With its park-side location and a plethora of quality places to sip and sup, Oakwood continues to evolve as one of Leeds’ more desirable neighbourhoods.
Oakwood has long had considerable allure as one of the city’s most charming and liveable suburbs. Anchored by its famous Victorian clock and bordered by the expansive and picturesque Roundhay Park, this is a neighbourhood that manages to feel both tucked away and well-connected.
By the early 1900s, Oakwood had become an elegant residential suburb, its development spurred on by the tramway built in 1891 which brought visitors flocking to nearby Roundhay Park and put Oakwood squarely on the map. In 1912, the neighbourhood was gifted the now-iconic Oakwood Clock – a distinctive piece of ironwork originally intended as the centrepiece of Kirkgate Market. When the market’s design plans changed and the clock was left without a home, Kirkgate’s loss was Oakwood’s gain. More than a century on, the clock remains the focal point, a natural meeting place, and the backdrop to community gatherings such as the Oakwood Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of every month where you can find local producers offering artisan cheeses, locally reared meats, fresh breads, and seasonal produce. There’s also Oakwood Craft Market, held on the last Saturday of every month with local artisan traders selling unique wares from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
In a Leeds ‘battle of the ‘burbs’, Roundhay Park is Oakwood’s not-so-secret weapon. As one of the largest city parks in Europe, it offers everything from lakeside walks and sports facilities to a packed calendar of events – with Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull headlining the new Roundhay Festival in early July. On a rainy day, Tropical World provides an exotic escape where you can wander through recreated rainforests, Creature Corner, and the aquarium.
The Oakwood Cinema, a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, offers a fantastic programme of films to local residents with regular showings every month. If your mental image of a community cinema is a small media projector on a tiny screen, think again. The Oakwood Cinema offers a proper cinema experience with big screen, big projection, and big sound. There’s also great ice cream, popcorn, and a fully licensed bar. For longer films, there’s an intermission so that people can have a break and socialise, and occasional guest speakers will introduce the film. Screenings cover a great variety to cater for everyone who loves film, including hidden gems and the occasional classic.
Oakwood is also home to North Leeds Cricket Club, which is currently fundraising for new outdoor training nets which will benefit future generations of local cricketers. The funds raised will provide a safe facility for year-round practice, support youth development and coaching across all age groups, encourage the continued growth of the women and girls’ teams, and allow for community sessions, including access for disabled cricketers.
Over the past decade or so, Oakwood’s dining and drinking scene has steadily evolved into one of the most buzzing in North Leeds. The high street surrounding the clock offers a varied mix of cafés, restaurants, and bars, with an abundance of independent spirit, and a new arrival – Due Mare – opening soon. When it comes to drinks, Oakwood is extremely well served with its excellent selection of craft beer and gregarious atmosphere.
Despite its proximity to the city centre, Oakwood has a self-contained, small-town feel. The high street contains all the everyday essentials alongside independent shops. Oakwood has a distinct character all its own and its scenic charms, gastronomic variety, and cultural gems appeal to a wide range of tastes and age demographics. From its storied clock to its thriving restaurant and bar scene, its extraordinary park, and the strong community spirit that runs through it all, this North Leeds suburb has everything it needs.
To get involved with the cricket club fundraiser, visit Crowdfunder.co.uk/p/new-cricket-nets-3
