Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Aldborough

"One of the most popular family attractions in Leeds, Tropical World makes for a fantastic day out. It’s home to one of the biggest collections of tropical plants outside of Kew Gardens, but that’s not what’s going to have the kids excited, because you’ll also find a medley of animals here. You’ll peer into tanks of piranhas, catch a glimpse of their crocodile and walk through rooms filled with butterflies, birds and even bats (don’t worry, there’s a wall of glass to protect you in that one)."

"Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing."

"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"

"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."

"This fabulous wetland, surrounded on three sides by the River Aire, can be found west of Leeds. The car park is located off the A657."

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"St George’s Hall, Bradford, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1JT - Visit now. Bradfords flagship music venue, St Georges Hall has been bring the best touring talent to Bradford since the 19th Century."

"York Theatre Royal has been producing great drama in the beautiful city of York for over 270 years and is one of the country’s leading producing theatres. Each year the theatre entertains over 200,000 people with its wide variety of performances, events and activities including the much-loved annual pantomime starring Berwick Kaler, the UK’s longest-running Dame."

"The York Theatre Royal was built in 1744 on the site of the medieval St. Leonard’s Hospital. Parts of the old hospital can still be seen, including archways and walls. Under the stage lies a well, which is believed to be from the Roman era."

"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."

"Clifford’s Tower offers stunning views of the city from it’s vantage point on top of a mound. The tower is what’s left of the York Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Tower St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA, United Kingdom"

"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"

"One of the most remarkable constructions in Leeds, the Gothic style building was designed by the famous Robert Dennis Chantrell and got consecrated in 1841. In 2012, there was a rechristening and it became known as St. Peter’s and before that, Leeds Parish Church. Alongside the impressive look, visitors stay in awe of the Saxon cross and the vibrant mosaics right behind alter that represent 12 Apostles."

"Leeds Minster belongs to the Church of England foundation and holds a lot of architectural and liturgical significance. Although the present structure is a Gothic Revival one, dating from the mid-19th century, yet its site bespeaks of church presence ever since 7th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter and has been designated a grade I listed building by&...Read more"

"Our Minster is beautiful inside and out, with beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows. Not only does this grade I listed building look amazing, it sounds it too, being home to the renowned Minster Choir. The church even had their own rugby league team once upon a time!"

"We spent the afternoon wandering around, discovering Knaresborough’s main attractions: the ancient, crumbling castle overlooking one of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen, the House in the Rock, Mother Shipton’s Caves and the Petrifying Well. Whatever you do, you really can’t miss the imposing structure of the four-span stone viaduct high above the River Nidd. A stunning panorama, that makes for some wonderful shots."

"Mother Shipton’s Cave is one of England’s oldest tourist attractions. It gets its name from a prophetess who was raised in the cave and was said to be a witch, but that’s just one of the reasons to visit. The water inside is rich in sulphate and carbonate, so it covers everything in its path in a thick silt coating that looks like stone."

"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."