There’s nothing like reconnecting with nature, and there’s no better way to do so than by visiting one of Leeds’ many parks.
Looking to sit down in the sun with a book in hand? To take a nice walk with your loved ones? To tuck into a delicious picnic? You can do all that and more at the park, and luckily Leeds has loads of them. From the biggest urban park in Europe to mature woodlands and gardens, they’re all here. Check them out.
Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey has everything you could possibly want in a Leeds park. As well as the stunning ancient ruins of a Cistercian monastery, there’s also 24 acres of green space to roam, explore and picnic.
The park itself is nestled on the banks of the River Aire – fishing is permitted, so why not see if you can catch yourself a trout or a salmon? Mature trees form a woodland that surrounds the park, which 65 species of birds call home.
On-site you’ll find a cafe and visitor centre, as well the monthly Kirkstall Abbey market where you can stop for lunch and browse local maker’s wares. There’s even running clubs and regular meditative walks.
Where is it? Kirkstall – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? There’s a large free car park next to Abbey House Museum across the road.
Beckett Park
A welcome green space away from the hustle and bustle of Headingley, Beckett Park is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. It’s surrounded by woods on all sides, with five acres of green space to explore in the middle.
Come spring and the cherry blossoms will be flourishing, with a beautiful carpet of bluebells to be found in Batcliffe Wood. Autumn marks the changing of the trees, with orange leaves adding a burst of colour to the park.
What’s more, you’ll never be bored with free tennis courts, outdoor fitness equipment and a children’s playground – head into the woods to see if you can spot Victoria Arch, a monument dedicated to Queen Victoria.
Where is it? Headingley – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? On-street parking is available on the roads surrounding the park.
Woodhouse Moor
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Commonly referred to as ‘Hyde Park’, Woodhouse Moor is one of the most popular – and oldest – public parks in Leeds. It covers 64 acres of land, with five tree-lined avenues that meet in the middle.
Whether you want to sunbathe, chill with your friends or kick a ball about, there’s no better place to do so than Woodhouse Moor. It’s a favourite amongst the city’s students, meaning it’s always busy with a great atmosphere.
At one of the entrances to the park is the iconic statue of Queen Victoria, with playgrounds and a skatepark if you explore further. See that rather big mound near the Hyde Park road entrance? That’s actually an old air raid shelter.
Where is it? Woodhouse – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? On-street parking is available on the roads surrounding the park.
Golden Acre
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Golden Acre Park is possibly one of the biggest of its kind in Leeds, with so much to see and do. It’s made up of 179 acres worth of mature woodlands and gardens, with a beautiful lake at the centre.
It’s around this lake that the main circular route will take you – at 1.5km, it’s fairly easy, with lots of lovely wildlife to spot along the way. Elsewhere, there’s formal gardens, like the stunning heather garden or the lilac collection.
Worked up a hunger? There’s a cafe on-site that sells a range of hot and cold snacks. If you’ve got little ones in tow, bring along some oats so they can have a whale of a time feeding the ducks.
Where is it? Bramhope – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? There are free car parks off Otley Road and Arthington Road.
Horsforth Hall Park
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Horsforth Hall Park has so much to offer to the people of Leeds. Though it’s small with only eight acres worth of green space, it’s packed with wildlife, open spaces and verdant scenery.
Our favourite part of the park has to be the Japanese gardens – you’ll feel a million miles away from Leeds, with koi carp splashing about, a red arched bridge and beautiful camellias, acres and conifers.
For kids, there’s an outdoor playground specially designed for disabled and able-bodied children of up to eight to play together. Older? Never fear, there’s a ‘Spider’s Web’ climbing frame too!
Where is it? Horsforth – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? There’s parking available at Hall Lane car park.
Roundhay Park
Not only is Roundhay Park one of the biggest in Leeds, it’s actually one of the largest urban parks in Europe – wow! Standing at a whopping 700 acres, it’s got it all, from lakes and parklands to woods and formal gardens.
What we love about Roundhay Park is the sheer amount of wildlife to spot. Take one of the five different trails and you could come across everything from woodpeckers and swans to foxes and rabbits.
If you’re peckish, a picnic is always a great idea, but there’s also the Lakeside Cafe. Afterwards, why not take the kids and head to the on-site Tropical World? The indoor wildlife park is filled with meerkats, butterflies, monkeys and more.
Where is it? Roundhay – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? There are four car parks around the park and free on-street parking nearby.
Middleton Park
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On the hunt for a nice park in the south of Leeds? You won’t get much better than Middleton Park. It covers 470 acres of luscious green space, with 200 acres of that making up some of the oldest woodland in West Yorkshire.
In terms of scenery, Middleton Park is hard to beat. Run through the grassland, get lost in the woodland and gaze upon the beautiful flower beds and rose gardens, because it’s got it all.
Did you know the park’s also the site of the world’s oldest commercial railway? That’s right, founded in 1758, the railway is still operational today, so why not take a quick trip?
Where is it? Middleton – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? There’s a car park next to the Urban Bike Park.
Meanwood Park
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Meanwood Park is perfect for visitors of all ages. While the park itself isn’t huge, you can discover a new route every time you explore, all thanks to the Meanwood Valley Trail.
Walk along the babbling brook, relish in the sounds of the trickling waterfalls and hear the crunch of the leaves beneath your feat. Why not take the path up to The Hollies, some of the most beautiful woodland in Leeds?
After you’re done, you’ve got to get a bite to eat at the Three Cottages cafe. With seating inside and out, it’s perfect no matter the weather, with small and large plates alike sure to hit the spot.
Where is it? Meanwood – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? There’s a free car park on-site.
Potternewton Park
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A little slice of green between Harehills and Chapeltown, Potternewton Park may only come in at 32 acres, but there’s so much to do and explore, from the community orchid to the bowling green.
We love to follow the paths across the open grassland and through the tree-lined avenues, seeing what flowers we can spot as we go – walk far enough and you’ll come across the impressive Manor House.
Every August, the park becomes the base of Leeds’ colourful West Indian carnival, but at other months throughout the year, there’s a playground, a skatepark, tennis courts and a basketball court to play on.
Where is it? Chapeltown – find it on Google Maps.
Is there parking? On-street parking is available on the roads surrounding the park.
