Top Rated Parks to Visit in Lower Dunsforth

"At 700 acres, Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. It’s twice the size of Hyde Park in London and offers a multitude of adventures. The vast network of paths stretches beyond the landscape gardens into the woodlands where you’ll find quaint riverside rambles, picturesque gorge walks and calf-burning hikes that promise incredible views."

"This park, which is four miles northeast of Leeds city centre, offers 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. If it's really cold you can warm up in the indoor Tropical World, which has butterflies, birds, reptiles and even meerkats, or the early 19th century Mansion House which has a cafe. The car park is accessible via Wetherby Road, LS8 2JZ."

"With a name like Golden Acre, this even sounds like a winning park for dogs–and it doesn’t disappoint. There are 136-acres on offer, which in doggy terms means space to christen at least 71 tree trunks. In between planted areas, there is vast parkland, woodland, fields, wildflowers, ponds, and a lot of well-maintained paths to walk along."

"Golden Acre Park is popularly known for its circular lakeside walk. This 136-acres of park also offers amazing gardens and tea rooms that you can certainly enjoy. It is also near other famous parks and attractions like the Breary Marsh and Adel Dam in case you would want to go on an ultimate nature adventure."

"Another large park within the boundaries of Leeds, Golden Acre Park is perfect for a day out with the kids. Take a circular walk around the lake, explore the two nature reserves nearby and allow your children time to enjoy the playground before stopping for refreshments at the tearooms."

"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 is a lovely place to relax and unwind in the heart of the city. Grab yourself a coffee or snack and sit on one of the benches with a friend, taking it all in. York Museum Gardens is home to some amazing trees and plants."

"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."

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

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The Stray is the largest of Harrogate's parks: comprising 200 acres of contiguous open land linking the spa town's curative springs and wells. The site dates back to 1778 when it was created from the forest of Knaresborough to link several of Harrogate’s springs together in one area but is now open grassland full of beautiful flowers. The Stray is in the centre of the town off Knaresborough Road and is free to access throughout the year."

"Moments away from the bustle of the town centre, the Stray has given the people of Harrogate somewhere peaceful to relax since it was created in 1778 from the forest of Knaresborough. Nothing can be purer than the air at Harrogate. Over the years the Stray has been used to graze livestock, turned into allotments and wheat fields during WWII, and it’s even been used as an airfield for light aircraft."

"The Stray is an area of around 200 acres of parkland in Harrogate which links the town’s spas and wells; it’s also the site of the original Tewit Well discovered by William Slingsby. In the 18th century, the park was bequeathed to the people of Harrogate by the Duchy of Lancaster to be forever unenclosed and makes a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic, an outdoor game or a walk."

"Every year Leeds Valentine's Fair brings some thrills and spills to the Valentine's Day and the Februiary half-term holidays, with more than 70 attractions on offer. In 2020 the fair moved from it's previous base at Elland Road, next to Leeds United's ground, to Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park, Leeds. This year's fair is running now until Sunday, February 23."

"Also known simply as Hyde Park, this is the place to be for students as soon as there's an inkling of sunshine in the city. It may not be the prettiest of parks on first glance, but hundreds of people plonk themselves on the grass, crack open a beer and blast out the tunes during the summer."

"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."

"Grove Café is a premier cafe in Leeds that serves a wide variety of menu that contains vegetarian, vegan and halal options. Celebrating good food, they are dedicated to bringing joy through the different fine meals that they prepare from scratch. Serving the community since 1994, they guarantee that all their vegan and vegetarian meals have no traces of meat in any form and are 100% meat-free and dairy-free."

"133-135 Cardigan Road, Leeds LS6 1LJWhile not totally vegan, Grove Cafe on Cardigan Road has become a mainstay of the student vegan scene in Leeds. Serving up vegan curries, pizzas (with vegan cheese) and burgers, Gove Cafe is the place to get your favourite takeaway food, veganised."

"This takeaway restaurant delivers all over Leeds and has an impressive list of vegan pizzas on its menu, with toppings that include vegan cheese, roasted tofu and meat-free chicken pieces. Oh, and it also sells vegan garlic bread. How could you resist?"

"The Botanist is an absolutely beautiful venue, so if you’re looking for somewhere to have a luxurious bottomless brunch, then this is the one for you. Their bottomless brunch offer lets you choose whatever brunch dish you fancy, and then you can add bottomless drinks for ninety minutes for just £15 per person!. When you see this beautiful restaurant, you’ll be amazed that you’re getting such a fab deal on your bottomless brunch, trust me!"

"The Botanist is a great place to both eat and drink in York as it has such an extensive cocktail menu, as well as great foodie options, too. I’ve been to The Botanist on several different occasions, both with Matt, my friends and old work colleagues for our Christmas party last year and it’s delivered beyond my expectations every single time. I’d recommend: lamb kofta or chicken hanging kebabs (SO good) or the crispy chicken burger."

"There are two Rustique French restaurants in York, the second one opening a few years ago after the popularity of the first on Castlegate. “Established in 2004, Rustique specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere. Offering a large and varied selection of traditionally cooked, locally sourced meat and fish dishes, we pride ourselves on giving our customers a first class, French-inspired dining experience."

"They’re so popular in fact that there have two restaurants in York. Although the foods not as sophisticated as others in the roundup, they serve honest, great quality food that’s great for casual dining. Specialising in French cuisine at affordable prices, they have an ever-popular two-course set menu which starts at £14.95."

"Lovely French restaurant, reasonably priced and has an excellent reputation. There are two restaurants in town – the nearest one to the apartment is Lendal.www.rustiquerestaurants.co.uk/rustique-york-castlegatewww.rustiquerestaurants.co.uk/rustique-york-lendal"

"Le Chalet is a charming French tearoom in the heart of Leeds city centre, where you can take a break in a pretty venue while trying one of 25 speciality teas. If you’re hungry, choose from a menu of baguettes, pastries and cakes, or go for one of their traditionally French dishes like the meat feast gallete or the tarte provençale. If you fancy being indulgent, their French-take on afternoon tea is a must-try."

"What: Bringing a slice of France to Leeds, Le Chalet is the place to go if you're wanting a Gallic-inspired brunch. Indulge in everything from French toast topped with bacon to a full French breakfast, which includes a fresh sliced baguette with jam and honey, a pastry of your choice, a juice and a hot drink. Now that's a spread that's hard to refuse.Where:31-32 Park Row, LS1 5JD"

"With restaurants in Wetherby, Guiseley and Pudsey, Wetherby Whaler must be doing something right. They serve up top quality fish and chips every day of the week. If you’re a coeliac, rest assured their gluten-free batter tastes just as good as the real thing."

"Sausages, chicken goujons, or even a salad; we’re not your conventional chippie!. Posted by Wetherby Whaler on Friday, 18 September 2020. The Wetherby Whaler is a chain of fish and chip restaurant that was started by Phillip and Janine Murphy in 1969."

"This one’s for the pizza lovers, you’re going to love it here!. San Carlo Leeds is one of the city’s star attractions, offering classic Italian dishes with a modern aesthetic. Whether you got there for lunch or dinner, they’ve got plenty of meals to choose from to suit all tastes."

"Situated in the heart of Leeds’ smart legal and business quarter, this branch of San Carlo promises sleek, stylish good looks, a cheery, welcoming vibe and a wide-ranging menu peppered with trattoria classics."