Roundabout in Roundhay Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ premier outdoor spaces and a treasure trove of natural beauty and unexpected secrets. On this walking tour around one of Europe’s largest parks, you’ll hear the intriguing stories and fascinating history beyond its sweeping vistas. This circular walk starts and ends at the Roundhay Park Main Car Park. Along the way, you’ll take in some of the park’s many sites, including the impressive Mansion with its Garden Room Café, the Roundhay Castle, and the picturesque Canal Gardens. Roundhay Park boasts lush, verdant landscapes and relaxing lakeside walks, and on this tour, I’ll guide you along its prettiest (and most interesting) paths. As you make your way around Waterloo Lake, I’ll dive into the park’s history and show you some of its more manicured areas, like the Specialist and Coronation Gardens. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or just looking to spend a leisurely afternoon outdoors, this Roundhay Park tour has something for everyone.

1. 1

   Roundhay Park

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   On this self-guided walking tour, you'll explore Roundhay Park, one of Leeds’ premier outdoor spaces. Along the route, you'll be shown a treasure trove of natural beauty and unexpected secrets.

2. 2

   Stop 2

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   On this self-guided tour, you'll discover the unlikely story of how Roundhay Park briefly served as an international airport.

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   Stop 3

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   On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by the Lakeside Cafe where you'll have the option of pausing the tour to enjoy a ‘Cake and a Lake'. Please note, that this is optional and not included in the tour.

4. 4

   Stop 4

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   As you make your way around Waterloo Lake, you'll hear the park’s history, starting with the first people to own the land and ending with it becoming a public park.

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   Stop 5

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   On this self-guided tour, you’ll take in some of the park’s many sites, including the Roundhay Castle. You'll learn about this faux-castle as you walk.

6. 6

   Stop 6

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   On this tour, you'll pass by the Upper Lake and hear about the bizarre antics of a whacky Victorian tightrope artist who wowed audiences in the park with his daring high-wire stunts.

7. 7

   Stop 7

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   On this self-guided tour, you’ll take in some of the park’s many sites, including the impressive Mansion with its Garden Room Café. You'll find out what else is on offer at the Mansion while you walk around the Mansion's grounds. Please note that you do not go into the Mansion.

8. 8

   Stop 8

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   On this self-guided tour, you'll have a chance to explore the Specialist Gardens at Roundhay Park. You'll learn about the Gardens and then be given the option to explore them further on your own.

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   Stop 9

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   THis self-guided tour takes you through a section of the COronation Gardens. You'll hear a bit of its history while you walk.

10. 10

    Canal Gardens

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    On this self-guided tour, you’ll take in some of the park’s many sites, including the picturesque Canal Gardens. You'll hear about the garden's history while you walk.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note: This tour can be done with anyone as long as they are comfortable going up a few sets of stairs.
• In addition, the path is generally easy to walk and mostly flat. That said, there are a few steps, and if users wish to stop by the lake to observe some of the wildlife, that will add to the duration of the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.