Tropical World
Leeds' largest collection of tropical plants and animals outside of Kew Gardens, offering an immersive jungle experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Tropical World
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Leeds' largest collection of tropical plants and animals outside of Kew Gardens, offering an immersive jungle experience.
"A little gem with so much to see, bigger than expected and brilliant for kids and adults alike!"
🎯 Max Card for Savings
Bring your Max Card for potential free adult entry and discounts for under 3s.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Meerkats
Witness the adorable antics of brand-new baby meerkats, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Butterfly House
Immerse yourself in a serene oasis filled with colorful butterflies fluttering freely.
Reptile Encounters
Marvel at fascinating reptiles, including crocodiles and snakes, in their carefully curated habitats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Better View
Affordable Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Max Card for Savings
Bring your Max Card for potential free adult entry and discounts for under 3s.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📸 Clean Tanks for Photos
Some tank glass can be dirty, impacting photos. Be patient or try different angles.
🧺 Picnic Option Available
Bring your own food for the outdoor picnic area or visit the on-site cafe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Max Card for Savings
Bring your Max Card for potential free adult entry and discounts for under 3s.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📸 Clean Tanks for Photos
Some tank glass can be dirty, impacting photos. Be patient or try different angles.
🧺 Picnic Option Available
Bring your own food for the outdoor picnic area or visit the on-site cafe.
♿ Accessibility Considerations
Most areas are wide, but some slopes can be tricky with manual wheelchairs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tropical World is widely praised as a hidden gem offering an affordable and engaging day out for all ages. Visitors love the diverse collection of animals, especially the baby meerkats and the serene butterfly house. While some note minor issues like dirty tank glass, the overall experience is highly positive, with many planning return visits.
"What a little gem! I didn't know this place existed until I was googling things to do. I took my 2 children aged 9 & 2 and they both had the most amazing day, as did I. The tropical house has so much to see and is far bigger than I ever expected.
The only negative I have to mention is a lot of the glass in the tanks is quite dirty so it can be hard to see the fish but I imagine this isn't an easy job to clean. This aside, we loved everything about it and will definitely be back.
The price is brilliant and even better if you have a max card, 1 adult goes free and under 3's are free too!
We ate in the cafe and food was freshly prepared and tasty, price wise I don't think it was too bad for what you got. Lots of space to eat and you can enjoy your own food in the outside picnic area!
We will definitely visit again."
Jade Savage
"Really lovely place to visit! Bigger than I thought it would be (and than it looked when we first entered). Lots to see, especially good for children, and a good mix of species. Some areas are sloped and are hard to navigate with a manual wheelchair but almost all areas are wide enough to pass through easily and visibility of the animals was good in most areas from a seated position. Would be helpful to have clearer guides/signs along the way for those with visual impairment (route directions, entry & exit signs between the different areas, high contrast on level changes). Café was nice; good variety of food at good prices, plenty of space around tables and lovely outdoor seating (two areas, one overlooking gardens). Would recommend"
Samantha Kirsty
"It's a nice, reasonably priced day out for the kids with a wide variety of different animals from around the world that are well treated and seem happy and some of the birds come right up close.
Just a few empty areas/ displays and only a few butterflies when we were there - but for the price and being council run it was good.
Cafe drinks not overly priced either for a change!"
Ben H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tropical World is located in Roundhay Park, Leeds. You can take a bus from the city centre; routes like the 2, 12, 13, 13A, and 48 are often recommended. It's advisable to check live bus times and specific stops with your preferred transport app.
Yes, there is parking available at Tropical World, which is part of Roundhay Park. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Walking from Leeds city centre to Tropical World is possible but it's a significant distance (around 4-5 miles). Taking a bus or taxi is generally more practical for most visitors.
For families, taking a bus is often the easiest option. Many TikTok creators highlight family days out, suggesting buses are a common choice for reaching the park. +1
Tropical World is generally accessible for prams, with wide pathways in most areas. However, some sloped sections might require a bit more effort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tropical World typically opens daily, but it's always best to check the official website or their social media for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially for bank holidays or special events.
Tropical World is known for being reasonably priced and affordable, making it a great value day out for families. Specific prices can vary, so checking their official channels is recommended.
Yes, visitors with a Max Card can often get free entry for one adult, and children under 3 usually get in for free.
While not always explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check if advance booking is available, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry.
Absolutely! Tropical World is an indoor attraction, making it a perfect destination for a rainy day out in Leeds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tropical World houses a diverse collection including meerkats (even babies!), crocodiles, snakes, various fish, and a variety of birds. +1
While not massive, Tropical World is often described as bigger than it initially appears, offering a good amount to see for its size and price. +1
The butterfly house is a highlight for many, offering a beautiful and peaceful experience with free-flying butterflies. Some visitors note fewer butterflies at certain times.
Yes, Tropical World is very family-friendly and great for toddlers, with many animals and sights to keep them engaged. +1
While not heavily focused on interactive exhibits, the close proximity to some animals, like birds that come close, offers a unique experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site at Tropical World that offers freshly prepared food and drinks. +1
The cafe offers a good variety of food at reasonable prices, suitable for a quick break during your visit.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it in the designated outdoor picnic area.
Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a tourist attraction, offering good value for the food provided. +1
Yes, as Tropical World is located within Roundhay Park, there are other cafes and pubs nearby, or you can enjoy a picnic in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The butterfly house, baby meerkats, and colorful birds offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Some visitors mention that the glass in the animal enclosures can be dirty, which might affect photo clarity. Good lighting and patience can help capture great shots.
It's generally recommended to avoid flash photography around animals to prevent disturbing them. Check for any specific signage within the attraction.
A camera with good low-light performance and zoom capabilities would be beneficial for capturing clear shots of animals in their habitats.
Typically, personal photography is allowed, but commercial photography might require permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and the animals' welfare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The butterfly house provides a magical, immersive experience, and there are plenty of other animals like fish, reptiles, and birds to keep little ones entertained. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the busiest periods and give your children a more relaxed experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save even more, pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated outdoor area.
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
Consider visiting during quieter weekday afternoons for a more intimate experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems
Within these environments, a diverse range of animals are housed. From the playful baby meerkats that have captured visitors' hearts
to the fascinating reptiles like crocodiles and snakes,While the collection is impressive for its size and location, some visitors note that individual enclosures might have only one or two animals.
Family Fun and Accessibility
The butterfly house also offers a magical experience for kids, allowing them to be surrounded by fluttering wings. For families with specific needs, Tropical World offers a generally accessible environment. Most pathways are wide enough to navigate with prams and manual wheelchairs.
The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for refreshments, and there's also an outdoor picnic area, making it easy to manage family meals.
Photography Tips and Considerations
However, photographers should be aware that the glass in some animal enclosures can be dirty, potentially impacting the clarity of photos.
For the best results, consider using a camera with good low-light capabilities and a decent zoom lens to capture details from a distance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit