles away into the countryside when really you’re only about ten minutes away from home with this spot. Nicholson added the folly in the guise of a medieval gateway in the 1820s and after its construction it was used a summer house and a hunting lodge."

"Rowntree Park, on the flood plains of the River Ouse, is a myriad of paths and walkways along the river. It was York’s first ever municipal park, presented to the public by sweets company Rowntree & Co to commemorate the 200 members of their staff who died in World War I. If you’re in search of a little exercise during your visit, the park boasts six tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court, two tennis tables and two bowling greens. The duck pond also makes for an excellent picnicking spot."

"For a scenic afternoon in the park, head over to Rowntree Park. The park is located on the banks of the River Ouse and was built as a scenic memorial to the soldiers who fought in the two World Wars. The 30-acre area holds children’s play areas, a lake, flower beds, woodlands, and facilities for bowling, tennis, and basketball."

"Meanwood Park is a 29-hectares area consisted of woodland, mown grass, stream and meadows. They have different attractions and facilities like Meanwood Valley Trail, nature reserve, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and picnic areas. A perfect place for the family to have their quality time, kids would love to play on their children’s playground while their parents can do different sports activities like tennis or basketball."

"Four miles north of Leeds city centre, Meanwood Park’s 29-hectares span meadows, woodland, lawns, and a stream. That’s a checklist of most dogs’ outdoor needs, which also happens to be pretty darn beautiful to boot. For the energetic, Meanwood is part of a seven-mile walk called the Meanwood Valley Trail, which takes you from Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park and then onto Seven Arches (Leeds’ first aqueduct) and Golden Acre Park."

"Take in the refreshing air of the forest while you follow the paths that. will lead you to cliffs from where you’ll have the best view of the Wharf Valley."

"If you want to eat outdoors in Leeds, Grumpy’s sun trap of a courtyard is the perfect choice. They have plenty of picnic tables outside, many of which come complete with parasols to give you a little respite from the summer sun. You can treat yourself to wood-fired, Roman-style pizzas with a host of bold toppings."