Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Huddersfield

"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."

"Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most popular family attractions which offers a unique opportunity to explore the habitats of the Tropics and other hot places from around the world. It includes jungle, desert, nocturnal and aquatic habitats with plants and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats complete with babies!"

"The Tropical World at Roundhay Park has become one of the most coveted family attractions in Leeds. Situated just three miles from the city centre, this terrain is great to take a trek through the rainforest, relax in the simulated environs of Australia and to take a quick excursion through the desert. This is one of the best ways to learn the tropical habitat...Read more"

"Four miles west of the city centre, on the banks of the River Aire is this wetland nature reserve. With a lagoon, scrubland, wet grassland and reed beds it's a great place to stroll and spot waterfowl, birds of prey and other nature. Access it via Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP."

"This fabulous wetland, surrounded on three sides by the River Aire, can be found west of Leeds. The car park is located off the A657."

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"Since opening their doors in November 2015, Hope Mill Theatre has become one of the most successful independent venues in England. Located in Ancoats, they produce full scale musicals from their Grade II listed former mill. The theatre will be reopening this summer, as well as hosting Hope Fest, an outdoor arts and culture festival."

"This wonderful independent venue, located out in New Islington, was one of the few theatres that managed to reopen last year after lockdown. It'll be back again with a reduced capacity and socially distanced seating for a Meet Me At Dawn, from HER Productions. You can get tickets at hopemilltheatre.co.uk."

"Begun in 1964, the West Yorkshire Playhouse has established a reputation both nationally and internationally as one of Britain’s most exciting producing theatres. Opened as a successor to earlier Leeds Playhouse, its structure has two auditoria and hosts a range of productions – from classical drama to modern European theatre and children’s shows. If you are looking forward to...Read more"

"Where: Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LS2 7UP. Leeds Playhouse is a theatre and events space in Leeds which is a must visit attraction. It shows a range of shows, varying from performances for children to modern European theatre."

"The colourful village of independent shops and street food just off Oxford Road will be reopening from April 12, Government roadmap allowing. The complex of shipping containers will be open for business seven days a week for outdoor dining, and is offering table bookings for the first time as well as keeping space for walk-in guests. There are more than 30 businesses calling Hatch home, including coffee shop Takk, OL brewery, Grandad's Sausages, T'Arricrii, and Hanoi 75."

"This trendy foodie outlet sits under the flyover near Manchester Met and Manchester University. Strings of exposed light bulbs cast a hipster twinkle over the self-contained courtyard, and there’s a sun-soaked garden filled with long wooden tables where you can while away summer afternoons. Peruse the artisan beers on tap and by the bottle at Öl nanobrewery."

"Hatch is a hip and trendy box park located on Oxford Road, close to the University of Manchester. You can head there for drinks or food or shopping. Moreover, you can take some nice photos there."

"The development was completed in 2016 as part of the restoration of the historic shopping district around Vicar Lane and the Victoria Quarter. Spanning 53,400m2, it’s the largest premium retail and leisure venue in Northern England and houses a flagship John Lewis along with over 30 other stores. The project was designed by ACME alongside commercial property developer Hammerson and won the Best Shopping Centre at the prestigious MIPIM awards at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, beating off competition from Japan, Hong Kong, and China."

"Victoria Gate shopping centre, one of Leeds’ newest additions, is a fascinating building inspired by Leeds' Victorian heritage and its historic shopping arcades. From the outside, the latticed concrete design is noticeable from miles around. Inside, there’s zigzag patterned stonework, shiny glass and plenty of beautiful natural light."

"Victoria Gate is a modern take on a traditional shopping arcade and a go-to destination for designer shopping in Leeds. You’ll find a range of well-known brands on here. Visit Tommy Hilfiger for preppy mens and womenswear, pop into Peloton for premium sportswear or shop at Calvin Klein for designer underwear."

"The Yorkshire Wrap Company will give you one of their giant Yorkshire puddings and stuff it with goodies, before you chow down on it like a burrito. You can have roast beef, red cabbage, onion and horseradish or roast pork, sage and onion stuffing with apple & mustard sauce. If you get there early doors, they’ve even got a full English one for you to try."

"You can gorge on the ultimate Yorkshire pudding at the Yorkshire Wrap Co. They’ve transformed the humble pud into a deliciously filling roast dinner wrap. Load yours with slow cooked beef, red cabbage and horseradish or roast pork, stuffing and apple sauce, before it’s finished with lashings of gravy and wrapped up in a freshly made Yorkshire."