These are the woodlands and forests in Leeds that are just waiting to be explored.
Although Leeds is renowned for its urban landscape, it also boasts vast expanses of beautiful woodland. Be it hidden gems surrounding hidden estates to whopping 700-acre stretches of greenery, these are the must-visit forests in Leeds. If you’re craving more adventure, there are loads of walking routes around Leeds that lead you through these stunning areas.
Meanwood Valley Estate
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A Leeds rite of passage, Meanwood Valley Estate is one of the most easily accessible woodlands from the city centre. It’s made up of 190 acres of an estate park and lush forestry, perfect for the whole family to explore.
The woodlands that comprise most of this green space remain beautiful no matter the season, with carpets of flora in the spring and rich colours in the autumn. Animals lovers will be well looked after here, as stoats, house sparrows and all three native woodpecker breeds make the forest their home, while landmarks like Seven Arches Aqueduct are must-visits too.
Where is it? Meanwood – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The trail’s customisable and can be split into multiple parts.
Gledhow Valley Woods
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At just 57 acres, Gledhow Valley Woods may be small, but it’s so jam-packed with nature that you won’t have a second to be bored. It lies just north of the Leeds suburb of Gledhow, a perfect escape from the nearby hustle and bustle.
The woodland itself is one of the best conservation areas in Leeds, with flora, fauna and a range of birds at every turn – you can also hear the trickle of Gledhow Beck snaking its way through the forest, where it eventually empties into Gledhow Lake. If you head to the south-east corner of the woods, you’ll come across the Grade-II listed Gipton Spa Bath House.
Where is it? Roundhay – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: You’ll often see swans on the lake!
Gipton Wood
Nestled between Oakwood and Roundhay, Gipton Wood is part of the Roundhay conservation area two miles north of Leeds city centre. It covers 21 acres of land, characterised by its oak, sycamore and beech trees.
If you have kids, they’ll love it here. The forest is criss-crossed by spacious paths that are perfect for the whole family to tackle, also offering room for pushchairs. If your little ones want to go bug hunting, they’re in luck – dead wood is purposely dotted around the woodland as habitats, becoming a home for all manner of creepy crawlies.
Where is it? Gipton – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The D-shaped monument from the Bronze Age hidden in the woods.
Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve
Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve is made up of ancient woodlands in the village of Bardsey, between Leeds and Wetherby. It provides a perfect escape into nature, and its terrain means it’s perfect for walkers of all abilities.
No matter the season, the 30-acre forest is always full of treats to discover, be it the carpets of bluebells in the summer, the smell of the wild garlic in the spring or the abundance of blackberries in the colder months. It’s even home to a special plant that’s only found in a handful of Yorkshire woodlands – the thistle broomrape.
Where is it? Wetherby – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The trickle of the Bardsey Beck is so soothing.
Otley Chevin Forest Park
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If you live in Leeds, it’s a given that you’ve heard of Otley Chevin Forest Park. There’s a reason why it’s a favourite amongst the city’s residents and that’s its sheer size, coming in at a whopping 700 acres.
If you clamber up the park’s north-facing slope, you’ll find yourself 282 metres above sea level at Surprise View, offering unbeatable views of the Wharfe Valley. Rather take it easy? Never fear, stick to the flat woodland and open heathland and you’ll encounter butterflies, insects and even a stray roe deer.
Where is it? Otley – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The fungus walk in autumn – there’s so many varieties to discover!
Bramley Fall Park & Woods
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Bramley Fall Park & Woods is steeped in over 10,000 years of history – it’s actually been there since the polar ice caps melted. It’s small but perfectly formed, with pretty heathland, wildflowers and rarely spotted birds.
It’s just over 32 acres in size, with the option of a one mile circular walk that’s ideal for families – what’s more, there are dedicated picnic areas with benches so you can enjoy your lunch amongst nature. Elsewhere, you can explore beyond the woodland with the bridleway that leads you onto the River Aire and towards Leeds city centre.
Where is it? Bramley – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The rare birds – keep your eye out for a lesser spotted woodpecker!
Cookridge Woodlands
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This wide open expanse of parkland in North West Leeds is surrounded by three well-kept woodlands on all sides – Ireland Wood, East Wood and Bedford Green Wood.
The paths are easy for all to navigate, with ancient trees lining the way for you. All three of the woods are mostly flat and can be covered in 20 minutes, so you can easily do them all in one go. Our favourite has to be Ireland Wood because of its beautiful oak trees – they’re a haven for various wildlife species, with an amazing 176 species of birds nesting there.
Where is it? Cookridge – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: There’s a wide area of parkland that’s perfect for relaxing in.
Roundhay Park
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Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in the world, let alone Leeds. It covers 700 acres, so take the path less trodden (literally) into the woodlands and you’ll find so much to discover.
You can enjoy the glorious beauty of the gorge walk or take in the vast woodland behind Waterloo Lake, but our favourite way to spend an afternoon here is by following a secret path around the stream that feeds the upper lake. Your walk will be accompanied by the sounds of common warblers, as well as sights of foxes, roe deer and voles.
Where is it? Roundhay – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The daffodils and bluebells in spring are stunning.
Woodhouse Ridge
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A downright hidden gem, Woodhouse Ridge is a favourite amongst the students of Leeds. It’s not far from Leeds city centre, and covers 17 acres of woodland with a top and bottom tier.
The long green corridor provides a real contrast to the city – in between the greenery you’ll also find Victorian and Edwardian influences like elaborate shelters and the performance bandstand. We love to sit by the viewpoint and admire the views over the Meanwood valley – it’s truly a hidden gem.
Where is it? Woodhouse – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: It’s easy to access from the city centre.
