Proudly sitting on rolling, landscaped grounds, the stately Temple Newsam is steeped deep in history. Having been under the ownership of several notable personalities and organizations including the Knights Templar, this house is today under the watchful eye of the Leeds City Council. The house bears incredible influences of Tudor and Jacobean styles of architecture and is home to dense drapes of woodland, farms, charming open spaces and a walkway lined with blooming rhododendrons. Part of what makes the site so absorbing is the wealth of artworks and cultural pieces which are wonderful remnants of its artistic phase, including decorative artifacts by the Department of Culture and stirring exhibits by the Chippendale Society. The estate comprises large acres of parkland which is used in the summer as a venue for high-profile pop and opera concerts. An exuberant representation of the English countryside, Temple Newsam is a timeless edifice portraying rich cultural nuances stringed together with an indelible history.
Ever since its opening in 1872, the Roundhay Park has served as a spectacular venue for music and cultural festivals in the summer, while also offering wooded walks, horticultural displays and sports facilities. Boasting a stunning tapestry of woodlands, parkland, lakes and charming gardens, this gigantic park is spread across acres and acres, frequented by about a million people each year. Hemmed by the Roundhay suburb, the park is one of the most favored in Leeds, not just for its unbridled natural beauty and magnificence, but also because it has plenty to offer to its patrons. 'Tropical World' is a canvas of wilderness, which shelters exotic tropical plants, and a marvelous nexus of glasshouses, aquariums, a desert house and a butterfly house. Interspersed with winding and wooded alleyways, the Roundhay Park also shelters a tracery of delightful gardens like the Monet Garden, Alhambra Garden and the splendid Canal Gardens which harbor aged trees and carpets of flowers. Other attractions in the park include a grandiose Mansion House, the magnificent, bird-laden Waterloo lake and the Arena studded on the rolling Hill 60, making it an idyllic, undisturbed oasis in the heart of the city.
Settled along the banks of River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey is a marvelous amalgamation of scenic greens and historic architecture. One of Leeds's key historical landmarks, this sprawling abbey remains remarkably well preserved despite the ravages of history. Situated in an area of open parkland west of the city center, Kirkstall Abbey still stands to its original height, lending a true sense of its former scale and spiritual resonance. Its ruins are a muse to many artists, whispering secrets of its storied past through the high arches and narrow alleys. A moving relic of the 12th Century, the abbey bears many more spectacular architectural elements like vaulted cellars, ancient quarters and an idyllic cloister. A soulful embodiment of the Cistercian design, Kirkstall Abbey is an insightful nod to the glory of Henry de Lacy, its master, and the monks who flourished in its fabric.
Fringed by rambling green lawns on all four sides, the stately Harewood House exudes unbounded architectural splendour coupled with enigmatic historic nuances. With interiors by Robert Adam and landscaped grounds by Capability Brown, this 18th-century Palladian-style country house is a treasure trove of classical design, fine art and opulent furnishings. Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, the house is one of the four Treasure Houses of England, boasting ornate furniture by Chippendale, and the finest Chinese and Sèvres porcelain and paintings by Gainsborough and Turner. The very presence of Harewood House is further accentuated by a lake, antiquated stables and the subtle, yet exquisite Harewood cascades. Within its wonderfully-landscaped gardens, there is a bird sanctuary and an adventure playground of truly gargantuan proportions. The Stables Courtyard offers a variety of refreshments and handcrafted gifts. With a plethora of stories left unearthed in its fabric, the Harewood House is indeed a canvas of history waiting to be explored.
A spellbinding tapestry of woodlands, rolling pastures and flowering meadows, the Harlow Carr bears a labyrinth of blooming colors that seem to stretch on forever. The garden is nestled on the western fringes of Harrogate and is managed by the Royal Horticultural Society. The garden is a seemingly unending swathe of wilderness brought alive by varicolored blooms, its expanse dotted with wooded trails bordered by vibrant roses, terraces, a lake, an arboretum and a beautiful assemblage of gardens namely the Winter Garden, Foliage Garden and Scented Garden. In addition, the garden hosts an extensive collection of alpine blooms, willows and wildflowers which stick out as jewels embedded on an emerald-hued carpet. Home to the famed Betty's Cafe & Tearoom, this well-designed garden is where one landscape blends into another, to create a space that resembles the English countryside frozen in time. Year-round, the garden hosts a number of workshops, shows and fairs, in order to imbibe and encourage the spirit of gardening and horticulture among its patrons.
Built-in 1863 by Cuthbert Brodrick, Leeds Corn Exchange is one of the finest and beautiful examples of the Victorian style of architecture. Built-in a circular shape the building is as beautiful inside as it is on the outside. It is now one of the prominent shopping centers of the city, you can find small shops with gift cards, vintage artifacts, items of clothing and a large variety of food to choose from.
Located 542 meters (1778 feet) above the sea level, Black Chew head is the tallest point in Manchester. Located on the border of the scenic Peak District, Black Chew Head is nestled on a charming moorland. Standing atop the hill, one gets mesmerizing views of the Chew Valley. Black Chew Head can be easily accessed from Greenfield's Dovestones Reservoir and this remains the most popular route.
The region of Washburn Valley, which lies near Otley, is finely augmented with the Lindley Wood Reservoir. The reservoir dates back to the 19th Century and is touted to have been constructed from 1869 through 1876. It is highly celebrated for being the very first chain of as many as four reservoir sites that were erected alongside the River Washburn. It is most renowned for providing compensation flows to the river Washburn.
The Old Moor Wetland Centre RSPB Reserve is made up of a number of lakes, with habitats including wetlands, open water, reed beds and grasslands. Throughout the year the reserve is home to a variety of bird species including golden plovers and tree sparrows. You can explore the reserve via one of the trails that will lead you through meadows of flowers with birdsong to keep you company, or you can watch the birds in their natural habitat from one of the hides. The visitor's center staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There is also a cafe, shop and playground on the premises, making this an great spot for nature lovers of all ages. While the reserve is without a doubt a bird-lovers paradise, there are also rooms available on hire for meetings and corporate events.
Regarded as the highest massif of West Yorkshire, Black hill is an imposing attraction of the Peak District National Park. Luring mountaineers and climbing enthusiasts, the hill offers plentiful challenging ascents. The summit of the peak is a featureless expanse of moorland, which serves as a vantage point to take in views of the neighboring hills, valleys and moors. Walkers and hikers can enjoy the expanse of this hill with the help of the varied scenic trails peppered along the landscape.
Close to Upper Midhope village, Langsett Reservoir borders the scenic Peak District National Park. Built between the years 1898 and 1904, this reservoir supplies drinking water to Barnsley and Sheffield. A pleasant walk around Langsett Reservoir allows you to explore the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The walk is a lovely blend of lush woods and open moors. The walk is well maintained and properly signed. Atop Langsett Reservoir, walkers embrace a steady ascend to move towards the moor. Once on the moor, you get fascinating views overlooking the reservoir. For those who wish to cross the country border, the walk also provides access into North American territory.
A scenic village, Langsett is situated close to Barnsley's southern end, on the outskirts of Peak District National Park. Langsett's surrounding landscape falls under the beautiful Dark Peak region and is home to miles of open moors to explore. The moors are a collage of dry grass and vast wetlands, forming one of the most unique habitats in the world. Langsett is home to Langsett Reservoir, and also to Midhope and Underbank reservoirs. Each of these water streams are enveloped by pleasant walks. At Langsett Bank Woods, nature-lovers can marvel at the huge expanse of woodland.