Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park
4.4
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4.4
709 reviews
Excellent
386
Very good
264
Average
49
Poor
8
Terrible
2
Matthew Tindle
Leeds, UK52 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Golden Acre park is a lovely scenic walk, with plenty of wildlife and a council run tea room full of treats, savoury food and hot/cold drink beverages and even dog treats. You can map around the lake and gardens following the path completing about 1k per lap so easy route to get some steps in. Squirrels love monkey nuts and are sociable, if you’re lucky on the walk down from the east car park you may get robins/blue tits flying into your hand for seed as well. There are some amazing Mandarin ducks too. Pictures are over the span of May 2024, Dec 2024 and March 2025 but been coming longer. Since early 2025 LCC car parking charges are in effect, be advised you’ll need an app or contacted card for the meter I think. I used app and did Apple Pay which was no issue and cheap enough. Toilet facilities and dog friendly
Written 6 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dcmleeds
Leeds, UK178 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
Really thrilled to see that the cafe at Golden Acre Park now has some indoor dog friendly seating. This is really appreciated as the park is well used by dog walkers and previously if I was walking my dog solo I struggled to get a coffee as not allowed inside. Well done Golden Acre. This will be popular.
Written 16 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
idcus
564 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Lovely well kept park, with lots to see....there is a large lake with lots of ducks and swans to feed and another large Pond to walk through the woods to get to. Plus there is the nature reserve and the bird hides. Great place to visit, if you can get into the extremely busy car park!
Written 14 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue R
9 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We have been coming every week for the last few years as we really enjoy the walk including the newish nature reserve. However we are really disappointed to find that since Xmas they are now allowing/encouraging dogs inside the cafe. We are definitely not dog fans and now to have dogs covered in mud, barking , and straining their heads up and climbing up to the tables is way beyond disappointing.
We have always appreciated the food, friendly staff and service here and it would be a shame to have to relocate our weekly visit elsewhere . Please tell me this is a temporary solution to the bad weather?
We have always appreciated the food, friendly staff and service here and it would be a shame to have to relocate our weekly visit elsewhere . Please tell me this is a temporary solution to the bad weather?
Written 21 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
castle1_10
Leeds, UK1,959 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Living in Leeds and driven past the Golden Acre Park it was about time a visit was undertaken.
On a dull day in November we arrived in one of the free car parks off Otley Road to start our little adventure.
Well sign posted information boards right from the start we took the walk around the perimeter about a 40 minute stroll.
Well maintained pathways all the way round.
Plenty of dog walkers and a few bird enthusiasts about.
Walking to the bottom of the large lake then into a wooded area then back onto the right hand path that leads up to the cafe.
Oh go on then a quick coffee then we took the reverse walk back.
It’s fair to say we should have done this 2-3 weeks beforehand when the trees would have been in full autumn colours.
There’s plenty of wildlife to be seen more so the grey squirrels… I’m now informed that they are invasive creatures … now saying that the ones we encountered where not timid but will come up to you which is quite cute m, but others may disagree.
There’s also a small section of miniature railway that’s left surprisingly just about intact near the cafe … although I didn’t know one existed here, it’s a shame it only last a few years in the 1930s.
If you look the video up it’s very very popular back in its day…. Yes if by some miracle it was ever brought back what a attraction to promote the park.
On our return we noted a one mile walk through a section of woodland Adel Dam nature reserve that’s also a nice woodland walk although it’s not paved so November time places can be a bit muddy but it’s do able.
Bird watching hides and water features wooden bridges and information boards everywhere.
So I’m impressed next visit springtime and Autumn when the leafs are turning
Well recommended
Nature
On a dull day in November we arrived in one of the free car parks off Otley Road to start our little adventure.
Well sign posted information boards right from the start we took the walk around the perimeter about a 40 minute stroll.
Well maintained pathways all the way round.
Plenty of dog walkers and a few bird enthusiasts about.
Walking to the bottom of the large lake then into a wooded area then back onto the right hand path that leads up to the cafe.
Oh go on then a quick coffee then we took the reverse walk back.
It’s fair to say we should have done this 2-3 weeks beforehand when the trees would have been in full autumn colours.
There’s plenty of wildlife to be seen more so the grey squirrels… I’m now informed that they are invasive creatures … now saying that the ones we encountered where not timid but will come up to you which is quite cute m, but others may disagree.
There’s also a small section of miniature railway that’s left surprisingly just about intact near the cafe … although I didn’t know one existed here, it’s a shame it only last a few years in the 1930s.
If you look the video up it’s very very popular back in its day…. Yes if by some miracle it was ever brought back what a attraction to promote the park.
On our return we noted a one mile walk through a section of woodland Adel Dam nature reserve that’s also a nice woodland walk although it’s not paved so November time places can be a bit muddy but it’s do able.
Bird watching hides and water features wooden bridges and information boards everywhere.