Calverley Wood
You’ll find Calverley Woods in the village of Calverley, spanning 188 acres of woodland and lush greenery. Fun fact – the woods are home to the remains of a building from WWII, used to train troops for D-Day landings.
The woodland has stood proudly as a verdant part of East Leeds for over 700 years now. The paths are well paved, making it accessible for people of all abilities, and if you follow them far enough you’ll come across the old Calverley Cutting road – it was cut through sandstone rock to replace the old packhorse way back in the 1850s.
Where is it? Calverley – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The Calverley Arms is just a couple of minutes away, perfect for a post-work pint!
Rothwell Colliery
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Set on the site of a former coal mine, Rothwell Colliery is made up of 128 acres of wetland, woodland and meadow – throughout the woodland you can still see two different rail gauges.
You can choose from two trails. The first is the pond trail, which covers all the water sections within the park – you’ll find there’s lots, as the craters and holes from the coal mine naturally turned into ponds over time. The other is the sculpture trail, taking you from stone statues to metal installations. It ends in a pretty impressive city skyline view of Leeds.
Where is it? Rothwell – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The sun dial on the sculpture trail.
The Hollies
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Ah, The Hollies. Home to some of the most stunning woodlands in Leeds, there’s 30 acres of forest and a lovely water way for you explore to your heart’s content.
There’s so much to do and see here. There’s a rich array of plants and vegetation that constantly changes in line with the seasons, so you could be strolling through snowdrops or gazing upon rhododendrons. Amid the fauna you’ll find all kinds of wildlife – think moles, red squirrels or, on a good day, a roe deer or fox.
Where is it? Weetwood – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: It’s never too busy, perfect if you want some peace and quiet.
Golden Acre Woods
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You may know it for its park, but did you know that Golden Acre has some of the best woods in Leeds? It has 179 acres worth of mature woodlands and gardens that surround a huge lake.
Not only that, it has the largest heather garden in Europe, with vibrant lilacs and purples. There are plenty of well-maintained paths to lead you around the woodland, but the water has to be the main attraction. There are various trickling streams which feed into the lake, and you might be lucky enough to see waterfowls, tufted ducks and swans.
Where is it? Bramhope – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: It’s the perfect place for bird watching.
Hollinhurst Wood
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You’ll find Hollinhurst Wood next to RSPB St Aidan’s, covering 27 acres of dense woodland, grassland and meadows. The wood is characterised by its many ridges and furrows, created by medieval farmers.
It’s these ridges and furrows that house a range of plant species, from meadowsweet and wild Angelica to sheep’s sorrel and harebell. Oak, birch and hazel dominate the forest, while bluebells and daffodils blanket the grassland. It’s great for animal spotting too – you might just spot a new-born fawn in the spring.
Where is it? Great Preston – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The wood is a great place if you want to go fungi spotting.
Black Carr Woods
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Black Carr Woods is one of Leeds’ true beauties, sat on the Pudsey and Bradford border. It covers a fairly sizeable area and is a great place to explore with its interwoven trails and footpaths.
Considered one of the finest ancient woodlands in Yorkshire, it’s rich with oak, hazel and alder trees. It’s here where you’ll rub shoulders with a variety of animals, like woodpeckers and other native birds. Tyersal Beck slices the woodland in two, so follow it downstream and you’ll never get lost – be sure to admire the colourful flora on your way.
Where is it? Pudsey – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The countryside views – they’re stunning!
Owl Wood & Pit Plantation
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Owl Wood and Pit Plantation are two adjacent blocks of woodland, dominated by sycamore, oak and birch trees. The area itself is over 20 acres, with a number of different trails to explore.
If you ask us, The Lines Way is the best trail if you’re looking to get a bit of everything in one go. You’ll walk four miles along a disused railway line lined by towering trees, coming across various ponds and ditches as you go. Keep your eye out for orchids and bellflowers, and if you visit in spring or summer, come dawn or dusk you may even see a few bats.
Where is it? Castleford – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: The sounds the songbirds make is beautiful.
Temple Newsam Estate
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The Temple Newsam Estate is home to one of the most impressive stately homes in Leeds, but did you know there are over 30 woodlands just waiting to be discovered?
The most distinct, though, has to be Millennium Wood. One of the newest woodlands in Leeds, it was planted in 2000 and spans three acres. Walk through and you’ll find it’s only about one kilometre in length, but there’s lots to see and do on the way – keep an eye out for the rhododendron display – it’s one of the largest in England.
Where is it? Colton – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: Each of the 30 woods has its own unique character.
Middleton Woods
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Want to visit the largest remaining ancient woodlands in not only Leeds but West Yorkshire too? Well, a trip to Middleton Woods is in order, where parts of the site date back to 1300.
Due to its age, there are loads of historical features, including the bell pits from the former mine which have left dips and swells in the ground. Oak, birch and hazel are just a taste of the trees you’ll find here – what’s more, you’ll also find a wealth of old, dying and dead trees which provide the perfect habitat for insects like woodlice, spiders and beetles.
Where is it? Middleton – find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: You can spot hidden tram tracks amongst the trees!
Adel Woods
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Adel Woods is a veritable maze of trails and paths, dotted with remnants of Leeds’s industrial past. It spans 175 acres of woodland, and there’s so much to seek out.
Visit and you’ll stumble upon the ruins of an old flax mill, stone gate posts and mill ponds. Be sure to walk under the Seven Arches Aqueduct as it crosses Meanwood Beck and visit the small Slabbering Baby Fountain. The main attraction for us, though, has to be the kingfishers in the lake!
Where is it? Adel– find it on Google maps.
Why we love it: You can spot hidden tram tracks amongst the trees!
