20 of the best parks in West Yorkshire
Looking for some fresh air? Look no further...
Last updated 22nd Mar 2021
West Yorkshire has a lot to offer when it comes to green spaces, there are parks a plenty for you to explore and get some fresh air; some even have Green Flag status.
We have picked some of the best parks and put them all in one place for you here. Roundhay Park and Golden Acre in Leeds to Greenhead Park in Huddersfield to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield. Explore the outdoors with 20 of the best parks in West Yorkshire.
Due to the current circumstances surrounding Coronavirus please check before you travel as some facilities may be temporarily closed. Remember to stay local to where you live, stick to guidelines, and stay safe.
Roundhay Park, Leeds
It is no surprise that Roundhay Park makes the top of our list. The popular park situated a stone throw away from Leeds City Centre is 700 acres of wonderful greenery and plenty to do for all the family. The lakes and streams provide serenity, while the woodlands offer a sense of adventure. Once you are all tired out and in need of a rest, there are numerous cafes dotted around the park for refreshments. When the kids are begging you to get going again, the hugely popular Tropical World or children’s adventure trails will get their imagination and excitement flowing. In 2019, the park achieved ‘much loved’ status in Fields in Trust’s UK Best Park competition; voted for by the public that saw over 36,000 ballots cast.
Mansion Lane, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH
Temple Newsam, Leeds
Following a close second on our list and another popular Leeds attraction is Temple Newsam. The historic house oozes history and glorious parkland; 500 years and 1500 acres in fact. This grand location is only a few minutes from Leeds and has plenty to offer all the family. The picturesque estate features an award-winning rare breed conservation farm where youngsters and adults alike can get hands on with piglets, chickens and geese running free in the yard. Once you have learnt something while having fun at the same time, why not take a stroll in lakeside gardens, admire the roses in the Georgian walled garden, get lost in the woodlands or take in the many plants in the glasshouse. We suggest setting aside a day for the wonderful Temple Newsam, there is so much to see and do!
Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0AE
Golden Acre Park, Leeds
If you’re a fan of circular lakeside walks, beautiful gardens and cosy tea rooms then Golden Acre Park is for you. Six miles from Leeds City Centre and located near two Leeds nature reserves (Breary Marsh and Adel Dam), there is plenty of nature’s wonders to take in. Simply breathe and relax.
Otley Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
Middleton Park, Leeds
Four miles from Leeds, in the suburb of Middleton is it name’s sake park. Of its 630 acres, Middleton Park has 200 acres of ancient woodland. The park is also home to Local Nature Reserve Middleton Woods which is of high importance for nature conservation in Leeds and West Yorkshire as it is the largest remaining ancient woodland site in the county. There are plenty of grasslands and a children’s play area to explore. There is also a small fishing lake for those that wish to unwind by seeing what their catch of the day is. When your legs become tiresome the park’s land train, Middleton Railway can provide a lift back to the car.
Town Street, Middleton, Leeds LS10 3SH
Yeadon Tarnfield Park, Leeds
Nine miles from Leeds and a great attraction for plane enthusiasts watching planes take off from Leeds and Bradford Airport, Yeadon Tarn has plenty to offer. As the name suggests, Visitors may want to make a splash as the tarn is home to the Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre. In addition to water sports, there is also a BMX track, routes for scenic walks and a playground to keep the children entertained.
Cemetery Road, Leeds, LS19 7UR
Oakwell Hall Country Park, Birstall
The Elizabethan manor house Oakwell Hall is the main attraction of this parkland of over 100 acres. It is no surprise that the hall’s vast green spaces, woodlands and trails have continually won the Green Flag Award for excellence in green space management. The site also has an old colliery and railway which today is adorned with wildflowers and nature for walkers to admire. The usual expectations are met with a café, visitors centre, gift shop, picnic spots and a playground.
Nutter Lane, Birstall WF17 9LG
Shibden Park, Halifax
One of West Yorkshire's most important heritage sites, Shibden Estate, is also home to Shibden Park. This park also offers a miniature railway which makes it easy to explore the sights and sounds of the picnic area, woodlands, and boating lake. The café is the perfect stop off for a bite to eat or refreshing drink, while the wander up to the hall itself is great if you want an experience steeped in history, dating back to 1420.
Godley Lane, Halifax HX3 6XG
Ogden Water Country Park, Halifax
Officially Yorkshire's Favourite Reservoir in 2018, having won a public vote, Ogden Water Country Park and Nature Reserve is the perfect location for a leisurely stroll or the perfect spot to set up a picnic. North of Halifax, this country park has been described as “one of the sparkling jewels within the countryside of Calderdale.” The large reservoir is home to plenty of waterfowl and birds while the park’s waterside or woodland trails offer a wealth of opportunity for exploring further afield such as the open moorland and countryside.
Ogden Lane, Halifax HX2 8XZ
Manor Heath Park, Halifax
Next on our list, Green Flag Award and Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Award winning park, Manor Heath Park. With so much to offer from 19 acres of woodland walks, wildflowers galore, a walled garden AND a jungle experience, it is no surprise that this place is award-winning. Yes, you heard us correctly, this place has a jungle experience! Immerse yourself with a tour of all things tropical from butterflies to insect eating plants. An education for all the family while taking in nature, what’s not to love?
Manor Heath Road, Halifax HX3 0EB
Beaumont Park, Huddersfield
Beaumont Park has been described as “not your run of the mill municipal park” by one Tripadvisor user and it is clear to see why. Situated on the edge of Huddersfield, the park offers all the usual things you would expect, playgrounds and a bandstand but it also provides so much more. From stunning views of Castle Hill, to paths and steps that lead you to woodland, waterfalls, and a disused railway; it is clear to see why so many love the charm of this park.
