Top Rated Parks to Visit in Halifax

"You’ll find one of the biggest parks in Europe three miles north of Leeds city centre. Roundhay Park is a beautiful outdoor space that covers a massive 700 acres, with landscaped gardens, rolling parkland and two scenic lakes. It’s a great place to get back to nature, but you’ll also find a few man-made attractions here that are just as worthy of your time – think adventure playgrounds, sports pitches, tennis courts and a skate park."

"This park, which is four miles northeast of Leeds city centre, offers 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. If it's really cold you can warm up in the indoor Tropical World, which has butterflies, birds, reptiles and even meerkats, or the early 19th century Mansion House which has a cafe. The car park is accessible via Wetherby Road, LS8 2JZ."

"The Tudor-Jacobean mansion needs little introduction but its 1,500 acres of surrounding parkland with lakes, formal gardens and woods are worth more than a mention. It's accessed off Selby Road, LS15 0AE."

"This one lies just a short drive to the north of the city and is the perfect place to get lost in the kaleidoscope of pathways that run through the woods to the north of the parkland. Take a stroll past the café along the southern edge of the park to get the best view of Wildfowl Lake, which suddenly opens up as you approach the duck hut."

"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."

"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."

"For one day every year, the attention of the city turns solely towards Potternewton Park, the starting point for the incredible Leeds West Indian Carnival. Last year's 50th anniversary edition drew a crowd of more than 100,000 people from all over the world, including dignitaries from Nevis, where founder Arthur France was born. Expect an explosion of colour, music and outrageous costumes at Europe's longest-running authentic Caribbean carnival parade."

"Home to the famous Leeds West Indian Carnival, Potternewton Park is a 32-acre green space sandwiched between Harehills and Chapeltown. The maze of crisscrossed paths offers a wealth of walking opportunities, but it also has a range of sports facilities. Basketball and tennis courts sit alongside a skate park and bowling green, giving you plenty of outdoor entertainment options in the summer months."

"Tucked away at the bottom of Worsbrough is the Mill and Country Park. With a working water mill, cafe, and walks to suit all abilities this is an ideal place for younger children and families. The pathways and open spaces mean we can create a variety of images in a close area."

"One of Leeds’ most recent retail parks, everything at The Springs in Thorpe Park feels shiny and new. Get your shop on at Boots, The Range and EE, while there’s an M&S Foodhall too. H&M, JD, Card Factory, The Works, The Entertainer, Mountain Warehouse, Next, TK Maxx – it’s a place that covers a lot of ground."

"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."

"Buile Hill Park is a Grade II listed public park and hall and is the second oldest park in the city, after Peel Park. The park is also the largest in the city, as well as one of the most popular. Buile Hill Park has a significant history, with close links to the artist LS Lowry, as well as being used as a military base in both world wars."

"Whether you’re a fan of Manchester United or you just want to visit one of the most famous football stadiums in the world, it’s always worth hopping on a tram to visit Old Trafford. Take a tour of the stadium, pop into the gift shop to buy a memento of your visit or simply admire the Theatre of Dreams from the outside."

"The Victoria Quarter of Leeds is a series of Victorian shopping arcades whose opulent style and extravagance have led them to house some of the most expensive retail stores in Leeds. The County Arcade is perfect for an Instagram shot with its wonderful mosaic floor, gilt designs and marble columns…"