One of the largest city parks in Europe has a huge expanse of parkland, woods, lakes, gardens and lush tropical glasshouses to explore and enjoy.
Roundhay Park is a public park with a wide diversity of environments and manicured gardens to discover. Find a selection of formal gardens, two picturesque lakes, a sports arena, a Greek-revival mansion and a collection of greenhouses that mimic different climates from around the world when you explore this 700 -acre (2.8-square-kilometre) park.
Enter the park at one of four main entrances. Stop by the visitor centre, which is situated within a grand Greek-revival mansion that dates back to 1811. The mansion has views over the Upper Lake, as well as a café and function rooms. You can pick up brochures, maps and a programme of events for the park from the mansion’s visitor centre. Plan your route or simply stroll out into the parkland to experience the expansive green space.
You’ll find several special gardens amid rolling lawns and pretty hills. Visit the Canal Gardens to see a long rectangular lake surrounded by a walled garden, mature trees and a collection of roses. The Monet Garden mimics that of Claude Monet’s and leads to the Alhambra Garden. This area has a central pond and several fountains. See if you can find the sensory garden, which features inscriptions in braille and a selection of plants selected for their scents.
Don’t miss a visit to Tropical World, a collection of magnificent glasshouses that foster a vast array of plants from a variety of different ecosystems. See lush tropical species, beautiful butterflies and a collection of reptiles, birds and meerkats.
Stroll around pretty Upper Lake and admire its pretty fountains. A waterfall feeds into the larger Waterloo Lake. This large lake was built by returned soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars. Check out the boathouse or try fishing in the lake’s still waters. Stop by the Roundhay Park Arena to find a large sporting arena and a cycle track. This area, overlooked by a grassy hill, is sometimes used to host open-air concerts. You can also visit Roundhay’s tennis courts and expansive golf course to the north of the park.
Roundhay Park is situated on the city’s northeastern edge. The park and parking lot are free and open daily. Some events and attractions, such as Tropical World, have entrance fees.
