Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Knaresborough

"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!"

"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."

"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."

"There’s an easy, relaxed vibe at Giraffe which makes it an ideal place to take the kids to eat. The self-claimed ‘World Kitchen’ offers a great selection of international dishes for the grown-ups, but there’s more traditional fare on their dedicated kids menu, including breaded fish fingers and grilled chicken breast. There’s a Katsu curry and a cheesy quesadillas to keep the global tagline going, however."

"Had the Hoisin duck noodle salad and it was tasty, loving the new options on the menu I'll be back again for sure. 26/05/2021: New menu is amazing!. Finally some flavoursome decent vegan options!!"

"This British Asian fusion restaurant offers a menu which spans continents and tantalises taste buds. They proudly offer many traditional curries, dabble in the odd Italian dish, and have a great selection of foods fresh from their flaming grill. The selection doesn’t end there, as they also offer hot drinks, milkshakes and mock-tails, to quench your thirst."

"Since opening in 1986, Hansa’s has rightly affirmed itself as one of the best Indian restaurants in Leeds. With a range of accolades and rave reviews, it is renowned for its clever Gujarati vegetarian cooking. The Gujurati dishes combine intense flavours, strong spices and fresh ingredients, giving Hansa’s its reputation, which has even resulted in a cookery school and a cookbook."

"Hansa’s, an Indian restaurant, has cemented itself in Leeds’ culinary scene since its opening in 1986. Earning rave reviews and winning many awards, it is renowned for clever Gujarati vegetarian cooking and intense flavours. Indeed, such is its reputation that Hansa’s has broadened its portfolio by providing a cookery school and a cookbook."

"A Leeds institution, Hansa's has been dishing up wholesome Gujarati vegetarian cuisine for almost 20 years. The restaurant is plain and unassuming (save for a Hindu shrine), but the food is exquisite –... South Indian in Leeds"

"Leeds was embracing street art before it was cool – and if your kids love spotting murals and other imaginative creations, the city’s street art trail is another perfect way to explore Leeds with kids. Some is inspired by the city itself – one mural features the elephant armour from the Royal Armouries and the white rose of Yorkshire, another includes an owl, and even a deep-sea diver climbing out of a washing machine. With some tucked away down little alleys and others most visible from the water, it’s a good way to find works you might not otherwise stumble across – some are several storeys high, but the trail is a good reminder to always keep your eyes open."

"The art spills out onto the streets here in Leeds; abstract sculpture and historical figures are among numerous pieces that give Leeds a unique urban landscape; you can follow the self-guided Street Art Trail."