It was a May Bank Holiday of two halves over the weekend; while we saw temperatures rise to 24°c and that weather continuing through to Saturday afternoon, Sunday was admittedly somewhat of a washout - leading to perhaps a couple of jigsaw puzzles to be undertaken while any outdoor expeditions were rained off.
With it being May, however, it means that we have another opportunity at the end of the month to do it all over again, and while we’ve certainly made our picks of parks and hikes in the past, we threw it open to readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post on Facebook to find out where they go during the sunshine to bask in the glory of the weather...
… and, of course, Leeds as a whole.
Be it parks that are owned by one of the oldest charities in Leeds, through to the titan that is set to unleash a new music festival in the city over the summer, here are nine spots that readers frequently mentioned were ideal for catching some rays in the city.
1. Roundhay Park
Consistently crowned the 'best in the UK' by our readers, this park is the undisputed heavyweight of the Leeds green space scene. It’s the top pick for those who want a park that 'has everything,' from sprawling lakes to the hidden gardens that have kept families returning for over 60 years. | YPN
2. Middleton Park
A South Leeds staple, readers love "Miggy" for its blend of deep history and community facilities. Patricia Horner highlights the rose gardens and the historic Middleton Railway. In contrast, others appreciate the free parking and the well-regarded café, making it a perfect "on the doorstep" escape. | YPN
3. Temple Newsam
This estate is the go-to for a "proper" day out that feels like a trip to the countryside without leaving the city limits. Rodney Thewlis notes that the "excellent café in the yard" is the primary draw, providing a perfect reward after a long walk through the house grounds. | YPN
4. Golden Acre Park
For those who prefer a more manicured and peaceful stroll, this park is a perennial favourite. It’s praised for its floral displays and its reputation as one of the "loveliest" spots in Leeds for a quiet, scenic wander away from the city bustle. | YPN
5. Yeadon Tarn
Glenn Simon Knowles recommends this spot for a unique park experience that offers more than just grass and trees. It’s a hit with families because of the great kids' play area and the rare opportunity to watch aircraft taking off and landing at the nearby airport. | Tony Johnson
6. Pudsey Park
Proving that you don't need a massive country estate to be a winner, this local gem is a source of intense pride for the LS28 community. Russell Crowther simply insists it's "the best!!!!" and it remains a reliable favourite for a clean, well-tended afternoon walk. | YPN