Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Sowerby Bridge

"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."

"Boasting the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens, Tropical World is also popular for its adorable meerkats, terrapins, turtles, tropical birds and butterflies (which are free to flutter around the attraction). As the name suggests, the tropical origins of its inhabitants mean the attraction is kept warm and humid - but you soon adapt to the balmy setting. Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay LS8 1DF (within Roundhay Park)."

"Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing."

"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."

"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."

"Looking incredible after its total revamp and name change in 2019, Leeds Playhouse, hosts a wide variety of shows in its two auditoria, from musicals and stand-up comedy to drama and productions for children. The Playhouse also runs a youth theatre for young people aged five-19. The theatre has a restaurant serving an a la carte menu on performance days."

"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."

"Dominating Millennium Square is Leeds Civic Hall, which took over from the Town Hall as the city’s main municipal building. Construction began in the height of the great depression in 1931 and utilised many who would otherwise have been unemployed. If you look closely, you can see two 2.3 metres high gold-leafed owls on top of its twin towers which are joined by four more owls on columns in Millennium Square."

"Leeds Civic Hall is one of the main attractions on Millennium Square. Vincent Harris won the competition for the design of the building in 1926 and work began five years later in 1931. It took just two years to complete and was opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1933."

"Built in the 1930s, the Civic Hall replaced Leeds Town Hall as the administrative centre in 1933. It is a Grade II listed building which includes the council chamber, council offices, and a large hall."