Get outdoors this summer in Leeds. Our great city has a number of great bars and restaurants, but sometimes it is better to venture outdoors. We have something for the whole family and you can enjoy everything from gardens to playgrounds, and wildlife to water.
Our guide includes a park that is one of the most popular in Europe and an abbey that is surrounded with some of the most beautiful scenery this side of the UK.
You are spoilt for choice here in Leeds and there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. Find out some of the best outdoor spots in the city here.
ROUNDHAY PARK
Roundhay Park, not to be missed if you are visiting Leeds this summer. This stunning park is something to boast about as it is one of the biggest city parks in Europe. With 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and award-winning gardens, you can spend hours here and still have undiscovered land to walk on.
Make sure you have your glasses with you as you may be able to spot British wild life, from woodpeckers, swans, rabbits to squirrels. If the weather is good you can also enjoy a game or two. This park has something for everyone with sports pitches for football, rugby, and cricket as well as a grass cycling track.
TEMPLE NEWSAM
Temple Newsam has so much to offer visitors. Take in some of Leeds culture and explore one of the great country houses of England. This visitor location is set within a Capability Brown landscape and it is surrounded by beautiful parkland.
If you want to see a variety of rare breed animals, you can wander around the beautiful gardens of Temple Newsam and enjoy some leisure time. You can also book the football pitches out for an hour or two or enjoy a round of golf.
If you fancy a trip to Temple Newsam, keep your eye out for the variety of events that they hold throughout the year including races, open air theatre, and festivals.
KIRKSTALL ABBEY
This stunning abbey is set in a wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire. If you are looking for a location that sums up this part of England then Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery.
This is the perfect date location as you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds and wonder at the Abbey, or walk along the river bank. There is also a market to browse; Kirkstall Abbey Markets run one weekend per month between March and November from 12 noon to 3pm.
STOCKELD PARK
This park can be enjoyed in the Spring and Summer as they offer both outdoor and indoor fun, and whether it is raining or the sun is shining you can enjoy activities such as go-karting, roller-skating and inflatables galore.
Take a step back in time with the kids and look out your roller boots as there is an outdoor roller rink. You can also visit the Enchanted Forest, where there are a number of sculptures and themed playground areas!