Top Rated Parks to Visit in Brockholes

"Temple Newsam House, a magnificent 40-room Tudor-Jacobean mansion, is a must-see when in Leeds. Set in a sprawling 900-acre park on the city's outskirts, it's famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Interior highlights include a variety of Old Master paintings, as well as furniture by Thomas Chippendale and collections of Leeds creamware and silver."

"Temple Newsam, one of the romantic places to go in Leeds, is a historic site with vast grounds and gardens where you two can take a stroll. Take in its 500-year-deep history all recounted in its glorious 1,500-acres (607-hectares) mansion ground. The temple’s walls — where royalty once walked — are full of history."

"Adventurous couples can tackle the tree tops at Temple Newsam. Be bold and go for the tree top challenge – the hardest Go Ape course. Your unbreakable love and unwavering support (did we just say that?) will get you through once you’re 15 meters above the ground."

"A Grade-II listed site, the beautiful 19-acre Sheffield Botanical Gardens were established in 1836 and showcase more than 5,000 species of plants. This is a lovely spot for a stroll, especially in the spring and summer, when many of the plants are in full bloom. Highlights include the glasshouses, also Grade II-listed, with temperate plants from Australia, Asia, and South Africa; the Victorian Garden; and the Four Seasons Garden, which is colorful at any time of year."

"Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens covers 19 acres of land, with over 5,000 species of plants from across the world in 15 different garden areas. First opened in 1836, this grand Victorian garden was originally designed by Robert Marnock. a great outdoor venue for summer entertainment and plays host to musical, theatrical and cultural events."

"Endcliffe Park is the perfect escape for freshers in Ranmoor and Endclife, and students living near Eccy Road. With a great mix of quiet leafy spaces and open grassy meadows, it ticks every box. A short walk down the hill from the popular Botanical Gardens, Endcliffe Park is a far more peaceful place to visit when you fancy a taste of the countryside life."

"Part of Sheffield’s charm is that it has the Yorkshire countryside and surrounding greenery right at its doorstep. A great base from which to begin your exploration of Yorkshire’s green spaces is Endcliffe park. Since opening in 1887, Endcliffe park has continued to attract visitors for both its park and woodland."

"Encliffe Park, in the south west, combines woodland and parks to create one of the largest and most popular parks in Sheffield. It was opened in 1887 for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. The park is populated with lots of things to see and do, such as the Porter Brook, which runs through the park and forms two ponds."

"Open every day of the year, from morning until nightfall – and completely free to visit – the vibrant Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Garden in Didsbury is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. In spring, the space comes alive with a burst of colour from its various wild flowers – with deep purples and warm oranges. It’s home to a host of wildlife, too – including a wide variety of birds."

"Founded in 1917, this large green space - part botanical garden and part wildlife habitat - is an engaging contrast to the busy city center. There are numerous walking trails on the property, as well as regular guided "health" walks. Popular things to do here include enjoying a stroll or picnic, or opting for more strenuous activities, such as tennis, rugby, or football."

"One of England's most impressive collections of sculpture is scattered across the formidable 18th-century estate of Bretton Park, 200-odd hectares of lawns, fields and trees. A bit like the art world's equivalent of a safari park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcases the work of dozens of sculptors both national and international. The park is partly a homage to local heroes Barbara Hepworth (1903−75), who was born in Wakefield, and Henry Moore (1898−1986), though more of their works are on display at the Hepworth Wakefield."

"This outdoor gallery near Wakefield is in a former 18th-century estate encompassing more than 500 acres of fields, lakes, exotic trees,…"

"FoodWell is a Californian inspired restaurant with a 'mindful' menu that offers colourful plates of feel good food. For breakfast and brunch, guests can choose dishes like winter spiced granola brown with mulled poached pear and burnt orange, sweet miso granola and coconut yogurt. The restaurant also offers its own take on a Full English breakfast - featuring smashed avocado, onion, jalapeño and lime spread on toasted charcoal sourdough with your choice of poached eggs, streaky bacon, grilled halloumi and smoked salmon."

"Why: Focusing on nutritious fare, this deli, restaurant and bar deals in saintly plates that don’t sacrifice flavour in favour of eating healthily – happily combining both. Expect feel-good food that spans dishes like chia pudding and plant-based breakfasts. There is also a build your own option that gives you a choice of toppings – from halloumi and bacon to avocado and spinach – to add to toast."

"The ‘Pemberley’ film location for the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, National Trust Lyme Park offers a magnificent estate surrounded by wild moorland, 17 acres of beautiful gardens, and a deer park. Dating  as far back as the 1400 and oozing with Edwardian interiors, the grand hall offers plenty to explore from the library to the stag parlour, and there’s even an opportunity to dress up in the wardrobe department. I Opening Times: Times vary depending on the attraction."

"Be sure to visit Lyme Park in the nearby village of Dysley, which is a huge Tudor building. Authentic England at its best."