10 must see parks in Leeds
Following on from our 5 great walks you need to do in Leeds guide, this page contains everything you need to know about 10 must-see parks in Leeds. Use it to plan your next outdoor adventure
Whether you want to explore the parks nearby to campus or venture a bit further afield, this guide is for you!
Leeds has many beautiful parks tucked away in the urban landscape, you never have to go far to see some greenery.
Take some time out to immerse yourself in nature; it can help you feel relaxed and refreshed. It’s also a great way to get you moving.
We have rounded up a helpful and easy guide of 10 must see parks in Leeds to make your decision a bit easier when you’re looking for that green escape. Information is provided in the guide as to how long it will take via foot or public transport to get to the park.
1) Meanwood Park
50 minute walk from campus
Meanwood Park is a beautiful park with woodland, meadows, a stream and areas of mown grass.
Just 2 miles from campus, situated along the Meanwood Valley Trail with many features, including a playground, tennis courts, a bowling green, a basketball court and picnic areas.
2) Woodhouse Moor
Next to campus
Woodhouse Moor is situated right next to campus! It has large areas of open grassland – a perfect place to spend some time in the sun outside with friends. There are many tree-lined paths snaking around the park, making it a great place to go for a stroll.
In the park you can find a playground, a skate park, a multi-use games area, a bowling green and tennis courts. The park also houses allotments and hosts a parkrun each weekend.
3) Golden Acre Park
30 minutes from campus by bus
A real gem of north Leeds. One of the unique features of Golden Acre park are its beautiful gardens, which are managed by volunteers who meet to garden every month.
Other popular features of the park are its circular lakeside walk, bird-watching hides and tearooms, which are open seven days a week (exact hours can be found online). Bands regularly play here on Sundays in summer.
4) Roundhay Park
40 minutes from campus by bus
One of the biggest urban parks in Europe at over 700 hectares, Roundhay Park has many activities on offer for visitors, including canoeing, rowing, kayaking, a cafe, playgrounds and a land train. The park also houses Tropical World, where you can see tropical plants, butterflies and other animals, as well as a farmers market once a month.
As well as all of these attractions, you can visit the park simply to walk around or make use of the vast open green spaces. There are five car parks around the park, as well as toilets for visitors to use.
5) Temple Newsam
50 minutes from campus by bus
Famous for its beautiful mansion house, Temple Newsam has plenty on offer, including beautiful landscaping, open fields, woodland paths, lakes and historic buildings.
There are also lots of activities to try out, such as visiting their working farm, an adventure playground, a Go Ape adventure course, sports pitches, the Tudor-Jacobean mansion, flower gardens and tea rooms.
The park has a range of facilities including toilets, several paid car park, cafes and picnic areas.
6) Beckett Park
45 minute walk from campus
Perfect for staff and students living in the Headingley area. Beckett Park is situated between Headingley and Kirkstall and with a fantastic view of Kirkstall valley – it’s a great place to go to watch the sunset! You can also find open green spaces, historical interests such as the Victoria Arch and woodland at the park.
The park closes at night, so check the opening hours before you visit (these may vary from season to season). There is parking nearby.
7) Burley Park
25 minute walk from campus
A perfect option for those living in Hyde Park and Burley. Burley Park is a relatively small park, close to Burley Park station and the edge of the Hyde Park area. It is on a hill, so you can get great views from the top of the park overlooking Kirkstall and Armley.
There are accessible paths across the park, making it the perfect place to visit for a quick stroll or run or a great place on a hot day to enjoy outdoors time without the busyness of Woodhouse Moor.
The park also has a fruit orchard, a playground, tennis courts, cricket greens and a basketball court.
8) Middleton Park
45 minutes from campus by bus
Middleton ark has lots of natural beauty to offer, with flower beds and a rose garden, as well as open parkland. You can walk along heritage trails which provide information about the history and wildlife of the park. In addition to this, there is a cafe, a bowling green, a playground and a fishing lake!
For the thrill-seekers amongst us, it is also home to the Urban Bike Park , offering miles of mountain bike trails for all abilities.
One of the most accessible parks in Leeds, many paths are wheelchair friendly and there are disabled toilets.
9) Bramley Park and Bramley Fall Woods
90 minute walk or 30 minute bus from campus
Bramley Park is a large park, situated on a hillside. It’s a great place to appreciate views of the local area looking over the River Aire and the canal. Bramley Fall Woods are accessed from the bottom of the park and are a beautiful location stretching down the hillside to the canal with lovely trails and views for all.
It has many facilities, including tennis courts, sports pitches, a playground, a picnic area, and a bowling green. The park houses hosts a 5km parkrun every Saturday, alongside a 2km junior parkrun.
10) Potternewton Park
1 hour walk from campus
Potternewton park is a lovely park situated in Chapeltown. It’s features include open grassland, flower beds, a bowling green, tennis courts, a playground, a skate park, a basketball court and a giant chess board!
Home to the Leeds Carnival and a parkrun on Saturdays, Potternewton is a great gem of a park. It makes for a good walk from campus through Woodhouse Ridge and up Sugarwell Hill.
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