Roundhay
Park in Leeds
is one of the biggest city parks in Europe, covering
more than 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. When
the
Lord Mayor of Leeds at that time, John Barran, bought
the park for the people of Leeds in 1872, he was ridiculed for buying a 'White Elephant'. The
suburb of Roundhay
was a long way from the city centre and could only really be reached
by one road.
What
was
once
regarded
as a reckless waste of ratepayers' money, is one of the most popular
attractions in Leeds; nearly a million people visit each year. |
| Barran's Fountain named after the Lord Mayor |
 |
| Canal Gardens |
Everyone
has their own tales to tell about Roundhay Park whether it be taking
part in or witnessing the annual Children’s Day, the
international triathlon or the live concerts of The Rolling Stones,
Michael Jackson or Madonna.
 |
| A meercat in Tropical World |
 |
| Tropical World |
 |
| The approach to the Alhambra Gardens |
 |
| One of four Chelsea Gold winners by Leeds City Council installed in the park |
I am lucky to live within walking distance of this (mostly) free
facility and enjoy it in all seasons and have done since I was in a
pram.
See Roundhay
Park (leeds.gov.uk) for all the park has to offer and do visit if you are in the area. You won't be disappointed.
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A good idea for a day trip when my sister and I come to Ripon next summer. We've been to Leeds many times but usually only to change trains, with the exception of one brief stay in the city, but we did not get to Roundhay Park that time.
ReplyDeleteFrom what you say about it, your relationship with the park sounds very much like mine with our palace grounds (only that Roundhay is much bigger than our park).
We do have a castle. Well, a ruin of one. It's definitely worth a visit and do let me know of any plans.
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