Middleton Woods

Middleton Woods is located in the Leeds suburb of Middleton, situated on a hill 4 miles south of Leeds City Centre, offering views over the city skyline. The woods are entwined in the fabulous Middleton Park. Visit both today, to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, Leeds historical past and a host of activities for all the family to enjoy.

Explore the ancient Woodlands

Middleton Woods is the largest remaining ancient woodland in West Yorkshire and has been continuously wooded since 1600. The woods are home to beech, hazel, sycamore, birch and sweet chestnut trees. Can you spot them all? Take in the ancient beauty of the tree barks standing tall, hear the leaves rustle in the breeze and wonder what fascinating events they have witnessed and stories they could tell.

Visit in the early spring to see the delightful carpet of bluebells and wildflowers in bloom. Admire  the butterflies displaying their wings in the summer. Watch the tree leaves as they turn hues of red and yellow during the autumn, gather seeds and see what varieties of fungi you can spot in the autumn.

Look closely at the  dead and fallen trees and leaves scattered on the floor and you will find hidden life scuttling amongst the undergrowth. Look out for woodlice, beetles and spiders going about their daily business.

The woods are home to a variety of mammals and birds. Keep your eyes peeled for mice, voles, squirrels and bats. Can you hear the woodpeckers pecking at tree bark?

Take a ride on the world’s oldest working railway

Ride the world’s oldest railway which enables you to ride on steam trains of days gone by. Enjoy a 25 minute round trip from Moor Park to the edge of Middleton Woods. A great addition to your day and suitable for all the family. To find out more and how to book visit Middleton Railway.

Run in Middleton Woods

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. Take a look at the parkrun route here.

Dog Friendly

Middleton Woods and the adjoining Middleton Park are great places to take your four legged friends for a stroll. Put your dog on the lead and take them for a leisurely stroll around the park and rose gardens. Need to let off some steam? Let them roam freely and explore the old tram tracks in the heart of the ancient woodlands.

Be sure to visit Middleton Park

When in this neck of the woods make sure you visit the adjoining Middleton park which has a playground, visitor centre and fishing lake and is home to the Leeds Urban Bike Hub  and  Middleton Park Equestrian Centre.

Want to support Middleton Woods?

Join the Middleton Park Estate Volunteers  where you can make  new friends and get stuck in with gardening and estate maintenance. The group welcomes new volunteers and meets every Thursday between 10 am and 3pm. To express your interest contact the Middleton Park Estate Officer.

Delve into the Middletons Woods historic past and take part in the transport trail which takes you on a journey to the sites of historic and existing means of transport through the park and woods including tramways, waggon ways and  the world’s oldest working railway.

Middleton Wood is an ancient woodland with a rich history. The land has been wooded since the 1600s, so some of the trees here may be hundreds of years old.

Hidden amongst the woodland you will find bowl-shaped pits. These are believed to be the remains of an early form of medieval coal mining dating back to the 1300s, which archaeologists completed survey work to find out more about the land in 2007.

Home to the world’s oldest working railway, Middleton was instrumental in developing travel for Leeds and the wider world. Can you spot the hidden tram tracks and wagon ways amongst the trees?

Toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet can be found at the Visitor Centre in Middleton Park, a short walk from the woods. Toilets are opening during the visiting centre’s opening hours. Hours may vary. There are bins located around the woods and park.

Middleton Woods provides the perfect backdrop for a picnic. Take a seat on the benches or throw down a blanket under the trees and tuck into your sandwiches. Out for a spontaneous walk, feeling a bit peckish and didn’t bring your sarnies? Head over to the cafe in Middleton park and pick from a selection of sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and ice-creams.

Picnic not your thing? Why not head to the nearby White Rose Centre where you can find a selection of great eateries including Prezzos Italian, Pizza Hut and Frankie & Benny’s and indulge in some retail therapy.

There is ample car parking for Middleton Woods.

• 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 Woods is an inclusive space. There are tarmacked paths around the visitor centre, park and woodlands that are accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs. Whilst in the woods please stick to the main paths.

Be careful in the rain and cold weather as paths may become wet and slippery. To help with access mobility scooters are available to hire free of charge from the visitor centre. Please call 01133781142 to book.

Travelling by bus? Routes 2, 3, 3A, 12, 13, 13A and 17 will drop you within a short walking distance of the park.

If travelling by car from surrounding areas the park can be reached via M621 and the Ring Road. Visitors can use the Middleton Park car park.