When I first moved from the countryside to the city a couple of months back, I was really worried…read moreabout there being not enough trees or birds or, well, green things. Discovering Woodhouse Ridge on my doorstep was an absolute treat. It's a patch of wood which runs from Headingley, down between Meanwood Road and Woodhouse with lots of little paths weaving in and out. It doesn't have many amenities but its charm is its ruggedness. It's perfect if you just want to feel like you've ducked out of the bustling city for a while to pop your headphones in and go for a wander. The paths can get a little bit muddy but it's worth exploring. The views over the east of Leeds are quite impressive. Right now (late May/June), there are bluebells and wild garlic all over and it smells amazing. It's not very busy - a few dog walkers, cyclists and the odd jogger, but it's generally a very peaceful place. Last week, some friends & I took a picnic blanket and found a clearing in the Ridge and had a lovely time just chatting and munching snacks and watching the birds etc. There's a good amount of shade, as you'd imagine, so good for getting a bit of sun but not too much sun. Near the entrance by Rollette cafe on Meanwood Road, there are some allotments and, further up, there's the foundations of where an old bandstand used to be in the 1800s (I think). There is talk of renewing the bandstand and regenerating the Ridge a bit more, so fingers crossed this little natural gem is going to get even better.

One of the delights of living in this fantastic city is that one is never more than a stone's throw…read morefrom some incredible spots of natural beauty. Where other cities have decimated the nearby countryside, for some concrete space, we still have a wealth of green about us. Within a few minutes walk from Headingley, Meanwood and Woodhouse stands Woodhouse Ridge. Stood atop you can look right over Meanwood, and exploring left or right leads to dappled spots of forest. Not more than 10 minutes walk from the ridge I delved into the woods with a friend to watch a spoken word performance, complete with shadow puppetry and acappella song. It's the perfect place to tell tales. It's also perfect for an adventure with your camera. The green is often occupied by walkers, students picnicking and supping a few beers, dog walkers, merry wanderers, and of course all the wildlife you would expect. It's one of the remaining spots that were kept aside for leisure in Leeds, and dates back to the 1800s. Apparently there's an action group for the area, which you can join, to volunteer for days of conservation and maintenance. Since I've enjoyed it so much since living in Leeds, I may just do that.

I'm heading towards a run way, is that a good sign? Actually it is because I want to be in Yeadon…read more We're only talking ten miles out of the city centre and if it's good enough for an airport then surely it's good enough for you? Well let's see if Nunroyd Park can tempt you. The big seller of this beauty for me is the pond. Now I'm not a big fisher (or angler as I know people can get shirty about the difference!?!) but if I were then I'd spend my Sunday mornings here. Just pick up a pass and you're away. For me, I don't need to wait for a fish to get caught on the end of a sharp thing and I'm happy to have a good old meander around. And there is plenty of open grass for me to do that. The beck is nice too and worth a look at. There are also plenty of sports pitches for those who so wish and a skateboard park. Dude, I should really get into this skating lark, it looks rad and like totally awesome. Errmm on second thoughts...

Just beyond Adel is Golden Acre Park, a place I've gone to regularly since I was a child, and loved…read moreevery time. You can get to it from the main road out of north-west Leeds, or, like I do, through the woods between Adel and Cookridge. It's perfect for any outdoor time you need - walking, running, dog-strolling or just chilling out and tossing a frisbee around. It's a very well preserved park - there is never any litter or stray dog muck, and the warden and gardeners do a splending job keeping it looking pretty whatever the weather. In the middle of the park there's a huge pond with loads of interesting wildlife to look at - but don't anger the geese (I've been chased by them a few times) by just feeding the ducks. There's ample free parking and a nice little cafe, making it the perfect park.

This is the sort of place that really, I mean *really*, makes me miss being at home in…read moreGloucestershire. It is just so beautiful. I think the fact that we are so lucky here in Leeds so as to have such a well maintained and beautiful green space just on the outskirts of the city centre is a real marvel. I can't imagine many other cities being so lucky! The main deal here is the walking. I won't bore you with more detail than that, I am sure you'll know how to put one foot in front of the other, but this is what we're talking about here. Sunny/crisp days and a lengthy stroll - it's great for the system and great for the soul. Bring your dog, your wife, yourself, your camera. Use your imagination, if you will, there is more fun to be had here and it is all for free. Whether it's the wildlife, the greenery, the air or the escape there are endless reasons to come and see what this place is all about. I heart WY and I heart Golden Acre Park. The end!

When I'm stressed, unimpressed, or my head's in need of rest, Beckett Park is my playground. I'm so…read morefortunate in that I'm a stone's throw away from it and can go for a walk/cross march whenever I need to clear my head. Considering that Beckett Park is literally slap-bang next to Leeds uni Headingley campus, it's hardly ever packed with people. I find it odd if I see more than 3 joggers whenever I go for an amble. I take the route via Churchwood Avenue into a thick arch of towering trees, the sky above stained with lush green leaves. it's easy to see why this was the childhood haven of many Leeds dwellers. I can just see the myriad games of Robin Hood / Manhunt / Hide and seek that must've gone down here. Biking through this strip of woodland must be very liberating! This park is beautiful at any time of the year, so if you're looking for a scenic setting to your morning jog you could do alot worse!

