Top Rated Parks to Visit in Leeds

"Roundhay Park is ideal for the family to have fun enjoying the great outdoors. Located a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Leeds, the park is one of Europe’s biggest inner-city green spaces spanning over 700 acres of parkland, woodland, lakes and landscaped gardens. Spot the various species of fish and birds across the water features in the park or enjoy some fishing on Waterloo lake."

"Structured in an impressive Tudor- Jacobean fashion, Temple Newsam mansion is set within 1500 acres of enticing parklands, housing rare breed farm and displaying a rich history through its 500 years old country mansion. As you enter inside the mansion, you will come across some of the finest decorative art treasures.The place is also famous as the birth place of Lord Darnley, the notorious husb...Read more"

"Temple Newsam House, a magnificent 40-room Tudor-Jacobean mansion, is a must-see when in Leeds. Set in a sprawling 900-acre park on the city's outskirts, it's famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Interior highlights include a variety of Old Master paintings, as well as furniture by Thomas Chippendale and collections of Leeds creamware and silver."

"We are big supporters of picnics, football in the park with friends and just enjoying the great outdoors!. Get ye' to Golden Acre Park!"

"The Museum Gardens are potentially my favourite place in the whole of York. Regardless of the time of year, the Museum Gardens always look in pristine condition and there are ample places for you to get a good pic for the ‘gram. From St. Mary’s Abbey that provides an idyllic historic backdrop, to the plethora of trees, plants and flowers that are scattered all over the gardens, as well as the Yorkshire Museum, the Museum Gardens are an incredible place for taking pictures."

"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"

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"There are actually two excellent dog-friendly parks in the Leeds neighbourhood of Pudsey. The first is the council-owned Pudsey Park: a Green Flag-awarded green space that’s earned the rightful status of being Leeds’ second most-visited park. It’s as good for dogs as it is pretty, with clean, well-cared for lawns and beds, plus activities for the whole family, including a playground, a bowling green, and a skate park."

"Credit: Chemical Engineer licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. Second only to Roundhay Park for annual visits, Pudsey Park offers 7.5 hectares of lush green space for you to explore. It’s much more than just fields – there’s a rose garden, a bedding area and a glasshouse."

"For one day every year, the attention of the city turns solely towards Potternewton Park, the starting point for the incredible Leeds West Indian Carnival. Last year's 50th anniversary edition drew a crowd of more than 100,000 people from all over the world, including dignitaries from Nevis, where founder Arthur France was born. Expect an explosion of colour, music and outrageous costumes at Europe's longest-running authentic Caribbean carnival parade."

"Home to the famous Leeds West Indian Carnival, Potternewton Park is a 32-acre green space sandwiched between Harehills and Chapeltown. The maze of crisscrossed paths offers a wealth of walking opportunities, but it also has a range of sports facilities. Basketball and tennis courts sit alongside a skate park and bowling green, giving you plenty of outdoor entertainment options in the summer months."

"Another set of magnificent gardens in Harrogate are these towards the western edge of town, which reflect the Yorkshire landscape with a selection of trails, a log maze and tea rooms. There's also a range of boutique shops and tours on offer at the 17 acre site which, as is the case with many parts of Harrogate, was formerly the location for a bath house and a spa. Harlow Carr Gardens are at Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB. The gardens are open from 9.30am throughout the year and close at 6pm from March to October and 4pm for the rest of the year."

"With a venue on Water Lane and a second at Granary Wharf, Out of the Woods offer the choice of two cosy hangouts to relax in. They pride themselves on their high quality coffees and with a range of sandwiches, soups and salads on offer too, it's a great place to pick up something for on the go. Visit: 113 Water Lane, LS11 5WD / Waterman's Place, Granary Wharf, LS1 4Gl - outofthewoods.me.uk"

"Out of the woods is a little out of the way, but if you’re willing to take a de-tour out of the city centre you’ll find they’re definitely worth the walk. Their experienced baristas produce some top notch coffee, ranging from espresso’s and flat whites, to latte’s and mocha’s. They also offer a delicious breakfast and lunch menu to keep you fuelled throughout the day."

"Out of the Woods have two locations, one in Granary Wharf and the other just a few minutes walk away on Water Lane. I usually frequent the Granary Wharf venue, and particularly love how small and cosy it is in there!. Although small, the walls are glass, looking out onto Granary Wharf, so it’s beautifully light in there."

"Open for sit in or takeaway of delicious freshly baked scones, cakes and cream teas. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol also available. Afternoon tea and cream tea deliveries are also offered."

"Based in Sheaf Street Cafeteria, Grub & Grog is open for breakfast and lunch all week as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, serving an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Utilising fresh ingredients and wholesome recipes, their daytime offering is centred on sandwiches, salads and traditional brunch options. The evening menu is usually based around vegan offerings with a choice of meat, fish and vegetarian options."

"Rather than marking vegan dishes with a “V”, this restaurant marks meat dishes with an “M”, meaning that plant-based dishes are front and centre on the menu!. Enjoy comforting treats such as homemade crumpets, vegetable fritters or roasted squash, all washed down (as you may have guessed from the name) with a selection of specialty beers and ales."

"If anyone is in need of a curry fix, the first place in mind to visit Fo’Sho would be Bradford!. It has been named the curry capital of the UK. Who would think of going for an afternoon tea with jam n’ cream scones in the heart of Bradford!"

"Humpit Hummus was never really a place I’d thought of eating at until I was invited to review it last year. I’m so pleased that I did give it a chance though, as it’s one of the best vegan places in York!. The premise of Humpit is almost like a ridiculously healthy kebab; you choose from a selection of dishes including pitas and salad bowls and then add all the fresh ingredients alongside your hummus!"

"Having enjoyed such success in neighbouring Leeds, hummus bar Humpit has brought their falafel and pitta packs to the streets of York. Opened in February 2018, Humpit has already established itself as a firm favourite with the city’s student scene. One of their filled pittas will set you back £4.50 and comes loaded with falafels, hummus, salad and pickles."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. The Humpit began in 2014 with a dream to create real authentic hummus and to be able to enjoy it with a warm pita. Five years later, the Humpit has established itself in the York community."

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"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)."

"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."

"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!"