Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Ripon

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Al’s Juke Bar could totally be a bar in Bairro Alto, but there are a few things that make it stand out ⁠— quality beer and great tracks. Definitely, the best spot to end the night 🙂. *Previously known as Al’s Dime Bar."

"Trinity Kitchen is a street food wonderland in the heart of Leeds. Alongside a slew of permanent eateries, they bring in six new street food vendors every six weeks. In recent times, we’ve seen the likes of Doh Hut, Let’s Go Wild Boar and The Little Red Truck to name but a few."

"Quirky food vans and street stalls all within Leeds largest shopping centre. Trinity Kitchen has food vendors that change every month, each one providing food from all over the globe. This is sure to be the perfect place for an Insta-worthy pic!"

"Having a hard time deciding where to go out to eat with your mates?. Head to Trinity Kitchen, where everyone can eat from a different food vendor in one place!. We highly recommend you explore the variety of food here!"

"What: Bringing a bit of New York glitz to Leeds, Neighbourhood is an incredibly fun place to brunch thanks to its ultra-extra décor which features pink bulbs everywhere you look and graffiti murals designed by Triston Eaton on the walls. In terms of the brunch menu, depending on how hungry you're feeling you can opt for anything from avocado toast, to the HBHD burger which comes with hot salted fries. This is another spot where you can add in bottomless drinks for £35.Where: 5 Greek Street, LS1 5RW"

"What: If you like your brunch served with a side of fries and as much gin, vodka, prosecco, beer and cocktails as you fancy, Leeds’ Neighbourhood Restaurant should be on your hit list. Edgy interiors, which include graffitied walls, pink banquette seating and neon signs also help with that buzzy weekend vibe, while dishes such as avocado on toast and eggs royale will keep you satisfied. Where: 5 Greek Street, Leeds, LS1 5SX"

"Outside their flash Greek Street restaurant, Neighbourhood’s outdoor area promises afternoon sun and Insta-worthy food. There’s a canopy along the building, to offer shelter from the elements, but if it’s sun you want, there’s plenty of space. They offer a menu of New Yorkshire inspired eats, from fresh sushi rolls to crispy pulled duck lollipops and teriyaki glazed salmon."

"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."

"The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, 74 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AH. Founded by Henry Moore himself, who claimed “there wasn’t a single piece of sculpture in my home town” (Castleton) while “Leeds Art Gallery had nothing of any value”, today the institute boasts one of the strongest public collections of sculpture in Britain, and leads an ambitious programme of exhibitions and research designed to ‘make a significant impact on the future of art history’."

"The Foundation's headquarters at Perry Green in Leeds exhibits large collections of Henry Moore’s work, the English sculptor and artist. The collections include sculptures in stone, wood, plaster and bronze, drawings and sketchbooks, graphic work, and preparatory materials such as found objects and maquettes."

"The Henry Moore Institute is an international research centre run by the Henry Moore Foundation. It is dedicated to sculpture. It includes a gallery, library, archive and collections each with their own opening times."

"If you want to take a photo wearing a traditional medieval cape in some beautiful surroundings (as well as learn more about the relationship of science, religion and chemistry in the Middle ages in York), head to the Barley Hall, where you can do all that."

"Leeds' most interesting museum was originally built in 1996 to house armour and weapons from the Tower of London, but subsequently expanded to cover 3000 years of combat and self-defence, becoming home to the national collections. The exhibits are as varied as they are fascinating, covering subjects such as jousting, fencing and Indian elephant armour. To get here, walk east along the river from Centenary Footbridge (approx 10 minutes), or take the free boat from Granary Wharf outside Leeds train station's southern entrance."