Golden Acre Park

Abundant with nature and wildlife, Golden Acre Park will awaken the senses. The park is home to an array of wild birds, rabbits and squirrels. Venturing around the park at dusk? You may get lucky and spot the resident deer and foxes roaming.

Enjoy the park, and surrounding woods

Golden Acre Park is free to access, and combined with the beautiful landscape and on-site café makes it a great choice for a day out.

Smell the roses, stroll in the cherry orchids and wildflower meadows, admire the glorious plant demonstrations and limescale and sandstone rock gardens. Explore the woodland and spot critters in the undergrowth.

Bird watch on the beautiful lakes and listen to the trickle of water in the streams. There are many species of duck, swans, herons and geese to be seen. Although it may be tempting to have a dip in the warmer weather, swimming and fishing are not permitted on the lake.

Golden Acre Park has the largest heather garden in Europe. Visit in late spring and early autumn to see all the colours pop in their full glory.

How Long is the Walk Around Golden Acre Park?

Golden Acre Park is a great place for a short walk, you can head out around the lake (1.5km). This is a fairly easy route, and will take an average of 41 min to complete.

Or if you are wanting something a bit longer expand it through the woods (2.9km). This will take around an hour and 20 or so to complete.

Golden Acre Park Map

Need help navigating? The map below outlines all major areas of Golden Acre Park.

Somewhere to take the kids

There is not be a children’s play ground at Golden Acre Park but there are plenty of paths for cycling. It’s the perfect place to teach little ones how to ride a bike or scoot around. As well as playing ball games on the grass. Or what about feeding the ducks?

Summer Events

Fancy some music amongst the flowers and sunshine? Head down to Golden Acre Park on a Sunday throughout the summer and be entertained with live band performances. Check out Leeds Concert Season for details.

Nearby Attractions

Adjacent to the park is Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve and Adel Dam Nature Reserve. Take a stroll in the wildlife conservation havens located amongst the tall trees and woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for Kingfishers.

Pauls Pond is located at Breary Marsh and is a great place for a short wander, and tends to be a little quieter than the Golden Acre lake on busy days.

Hiking More Your Thing?

Golden Acre Park is the final stop on the 7 mile Meanwood Valley Trail which takes you on a journey of nature’s beauty and Leeds industrial past. Venture from Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park through Seven Arches, before arriving at the stunning Golden Acre Park.

For those who enjoy hiking, why not challenge yourself on the Leeds Country Way. Passing through Golden Acre park Leeds Country Way takes you on a 62 mile circular route through the beautiful countryside of Leeds.

For those wanting a casual stroll, stages can be broken down into three 5 mile parts, each taking approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

Walk the Dog

Golden Acre Park is a great place to walk the dog. With lots of paths to explore, space to roam, and acres of land to explore you can adjust the walk to suit your canine’s needs. The mix of lake and woodland covering 179 acres means there is no shortage of things to sniff, and places to run.

There are a couple of places where dogs must be kept on the lead, but these are clearly signposted. Be aware that there are a lot of squirrels here, more than you would expect.

It is worth noting that dogs are not allowed in the café, but on a sunny day we recommend sitting out on the decking (dogs are allowed there – and dog bowls are available).

Can Your Ride Bikes at Golden Acre Park?

As a general rule, no bikes are allowed in the park. However this rule does not apply to children’s toy bikes. I.E. No, you cannot set your PB around the lake if you are over 10.

Golden Acre Park was once a privately owned amusement park. Built by Frank Thompson and opened in 1932 it had a swimming pool, miniature railway, boating lake, zoo and music tower. The grand park however was only open for 6 years before closing due to the looming Second World War. It was taken over by the Council in 1945 and half of the boating lake was filled in.

The park’s swimming pool, the Blue Lagoon, was popular with families and remained open until the early 1960’s. Now a distant memory, it is buried in the woods near the Duck Hut at Wildfowl Lake.

Are their Toilets at Golden Acre Park?

Accessible toilets are located in the café for paying customers and in the public toilet block next to the café.

Golden Acre Park has an excellent café on site. For those partial to a cream tea, this is the place to visit. There is a dog friendly patio and the car park is just around the corner. A great place to stop into after a wander around the park.

Take a perch on the many benches and bring along a picnic for the perfect outdoor dining. Fancy a coffee, hot food or an ice cream? Head to the lovely Golden Acre Cafe.

Looking for a proper sit down meal? How about Tuana Bistro, a Turkish and Greek restaurant serving up a distinct Mediterranean flavour!

Can I BBQ at Golden Acre Park?

Unfortunately BBQing is not allowed at Golden Acre Park. You will have to keep your BBQ skills in your garden!

Looking to park at Golden Acre Park? There are two free car parks located off the A660 Otley Road and on Arthington Road. The postcode for both car parks is LS16 9YJ, but they are located either side of the park. Use the links below for exact directions.

• The Otley road car park is closer to the lake, and Breary Marsh. This car park has six disabled parking bays (Google Map link)
• The Arthington Road, (or Golden Acre East) car park is closer to the gardens and park area of Golden Acre (Google Map link)

Is the Parking at Golden Acre Free?

Yes, both the Otley Road and Arthington Road car parks are free of charge.

Golden Acre Park is accessible across most of the park for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. Paths are well maintained. The grassy areas tend to be flat and well maintained, but care should be taken if visiting after rain.

The main circular route around the park and lake is fairly flat and suitable for wheelchairs, buggies and bikes. The café has wheelchair access.

For improved access visitors can hire motorised scooters for free from the Golden Acre Park Café. These must be pre booked before 10am on the day. To book call 01122613064.

The X84 bus will get you to Golden Acre Park from the City Centre.