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.
An independent matcha stand in Leeds has launched a petition to save the business, after council concerns could result in its closure.
This front garden matcha spot is none other than Sips Matcha, and it's safe to say its become a firm favourite in Leeds, with more than 12,000 followers on Instagram.
Many of us have made the trip to the vibrant green, family-run matcha shed at its Little Woodhouse residential location, and tasting some of Leeds' best matcha while nattering away to Matt and Julia, but this could soon change.
The self-proclaimed 'tiniest matcha stand in Leeds' only just celebrated its one year anniversary, but now faces closure in the coming weeks after a retroactive planning application was rejected.
According to Sips Matcha, Leeds City Council has given them 28 days' notice to stop trading and remove the shed.
In this published document via Leeds City Council website, multiple reasons are listed for the decision to refuse planning permission for the bright-green matcha shed.
This electronic letter signed by Martin Elliot, Chief Planning Officer, lists spoiling the property's character, increased footfall, and a failure to comply with numerous development and design policies.
The full statement reads: "The Local Planning Authority considers that the design, scale and position of the wooden shed fails to respect the previously un spoilt character of the host property, resulting in an unacceptable impact on visual amenity and the wider street scene.
"The Local Planning Authority considers that the use of the shed for retail sales in this quiet residential location would result in an unacceptable impact on the amenity of local residents due to increased levels of comings-and-goings, demand for parking and antisocial behaviour including increased noise and litter, to the significant detriment of neighbouring amenity."
The matcha maestros have now launched a petition urging people to save Sips Matcha, labelling the painted wooden shed-turned-coffee shop as a 'Community Stand'.
Co-owner Julia has published a statement via the petition link where she details: "After being made redundant and at a crossroads in life Matt threw himself into making Sips something special - and it has become exactly that...
"Their concerns are that the shed is in a front garden, and that the business could cause nuisance - litter, traffic and parking issues. In over a year of trading, none of these have been a problem. Leeds City Council asked neighbours on the street for their opinion. Not one negative response.
"We are a registered food business with Leeds City Council, insured and hold our food and hygiene certificates. They have now asked us to stop trading and remove the shed within 28 days."
Everything we ate and drank at Dishoom Leeds – one of the city’s hottest new openings
Clementine Hall
From Bombay to Leeds, Dishoom has opened in the city to resounding success.
Look, if you've been in town over the past week then you will have seen the snaking queues forming outside the city's hottest new restaurant - Dishoom.
This is one that's been in the pipeline for quite some time now, known amongst the UK for their all-day Bombay-inspired food and it seems the people of Leeds couldn't wait to tuck in.
But before we delve into the food, let's talk about the space.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows.
They've really thought of every little detail, eve down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off with a few Dishoom staples like the crunchy, salty okra fries and peppery chilli cheese toast was the perfect start to our meal.
But an absolute must order is the lamb chops, marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and spices before being blackened on the grill and finished with a thrilling Kashmiri chilli sauce. These will be on our order list every single time.
Elsewhere the charred masala prawns were juicy and perfectly aromatic, whilst smokey gunpowder potatoes served with a yoghurt dip were a perfect respite from the building spices.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A really special dish which you can only get in Leeds is Malvani Lamb Curry, made using tender lamb leg nestled in a silken gravy of roasted coconut, cardamom, chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden laccha paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, this is as perfect as it gets.
Drinks wise we got their special Dishoom Margarita which is shaken with a tamarind spice as well as the New Permit Room Old Fashioned that uses date liqueur. Both a twist on a classic, and just as delicious as the next.
If the queue doesn't make you want to try out Dishoom then let this be your sign. A fantastic addition to the city, and we'll certainly be back for more.
Tassy Heslop -
30th March 2026 
