Top Rated Parks to Visit in The Foss

"Roundhay Park is an emerald jewel in Leeds crown and spreading across 700 acres of land it rivals some of the biggest parks in Europe. In fact, it’s bigger than London’s Hyde Park, actually much bigger at DOUBLE the size – take that London 😜 It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend morning or afternoon with a variety of walks and corners to uncover. The main feature is the expansive Waterloo Lake which has a 2.5km walk around its perimeter."

"This historic Tudor Jacobean mansion has been beautifully restored with over forty rooms for you to explore. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of Chippendale furniture, paintings, pottery and textiles, while outside there’s even more – it boasts gardens landscaped by Capability Brown, alongside acres of parkland and a working rare breed farm that’s home to over 400 sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and cattle. Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE."

"Temple Newsam, one of the romantic places to go in Leeds, is a historic site with vast grounds and gardens where you two can take a stroll. Take in its 500-year-deep history all recounted in its glorious 1,500-acres (607-hectares) mansion ground. The temple’s walls — where royalty once walked — are full of history."

"Another impressive country house close to the city centre, Temple Newsam may not have penguins, but its grounds are particularly lovely to walk around. Time your visit for spring to coincide with meeting the new born lambs and piglets at Home Farm. Temple Newsam | © Tim Green / Wikimedia"

"At 55 hectares, it’s no surprise that Golden Acre Park made this list. It’s got a little bit of everything, which means you can easily lose a day exploring, especially if you add Breary Marsh and Adel Dam into your adventures. You’ll find all manner of wildlife here, including kingfishers, swans, woodpeckers and herons – be sure to visit the wildfowl lakes, woodland gardens and cherry orchard to make the most of the experience."

"With five galleries showcasing a range of archaeological treasures as well as displays of rare animals, birds and fossils, the Yorkshire Museum also boasts fabulous greenery, making it the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a relaxing, scenic walk. Established during the 1830s, the historical gardens are famous for their wonderful selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. With botanical gardens comprised of 10 acres, Yorkshire Museum Gardens is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing retreat."

"Housed in a majestic stone building with pillars reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece, sits one of the best collections of archaeology and geology in Europe. Ranging from prehistoric natural history, through ancient Roman treasure and up toward the modern-day, this is a great early stop on your exploration of York. Arm yourself with knowledge of the history that makes this city so special, and watch as every subsequent attraction comes to life with your new understanding."

"In the Museum Gardens in York, you will find the ruins for the St Mary’s Abbey, Roman ruins and the York Botanical Gardens. On a beautiful day, they would be a brilliant place for a picnic or a lazy afternoon tea. The York Museum Gardens are located centrally next to the River Ouse"

"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."

"Back to the centre of Leeds and we find Leeds Docks where the renowned Royal Armouries Museum is situated. The Docks are surrounded by high rise modern flats but with plenty of canal boats nestled into the moorings. Stand on the bridge at the end of Armouries Way and wait for the iconic little yellow water taxi to glide past transporting people from the docks to Granary Wharf near the train station."

"Firstly, one of the best free things you can do in Leeds is to take a stroll on the banks of the rejuvenated waterfront and end up in the docklands. This area is part of Leeds’ regeneration and is a great example of how the city has redeveloped in recent years. For example, you’ll find quirky cafes like North Star, a hip Yoga Hero studio, businesses and a display of colourful canal boats."

"A sunny spring day, walking next to the river, stopping on the way. for some shopping or at one of the cafes and restaurants.The docks are accessible by free water taxi."

"Meanwood Park is a 29-hectares area consisted of woodland, mown grass, stream and meadows. They have different attractions and facilities like Meanwood Valley Trail, nature reserve, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and picnic areas. A perfect place for the family to have their quality time, kids would love to play on their children’s playground while their parents can do different sports activities like tennis or basketball."

"Four miles north of Leeds city centre, Meanwood Park’s 29-hectares span meadows, woodland, lawns, and a stream. That’s a checklist of most dogs’ outdoor needs, which also happens to be pretty darn beautiful to boot. For the energetic, Meanwood is part of a seven-mile walk called the Meanwood Valley Trail, which takes you from Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park and then onto Seven Arches (Leeds’ first aqueduct) and Golden Acre Park."

"At just 29 hectares, Meanwood Park may be on the small side, but trust us, it’s well worth a visit. The grounds are wonderfully eclectic – you can hike through woodlands and amble through meadows, trek across landscaped lawns and wander beside bubbling streams. Follow the footpaths for a leisurely stroll or treat yourself to a game – they have tennis and basketball courts, as well as a bowling green."

"Yes, I’m aware it’s a chain but Byron burgers are too elite not to mention. Consistency is key from chains and I can confirm that ordering Byron to your uni house does just that. There is the odd occasion where the chips aren’t awfully crispy upon arrival, but just pop them back in the oven and complain to Deliveroo and you’ve got yourself a fiver."

"‘The best burger on the high street’ & other superlatives are regularly tossed in the direction of Byron Hamburgers, the chain that eve ..." Read our full review"

"Although customers can collect their takeaway, Monkey King Chinese also has a delivery service. Customers say that their food arrives in a timely manner and that it is always hot on delivery. Other positive points raised are the friendly customer service and the good quality of the tasty food."

"Leeds is now home to the third largest casino in the UK and the only one of its kind in the North. Victoria Gate Casino, which sits above the new shopping centre, is spread over three floors and covers a massive 50,000 square foot. They’ve put all that space to good use, filling it with 140 slot machines, 75 electronic gaming terminals, 24 gaming tables and a poker room that can hold up to 100 people."

"The Montpellier Quarter is home to an array of over 50 exclusive shops, health & beauty salons, pavement cafes, bars and award-winning restaurants. Whether you choose to while away the afternoon in one of the Quarter’s quaint street cafes, watching the world go by, or hit the street on a serious shopping mission, the Montpellier quarter envelops you in style. The breathtaking surroundings, beautiful gardens, charming lamp posts, floral hanging baskets and cobbled streets all add to the traditional atmosphere of the area."

"Once known as the “Antiques and Art Centre of the North”, today the Montpellier Quarter is home to over 50 exclusive, independent shops, health and beauty salons, pavement cafes, bars and award-winning restaurants. Revel in the stylish surroundings, beautiful gardens, charming lamp posts, floral hanging baskets and cobbled streets. Pick one of the quaint street cafes for a bite of lunch and people-watch, or take your credit card for a serious shopping mission!"

"The Montpellier Quarter is Harrogate at its most cosmopolitan and elegant with pavement cafes, independent shops, stylish bars and exclusive boutiques. The area was built in the 1860s and it remains one of Harrogate’s most exclusive shopping districts - a reminder of Harrogate’s royal past."