Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Earswick

"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."

"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)."

"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"

"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."

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.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."

"The city’s newest shopping centre opened in October 2016, bringing with it a medley of designer boutiques and luxurious restaurants. The landmark design mimics the city’s historic arcades, but it has its own unique style with sweeping curved shopfronts, extravagant light fixtures and a glass roof made out of 1,030 diamond shaped panels of glass set within an intricate steel structure. You’ll find the likes of Anthropologie, Hackett and Nespresso inside, along with the John Lewis’ flagship Northern store which stands at five storeys and 24,200 square foot."

"Victoria Gate isn’t just a shopping centre, it’s a landmark building with a unique design. The John Lewis store has an intricate crisscrossed pattern that gives a nod to the city’s textile heritage, while the arcade itself is adorned with an intricate pattern of 360,000 individual drawn and located bricks. Even the car park stands out with 228 twisted metal panels hiding the cars within."

"Victoria Gate shopping centre, one of Leeds’ newest additions, is a fascinating building inspired by Leeds' Victorian heritage and its historic shopping arcades. From the outside, the latticed concrete design is noticeable from miles around. Inside, there’s zigzag patterned stonework, shiny glass and plenty of beautiful natural light."

"One of the city's more unusual puddings, the Wowbun at Almost Famous pays homage to the restaurant's typical fare of burgers. The cinnamon dusted brioche bun houses a chocolate truffle cereal crunch patty (think sugar puffs – sorry, Honey Monster Puffs – cemented together with a whole load of tooth melting chocolate) covered in whipped cream and drizzled with a salted caramel sauce. Not quite as heavy as some of the other offerings, it's still a taste sensation and something to be experienced."

"For those times you’re in need of a no-holds-barred Friday night treat for all the family, consider Almost Famous. It’s by no means the healthiest or cheapest family restaurant in Leeds, but it will certainly ramp the excitement level up to near-hysteria. Burgers are the plat du jour and your young ones can choose between a classic cheeseburger, chicken burger or a brain-boggling burger topped with frazzles, mac and cheese and a strawberry pop tart!"

"Regrann from @theveganmcr – Texas jack hotdog @fat_annies @grubmcr #veganmanchester #vegan #vegans #plantpower #plantpowered #veganfood #veganfoodie #veganlunch #veganpower #veganlife #veganism #vegangirl #veganbreakfast #veganeats #veganlove #plantbased #plantbaseddiet. A post shared by Fat Annie's (@fat_annies) on Jul 31, 2018 at 11:34am PDT. Fat Annie’s lives in the Food Hall of the wholesome Kirkgate Market."

"When it comes to hot dogs, there’s only one place you need to visit – Fat Annie’s. They’ve been cooking up brilliant bangers since 2014 and they’re really ruddy good at it. The Classic is a locally made pork and beef dog, but if you fancy mixing it up a little you’ve got options, like The Cheese One, which is a Big Melt sausage, with pork, beef, bacon, garlic and cheese."