Magnificent old deer park - worth a walk at any time of the year.read more

Good bit of woodland for dog walking!read more

Excellent walk dog friendly tea room. We walked around the lakes, good paths the hills were a…read morelittle steep but the dogs enjoyed it

I take my dogs walking here on a regular basis as it is just round the corner from where we live…read moreand it's a lovely little place. On the top of the hill is cusworth hall which I s magnificent old hall which is open to the public as a museum and a lovely cafe within the building. From the there is a steep hill leading down to 3 large ponds that's full of wildlife ducks and swans etc. the far third pond has a wooded area around it where the dogs can roam free a little and maybe a swim!! (We have two cocker spaniels and they absolutely love the water). Also at the top of the to the side of the hall is a nice kids play area as well as a picnic area. There is ample parking but be warned you do have to pay!

It's time to venture north west out of the city and a quick stop off at Horsforth Hall Park…read more Yet another gem of a park with lots to do for all age groups and people. We're not talking massive here but it's a perfectly formed package, just the way I like it. On this occasion I'm not treated to one of the summer bands or cricket matches that take place in the summer months but that gives me the chance to have a wander around the other things available. They've got something they call a trim trail. Now I'm not sure if that means people over a certain weight will be shot if they use it but I'm guessing not. Throw in a Japanese garden too. A big plus for the community is the specially designed outdoor integrated play facility allowing disabled and able bodied children under the age of eight to play together. It's good stuff and pleasing to know there are things out there literally for all. The children have a good playground to go at and the skate park is a popular attraction amongst the older ones. Another classy park and worth a trip out

Count Merlot and I walk here about once a week as it is our nearest park with pathways...so this is…read moreusually when i have forgotten my wellies and hence don't want to walk in the woods! There is lots of parking with access for people in wheelchairs and/or pushchairs. there is a skate park; a japanese garden, bandstand, a few geocaches (although I think they are premium ones) a cricket ground, a garden boules green, an indian restaurant (that must be open in the evenings as i have never seen it open) and my favourite tree. a japanese maple. it is just glorious. This park is lovely in spring with the blossom trees and bluebells; in summer when all the kids are playing (nicely, i might add); autumn when leaves are changing and the need for a more solid than mud pathway is needed and winter when the snowmen spring up like something from a doctor who Christmas special. The only thing i don't like is that there are regular gypsy fairs on. I hate fairs with their unsafe rides and "games" that you can't win. their crazy dogs that bark and bite at everything.

Now it's my welcome pleasure to say that the parks in Leeds are pretty much spot on. They all have…read moresomething good to shout about and yet are all that little bit different. East End Park is a good example of that. It's a Victorian Park (although I didn't see any corset clad women to speak of) and pretty too. The main appeal though is it's encouragement to keep the kids off the streets and active. That's not to exclude other age ranges but the facilities include tennis courts, football pitches, basketball court, playground and even a teen shelter. You've also got a bowling green for those a tad older. They are also big on sports camps throughout the summer months and have a popular annual bonfire. The Friends of East End Park are also devoted to improving and maintaining the park itself, so it's pretty much well looked after. You could do far worse than a trip out here if you want something of an outdoors nature to do.

After last years epidemic of baby births, sorry that sounded shallow. After the delight that was…read moremany of my friends and colleagues creating or expanding their families (better) the seasons are changing and as we move out of Winter into Spring and hopefully balmier climates, talk has turned on where's a nice and safe place to take the kids that isn't pure saccharine wacky zany child fun, and is parent and friends of parent friendly, eg, friends of parents won't balk at the idea of spending time with the kidlets because it's "just too much fun(!)" Anyhoo, an excellent compromise or combination, of green, flowers, pretty, play areas, etc is Pudsey Park. My idea to take friends kidlets here stemmed from the glowing reports this park has. Prior job projects included something on open spaces in West Yorkshire, and Pudsey Park comes in top of the list with regards to awards and such. It's been a Green Flag award winner every year since 2003, a worthy acheivement. The park is always clean, and I've never had any trouble, plus in half term and Summer holidays, there's plenty of families about, which is nice for the kids to play about, without being too loud and annoying for anyone enjoying the park sans child. So what's to do here? If you enter the park at the Car Park side, you'll immediately notice the playground, and there's a basketball court, and a skate park. Wandering through there's a bowling green, flower gardens, a glass house filled with exotic plants and a pets corner and aquarium and aviary. For replenishments there's also a little cafe too. At the moment the park is undergoing some regeneration, so there are some major developments going on, and the structure and layout of the park is changing. But when it's all done and dusted it should be even better than ever.

I'm feeling the love for all things slightly off centre. No I'm not having another Mel meltdown, I…read moremean I'm quite liking exploring the deeper depths of our beloved Leeds and it's Pudsey. Since I'm on a park ting (getting all street again, word up), I thought it'd be rude not to look this bad boy up. Now most of the parks have been reasonable to good it has to be said but this one is a perfectly formed package. It should shout about itself, it's a Greenflag winner and has been on many occasions. That's probably because it's very well maintained and has loads of stuff for the kids. Pet's corner is a nice touch and they keep on reconstructing areas left, right and centre so it's only going to get better. You've got exotic fish and birds and a tropical greenhouse. So get your best silly hat and cargo shorts out and go jungle trekking in your own back yard. There are plenty of flowers and tree lined walks. Plus, skate park, green bowls and a bandstand. Altogether with some air trumpet now.

Just had a lovely half hour with our two spaniels. It was very hot but the dogs found shady places…read moreunder the trees. Lovely meadow, well fenced in. Easy parking. Will definitely book again.

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.