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.
Tried and trusted Sheffield indie spot Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site and potentially dropping its "micro-bakery" title.
Opening just three years ago, Baker's Yard has become a sweet-treat staple in its Sheffield neighbourhood, Kelham Island, so much so, the owners have taken to social media to announce some very big plans.
Known for keeping Kelham Island visitors satisfied with their key lime pie and cheesecakes to loaves of bread and freshly baked pastries, now Baker's Yard is expected to continue doing so on a larger scale.
After putting out a call-out post earlier this month to recruit more front of house team members, the bakery waited just one more week before sharing its latest news.
What was once a "micro-bakery" is now about to undergo a particularly large transformation, as revealed in a new announcement via social media by the Baker's Yard team: "Our bakery is growing, into next door!"
Explaining this decision in further detail, the Kelham Island hotspot has said: "You can expect a greater variety of bakes, breads, pastries and cakes, including bespoke celebration and wedding cakes".
Already known for their bakery and coffee shop-hybrid, as well as the bespoke cake services they offer too, now Baker's Yard are covering all bases with an all-new venture.
Life just got a whole lot sweeter, as you'll be able to get your Baker's Yard fix all-day-long with the arrival of a restaurant, with the team promising, "Baker's Yard Bistro, a French inspired neighbourhood eatery" later down the line.
This year has been nothing but positive for this independent Sheffield business, as back in March Baker's Yard found itself included in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Bakeries in the UK - Huge congrats.
Sheffield's beloved Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site / Credit: The Sheff
Anyone up for sampling some sweet treats or savoury selections that Baker's Yard has to offer can currently find them at 1 Baker's Yard, Sheffield (and very soon 2 Baker's Yard too) or online HERE - Good luck guys.
Featured Images - The Sheff (supplied)
News
The popular Manchester brunch spot serving all things viral is coming to Leeds Â
Clementine Hall
A brunch spot made famous across the pond is opening a site in Leeds.
If you're a fiend for all things brunch, then this news is going to get you a little bit excited.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its innovative watermelon sandwiches.
Oh, and they also went viral for serving a Labubu French Toast...but we'll let the photos do the talking on that one.
Images: The Manc Group
They've currently got one site in Manchester city centre with one more almost ready to open its doors, and now they're making their way across the Pennines and opening their first Yorkshire cafe right here in Leeds. Aren't we lucky.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Bruncho said: "We’ve been keeping a HUGE SECRET, but now it’s finally time to share… LEEDS CITY CENTRE WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!!
"Keep your eyes peeled on our socials, we’ll be announcing our opening date SOON!!"
Images: The Manc Group
With queues constantly forming at their cafe in Deansgate, Manchester - we're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
It's not the first brunch spot to make their way over, with Federal opening on Boar Lane earlier this year that has been packed out ever since.
We'll of course keep you in the loop with opening dates as and when we find out but for now, Bruncho we can't wait to welcome you to our city.
Sophie Smith -
12th October 2021 
