Three family friendly walks in Leeds…
Erin Ek Rush, mum of two and founder of Yorkshire Tots, tells us about three of her tried and tested family walks in and around Leeds!
A family walk is a fantastic, free way to keep the entire family entertained. Whether you’re looking for a walk in the park, exploring historic ruins, or a day of owl spotting, there’s a walk in Leeds for your family to enjoy.
Roundhay Park in Leeds is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering over 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland. With so much space, it is no surprise that there are a number of different walking routes in the park itself. Families can choose the flat, tarmacked route of the Formal Garden Walk through the park’s gardens, the Lake View Walk around Waterloo Lake, or the longer and more challenging Secret Gorge Walk to name a few. You can download and print a free map of the walks, or simply visit Roundhay and see where the day takes you.
While visiting Roundhay park you can also have a bit of fun in the children’s play area, tennis courts, and skateboard park. You can also stop for a bite to eat or a snack in either the Lakeside Cafe or the Garden Room Restaurant.
If an urban walking adventure is what you’re after, you can download a free map and follow the Leeds Owl Trail around the centre of Leeds. There are twenty five locations around the city where you can spot the owls. You’ll find them in stained glass windows, tapestries, wood and stone. Each owl gives onlookers a bit of insight into Leed’s history. After an afternoon spent owl spotting, you’ll never look at Leeds city centre the same!
The beautiful ruins of Kirkstall Abbey offer families two walking routes to explore. There is a short, 15 minute walk around the Abbey ruins, or a longer, 45 minute walk through the parklands and meadows. The Abbey is free to visit and even has a small visitors’ centre with children’s activities including the opportunity to dress up as knights and royalty. The Abbey itself is a place where children’s imaginations can run free as they explore the ruins.
Across the road from Kirkstall Abbey is the Abbey House Museum (entrance fee applies) with plenty of fun for little ones, a cafe, and a playground.
Erin Ek Rush, is a mum of two and founder of Yorkshire Tots, an events and activities website for busy West Yorkshire families. Yorkshire Tots provides ideas for days out, local classes, and events with a family-friendly events calendar.
