Welcome the new season’s arrival and take in the scenery at one of #Leeds’ top outside spots.
Abbey Park
Perched at Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Park encompasses a wide range of facilities for all types of active recreation in the bright weather.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds or along the river; or why not participate or observe some of the formal organised games played on-site? Make a day out of the activity by packing a delicious picnic and afterwards indulging in the refreshments on a terrace overlooking the river.
Aspiring athletes can tap into their sporty sides courtesy of the number of football and rugby pitches on hand for groups. Meanwhile, tennis courts can also be booked and a large playground caters for little ones.
If you’re in the mood for an exploring adventure, choose between the two routes around the abbey – the perfect opportunity to bask in spring’s stunning setting.
Roundhay Park
Boasting over 700 acres of woodland, parkland, and lakes, the urban Roundhay Park will capture the whole family’s interest during a day out in Leeds.
The park’s nature-inspired offerings include national plant collections, canal gardens and the friend’s garden, as well as the much-loved Tropical World.
Visitors can get front and centre with the array of gulls and geese, feeding them from the side of the lake. And remember to keep an eye out for the scattering of mute swans, whooper swans, herons and woodpeckers, among other birds, which make their presence known within the park.
In terms of the facilities, Roundhay Park continues to draw crowds with its tennis courts, children’s play area, a small skateboard park, sports pitches, bowling greens, the sports arena, a golf course, and fishing. And for tasty dining, the lakeside cafe overlooks Waterloo Lake, and the mansion has re-opened with a garden room restaurant.
Harewood House
As one of the Treasure Houses of England, the historic Georgian property guarantees remarkable views for a springtime nature walk. There are over 100 acres of gardens at Harewood, being full of variety, with plants from all over the world.
The location is suitable for the whole family too – children will enjoy the excitement and thrills of the Adventure Playground, with its slides, swings and climbing frames, and the cafe, picnic areas and ice cream kiosk are close by for parents to keep watch.
For something unique, why not consider going along and enjoying Harewood’s renowned Bird Garden, run by curator John Waller? As well as being home to exotic species, including penguins, owls, flamingos and parrots, you can adopt a bird and help support the Bird Garden’s conservation work.
Golden Acre Park
Recognised as one of the region’s most beautiful areas, Golden Acre Park is set in 179 acres of mature woodland with gardens surrounding an attractive lake. Home to many varieties of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, as well as a wealth of native animals and wildfowl, you’ll be certain to leave the boredom at home firmly behind.
Over recent years the gardens have underwent significant transformation; existing features have been upgraded, beds and borders re-organised and new things to see added.
In the heart of the park is the Demonstration Garden which follows the horticultural trends and fashions and provides visitors with inspiration and ideas for their own gardens. Themes range from tropical, cottage formal styles to a pottage and container garden. The Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Societies also exhibit within the garden and while nothing is permanent in here, every year the gardeners try to add something new.
If that’s not all, adjacent to the park is Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve – a haven for wildlife and an important conservation site.
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