As we move into spring and the weather becomes increasingly warmer, we find ourselves drawn outside. Rather than spending your days in Woodhouse Moor like everyone else, discover new spots to enjoy the sunshine. Here are four spots and parks you must check out this spring.
1. Canal side
If you’re not up for travelling out of the city centre, Leeds and Liverpool Canal has plenty to offer. You could start at Leeds Dock, visit the Royal Armouries Museum (it’s free!), then continue walking towards the City Centre along the canal. If you need coffee, check out North Star Roasters at Leeds Dock. The canal will take you through the City Centre, Granary Wharf (where you wouldn’t regret stopping for pizza at Water Lane Boathouse) and then on towards Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills.
If you are really keen and fancy a longer walk, you can even go as far as Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve. Alternatively, if you’re not feeling as active, free taxi boats run between Granary Wharf and Leeds Docks. This way you can enjoy the scenery and outdoors, without all the walking.
2. Roundhay Park
If you fancy venturing slightly outside of the City Centre, Roundhay Park is a great choice. It is only a 15-minute drive or Uber from the University or 30-minute bus trip from the City Centre and well worth the travel.
Roundhay Park is one of Europe’s largest urban parks, it has two beautiful lakes, four gardens, a mansion and even Tropical World for the big kids inside us to meet meerkats, snakes and tropical plants. After your stroll around the park, take a visit to nearby Roundhay Fox Pub for a pint or Grön Kafé to the south of the park if you fancy a healthy bite or appreciate good coffee.
3. Meanwood Park
Meanwood Park is also slightly out of the City Centre, just up past Headingly. Within a 10-minute drive or 25 min bus journey from the City Centre, you can enjoy the Valley Trail and Nature Reserve that the park has to offer. There are also designated picnic areas as well as basketball courts and tennis courts for the sporty among us.
The park is incredibly pretty and afterwards you have a huge choice of pubs and cafes just a short walk into Headingly. If you’re extra keen, a nature lover and fancy a longer walk, head onto Golden Acre Park, hosting a beautiful collection of plants, ponds and woodland.
4. Temple Newsam
Finally, Temple Newsam is situated to the east of city and a slightly longer 30-minute journey from the Headrow by bus. It is comprised of three lakes and beautiful gardens surrounding a historic house which you must pay to visit. However, the estate’s grounds make for a scenic walk (for free) including bridleways and woodland tracks.