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.
After being 'missing' for decades, a long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is set to air on the BBC this month.
In what is already gearing up to be a memorable moment, the episode - which was first broadcast on the BBC on 16 September 1968, and was thought to have been lost forever before being recovered - will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer in a couple of weeks time to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100 years old.
The episode was discovered by Film Is Fabulous! - which is a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts.
It was found in the estate of a former television industry professional, before being returned to the BBC.
Audiences tuning in to the episode can expect to see sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills - with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric’s niece, a balloon dancer.
📢 ‘Missing’ episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is coming to the BBC!
A long-lost episode first broadcast in 1968 will be shown on BBC Four and @BBCiPlayer on Thursday 14 May, to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100
It also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
This 'lost' programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television.
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail, has described the recovery of the episode as 'a lovely surprise', adding: "I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years."
Gary Morecambe, Eric's son, added: "I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful. Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was 12."
This long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show will be broadcast on BBC Four at 8pm on on Thursday 14 May, and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from then.
Featured Image - BBC | Film is Fabulous!
News
The world’s smallest pub is opening in Leeds’ biggest beer garden this weekend
Clementine Hall
A teeny tiny micro-pub is coming to Leeds city centre this bank holiday weekend.
This weekend, from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May, Rita’s in Leeds will host the arrival of a travelling micro-pub dubbed the World’s Smallest, beating out World Record holders, in their huge beer garden.
Licor 43's Tiny Taberna features a 2.15m x 1.5m space that has been drawing crowds across the UK for doing something very simple, very well: shrinking the pub experience down to its absolute smallest form and pairing it with one of the country’s most talked-about viral drinks trends.
You won't be able to get your average pint here though, this adorable little bar will only serve Rita’s Mini Beer, commonly known as the Baby Beer.
Image: Supplied
The Baby Beer is a shot made with Licor 43 and topped with a creamy layer to mimic the look of a perfectly poured pint. And trust us, it's just as delicious as it is cute.
Made with Licor 43, mixed with a velvety layer of cream liqueur, the flavour is indulgent with notes of vanilla, caramel and creamy sweetness.
Image: Supplied
You may have seen these drinks online too, with videos of the Baby Beer going viral across social media racking up millions of views.
Styled as a Spanish-inspired bar, the Tiny Taberna invites you to gather with mates, step inside and enjoy a Baby Beer in this immersive and fun space. Obviously, you'll have to take some great pics for the gram too.
Rita’s beer garden, already known as one of the city’s largest, will not only play host to the pint-sized pub, but will also be serving their usual cocktail menu throughout the weekend.
Image: Supplied
The Tiny Taberna will be at Rita’s Leeds for two days only, from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, serving Mini Beers from 7-9pm.
The best part? Those who purchase any beer this Bank Holiday weekend will be able to claim a free Mini Beer from the installation with a voucher. We'll see you there.
Sophie Smith -
12th October 2021 
