Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Yorkshire

"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)."

"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"

"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."

"One of the most prestigious hotels and country retreats in the whole of the UK, Rudding Park can be found on the outskirts of Harrogate within an endlessly tranquil setting which includes pristine gardens. The Hotel has a sensational reputation for its high levels of service, its focus on providing a luxurious experience for all guests and, of course, its exceptional Spa. The proud recipient of a seemingly countless array of top industry awards, this spa in Harrogate features an indoor pool, a unique log sauna, bucket showers and an array of treatment rooms which cover everything from mud rasul, manicures, pedicures, make up, hair and much more."

"From the team behind one of Leeds’ best music venues-cum-bars The Domino Club, is Rolands. Located on the infamous drinking destination Call Lane, Rolands has a vintage, laid back feel, and serves some of the best cocktails, and craft beers in Leeds. Head out back and upstairs for their quaint hidden sun trap of a roof terrace, for al fresco drinking at its best."

"Home to 24 different taps, they've already set their outside area to ensure social distancing and have their own resident street food vendor Little Bao Boy providing delicious Asian treats like bao buns and miso noodle soup."

"Box is a relaxed sports bar, so if you’re looking for a slightly more chilled but still fun bottomless brunch in Leeds, then head on over here. You get ninety minutes of bottomless prosecco, Coors or Aperol Spritz, and the food options are between brunch bits, burgers, pizza, or selected mains. It’s £26.95pp, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time at this cool and relaxed venue."

"27/05/2021: Turned up hours early for our booking but the staff accommodated us no problem. Couldn’t believe how busy the restaurant was on a rainy Monday night but again the staff stepped up to the plate with everything running smoothly and no long waits for service.Beautiful surroundings great food and fantastic service what’s not too like!. 25/05/2021: Enjoyed a meal here to celebrate our wedding anniversary and my husband's birthday."

"Italian restaurant Vivido on Cheltenham Parade is offering dishes to takeaway, with both a call-and-collect option and delivery available from Deliveroo."