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 Majestic abbey ruins |
Long Causeway Bolton Abbey Estate Office Leeds BD23 6EX United Kingdom +44 1756 71 0533 http://www.boltonabbey.com |
Idyllically situated in Wharfedale, the Yorkshire estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is a place of great natural beauty and historical interest. Test some of the 75 miles of footpaths which circle the estate on both low and high ground or walk through the Strid Wood - recent winner of a top award for environmental education facilities. The fearsome Strid a wound carved in the rock face by furious white water - is a wonderful sight but tread with care on the slippery rocks. The park beside the River Wharfe is a great place for a picnic and children can play safely in the shallow waters. Alternatively, visit the 800-year-old Priory, the Barden Tower and the parish church which contains 36 stained glass panels and several paintings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jfolkmann |
 Photo: jfolkmann |
 Photo: Gerald Farrar |
 Photo: JRoy10_lcad |
 Photo: Becca87 |
 Photo: Darren Thomas |
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Queen Anne mansion in splendid grounds |
S Approach 5 miles south of Wetherby Leeds, West Yorkshire LS23 6ND United Kingdom +44 1937 844 265 |
Although it is most famous for its unique garden, Bramham Park would be outstanding in any setting. Modeled on a 16th-century Florentine villa, the house's ornate exterior is matched by a sumptuously furnished interior. It's a veritable treasure trove with paintings by Walker hanging above delicate Meissen porcelain and elegant Sheraton chairs. The grand house is set off by 66 acres of beautiful gardens - originally inspired by the gardens of the Palace of Versailles - which contain ornamental ponds, cascades and loggias. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Djenan Kozic  |
 Photo: Andy King |
 Photo: David J Abernethy |
 Important nature reserve |
Otley Road Leeds LS16 8BQ United Kingdom +44 113 278 2951 |
A popular beauty spot, Breary Marsh has been designated a "Site of Special Scientific Interest". As one of the last remaining areas of "carr"—or waterlogged woodland - it is an important habitat for rare insects, shrubs and mosses. A network of footpaths and bridleways allow visitors to explore the full beauty of this reserve, with boardwalks giving visitors access to the perpetually swampy areas. The drier, upper grounds are especially picturesque in the spring, when blankets of bluebells dominate the scene. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alkam |
 Photo: Alkam |
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A tranquil corner |
Princes Avenue Princes Avenue Leeds LS8 2ER United Kingdom +44 113 266 1850 |
Just a stone's throw from Roundhay Park, these small, enclosed gardens are definitely worth a visit if you want a break from city life. The walled garden - a veritable sun trap - is a delight, enclosing a rectangular ornamental pond and displays of bedding plants and shrubs expertly tended by horticultural experts from the North of England National Rose Society. Prepare yourself for a feast of colour and fragrances. The Canal Gardens are adjacent to an exquisite tea room. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Turton |
 Photo: Deborah Moran |
 Photo: John Blakey |
 Photo: Sue Yorks |
 Photo: Mark |
 Photo: Paul Adlam |
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Stunning panoramic views |
Johnny Lane Otley Leeds LS21 3JL United Kingdom +44 1943 465 023 |
Offering superb panoramic views of the Wharfe Valley, this woodland nature reserve is an attraction that draws visitors from all over Yorkshire and beyond. Probably named from a derivation of the Celtic word cefn (meaning "ridge"), the Chevin comprises over 700 acres of elevated woods and ancient paths—perfect for picnics, walking and horse riding. The paths culminate in a stunning rocky viewpoint overlooking Otley—historic market town and birthplace of the celebrated 18th-century furniture maker, Thomas Chippendale. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Get back to nature |
Ings Mere Court Fairburn Leeds WF11 9JQ United Kingdom +44 1977 67 3257 |
A mecca for ornithologists, Fairburn Ings is the largest of Leeds' nature reserves. Its expansive areas of marshland and open water make it an important refuge for birds and a great place to get back to nature. Several varieties of duck can be spotted here all year round and, in winter, you can expect to see the rare wildfowl that seek refuge at this lovely spot. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rose Lanigan |
 Photo: Bev Draper |
 Photo: John Dolan |
 Photo: Richard Heeks |
 Photo: Colin Edwards |
 Photo: David Pickersgill |
 Photo: Andrew Weighill |
 Photo: jam.hol |
 Photo: WF7 |
 Photo: Sina M. |
 Photo: Peter J Carr |
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Historic family house |
Lotherton Lane (Aberford) Leeds LS25 3EB United Kingdom +44 113 281 3259 http://www.leeds.gov.uk/lother... |
As soon as you step into Lotherton Hall, you will be reminded of the elegance of a bygone age. Teeming with paintings, 19th-century furniture and silverware, the house is particularly famous for its collection of historical costumes. Communities of red and fallow deer live on the lovely grounds, which incorporate an Edwardian walled garden and bird sanctuary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: blackeyeddog_gallery |
 Photo: A.Talbot |
 Photo: krishna kishore maringanti |
 Photo: A.Talbot |
 Photo: anthony oldroyd |
 Photo: Eight8Ball |
 Photo: hrdnghm |
 Photo: Paula |
 Photo: dawn lou |
