Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Spofforth

"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."

"Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most popular family attractions which offers a unique opportunity to explore the habitats of the Tropics and other hot places from around the world. It includes jungle, desert, nocturnal and aquatic habitats with plants and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats complete with babies!"

"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"

"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"08/04/2021: A warm understated welcome greeted me from a kind lady who promptly served me a pizza and coffee for my walk home. Both were on point and with service like that I’ll be returning for ice cream and cake as I pass by, next time."

"Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato is an artisanal gelato offering freshly made gelato every day for you and your family. Also serving coffee, cakes, pastries and tasty pizzas. Open for take-away and deliveries everyday 10am-5pm."

"Choose from a variety of unusual flavours like Orange Blossom and Passion Fruit Cheesecake. Sit in or takeaway for a stroll along the city walls. Savoury treats also available."

"Get a serious dose of Italian family hospitality at Bibis Italianissimo, the Leeds restaurant where children are treated like royalty. All the classics are offered on their special Bambini menu, from pizzas to bolognese, and they all come in at under £5. The art deco-style dining room gives the experience a hint of glitz and glamour, but this is a lively joint so you needn’t worry about your airs and graces."

"Criterion Place, Sovereign Street, Leeds LS1 4AGDespite an old-style venue (opulent, 1920’s style art-deco), Bibi’s have a good approach to free-from food, with a dedicated vegan menu of Italian favourites."