Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Hartwith Hill

"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)."

"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!"

"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"

"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."

"Out of the woods is a little out of the way, but if you’re willing to take a de-tour out of the city centre you’ll find they’re definitely worth the walk. Their experienced baristas produce some top notch coffee, ranging from espresso’s and flat whites, to latte’s and mocha’s. They also offer a delicious breakfast and lunch menu to keep you fuelled throughout the day."

"Out of the Woods have two locations, one in Granary Wharf and the other just a few minutes walk away on Water Lane. I usually frequent the Granary Wharf venue, and particularly love how small and cosy it is in there!. Although small, the walls are glass, looking out onto Granary Wharf, so it’s beautifully light in there."

"Offers a variety of sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes as well as serving breakfast and cakes. Still taking walk-ins where possible but calling and booking advised. 1 Peter Lane, York, York, YO1 8SWT: 01904 863822"

"This little gem is tucked away down Peter Lane, next to Superdrug. But venture down and you’ll discover a friendly and warm cafe, with lots of tasty treats to try. Choose from sandwiches, paninis, breakfasts and more!"

"This coffee house is incredibly popular amongst the people of Leeds, so popular in fact you may have a small wait to get a table and a coffee. But rest assured, this family run coffee shop is impeccably trained and that latte leaf will be completed to perfection. Not only that, but the interior design is lovingly hand selected to reflect what they feel is important both gastronomically and aesthetically, creating a vintage chic heaven."

"Mrs. Atha’s is one of the best places to get your daily brew. Mrs. Atha’s is usually packed with frequent goers and waiting for a table is worth it. Their place in Central Road is buzzing with busy patrons waiting for their cup of coffee."

"If you love eating while shopping then Grand Arcade is a destination for you. It is a place where you will find more cafes than shops to serve your mouth-watering cuisine. This shopping destination features much local collection including handmade items, creative paintings and handicrafts that you can consider taking with you as a souvenir."

"Considering its relatively small stature, the Grand Arcade definitely packs plenty in. It’s full of places to eat and drink – this is where you’ll find the hidden entrance to The Domino Club tucked away inside Lords’ Barbering, and the quaint Just Grand!"

"The Grand Arcade is one of the oldest shopping Arcades in Leeds City Centre, and it is well worth a visit…"

"There’s good reason why Bradfordians are so welcoming of the building site currently taking up the eastern side of the city centre. After much of the area was razed to the ground several years ago to make way for a new development, the proposed shopping centre was abandoned amid the recession. With the loss of the city’s nerve centre and the subsequent proliferation of pound shops, the derelict site poignantly become known as “the hole in the heart”."

"A few minutes’ walk away from the museum is Bradford’s newest shopping centre, with 70 shops and eateries under one roof. Visit the Broadway Bradford website"

"Crown Point Shopping Park is a fun place to visit if you are looking to unwind and have a leisurely trip to shop or dine. This is also a go-to place to complete your errands and buy some essentials that you need at home or your office. Housing a wealth of shops from drugstore, gadgets and appliance store, furniture, pet store, toy store, clothing shop, optician and travel and tour agency, they certainly offer comprehensive solutions to the different needs that you may have."

"Just on the south side of Leeds, Crown Point is the closest retail park to the city centre. It’s a great place to visit, with a variety of well-known names lined up for you to explore. Book a holiday at Tui, browse the Wren Kitchens showroom and see how you stand up to the pester power of your kids when you take them along to Smyths Toy Superstore."