74 Beaumont Park Road, Huddersfield HD4 7AY
Greenhead Park, Huddersfield
One of the largest parks in Huddersfield, Greenhead Park is situated 0.5 miles west of the town centre. The park features a war memorial which can be seen upon entering the park while other attractions include a tennis court, bowling green, skate park and a café. If you’re after a bit of excitement, this is another park on our list which has a miniature steam railway operating on Saturday afternoons, horse and carriage rides and children’s rides – plenty for all the family.
Trinity Street, Huddersfield HD1 4DT
Ravensknowle Park, Huddersfield
This park has the community at the heart of it as Tolson Memorial Museum and war memorial are situated here. The museum has exhibits from the local area highlighting its industry and the people of Huddersfield from prehistoric times to the present day and was given to the town in memory of the Tolson brothers who were killed in World War I.
Wakefield Road, Moldgreen, Huddersfield HD5 8DB
Roberts Park, Bradford
A short drive from Bradford, Roberts Park is situated in Saltaire. This 14-acre park features a bandstand, open spaces, a pavilion which is home to the Half Moon Café and a bronze statue of mill owner and Saltaire founder Sir Titus Salt who had the park designed for him by William Gay in 1871. A focal point of the park is the River Aire which runs through the urban landscape and a footbridge connects the park to the village. Roberts Park is one of the districts six Green Flag parks and was originally named Saltaire Park before it was left to the Roberts family and renamed in memory of their son.
80 Higher Coach Road, Saltaire, BD17 5RH
Lister Park, Bradford
The hustle and bustle of Bradford is about a mile away, but yet Lister Park is the essence of tranquillity. Maybe it is because the grand Cartwright Hall is the main attraction and centrepiece of the park. Botanical gardens, streams, a lake, and the Mughal water gardens only add to the charm of the vast green spaces, therefore it is no surprise that Lister Park has won various national awards.
Bradford BD9 4JN
Peel Park, Bradford
Named after Sir Robert Peel, Peel Park is less than a mile from Bradford and is situated in the Bolton and Undercliffe area. Bradford’s first public park and it is another Green Flag award winner for the district. With two entrances and two lodges on Bolton Road and Cliffe Road, visitors are greeted by ornate and grade II listed structures. Adding to the sense of grandeur is a lake, numerous stone drinking fountains dotted around the park, a viewing platform and three statues, one of which is of Sir Peel. Facilities also include a play area and skate park.
Cliffe Road, Bradford BD3 0LT
Thornes Park, Wakefield
Not far from the centre of Wakefield, Thornes Park is made up of three parks: Thornes, Clarence and Holmfield Park. Home to an athletics stadium, there are plenty of sporting opportunities to be had with indoor and outdoor tracks, a sports hall and other fitness amenities. Most parks inhabit birds in the surrounding trees whereas Thornes Park also has an aviary where you can see numerous birds from around the world, great for inquisitive children. Clarence Park’s bandstand and amphitheatre are known for hosting numerous events throughout the year. It doesn’t stop there, the park also includes flower gardens, rose garden, football pitches, golf course, miniature railway, children’s play area, Holmfield House and so much more!
101 Thornes Road, Wakefield WF2 8QD
Pugneys Country Park, Wakefield
Another Wakefield park which has something for all the family is Pugneys. From woodlands for exploring, luscious green fields for pitching up a picnic to pathways galore for walkers, runners, or cyclists. For the adventurers, head up the hill to Sandal Castle, the ruins of the old motte and bailey provide the history while the Calder Valley will supply the mesmerising views. Local author Conrad Burdekin will ensure the adventure continues, as the park’s Blown Away Adventure trail is based around his children’s book including puzzles and a zipline. For those children whose energy never ceases, there is always the pirate adventure playground or Pugneys Light Railway.
Asdale Road, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield WF2 7EQ
Newmillerdam Country Park, Wakefield
Woodlands and a large lake make up Newmillerdam Country Park, south of Wakefield. On the far side of the lake, at the top of the hill you’ll find the Newmillerdam Arboretum which is great for all nature lovers to admire the different species of trees. Once the water and trees have provided a sense of serenity, further countryside can be explored via an old railway line, The Chevet branch line.
Newmillerdam, Wakefield WF2 6QQ
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
One of the most popular parks in West Yorkshire adorned with pieces of art and sculpture is no other than Yorkshire Sculpture Park in West Bretton, Wakefield. Perfect for a wander around 500 acres of parkland, the open-air gallery is an artistic education for all situated on the grounds of country house Bretton Hall. The work of Yorkshire born artists Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth feature at the park, in addition to many other British and international artists. YSP’s visitor centre named the Weston was built in 2019 and houses a gallery, restaurant, and shop and is so aesthetically pleasing that it made the shortlist for the Stirling Prize for excellence in architecture.
West Bretton, Wakefield WF43 4LG
Anglers Country Park, Wakefield
Last on our list is another of Wakefield’s many parks, Anglers. Recognised as one of the best parks in the country and awarded Green Flag status a central lake is its focal point. This is surrounded by grassland the perfect home for nature, woodlands to get lost in and a wetland area named the 'Pol'. Looking for a family activity? The Room on the Broom Adventure Trail based on the bestselling children’s picture book, written by Julia Donaldson offers a sense of adventure by following the footprints to find the book’s characters. Children can continue to burn their energy after the trail in the park’s adventure playground while parent’s have a well needed rest in the café.
Haw Park Lane, Wakefield WF4 2EB
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