Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Jack Hill

"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)."

"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)."

"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."

"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."

"Heavenly Desserts is a temple for any dessert lover, the dessert bar serves rich and decadent dishes which really do taste heavenly, on offer are everything a sugar junkie can require from cookie dough delicacies to heavenly, fluffy waffles, freshly made Crêpes to indulgent cakes and the creamiest cheesecakes as well as sensational milkshakes. All presented stunningly in an instagramable worthy stylishness. All those delicious treats are served in a luxuriously decorated parlour."

"Heavenly Desserts has now landed in Bradford and the name says it all and is most definitely true. We have just attended their V.I.P launch event (Thank you for the invite!) and loved it, so I had to get typing and share the details with you. Heavenly Desserts has long been a favourite of mine so when I found out there was one opening in Bradford I was excited, it will make dessert decisions a…"

"‘Savoury, sweet and everything in between’ profess Crepe Affaire, and they’re not wrong. Based on the second floor of Trinity Leeds, this is a French restaurant centred around the honest pancake, whether you want it with lemon and sugar, Grand Marnier cognac, chicken and tarragon, feta and hummus, or even an all day breakfast. They also serve up smothered waffles, and oodles of ice cream if that’s your bag."

"At Crepe Affaire, it’s all about traditional French pancakes. Expect a host of classic combinations, both sweet and savoury, like cinnamon or hunter’s chicken. But it’s their more creative options that demand your attention."

"Shiitakeya are a small Japanese restaurant on Walmgate that also do takeaway. They have a lunchtime special from Monday-Friday, and otherwise serve dishes like Buta Shogayaki (sliced pork loin in sweet ginger sauce with rice, salad and miso soup on the side) or Chicken Teryaki Don (pan fried chicken glazed in soy sauce, mirin and sugar rice bowl with salad and miso soup on the side)."

"One of the first conveyor belt sushi restaurants in the UK, Yo!. Sushi is a must try. They have over 30 different sushi dishes moving along the belt in front of you, so you can take your pick of everything from aromatic duck rolls to their signature Yo!"