Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Crayke

"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."

"The Tropical World at Roundhay Park has become one of the most coveted family attractions in Leeds. Situated just three miles from the city centre, this terrain is great to take a trek through the rainforest, relax in the simulated environs of Australia and to take a quick excursion through the desert. This is one of the best ways to learn the tropical habitat...Read more"

"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."

"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."

"Four miles west of the city centre, on the banks of the River Aire is this wetland nature reserve. With a lagoon, scrubland, wet grassland and reed beds it's a great place to stroll and spot waterfowl, birds of prey and other nature. Access it via Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP."

"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."

"Theakstons is an independent family run brewery where you can take a tour and experience the craft and skill that goes into brewing each and every pint."

"A 15-minute walk from the train station, in a former industrial zone where the warehouses are being repurposed as offices and studio spaces, this site is home to the Northern Monk Brewery Co and, on the first floor, a ruggedly handsome tap room. Naturally, Northern Monk’s beers feature prominently (long on flavour, the zesty, citrussy Eternal Session IPA was in great form) but some 20 lines include plenty of space for potent (in all senses of the word) guest beers, most of them also served in thirds. On this visit these included Kernel’s Export Stout, Cromarty Brewing’s fantastic AKA IPA and Magic Rock’s famous, if not notorious, Human Cannonball – dangerously drinkable at 9.2%."

"A stone’s throw from the train station, Northern Monk is a solid choice, even if you’re not based in the city centre. With street food takeovers on rotation, the kitchen’s always got something to nibble on to soak up all those beers. Just beware, the toilets are unisex, so you might have to time your trips to avoid awkward touch-ups in the mirror…"

"So successful has this craft brewery become that its beers are now stocked in UK supermarkets. But it's best drunk at the source, in the brewery's Grade II–listed taproom just south of Leeds city centre in the... Top ChoiceBar in Leeds"

"This Grade I listed Georgian church was nearly lost in the 1950s, but was saved when church officials decided that it was a building of historical and architectural importance. While it’s still a place of worship, Holy Trinity Church is also a lively community space and they put on all manner of events for you to enjoy, including art exhibitions, vintage fairs and live music – the acoustics are fantastic. Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW."

"Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Richmond (or Fountains Abbey for short) is an ideal stop when visiting the Yorkshire Dales with kids. There is so much to see and do here and it has one of the best adventure playgrounds in the Yorkshire Dales. The National Trust owned estate is divided into two sections with a pleasant grass ‘corridor’ linking the two sections of the park."

"World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey is a truly special place for us. We reckon this is the most beautiful place to visit in the Yorkshire Dales!. As well as abbey ruins that are the oldest in England, there’s also the Studley Royal Water Garden, which inspired our Sing Gin branding."

"This National Trust property is a World Heritage Site and includes the evocative ruins of a medieval monastery and the delightful water gardens of Studley Royal."

"Step back in time at this beautifully restored, fully operational windmill. This Grade II listed icon has been lovingly brought back to life by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, a collection of local residents who rallied together to secure its future and rescue it from disrepair. Dating back to the late 18th century, the windmill supplied flour from Holgate to York, just over a mile from the city centre."