Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Sharlston Common

"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."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"If you’re wanting a restaurant in Leeds that offers a serious slice of theatre with your meal, then Teppanyaki will steal the show. These guys whip up traditional Japanese cuisine before your very eyes, because each table comes equipped with its own ‘teppan’ hotplate. Choose from a sumptuous selection of grilled goodies, like sticky duck teriyaki, king prawn and scallops in Tokyo butter, or a scene-stealing fillet steak with lobster tail, then watch your meal be sliced, sizzled and spun straight onto your plate."

"Teppanyaki is a Japanese restaurant that offers an authentic Japanese cooking experience that all their diners would love to experience. With a team of carefully selected and handpicked chef, they offer authentic Japanese dishes that will tempt the palate of all types of people even those that are picky eaters. Specialising in teppanyaki, they offer theatrical grilling and frying of your dish right in front of you."

"Add a little theatre to your meals out with a trip to Teppanyaki. The Japanese restaurant is preparing your food right in front of your eyes, with chefs juggling, flipping and setting fire to a whole array of seafood and meat."

"35 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JLNot only does Jamie’s have a decent variety of vegan dishes on the menu, but they also have a filter on their site (so you don’t have to hunt through the whole menu)."

"Gusto is a staple for fans of Italian food in Leeds, with a city centre restaurant alongside their longstanding Cookridge one. Their sleek, classy restaurants add a dash of style to an already refined menu, expect a slew of tasty pizzas, pastas, risottos and salads. They also offer mains like 28-day aged steak and the Gusto Burger, or you can plump for their tasty deli meat and cheese board, which goes particularly well with their extensive wine list."

"Gusto is a rather posh affair, perfect for celebrations, and they’ve got the kids covered too. You know the phrase ‘variety is the spice of life’?. Well it’s certainly true when it comes to Gusto’s kids menu, where young diners can enjoy any pasta dish from the main menu in a child-friendly portion."

"In the summer, the delicious smells of Gusto spread out onto Greek Street to create an alfresco dining experience that’s hard to resist. Their outdoor seating comes with big parasols and cosy heat lamps, so you can dine in the lap of outdoor luxury. The menu is filled with refined Italian classics."

"Staindrop Lodge Hotel refurbishment programme which has transformed it into an eye-catching, Art Deco style hotel. The spacious bedrooms are well equipped with digital and analogue access points. Situated just 3 minutes from the M1, it enjoys a central location ideal for Sheffield, Meadowhall and South Yorkshire."

"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!"