Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Helperby

"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)."

"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."

"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!"

"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."

"They’re made fresh in house every day and they keep things interesting by switching up the flavours, so there’s always something new to try. Take the Lucky Charms donut for an example. This epic ball donut is deep-fried, stuffed with marshmallow and covered in vanilla fudge icing before they top it with that all-important Lucky Charms cereal to create a sweet and sticky treat like nothing you’ve had before."

"House of Koko is a cool, family-run cafe on the southern edge of Chapel Allerton and it’s a must-visit. You can get a cracking cup of North Star coffee or try one of their loose leaf teas, but don’t just come for the drinks – they have a creative food menu that’s worth checking out. Start with the classic buttermilk and berries pancakes for breakfast or come later in the day for eclectic dishes like their chicken & avocado salad or homemade baked beans on sourdough."

"House of Koko, 62 Harrogate Rd, Leeds, LS7 4LA - Visit now. As well as great Northstar coffee, House of Koko offers a variety of real teas, sourced from around the world, and some very rare indeed. A place where you will always be met with a smile."

"House of Koko is an independent coffee and tea house in Chapel Allerton. Offer hand-pulled Northstar coffee and a wide range of loose teas. Have an ever changing seasonal menu curated by head chef that focuses on healthy, locally sourced produce."

"The Pig and Pastry is a real quirky family run cafe with a typical Yorkshire charm. Breakfast has become a big deal here with many food critics and bloggers keen to share their positive experiences. The family are well known for their outgoing personality and the friendly chit chat that takes place at this popular local eatery."

"Another brunch place that was hugely popular with our readers. Located on the beautiful Bishy road, this place is worth a detour out of the city centre. With dish names like ‘The Benedict Cumberland’ and ‘Hip-hop-a-pot-hummus’, you know you’re in for a treat."

"Situated in the heart of the bustling city, The Cafe 68 Gillygate has much to offer visitors with its varied selection of Yorkshire brunches, including vegetarian alternatives, homemade cakes, and house-blend coffee. Offering generous portions of full English breakfasts, poached eggs on an English muffin, and bacon or sausage sandwiches, The Cafe 68 Gillygate is the ideal place to experience lovingly made, traditional English food."

"Osbornes @ 68 is another breakfast/brunch place that’s situated not too far from my house; it’s just at the bottom of Gillygate. The food here is absolutely wonderful, with friendly staff and quick service; definitely a place to head to on a lunchtime with friends!. I’d recommend: the club sandwich or the spicy chicken and salsa wrap (and a hot chocolate, as always!)."

"Located on King’s Road in the heart of Harrogate, Gianni’s Brio opposite the Harrogate Convention Centre has been serving up authentic, Italian cuisine for all the family since 1983. It’s a popular favourite in the town, that’s for sure, and its family-friendly ethos ensures a warm welcome. Now run by his son Marco, Gianni can still be found almost every day lending a hand, along with his daughter Elena and wife Franca on busy nights."

"40-42 Kings Road, Harrogate HG1 5JW EnglandItalian, Pizza, Mediterranean, EuropeanLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late NightTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+44 1423 553953http://www.brios.co.uk"

"A landmark hotel in Leeds town centre, Queens Hotel Leeds overlooks the square and is housed in an impressive building that dates back to 1937. This hotel likes to make sure that the elegance and grandeur of the building is also represented through the interior décor and rooms, so expect an exquisite and sophis­ticated stay whilst here. There 6 varieties of rooms to choose from, ranging from a classic room all the way to their priciest and most luxurious room, the QClub Suite."

"This art deco-style building is close to the impressive Leeds City Museum, and is in prime location for some of the most popular attractions in the city. Great for business and leisure trips, Queens has 16 flexible meeting rooms and a Ballroom for up to 550 guests. There’s a variety of shops and restaurants to explore in the surrounding area, but for ease you can dine in at Grilled, which serves up locally-sourced and inspired dishes."

"This Art Deco flagship hotel was built in 1937 for the former London, Midland & Scottish Railway that stands beside Leeds’ train station. Sympathetic restoration has helped it remain popular, mainly with couples and business travellers."