Roundhay Park
One of Europe's largest city parks, offering vast green spaces, beautiful gardens, lakes, and family attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nature is vibrant and blooming
Roundhay Park
Best Time
Nature is vibrant and blooming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
One of Europe's largest city parks, offering vast green spaces, beautiful gardens, lakes, and family attractions.
"Absolutely brilliant – one of the best city parks I’ve ever visited. "
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many trails and areas.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
With beautiful green spaces and cafes, a picnic is a perfect way to enjoy the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waterloo Lake
Central area of the park
Serene lake with swans and ducks, perfect for leisurely strolls and scenic views.
Tropical World
Near the park entrance
An indoor oasis with exotic plants, butterflies, and animals. Great for families!
Monet Garden & HESCO Garden
Various locations within the park
Beautifully maintained themed gardens offering a peaceful escape and picturesque photo opportunities.
Playgrounds and Sports Fields
Multiple locations
Ample space for children to play and for sports enthusiasts to enjoy activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many trails and areas.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
With beautiful green spaces and cafes, a picnic is a perfect way to enjoy the park.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning landscapes, gardens, and wildlife.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead in designated areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is vast, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many trails and areas.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
With beautiful green spaces and cafes, a picnic is a perfect way to enjoy the park.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning landscapes, gardens, and wildlife.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead in designated areas.
🌦️ Check the Weather
Leeds weather can be unpredictable; pack layers and an umbrella just in case.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Roundhay Park is overwhelmingly praised as one of the best city parks, lauded for its immense size, beautiful maintenance, and diverse attractions catering to all ages. Visitors appreciate the scenic lakes, woodlands, gardens, and excellent facilities, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Some minor drawbacks include the introduction of parking charges and a desire for more restrooms.
"Nice area with cafes, walks, cricket pitch and a land train. Area was really clean (almost no litter) and the paths were fairly good; more than good enough for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Also the Monet Garden and HESCO garden which were lovely too."
Samantha Kirsty
"Roundhay Park is absolutely brilliant – one of the best city parks I’ve ever visited. It’s massive, beautifully maintained, and has something for everyone. The lakes, woodlands, and wide open green spaces make it perfect for walks, picnics, or just relaxing outdoors.
We spent a good few hours wandering around and still didn’t see it all. The walk around Waterloo Lake was especially lovely, with ducks and swans, and loads of scenic spots to stop and take in the view. The Tropical World nearby is also well worth a visit if you’ve got kids or just fancy something a bit different.
Great facilities too – plenty of parking, clean toilets, and cafes dotted around for a coffee or snack. Whether you’re local or just visiting Leeds, Roundhay Park is a must-see. A proper breath of fresh air right on the city’s doorstep."
Subhashi Jayawardena
"It’s my favourite place to visit in Leeds. The most beautiful and spacious park in the city with great views and landscapes especially round the lakes. You can enjoy walking, cycling, hiking or just relaxing having your tea or coffee near the lake. It’s the best place for picnic although it doesn’t have enough restrooms for visitors."
Mohammad H.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Roundhay Park from Leeds city center via public transport, with several bus routes serving the park. If you're arriving by bus, be prepared for a walk from the bus station to the park itself. Driving is also an option, but be aware of parking charges.
Yes, there is parking available at Roundhay Park. However, car parking charges have been implemented, though disabled parking remains free.
It is possible to walk to Roundhay Park from the Leeds bus station, but it's a considerable distance. Many visitors opt for public transport or taxis to cover the route more comfortably.
Several bus routes serve Roundhay Park from Leeds city center. Checking local bus timetables for routes like the 2, 12, 13, or 13A would be advisable for the most direct access.
The paths within Roundhay Park are generally well-maintained and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it accessible for many visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Roundhay Park itself is a free public space, meaning there is no entrance fee to enter and explore the grounds.
Yes, Tropical World, located within Roundhay Park, typically requires an admission fee. It's advisable to check their official website for current ticket prices and opening hours.
Roundhay Park frequently hosts various events, including festivals, concerts, and fairs. It's best to check the official Roundhay Park or Leeds City Council websites for an up-to-date events calendar.
As a public park, Roundhay Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, specific attractions within the park, like Tropical World, will have their own operating hours.
Yes, major events like the Roundhay Festival often feature headline acts and require advance ticket purchase. Keep an eye on event announcements and ticketing platforms for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Waterloo Lake with its wildlife, the beautiful Monet and HESCO Gardens, Tropical World, playgrounds, and extensive walking trails.
Yes, there are cafes located within the park, such as the Boathouse cafe by the lake and the Mansion House tea rooms. You'll also often find ice cream vans on sunny days.
Absolutely! Roundhay Park offers playgrounds, open spaces for running around, and Tropical World, which is a hit with kids.
You can enjoy walking, cycling, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and simply relaxing outdoors.
Public Wi-Fi is generally not available throughout the vast outdoor areas of Roundhay Park. It's best to rely on your mobile data for connectivity.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around Waterloo Lake, the themed gardens (Monet, HESCO), and the Mansion House offer picturesque backdrops. Drone photography can also capture stunning aerial views.
While drone usage might be permitted, it's crucial to check local regulations and park rules regarding drone operation to avoid any issues.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography. Overcast days can also provide soft, diffused light ideal for capturing garden details.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so it's wise to inquire with park management if you plan professional shoots.
You can often photograph various bird species, including ducks and swans on the lake, as well as squirrels and other small mammals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
❤️ Couples & Relaxed Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens of Roundhay Park
These green spaces are not just visually appealing but also contribute to the park's overall biodiversity. They are meticulously maintained, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their beauty throughout the seasons. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply seeking a picturesque spot, these gardens are a must-visit within the expansive Roundhay Park.
Family Fun at Tropical World
The experience at Tropical World is designed to be engaging for all ages. It offers a welcome respite from the weather, making it a great option regardless of the season. The proximity to other park amenities, like playgrounds and picnic areas, makes it easy to combine a visit to Tropical World with a broader family outing in Roundhay Park.
Events and Activities at Roundhay Park
Beyond organized events, the park itself encourages active participation. Bootcamps are held on Sundays, and the open spaces are ideal for informal sports, picnics, and leisurely walks. The presence of a bandstand also suggests opportunities for live music performances during warmer months. Checking local listings or the park's official channels is recommended to stay informed about upcoming events and activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit