Batcliffe Wood

Batcliffe Woods is located 2 miles North West of Leeds City Centre in the popular suburb of Headingley, which is home to Leeds Beckett University and Headingley Stadium. Batcliffe Woods sits south of Beckett Park and stretches towards Kirkstall Lane and Queenswood Drive.

The woods are a luscious mix of mature forest trees, including beech, horse chestnut and oak trees. Visit in the early spring to see the woods in bloom, adorned with a carpet of bluebells. Such a beautiful site after dormant and dark winter days and the perfect mid-afternoon pick me up. In the summer months you will find a congregation of colourful wild flowers. How many can you identify?

Views across Headingley

Set on a hill Batcliffe woods are a great place to stop and admire the panoramic views of the local area. Cast your eyes over Ash Road allotments, from the Heart of Headingley to the steeple of St Augustine’s Church in Hyde Park. Head out at dawn or dusk to see the changing beams of light from the sunrise and sunset and they glisten through the trees.

Exercise in the woods and surrounding area

Looking for somewhere to go for your daily dose of exercise? Look no further than Batcliffe Woods, a great place to walk your dog, go for a short walk or a run. Want to go further and get those miles in ? Extend your route through the joining Beckett Park and Headingley. Check out Run Leeds for running inspiration and routes in the area.

Go for a bike ride

With scenic woodlands and off road paths leading to Beckett Park, Batcliffe Wood is a great place to go for a bike ride. Keep to the path or go off track and enjoy the fresh air.

Looking to volunteer?

Get involved with the upkeep of the woods by joining the Friends of Batcliffe Wood. The volunteer group meets quarterly throughout the year to complete practical conservation activities. Join in with scrub bashing, hedge management, litter picking, painting and maintenance, tree and flower planting. The group is a great way to get involved with your local community and make new friends.

Batcliffe Woods once belonged to New Grange Farm, a monastery  site which later became known as Kirkstall Grange . In the 19th Century the house and estate grounds which included Batcliffe Wood and Beckett Park were owned by John Marshall, a wealthy and influential man in the textile industry who led the way for Leeds to become the flax-spinning centre of the world.

The estate was later bought by William Beckett, a wealthy financier in 1832 and renamed Kirkstall Grange. He carried out extensive work on the house, park and woodland in the hope that Queen Victoria would visit in 1858 – she never did (at least, not the park). One of the more substantial pieces of work was Victoria Arch in Beckett Park. The estate was sold in 1908, becoming a training college and later Leeds Beckett University.

Many of the buildings of the sprawling estate remain. One of which is Batcliffe Wood House, a large stone building which sits in the woods. Converted into flats the building has been an area of contestation due to its large size and limited planning permissions and has faced demolition over the years.

If you are looking for toilets near Batcliffe Woods, there are none on site. However toilets may be accessible at Leeds Beckett University South Lodge upon request. If not, Headingly has many pubs you could pop into.

There are lots of restaurants and pubs near Batcliffe Wood, which is just a 20 minute walk away from Headingley’s thriving centre. Whether it’s a bite to eat, a quick coffee or cocktails you fancy, this part of Leeds has got your covered, providing the perfect end to your woodland stroll.

For the coffee lovers out there Fika North is a great choice. Inspired by Swedish culture, this delightful little venue serves up some of the finest speciality from independent roasters from Leeds, Yorkshire and beyond. It also serves a selection of delicious pastries and cakes. Why not go all out and treat yourself to the all day brunch?

For those in need of a stiff drink, check out the likes of Head of Steam, Arcadia Ale House or The Original Oak. All serve up a great selection of craft, cask beers and wine and spirits and fabulous pub grub.

If you’re looking for more adventurous cuisine head over to Kuala Lumpur Café, a lovely restaurant bringing the taste of Malaysia to the heart of Headingley. Be sure to try the delicious Nasi Lema, Malaysia’s favourite dish which was featured on Master Chef.

There is no car park on site at Batcliffe Wood. There is on street parking near Batcliffe Woods on Kirkstall Lane (LS6 3EJ) and Queenswood Drive (LS6 3NB).

There is a well trodden mud path running through the woods which can be accessed by wheelchairs and pushchairs. Care should be taken when venturing off the path through the woodlands as paths are uneven and slippery and muddy when wet.