I realise my review may be somewhat tainted by the arrival of the snows but, when stripped of such…read moreexciting weather, I think Beckett's Park will still offer up plenty of fun and games. Literally ten minutes from Headingley you can walk straight up St. Anne's Road and you will have arrived at Beckett's Park. To the left there is the option to go for a mini woodland walk, in the midst of the suburban Headingley area, or you can carry on and in front of you to the park area itself. It might not be the largest space but it's big enough for a decent game of rounders/football and is surrounded by picturesque trees and greenery. Lots of fun! There's also a cute little bench, perfect for a sandwich and a light read. In terms of snow related fun I have been snow boarding - using a wheel-less mountain board as a snow board - down the hills of Beckett's Park! It is like, totally awesome. Be warned though, snowboard at your own risk - injuries are very possible - I have come away with a sprained posterior. You may laugh now but it's not great walking around with a limp and having to explain exactly where it hurts...

Lovely walk peaceful and good place to walk dogs.read more

What a great find!…read more Pugney's is just off Jn 39 on the M1 and it has a big lake where you can hire canoes, kayaks, dinghies, windsurfers and even pedaloes. Around the outside of the lake you can take a small train ride (for the younger children), there is an activity park (no swings and slides though) and even places built specifically for bird watching. Today I went on a pedalo with my two children. It only cost £6 for the three of us and it gave my legs some much needed exercise having to do the pedalling for all three of us! Afterwards my eldest went on a kayak (only £3.70), he had never been on one by himself before but he quickly picked it up and really enjoyed himself. The cafe sells paninis, jacket potatoes and sandwiches all at reasonable prices and there are two ice-cream vans ouside. There are also benches outside for people who want to bring their own food. The best thing of all is that there is no gift shop so my children can't pester me to buy them something! Pugney's is overlooked by Sandal Castle and this is only about three minutes drive away and well worth a visit afterwards!

My main memory of Pugney's country park is of dropping my Thornton's turkish delight bar in there…read morewhen I was about eleven, and being grudging and outraged for the rest of the walk. I suppose that wasn't 'Puggy's' fault! In spite of that, it's an attractive local spot and attracts all the water sports enthusiasts and a horde of waterfowl, is a nice spot for a walk and handy for Sandal Castle. (Also known as the spot where the Grand Old Duke of York marched his ten thousand men, up, down and half-way). It is however a bit short of public conveniences and eateries, which might increase tourism in the spot. Just a thought!

The Hollies is an old Oak woodland in Meanwood Park and is a gem in the city of Leeds. I heard a…read morerumour, and like to fully believe, that Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, was inspired by this forest, the ancient and gnarled trees that, if you close your eyes, could imagine coming alive. A river runs through it creating a deafening waterfall at one point. It is so magical, that when visiting it is hard to believe you are still in Leeds. There are rhododendron bushes that flower under the trees in bursts of colour, bluebells and snow drops further down still. My favorite feature is a large rock in the shape of a whale that looks like it has jumped out of the tiny stream it sits next to. This is a great place to go for an amble with the kids, your dog or friends,

Hidden, secluded, and secret…read more.. Almost. Filled with curiosity, I sniffed it out. Imagine being transported into the 'fairy' pictures that famously captivated people's minds for years. It's the sort of spot you might go pixie hunting, amongst foreign blooms, lush colours, and dappled light. It's a most magical, gorgeous place. Stop by, bring a pen and paper, and let the words spill out.

Sometimes we all need to get a nice big helping of fresh air to blast away those work blues or for…read moreme likely hangover. Luckily we're spoilt for choice here. One such place I love to go is Potternewton Park. It's out of the city off Harehills Lane and is well maintained. You've got formal gardens and picnic areas for a start. The active among you can also feel the deep burn with a game of tennis. Lesser assertion is needed for a cheeky spot of bowls and there is often some football going on. What it's also good for is bringing the community together with some annual events. The West Indian Carnival and Reggae Concert is a must. It's a vibrant mix of costumes, music and food and is great when the sun basks down and lights up a beautiful summer's day. If you feel like some greenery and open space then look no further.

Potternewton Park is a great green space in the Chapel Allerton/Harehills area. The surrounding…read morestreets are full of beautiful old style terraced houses and so it's a lovely addition to the area for the local children and teens to go for a wander. I've driven past it so many times on the way to work it seemed only right to stop by and check it out. At the top end there are some really lovely shrubbery arrangements, which I realise isn't the thing most people are interested in, but I quite enjoyed sitting and eating a sandwich with all the greenery around me. Further down there is a play area for the younger kids, which certainly looks more exciting than the likes of parks from when I was a kid, and there are basket ball courts and a skate area for the older ones too. As an adult there is simply a large expanse of beautiful green parkland for an afternoon stroll/sunny picnic. All in all it's a lovely place to visit if the busy roads and city life is stressing you out.

This is a nice size park with plenty of places to play games and ride bikes. It has some pretty big…read morehills, which are great for riding/sledging down but not so good to trudge back up. There's plenty of parking at the top of the hill, so don't worry if you don't fancy the walk. There's a pretty good playground and a nice little wildlife area with rabbits, peacocks and fowl. The cafe is reasonably priced with and the adjoining greenhouses been worth a visit, if just to see the 'mother in laws seat' cactus. Well worth a visit during the year.

Park and gardens are open all year round, the museum opens from tuesdays to Saturdays 10am - 5pm…read moreand Sunday from 12 noon to 5pm. There is a cafe on site It suits all ages - a great place to spend a few hours rain or shine. The grounds are a great safe place for children to play - there is a park with swings a slide etc. A few animals. Best of all its free!

This is my local park, loads for kids to do from parks and trails. Park run have a route here on…read moreSaturdays from 9am & I love the Oakwell Music Festival that's on in July.

Open all year round, free entrance, its good for a variety of different walks in woodland or more…read morechild/pushchair friendly. There is a great swing park and small cafe (where to be honest the service is slow and the food not amazing) but there are zillions of blackberries to be picked at the right time of year. There is a lovely little visitor centre, and a small gift shop as well.