It's time to pull on your walking boots and get out and about in the great outdoors.
As bank holiday weekend approaches, many of us will be looking for the best bar or pub to enjoy a tipple in this spring.
And don’t get us wrong, we will be doing that too, but sometimes it’s refreshing to have some outdoor activities planned to offset those…alcohol emissions!
Fortunately, Leeds and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of scenic walks, perfect for a day of countryside exploration.
So stick with us as we take you through the top walks to discover, from historic landmarks to sprawling parks.
Harewood House
Image: Harewood House
Nestled amidst the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the estate's extensive grounds, which include woodland trails, beautifully maintained gardens, and a scenic lake.
If you have children, there is an adventure playground they can get lost in, while you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the house itself. There’s a gorgeous 10km walk that loops around the estate offering beautiful views throughout. You can end your walk at one of the cafe’s conveniently located near the car park.
Golden Acre Park
Image: Golden Acre Park
Situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre, Golden Acre Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Grab an ice cream and take a leisurely stroll around the park's tranquil lake.
Burrowed in the park is a bird spotting hut where you can spot wildlife, from ducks and swans to squirrels and rabbits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Otley Chevin
Image: Flickr
For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Otley Chevin. With a variety of walking trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging hikes, there's something for every ability.
Reach the Chevin summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t just offer walks, but it is steeped in history, homing fossils and sculptures and is a natural playground for your little ones.
Tip: Head to the car park on York Gate road for the best sunset views!
Ilkley Moor
Lace up your hiking boots and venture onto Ilkley Moor, a rugged carpet of heather-covered moorland. Whether it’s a long walk you’re after, or you just want to explore the famous Cow and Calf rocks, which offer exceptional views of the landscape below, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing from The Cow and Calf overlooking the valley.
Be prepared, as you might need to familiarise yourself with the well-known Cow and Calf song before your visit!
Roundhay Park
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wander through scenic gardens, or rent a boat to paddle around the tranquil lake. With playgrounds, cafes, and even a tropical world, there's no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kirkstall Abbey
Step back in time and explore the historically-rich ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Wander through the abbey and its courtyards before strolling towards the adjacent parkland which provides a peaceful getaway from the vibrant life of Headingley.
Bolton Abbey
Just a short drive from Leeds, Bolton Abbey offers a charming setting for a Bank Holiday walk. Take a walk through its trails along the banks of the River Wharfe, go back in time whilst visiting the abbey itself, and pass through the ancient woodlands walked by the monks themselves! A must-do whilst there is to visit the famous stepping stones whilst enjoying a picnic by the riverbank.
Those heading to Leeds Fest this weekend could get some of their money back thanks to a new tent pledge.
And it's all in an attempt to stop festival waste.
Decathlon is encouraging festival-goers to ditch the ‘one and done’ approach to festival camping by offering refunds when used tents are returned. How class is that?
Under the tent pledge, customers can get 100% of the original purchase price back as a Decathlon gift card, or claim up to 50% back in cash, depending on the condition of their tent.
The offer is available on Decathlon’s QUECHUA tents until Sunday 6 September.
It comes as concerns continue to grow around the amount of waste left behind at UK festivals. According to Decathlon, UK festivals generate around 25,800 tonnes of waste every year, while as many as 250,000 tents are abandoned in fields each summer.
But instead of leaving your tent behind, Decathlon is asking campers to bring it back to one of its stores, along with proof of purchase. It really is as simple as that.
Returned tents in good condition will be assessed, cleaned and potentially resold through the retailer’s Second Life programme, giving them another lease of life rather than sending them to landfill.
Customers have got to be Decathlon Members to take part, although membership is free and the retailer says refunds can be transferred to customers’ bank accounts in as little as an hour.
“Our No Tent Life Behind scheme goes from strength to strength each year,” says Chris Allen, Sustainability Leader at Decathlon UK.
“What started as a small-scale initiative has become an important part of how we approach camping and festivals more broadly - encouraging customers to return used equipment, keep valuable materials in circulation, and give more products a second chapter through our Second Life programme.
"This year, we’re helping customers’ pockets as well as our planet. With our new one-hour bank transfer service, we’re providing the flexibility and value needed to turn unused gear into new adventures."
Fontaines D.C. announce huge Leeds gig on new European tour
Daisy Jackson
Fontaines D.C. are coming to Leeds for a huge headline show as part of their biggest tour to date.
The wildly popular Irish rock band are set to play a whopping 20 arena shows across Europe and the UK this autumn, including a major gig at Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena.
The tour has been announced in celebration of their upcoming fifth studio album, Dopamine Chamber, which is set for release this October.
Fontaines D.C. will hit the road just five days after the album drops, kicking off their European tour in Lisbon on 21 October.
They'll then make their way over to the UK, with shows in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham and London.
The band are set to play the First Direct Bank Arena on Tuesday 24 November, giving Leeds fans the chance to see one of the biggest names in modern rock on their biggest headline tour yet.
The announcement comes as Fontaines D.C. prepare to headline Reading & Leeds Festival, where they'll take to the stage at one of the UK's biggest music events.
They've already released Marianne, the first single from their new album, and frontman Grian Chatten says of the record: "The album itself is a dopamine chamber. You step inside and we test these different mind- or mood-altering pieces of music on you."
The new record has been recorded between London, the English countryside, and Palermo, where Chatten recorded vocals in a makeshift booth built from mattresses and cushions.
He said: "There’s a poignant sense of us being on the brink of some other kind of form of humanity, or non-humanity."
Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on Thursday 3 September, with pre-sale live from 10am on Tuesday 1 September.
Fans who pre-order Dopamine Chamber from the official store by 6pm on Monday 31 August will gain access to the UK pre-sale.
Tassy Heslop -
30th March 2026 
