Leeds

The Lost Summer House inside Roundhay Park – its fascinating history and how to find it

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 12th October 2023

Have you ever come across the remains of the old bandstand and hidden summer house?

The lost summer house is certainly one of Roundhay Park's best hints at the park's heritage from centuries gone by - but finding it will require a trip off the beaten path...

The forgotten bandstand and summer house date way back to the 1800s and were once part of the Roundhay Lodge. It is thought that the lodge was owned by Elmer Hall, built originally by the park owner the Nicholson Family before being sold on to famous Leeds engineer James Kitson.

People report that this was the place where the Kitson family would host musical bands hired to perform concerts. Although the area is overgrown today, it’s still a fascinating piece of Leeds history that’s well worth a visit.

How to find the Lost Summer House at Roundhay Park...

The location of the lost summer house has been carefully kept secret from the internet since its location was first found, and we're not going to be the ones that spoil the secret - but it doesn't mean we can't give you some hints

There's a few different ways you can find the summer house - and given there's 700-acres of land to sift through, here's a few very rough ideas we've tried and tested or heard down the grapevine as successful ways of finding the hidden beauty spot...

  1. Find the golf boundary by the lower lake and walk directly upwards, following the boundary off the track and into a wooded area, it's about 15 minutes away from the main lake
  2. Enter from the car park off Wetherby Road and stick to the left-hand-side of the path, you'll come across the bandstand after 20-30 minutes (just as you think you want to give up, it appears)
  3. Follow Google Maps coordinates: 53 50 5.31N 1 29 17.46W to find the exact location
  4. Type into Google Maps to find the Victorian Summer House (although this doesn't always work if you're not already in the park's vicinity)

Good luck!

san old bandstand surrounded by green trees.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
a person stood next to a band stand.

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To find out more about Leeds history, check out our Short Stuff series on TikTok and Instagram.

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Leeds

10 of the best beer gardens, rooftops and terraces in Leeds

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Summer is here and the sun has got its hat on, so there's only one place for it.

It's not often that it's hot enough to sit outside and enjoy a cold, crisp pint here in England.

So when it is, we've got to take advantage of it and spend as much time as possible basking in that sweet sunshine.

We've chosen 10 of our favourite beer gardens and rooftop bars for you to gather with your mates, have a couple pints and soak up those rays. Just promise us you won't forget your suncream.

Green Room

36 Wellington St, LS1 2DE

Images: The Hoot Lees

Whether it be a weekday or weekend, Green Room's sprawling roof terrace right in the centre of town is always busy and buzzing with an electric atmosphere.

Here you'll find pints from local breweries, cocktails, spritzes as well as live DJs and foodie popups.

Waterlane Boathouse

Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Fancy a pint with a lovely chilled atmosphere and relaxing canal side views? Waterlane Boathouse is the one for you.

There's plenty of seats in their beer garden meaning you won't be waiting long if it's full, and there's always some banging drink offers on too so you can get more booze for your buck.

Belgrave Music Hall

Cross Belgrave St, LS2 8JP

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Now this one is an absolute classic, especially for the students - but all for good reason.

Their rooftop terrace offers plenty of spaces for large groups around painted picnic benches, parasols and pergolas cover the immediate sunlight so that basking in the heat is manageable without having to keep your sunnies on all afternoon. You've have to walk a fair amount of steps to get to the top though, but it's well worth it.

The Original Oak

2 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2DG

Image: The Hoot Leeds

The Original Oak in Headingley is a favourite for all ages, but if you’re a student looking for some sports action, you’ll feel quite at home at this Otley Run stop.

You can catch the latest Leeds United games throughout the rest of the season in the sunlight as the pub shows all the sports on their huge outdoor TV screen and you can bet that there will be plenty of space for you to join the crowd.

Headrow House

19a The Headrow, LS1 6PU

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Just like Belgrave, Headrow House has a rooftop beer garden that offers panoramic city views.The beer garden is decked out with greenery between the picnic benches and truly does offer an intimate hiding place from the city centre down below.

They've also always got some great DJs playing, so if you're looking for a spot to transition from day to night - this is the one.

Whitelock's Ale House

Turk's Head Yard, LS1 6HB

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Leeds' oldest pub, Whitelock's Ale House, is tucked away off Briggate at Turk's Head Yard. Here you'll find a gorgeous terrace with wooden booths that are decorated with festoon lighting and covers for if the heavens open. Which let's be honest, is a regular occurance.

Beck and Call

Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 2NP

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Nestled in lovely Chapel Allerton, the Beck and Call is a proper family pub with a sprawling beer garden. No frills, great drinks and plenty of room to soak up the sun. What more could you want?

A Nation of Shopkeepers

26-27 Cookridge St, LS2 3AG

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Nation of Shopkeepers' beer garden is one of the worst kept secrets in Leeds, but given it's a full courtyard's worth of outdoor drinking space right in the heart of the city, it's not exactly a surprise that everyone loves drinking here.

Serving up food and drink into the early hours basking in the sun trap or sheltering from a midday shower under the umbrella and pergola, this is an ideal day drinking spot for all weather in Leeds.

Piglove by the River

Clarence Rd, LS10 1EE

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're a real beer fan, then get yourself to Piglove Brewery where just outside of town you'll find a sunny oasis that'll have you feeling like you're outside of Leeds entirely.

Their riverside taproom right next to the River Aire features riverside benches for the sunny days and a heated indoor area for the rainier ones, open from Wednesday to Sunday. 

White Cloth Hall

27 Crown Street, LS2 7DA

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Leeds' newest all-day drinking and dining destination, White Cloth Hall, has a lovely sun-drenched terrace for you to enjoy. This is a fab spot if you fancy some fabulous street food, from Mexican tacos and steak sandwiches to charcuterie boards and fluffy focaccia pizza slices.

The drinks are also class too, with a great wine list and plenty of expertly crafted cocktails to choose from.

Read more: Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant

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Leeds

Leeds is set to be transformed into a huge interactive game of Trivial Pursuit this summer

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursuit arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.

The famous board game is being brought to life as LeedsBID transforms the city centre into a live version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, marking 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter.

And a few famous Leeds faces are helping to make it happen.

Running from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 30 August 2026 and is completely free, players embark on journey across the city centre, travelling from category to category and testing their knowledge of Leeds. Correct answers earn wedges, and once all six are collected, players face a final question to complete the game.

Key locations represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports and Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art and Literature.

Central to the game will be the stories and achievements that have shaped Leeds over four centuries, from the origins of Marks & Spencer to a connection with the first British internet provider.

An array of well-known personalities are involved, appearing digitally to look back and look ahead at the city’s notable events.

Leeds-born presenter and podcaster Alex Zane, historian Ruth Goodman, and commentator Daniel Norcross each take on Entertainment, History, and Sports & Leisure, telling the stories behind the people, places, and moments that define Leeds.

Angela Griffin says: “LeedsBID have come up with a fun and engaging way to introduce visitors to the Leeds story through Trivial Pursuit, and I was happy to play a part in some of this trivia this summer, which is a real honour as a Loiner.”

Sara Merritt, Principal Keeper, Leeds City Museum and Leeds Discovery Centre. “Leeds City Museum is excited to host TRIVIAL PURSUIT as part of Leeds400 this summer, offering visitors a fun and interactive way to celebrate knowledge, curiosity, and everything that makes Leeds unique.”

You can find out more here.

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