As the nights are drawing in earlier and the temperatures are falling, the idea of leisurely wandering outdoors for hours on end seems less and less appealing.
So what do you do if you still want to spend time outdoors but can't face a full evening in the cold?
Let the sky transform from grey and drizzle to shades of violet and crimson and watch the shepherd's warning appear as the sun goes down. Sunsets rarely last more than an hour, making it an ideal opportunity to get out before nightfall.
Watching the sunset is not only the perfect way to get some exercise outdoors, but there are also plenty of positive psychological effects to watching the sun go down. According to reports, it helps us to enhance long-lasting satisfaction and relieves stress.
We've found five spots to get you out and about in Leeds, all hidden in plain sight.
Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is a popular sunset spot for locals. / Image: Milkhile
Recently awarded the title of 'one of the most beautiful parks in the UK', Roundhay Park is the perfect place to watch the sun go down. Find a spot at either of the main lakes that bring the park to life: at the upper, smaller lake, nestle amongst the wildlife in a secluded spot or opt for an open-air view by the larger Waterloo lake. For a more subtle sunset spot, check out the host of gardens, including those inspired by Monet and Alhambra.
Leeds Docks
In summer, the thought of swimming in the docks seemed rather appealing but now that the temperature is dropping faster than the leaves from the trees, watching the sunset on dry land seems much more appealing. Whether you choose to find a spot in the Water Lane Boathouse down by the train station, or wander further down the Leeds to Liverpool trail, there's something about witnessing the canal turn shades of violet as the water reflects the emerging moonlight that's quite special.
Ilkley Moor
The views at Ilkley Moor are nothing like those in the city but just as spectacular. / Image: John Shackleton
Recently, Ilkley Moor made our headlines for a 'Zip the Cow' challenge but most days the mountainous terrain is better known as a tranquil spot to be at one with nature. The peak of the moors lay over 400 metres above sea level and formed the inspiration for the Yorkshire county anthem 'On Ilkla Moor Baht ', making this historic spot a firm local favourite. During twilight hours a cascade of ambers, yellows and crimsons can be viewed from the large boulders, or the Cow and Calf pub nearby if you don't fancy the incline.
Surprise View
The name says it all about this spot. Just thirty minutes from the city centre, Otley Chevin's Surprise View is the place to go for a quick outdoor walk with stunning views included. The trail spans across 2.7 miles and on a clear day, you can see as far as the White Horse near Sutton Bank or Simon's Seat from the top edges. Walk through woodland and climb the crags with ease whilst taking in the surprisingly beautiful views that change upon each visit. Just take care during the colder months when leaves can become slippery.
Knaresborough Viaduct
This quaint town looks like somewhere in the Mediterranean at sunset hours. / Image: Dan Wood
If you need a change of scenery and feel as though you've seen every view in Leeds you can think of, head over to Knaresborough. Opt to arrive by train and you'll get to see the sunset in its full glory too. From the highest point in the town, watch from your air conditioned window as the day comes to a close and the sun settles down beneath you. The viaduct is used to take Harrogate line over the River Nidd but it is not until you get off at a nearby station you realise the full height of the track.
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Award-winning vintage retailer announces new store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Popular vintage store brand Glass Onion is returning to Leeds with a brand-new permanent site.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is coming back with a bang and expanding into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They'll be taking over the old Levi's jeans unit on Lands Lane and will be opening on Wednesday 18 March, so we really don't have long to wait.
Customers can shop Leeds' best collection of sustainable vintage clothing with every piece hand selected for store at their Yorkshire HQ.
Images: The Sheff
Shop from an expertly curated mix of all your vintage favourites, including Y2K, techwear, workwear, sportswear, boho, and loads more.
The store will also feature big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley. They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
To celebrate the exciting launch, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Sophie Smith -
12th October 2021 
