10 of the best public parks in Leeds

Now the weather is finally taking a turn for the better, it’s the perfect time to enjoy pull on your walking boots and make the best of the great outdoors.

There are plenty of scenic park areas to explore around Leeds, complete with entertaining activities and picture-perfect walks. Here are just 10 of the best.

Golden Acre Park

Nestled between Adel and Bramhope, Golden Acre Park is set among 179 acres of mature woodland and gardens, with an attractive lake at its heart and an on-site café.

It’s on the route of both the Leeds Country Way and Meanwood Valley Trail, making it appealing for keen walkers, and Breary Marsh and Adel Dam nature reserves also sit close by to explore.

Visit: Arthington Road, Bramhope, LS16 8BQ – leeds.gov.uk

Roundhay Park

Covering more than 700 acres, Roundhay Park is hugely popular for its grandeur and size, with lakes, rolling parkland, formal gardens, cafes and the much-loved visitor attraction, Tropical World, for visitors to discover.

Visit: Mansion Lane, LS8 2HH – roundhaypark.org.uk

Yeadon Tarnfield Park

While many visitors flock to this pretty park to enjoy the various water sport activities on offer at the tarn (which is used as the base for the Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre), there’s also a playground, BMX track and bowling green to enjoy.

Visit: Cemetery Road, Yeadon, LS19 7UR – leeds.gov.uk

Yeadon Tarn is a popular haunt for water sport activities, but the surrounding parkland is ideal for walking (Photo: Yeadon Tarn / Shutterstock)

Horsforth Hall Park

Home to a skate park, Japanese garden, Spider’s web playground, trim trail and a cricket pitch, this community park in Horsforth offers plenty of family friendly things to do, and with its vast open grassland, it’s a great location for picnic.

Visit: Hall Lane, Horsforth, LS18 5JE – leeds.gov.uk

Temple Newsam

This impressive Tudor-Jacobean mansion sits amid 1500 acres of open parkland and woodland, landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century. Visitors can explore the walled garden, lakes and bridle paths, before visiting a variety of rare breed animals at the Home Farm.

Visit: Temple Newsam Road, LS15 0AE – leeds.gov.uk

Middleton Park

Spread over 630 acres, Middleton Park is home to a mixture of traditional parkland, ancient woodland and a designated nature reserve. In addition to bowling greens, a playground, golf course and a fishing lake, there is also a wealth of wildlife to be discovered.

Visit: Town Street, Middleton, LS10 3SH – leeds.gov.uk

Chevin Forest Park

Sitting high above the market town of Otley, this popular forest park offers stunning views across the Wharfe Valley and with 700 acres of woodland and crags to wander, it’s a great spot for dog walkers, hikers and runners.

Visit: East Chevin Road, Otley, LS21 3DD – leeds.gov.uk

The impressive ruins of Kirkstall Abbey provide a stunning backdrop to a wander around the surrounding parkland lining the banks of the River Aire (Photo: Kirkstall Abbey / Shutterstock)

Kirkstall Abbey

Few parkland areas boast a sight as impressive as the medieval ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, so you’d be hard pushed to find a more impressive spot to enjoy a picnic or leisurely stroll.

The abbey sits amid 24 hectares of parkland along the banks of the River Aire, with football and rugby pitches to play on, along with tennis courts and open grassy spaces for recreation.

Visit: Abbey Road, LS5 3EH – leeds.gov.uk

Meanwood Park

This picturesque park sits just four miles outside of the city centre and stretches across 29 hectares, with woodland, streams and plenty of sporting facilities to enjoy, including tennis courts and a bowling green, and it offers easy access to the scenic Meanwood Valley Local Reserve.

Visit: 92-96 Green Road, LS6 4LE – leeds.gov.uk

Woodhouse Moor

Located in the universities district, close to Headingley and Hyde Park, the huge grassy space of Woodhouse Moor is a popular haunt among students, particularly during the summer months.

The tree-lined area is used every week for a 5k parkrun and it’s also home a skateboard and BMX park, allotments and formal gardens.

Visit: Woodhouse Lane, LS6