Middleton Park

Middleton Park is located in the urban Middleton area of South Leeds, 4 miles from Leeds City Centre. The park can be accessed via the main entrance on Town Street, LS10 3SH. The park is connected to Middleton Woods Nature Reserve, the largest remaining ancient woodland in West Yorkshire, full of archaeological features from Leeds coal mining past.

Middleton Park is the perfect place for all the family to explore, a hive of activity to suit all ages and interests.

There is a well equipped children’s playground, picnic benches, visitors centre and café, making for a perfect family day out.

Woodland and Flowers

The park offers amazing scenery. There are grasslands, woodlands, beautiful flower beds and a rose garden to explore. In the spring months you can witness a beautiful bluebell display. During the autumn months be on the lookout for the different types of fungi.

Middleton Park includes over 200 acres of the largest ancient woodlands in West Yorkshire, which is definitely worth exploring. The park’s woodland is home to a range of mammals and birds and insects crawl amongst the undergrowth. Join one of the bug hunting activity days and see what you can spot. Find out more about Middleton Woods Nature Reserve here.

There are streams for the little ones and four legged friends to splash around in and a pond located in the woods. There is a lake, with varying depths up to 6ft, featuring an island in the middle. Gaze into the water and you may spot Bream, Carp, Pike and Catfish swimming about.

Fishing at Middleton Park

Fishing on the lake is permitted all year round and free of charge. Please fish responsibly and be mindful of local wildfowl, especially during nesting season.

Railway Line

The park is also the site of the world’s oldest commercial railway. It was founded in 1758 to take coal down to Leeds. The railway is still operational today, offering visitors a chance to experience the world’s oldest railway by taking a trip between Hunslet and the outskirts of Middleton Park. A great activity for children and train spotters alike. Book your tickets here.

Game of Tennis?

For the sports enthusiastic Middleton Park has lots on offer. There is a multi use outdoor area for games, bowling greens and 4 outdoor tennis courts. Tennis courts can be booked online. Need some tennis practice before hitting the courts? Brush up on your skills with a local coach in your area.

Table Tennis

Next to the visitor centre and cafe is a fixed table tennis table for the public to use. Just bring your own paddles and balls to start playing!

Bowls

Middleton Park Bowls Club or “Miggy Bowlers” as their affectionately known play their social and competitive games from the crowne green pitch in the park. They are always on the lookout for new people to join their socials.

Leeds Urban Bike Hub

Home to the Leeds Urban Bike Park, Middleton Park has a mountain bike and BMX centre for people of all ages and abilities. The hub offers bike hire, serving and repairs and coaching. There is also a café offering gourmet coffee and cake. There is no need to book, just turn up and ride. Bike trails for different abilities can be found here.

John Charles Centre for Sport is just a short distance from Middleton Park offering a range of facilities for the sports enthusiast, including swimming pool, gym and athletics pitch. The Centre runs occasional sessions in the park so keep an eye on their Facebook to find out what’s on.

Running at Middleton Park

Get yourself down to Middleton Woods every Saturday at 9am to take part in the Middleton Woods 5km time Parkrun where the only person you have to beat is yourself. The event is free but please register before your first run. Find out more about Middleton Parkrun.

Horse Riding Near Middleton Park

Nestled amongst the trees in the park is a real jewel, Middleton Park Equestrian Centre  which has three arenas, paddocks and stables for the horses. The centre offers lessons and activities accessible to able bodied riders and those with disabilities. Activities include horse riding, carriage riding, pony days, dressage and jumping. Find out more information here.  The centre also offers volunteering opportunities.

Want to support Middleton Park?

Why not join the   Middleton Park Estate Volunteers  and help out with gardening and estate maintenance work. The groups meet every Thursday between 10am and 3pm. New volunteers are always welcome. There are also corporate volunteering opportunities available at the park. To express your interest contact the Middleton Park Estate Officer.

The Friends of Middleton Park  group play an important role in promoting local interest and involvement in the park, organising community events throughout the year and running the weekend café. They are always keen to welcome new members, a great way to care for your community and make new friends.

Playground

The playground has been designed with both the younger and older children in mind. Think swings, slides and a little bit in-between.

Take a look at our break down of the best playgrounds in Leeds.

Middleton Park puts on a range of events throughout the year including the annual family bonfire night, heritage walks, birdwatching, bug hunts, den building, arts and crafts and theatre and musical performances. There is also the Greatest Breeze show that takes place in the summer and a produce show in September. Friends of Middleton Park regularly posts about what’s going on so you can keep up to date.

Middleton Park is famous for its mining history and has been recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of English Heritage, due to its historical coal mining remains. Popular myths say that monks from Kirkstall Abbey once mined the grounds of Middleton Park. Can you spot the visible remains of the park’s mining history as you explore the park’s heritage trail?

July 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of Middleton Park. It was leased by Wade’s Charity to Leeds City Council to be used for the people of the city in 1920 for 999 years at the cost of just £1 per year.

Middleton Park is a dog walkers haven that your favourite pooch is sure to enjoy. The woodlands and playing fields are a great place for your dog to explore and roam freely. Please put your dog on a lead when in the vicinity of the play area.

Toilet facilities, including accessible toilets are located in the Visitor Centre which is open 10:15 – 2:15pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Picnic At Middleton Park

Middleton Park is the perfect place for a teddy bears picnic, take a perch on one of the benches or set up your blanket beneath the trees.  Didn’t bring a picnic? No worries, the Middleton Park Café located at the visitor centre offers a selection of sandwiches, snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice-creams. Middleton Park is included in our top 10 places to have a picnic in Leeds article.

Warm Food and a Comfy Seat

Fancy something a bit more fancy? Why not head to the White Rose Centre for a bite to eat and some retail therapy. Only a 10 minute drive or 15 minute bus journey away you’ll find restaurant favourites including Nandos, Chiquittos and TGI Friday.

There is also a café at the Leeds Urban Bike Hub located in Middleton Park, offering gourmet coffee and cakes, including a delicious afternoon tea.

There is ample car parking for Middleton Park.

• The first option is near the Urban Bike Park, LS10 3TN (Google Map Directions).
• The second is towards Middleton Park Lake, just off Town St. (Google Map Directions).

Middleton park is an inclusive space great for people of all ages and abilities. Tarmacked paths around the park are suitable for pushchairs, wheelchair users and cyclists.

Middleton Park can be reached by following the A Roads from nearby areas. If travelling from the city centre take the Ring Road or A61. Middleton Park has its own designated car park.

Travelling by bus? Buses 75, 2, 13, 13A from Leeds City Centre stop a short distance from the park.