Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is a large public park in north-east Leeds, with lakes, woodland, gardens and open grassland covering around 700 acres, one of the biggest city parks in Europe. It was bought from a private estate in 1871 by John Barran, a clothing manufacturer and later Mayor of Leeds, and opened to the people of the city.
In practice
The park has two lakes - Waterloo Lake and the smaller Upper Lake - woodland walks, a castle folly, sports pitches and the Tropical World glasshouses, one of the largest collections of tropical plants outside Kew. Its open slopes have hosted large outdoor concerts and events. The surrounding suburb of Roundhay is one of the most sought-after residential areas in the city.
Why it matters to newcomers
Roundhay Park is where Leeds goes on a sunny weekend: for running, dog walking, picnics and children's play. It is free to enter, and buses run from the city centre.
Related
- Headingley - the city's other famous suburb
- Hyde Park - a smaller green space closer to the centre
- Leeds owl - the city symbol you will see on park signs
Source: Leeds City Council.