Roundhay Park, Leeds (must see)

Roundhay Park in Leeds is a remarkable expanse of over 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodlands, and gardens, serving as a major urban green space on the city’s north-eastern edge. Although managed by Leeds City Council, the park is uniquely owned by the people of Leeds, a legacy of its historical benefactors, Charles Frederick Thackray and the Nicholson family.

The origins of Roundhay Park trace back to the 11th century when William the Conqueror granted the lands to Ilbert de Lacy for his support during the Harrying of the North. The de Lacy family, also known for founding Pontefract Castle, used the area primarily for hunting throughout the medieval period. Ownership transitioned through notable figures such as John of Gaunt and Henry IV, eventually reaching Thomas Darcy in the 16th century.

Roundhay Park, established in 1803 by Thomas Nicholson and Samuel Elam, underwent significant development over a decade, transforming from an industrial site into a natural haven with the creation of Upper Lake and Waterloo Lake. The Nicholson family also contributed to the local community by building the Mansion House, a castle folly, Saint John's Church, almshouses, and a school. Opened to the public by Prince Arthur in 1872, the park drew 100,000 visitors that year and was later connected to the city center by Britain's first public electric tram in 1891.

Over the decades, Roundhay Park has hosted numerous significant events, including a record-breaking rugby league match in 1933. However, it also faced challenges such as the closure of its once-popular lido in the 1980s and a fire that damaged the Lakeside Café in 2007, which was subsequently restored and reopened in 2008.

A notable feature within the park is the Canal Gardens, separated by Street Lane, which houses the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World. Opened originally in 1939 and modernized in 1983, Tropical World offers an impressive array of climates and biomes, featuring the largest collection of tropical plants in the UK outside of Kew Gardens. This facility includes a butterfly house, aquariums, and a variety of animal exhibits, including a newly added Aztec zone in 2015 that features piranhas and salamanders.

Today, Roundhay Park remains one of Leeds' most cherished public spaces, attracting nearly a million visitors annually, drawn by its rich history, extensive natural beauty, and broad range of recreational offerings.