Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Hawksworth

"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."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"Grand Arcade is another beautiful Grade II listed building, with a beautiful Victorian architecture consisting of arched windows and wooden floors. It is again home to lots of independent shops, such as a wedding dress shop, as well as some well-loved eateries like Zaap Thai Street Food."

"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…"

"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."

"Kala Sangam, St. Peter’s House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4TY - Visit now. Kala Sangam is an intercultural arts hub based in the heart of Bradford city centre which reflects the diversity of contemporary Britain through the work it presents, the artists it supports and the communities it engages."

"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."