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An urban oasis |
Cosmo Place (Meanwood Park) Leeds United Kingdom |
This lovely streamside path runs along an oasis of undisturbed countryside in the heart of Leeds. Running from Golden Acre Park in the north to Woodhouse Moor close to the centre, the trail follows miles of woodland, meadow and common land. The path's seemingly remote conditions provide important havens for rarely encountered flora and fauna, and many ponds provide shelter for numerous amphibians. The centre of the trail, the ancient woods in Meanwood Park, is particularly enchanting. Wonderful, if you feel like a relaxing stroll without traveling miles from the city centre. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: visctrix |
 Photo: Stefanie Herudek |
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Picturesque urban nature reserve |
218 Town Street Middleton Leeds LS10 3TN United Kingdom +44 113 271 5811 |
Home to the largest ancient woodland in Leeds, Middleton Park is a sheer delight. A haven for wild plants and animal life, the 200 acre nature reserve is particularly resplendent in spring when carpets of bluebells fringe the woodland and streamside paths. Other highlights in the area include a public golf course, tennis courts and the famous Middleton Railway. The Ranger's office sells maps and offers information on organised walks. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine 18th-century house in majestic grounds |
Doncaster Road Doncaster Road Leeds WF4 1QE United Kingdom +44 1924 86 3892 |
As soon as you step into Nostell Priory, you'll understand why it has been called one of the region's finest jewels. With a collection of Chippendale furniture that is unrivalled in Yorkshire and a breathtaking display of paintings by Pieter Breughel the younger, Nostell Priory is a veritable Aladdin's cave that it sure to delight and enchant. The splendour of the 18th-century house is matched by its beautiful grounds which are the perfect setting for a picnic. Look out for the rallies, fairs and concerts which are held here throughout the year. It is open from 31st March to 4th November. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Philpott |
 Photo: Paul Davies |
 Photo: Fabienne HB |
 Photo: Ian Nelson |
 Photo: Scott |
 Photo: starship trouper |
 Photo: Kerniggit |
 Photo: Patrick Froggatt |
 Photo: Andrew Walsh |
 A perfect place to get away from it all |
Off St Paul's Street Leeds LS1 2JG United Kingdom |
At the end of the 18th century this elegant square was the most fashionable and salubrious residential area of Leeds. Typically late Georgian in style and character, its secluded garden and surrounding terraces of red-brick houses remain largely unspoiled by later development, making it a popular lunchtime spot for local office workers. It is especially lovely in the spring and summer when the attractive flower beds burst into a riot of color and fragrance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin McCarthy |
 Photo: Iain Davidson |
 Photo: Jan Dolan |
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Leeds' favourite public park |
Princess Avenue Roundhay Leeds LS8 2ER United Kingdom +44 113 266 1850 |
This has been the city's favourite public space since it was first opened in 1872. It is the venue for high-profile music and cultural festivals in the summer, and also provides 700 acres of wooded walks, horticultural displays and sports facilities. The abundant bird life on Waterloo Lake can be observed from the park's waterside cafe. A stone's throw away are the Canal Gardens and the Tropical World Botanical Gardens—tourist attractions that boast over 750,000 visitors a year. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karen Wigley |
 Photo: Robert Smith |
 Photo: Dan Maudsley |
 Photo: Tony Preece |
 Photo: jay dae-su vega |
 Photo: Ignacio Laplagne |
 Photo: Dave Naylor |
 Photo: Dan Brady |
 Photo: Peter Thody |
 Photo: C'riz |
 Photo: Mal McNeil |
 Photo: Russell |
 Photo: Paul Little |
 Photo: mimiyaw |
 Photo: Nicky Lewis |
 Photo: Hongfang |
 Photo: H. Renee |
 Photo: geoff967 |
 Photo: Jo Waddell |
 Photo: richard gosling |
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Picturesque nature reserve |
Park Lane Kippax Leeds LS25 United Kingdom +44 113 232 3069 |
This area - comprising woodland, grassland and a disused railway cutting - is situated near Kippax to the east of Leeds. One of the region's designated sites of special scientific interest, it supports a host of rare wild species of plant and protected species of butterfly. It is particularly resplendent with color during the summer months, although there is plenty to reward the visitor at other times of the year. Parking is available at Kippax Leisure Center on Station Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A breath of fresh air close to the city centre |
Woodhouse Lane Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT United Kingdom |
Although perhaps not the most picturesque of Leeds' public spaces, Woodhouse Moor is extremely popular for impromptu weekend kickabouts and as a venue for circuses, beer festivals and the famous Feast - an annual giant funfair. It is also home to an interesting selection of statues, making it worth a look for any art-lover. Most conspicuous of all is the Queen Victoria Memorial (1905), moved to the park from a prime location outside the Town Hall to make way for traffic improvements in the 1930s. She would not have been amused. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: spamuel_morris |
 Photo: Neil Thompson |
 Photo: Toby Kurk |
 Photo: Andy Millns |
 Photo: Tony Greaux |