Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Lofthouse

"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."

"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)."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Aromas is a new coffee house on Moortown Corner, offering Breakfast, Lunch; Coffee & Cake!. 1 Corner House Shops, Moortown Corner."

"Eat & Drink, Cafés & Tearooms"

"Whether it’s one scoop or two, a cone or a tub, can you resist more than 40 mouth-wateringly good flavours?. Scrumptious salted caramel, cherry crumble and honeycomb, delicious unicorn, rainbow or marshmallow and classic strawberries and cream, chocolate and of course vanilla – just a few of the sensationally good flavours from The Ice Cream Farm here at Grass Hoppers!. Choose your tub/cone; choose your flavour; choose your extras!"

"In the heart of the city, the Leeds Art Gallery offers a feast for art lovers, its collections covering everything from traditional prints, watercolours, paintings and sculpture to weird and wonderful contemporary works. The gallery is renowned for having the best collection of British art outside of London - a fiercely contested accolade. Adjoining the gallery is the Henry Moore Institute, with its acclaimed sculpture study centre, and a full programme of sculpture exhibitions that run all year round."

"Part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, tie in a visit to the Henry Moore Institute with a walk around Leeds Art Gallery. The gallery is currently undergoing repairs to the roof and will reopen in October this year, when visitors will be treated to a series of interesting exhibits."

"This major gallery is packed with 19th- and 20th-century British heavyweights – Turner, Constable, Stanley Spencer, Wyndham Lewis et al – along with contemporary pieces by more recent arrivals such as Antony..."

"The Jorvik Viking Centre is one of the most popular museums in York, so much so that you’ll often find a long queue out the door!. The Viking Centre provides visitors with an immersive experience of 10th century York, where you’ll get to know the sounds, sights and even smells of Viking England. It really is an incredible experience, just make sure you book in advance to avoid the queues!"

"A visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre will send you on a trip back in time to the days of York under Danish rule. Way back in 866, York was invaded by the Danes. The Jorvik Viking Centre gives visitors a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Gelato Passion have 20 different flavours of ice cream to choose from at their Beeston store and they’re all made fresh each day. Their most popular ones are bubblegum, cookies & cream, Oreo and Ferrero Rocher, or you can try something a little more unusual like Nutella or Milky Bar. Want a treat to go alongside your ice cream?"