Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Kirkstall

"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"

"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."

"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."

"Choose from our extensive range on our drinks menu, locally sourced juices, luxury hot chocolates, fresh herbal teas and wacky kids milkshakes. Don’t see anything you fancy?. Our friendly team will be happy to get creative and help you find something you desire!"

"In a city with the biggest student population outside of London, it would be absurd for the prevailing university culture not to have some influence on the art scene. Housed within the University of Leeds campus in the Grade II listed Art Deco Parkinson Building, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery showcases a mix of contemporary art as well as works from the university’s special collections department spanning over 200 years. The gallery expectedly supports and promotes its students’ and its graduates’ work, in addition to displays from local artists and those from further afield."

"You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the art of The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds. Since 1970, it’s been home to the University Art Collection, which features ceramics, photographs and sculpture. That’s not all – you can see an incredible selection of British and European paintings, drawings and prints from 17th century to the present day."

"A small but established venue for showcasing and selling contemporary design, this independent gallery celebrates the UK’s national treasures in the arts and crafts sphere. The gallery prides itself on its diverse and extensive list of artists, exhibiting up to 300 at one time. The gallery runs an impressive and refreshing exhibition programme which is continually adapted to fit in new artists who are constantly jumping on board."

"Founded in 1982, Craft Center & Design Gallery offers exciting insight into the fascinating world of contemporary art. The artwork presented here for sale includes paintings, ceramics, pottery, textiles, jewelry, prints and other hand-made crafts. Twice a year there are major exhibition events organized here to promote emerging British designers and celebrate works of well-established artists."

"Hidden away at the edge of Woodhouse Moor, La Besi is a charming, family-run Italian eatery in Leeds, packed full of your favourite traditional dishes. Pizza and pasta is the order of the day, from Cannelloni to the Napoli pizza, but they have a fair selection of secondi piatti too, including Beef Stroganoff, Pollo Picante and Salmone Fillet. It’s unlicensed, so feel free to bring your own bottle of wine for a cheap alternative to the other Italians in the city."

"La Besi is the definition of cheap and cheerful Italian cuisine, a takeaway restaurant where the price truly defies the taste. It’s like getting home-cooked Italian food delivered to your door – pizza and pasta is what they do best, whether you’re ramming your fork into a cannelloni or grabbing a slice of the Al Capone, topped with ham, salami and pepperoni. Fancy something bigger?"

"Budget restaurants in Leeds don’t get much better than La Besi. If you’re looking for a substantial feed that’ll leave you stuffed with change to spare, it’s an excellent choice. This family style Italian eatery dishes up all your favourites like Canneloni, Italian Meatball Linguine and Lasagne, as well as a range of pizzas, all under £11."

"Local produce gets a Mediterranean makeover at this bright and breezy bistro. Classic pizza and pasta dishes are complemented by more ambitious recipes such as crayfish and chorizo risotto, and Moroccan lamb..."

"If you love your food, you’re going to love Leeds – and even better, if your kids aren’t such foodies, there’s still plenty to keep everyone happy. At Trinity Kitchen, there’s a whole collection of street food stands with extra pop-up stalls, so you could eat anything from burgers and burritos to pizza and Pho, as well as a fantastic rolled naan wrap and cinnamon dusted doughnuts. And if you fancy something a bit more adventurous than your kids, they can stick with a simpler option while you can experiment."

"When it comes to eating out with the kids, Bill’s is a no brainer. In the morning, they do everything from pancakes drizzled in syrup to a bitesize full English, but it’s dinner time when they really come into their own. Feast on hearty classics like fish fingers, sausage and mash or a good old mac ’n’ cheese."

"1 Albion Place, Leeds LS1 6JLBringing a taste of the south coast to Leeds, Bill’s have plenty of vegan options on their menu, which has an interactive selector to make chosing ahead of time even easier."