Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Thornville

"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)."

"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)."

"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."

"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."

"If you’re looking for a more intimate environment for a night of comedy in Leeds, look no further than the Carriageworks Theatre. The venue puts on a vast and diverse array of entertainment all year round – and they get more than their fair share of comedy too. They’ve had visits from the likes of Mitch Benn, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Tape Face, Patrick Monahan and The Clean As Possible Comedy Show over the past few years."

"The Milton Rooms is an arts centre and hub for cultural and community lead activities located in Malton, North Yorkshire, a market town in England. Photo: Roger Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0."

"St George’s Hall, Bradford, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1JT - Visit now. Bradfords flagship music venue, St Georges Hall has been bring the best touring talent to Bradford since the 19th Century."

"Kala Sangam, St. Peter’s House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4TY - Visit now. Kala Sangam is an intercultural arts hub based in the heart of Bradford city centre which reflects the diversity of contemporary Britain through the work it presents, the artists it supports and the communities it engages."

"If you have a large appetite, then a great takeaway option is The Golden Horse, as customers say that the portions are large enough for two or three people to share. This takeaway is also praised for the quality of its food and for the friendly customer service. Closed on Mondays, open from 5.30 pm to 11.30 pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and open from 5.30 pm to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays"