Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Kirk Smeaton

"Roundhay Park is an emerald jewel in Leeds crown and spreading across 700 acres of land it rivals some of the biggest parks in Europe. In fact, it’s bigger than London’s Hyde Park, actually much bigger at DOUBLE the size – take that London 😜 It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend morning or afternoon with a variety of walks and corners to uncover. The main feature is the expansive Waterloo Lake which has a 2.5km walk around its perimeter."

"Within the cities of England, it’s often hard to find beautiful green locations, although they are plentiful outside of the cities. At just three miles north of Leeds City Centre you can find a whole 700 acres of rolling parkland, two clear lakes and woodland as far as the eye can see. Alongside the natural beauty of nature there are several formal gardens, and two playgrounds to keep your travelling children entertained."

"Grandeur is the order of the day at Temple Newsam, with a huge stately home dominating the impressive grounds to the east of the city, which were initially designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The gorgeous gardens are impressive enough by themselves, but you can also entertain the little ones with a trip to Home Farm or the brand new Go Ape course for the adventurous ones among you!"

"Golden Acre Park is popularly known for its circular lakeside walk. This 136-acres of park also offers amazing gardens and tea rooms that you can certainly enjoy. It is also near other famous parks and attractions like the Breary Marsh and Adel Dam in case you would want to go on an ultimate nature adventure."

"With five galleries showcasing a range of archaeological treasures as well as displays of rare animals, birds and fossils, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts fabulous greenery, making it the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing, scenic walk. Established during the 1830s, the historical gardens are famous for their wonderful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With botanical gardens comprised of 10 acres, Yorkshire Museum Gardens is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing retreat."

"Housed in a majestic stone building with pillars reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece, sits one of the best collections of archaeology and geology in Europe. Ranging from prehistoric natural history, through ancient Roman treasure and up toward the modern-day, this is a great early stop on your exploration of York. Arm yourself with knowledge of the history that makes this city so special, and watch as every subsequent attraction comes to life with your new understanding."

"Visiting the Museum Gardens is yet another free activity to do in York. On a nice, summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or simply visit The Yorkshire Museum."

"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)."

"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!"

"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."

"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."

"Middleton Park is a fusion of traditional parkland and ancient woodland, this area is certainly the best place to enjoy with your friends and families. With different attractions like a playground, fishing lake, multi-use game areas and heritage trails, you can certainly enjoy many fun activities here like trail walk, picnic, fishing and more. They also have a cafe where you can sit and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a weekend brunch with friends."

"Copyright J3Mrs licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. With 630 acres of sweeping park and woodland, Middleton Park is one of the finest green spaces in Leeds. The park itself is filled with history – the dips and swells of the land are actually remnants of the bell pits from the old coal mines."

"Last but not least is something a bit different, and a must-try for all of you with a sweet tooth. My Cookie Dough is a cookie dough stand in Trinity Shopping Centre, but they also do takeaway and delivery. Whilst they offer boxes for you to bake yourself, we’d recommend the fresh cookie dough boxes which come warm (or cold, should you choose an ice cream)."

"Flying Pizza was a very popular fixture on the Leeds dining scene for many years, the restaurant became part of the San Carlo family in 2010. Offering interior views of the kitchen with a stunning dining terrace with a fully retractable roof, this restaurant has to be one of the most elegant in Leeds. The terrace is open all year round and surrounded with beautifully lit olive trees so you can enjoy your meal in a serene atmosphere."