Top Rated Parks to Visit in Newton-on-Ouse

"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."

"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."

"If you’re craving green space, head to one of the largest city parks in Europe to spend an afternoon walking the dog or simply sunbathing on one of the many lawns. Roundhay Park is a popular spot all year round with a variety of lakes, meadows and forests to walk around and explore. Roundhay Park | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia | © Chemical Engineer / 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."

"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."

"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."

"Enjoy a little fresh air with an invigorating walk around Chevin Forest Park, a short drive from Leeds overlooking the town of Otley. The walk shows off the best of Yorkshire’s natural scenery, taking in dramatic views, rocky outcrops and moorlands scattered with beautiful purple heather."

"Take in the refreshing air of the forest while you follow the paths that. will lead you to cliffs from where you’ll have the best view of the Wharf Valley."

"While it’s generally perceived to be more of a child’s haven rather than a suitable Instagram location, Rowntree’s Park does in fact have many cute places to grab the perfect shot. During the summer, the park is positively heaving with families and children indulging in picnics and ice creams, and in the winter you’ll often find couples snuggled together, taking a romantic stroll around the park. The little bridges that go over the river and lake in the park make great backdrops for Instagram opportunities, regardless of the time of year."

"Rowntree Park, on the flood plains of the River Ouse, is a myriad of paths and walkways along the river. It was York’s first ever municipal park, presented to the public by sweets company Rowntree & Co to commemorate the 200 members of their staff who died in World War I. If you’re in search of a little exercise during your visit, the park boasts six tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court, two tennis tables and two bowling greens. The duck pond also makes for an excellent picnicking spot."

"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"

"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."

"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."

"If you want to take a photo wearing a traditional medieval cape in some beautiful surroundings (as well as learn more about the relationship of science, religion and chemistry in the Middle ages in York), head to the Barley Hall, where you can do all that."

"This restored medieval townhouse, tucked down an alleyway, includes a permanent exhibition of life in the times of Henry VIII. It was once the home of York’s Lord Mayor. The centrepiece is a double-height banquet..."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"As the name implies, York’s Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361."

"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."

"Eat & Drink, Cafés & Tearooms"

"Leeds' most interesting museum was originally built in 1996 to house armour and weapons from the Tower of London, but subsequently expanded to cover 3000 years of combat and self-defence, becoming home to the national collections. The exhibits are as varied as they are fascinating, covering subjects such as jousting, fencing and Indian elephant armour. To get here, walk east along the river from Centenary Footbridge (approx 10 minutes), or take the free boat from Granary Wharf outside Leeds train station's southern entrance."

"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."