So I’m impressed next visit springtime and Autumn when the leafs are turning
Well recommended
Nature
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Captain J
Leeds, UK66 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This is an outstanding park area covering over 130 acres. Fantastic walks, a lovely lake and many rare and beautiful flowers.
But, the cafe is a disgrace. It does not open until 10am, only in the UK would this happen...I am British and live here, and this is not unusual, for places to open at ridiculous times. Even on a Saturday this cafe does not open until 10am. The prices are very very expensive. A single shot of Espresso coffee, £2.80... Absolutely crazy. This is Leeds Council run cafe not some exclusive place.
I would recommend the park, but avoid this highly expensive and poorly run cafe.
But, the cafe is a disgrace. It does not open until 10am, only in the UK would this happen...I am British and live here, and this is not unusual, for places to open at ridiculous times. Even on a Saturday this cafe does not open until 10am. The prices are very very expensive. A single shot of Espresso coffee, £2.80... Absolutely crazy. This is Leeds Council run cafe not some exclusive place.
I would recommend the park, but avoid this highly expensive and poorly run cafe.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoe C
Leeds, UK109 contributions
Mar 2020
I absolutely love this park and it holds many happy memories for me of numerous visits with my family over the years. If your definition of a park must include a children’s playground then this is not the place for you, but if you want a beautiful outdoor space whatever the season, then this park is a must. The paths are wide and good for kids prams, bikes and scooters. The bottom end of the lake can be a bit bumpy if you’re pushing someone in a manual wheelchair, but are still passable with a bit of effort. There’s a radar key disabled toilet and designated blue badge parking close to the cafe (and the opposite side of the road from the main carpark). There are squirrels and bird life galore as soon as you get off the main path and the blue tits and great tits will take peanuts from your hand with a bit of patience. The flower borders look lovely in the summer and the parkland is tidy and well cared for. Park in the back car park and enjoy a longer walk down into the park or pick up the Meanwood Trail and walk all the way into Leeds along a mainly rural pathway.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter L
Leeds, UK10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Golden Acre Park is one of the hidden gems of Leeds. The park is on a bus route, but most people arrive by car,as did I.
The car park is located on the opposite side of a very fast flowing road, but there is a underpass for pedestrian users.
The toilets and cafe are well looked after. If the weather is suitable, the cafe terrace is a good place to relax and enjoy the birdsong.
There is a large glasshouse with tropical plants and ornamental pond.
The park also has a special dahlia garden with many beautiful flowers.
There are a few accessible wetland areas complete with lily pads, flowers, rushes and ducks.
There is very little here for children, it is a slow paced place, for those who enjoy flora and fauna.
There is usually an ice-cream van in the car parking area.
The car park locks in the evening.
The car park is located on the opposite side of a very fast flowing road, but there is a underpass for pedestrian users.
The toilets and cafe are well looked after. If the weather is suitable, the cafe terrace is a good place to relax and enjoy the birdsong.
There is a large glasshouse with tropical plants and ornamental pond.
The park also has a special dahlia garden with many beautiful flowers.
There are a few accessible wetland areas complete with lily pads, flowers, rushes and ducks.
There is very little here for children, it is a slow paced place, for those who enjoy flora and fauna.
There is usually an ice-cream van in the car parking area.
The car park locks in the evening.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MattAndLol
Bradford, UK511 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We actually love this park & have spent many happy hours here over the years, we love bringing nuts to feed the squirrels, watching the birds, walking round the lake etc, having a picnic or eating in the cafe, appreciating the beautiful surroundings. In this age of covid 19 & social distancing parks are essential for exercise & mental well being. Golden Acre park has been reopened for several weeks now so we visited today, Sunday 19th July, expecting to spend most of the day here, especially since the cafe is now open for takeaway.
We also visit Temple Newsam regularly & know their toilets are open now so we fully expected the toilets to be reopened at Golden Acre. We were disappointed that the toilets are still closed here, we were going to eat from the cafe & spend several more hours at the park but we had to cut our visit short & go home instead. We understand extra cleaning is very important at the moment but other properties belonging to Leeds council seem to be able to manage it. Be aware of the toilet situation before you visit at the moment.
We also visit Temple Newsam regularly & know their toilets are open now so we fully expected the toilets to be reopened at Golden Acre. We were disappointed that the toilets are still closed here, we were going to eat from the cafe & spend several more hours at the park but we had to cut our visit short & go home instead. We understand extra cleaning is very important at the moment but other properties belonging to Leeds council seem to be able to manage it. Be aware of the toilet situation before you visit at the moment.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Masterspy
London, UK115 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We visited Golden Acre Park during early June when the weather was good but still found some of the paths in poor repair and quite muddy. There are an awful lot of dogs and when you are trying to avoid the puddles (and people) they can be a nuisance . The lake isn’t very big but there is an interesting selection of geese and ducks to amuse the kids. There is also a cafe although this was closed due to lock down during the Covid crisis. The best part of our walk wasn’t in the park but the adjacent Breary Marsh Nature Reserve but finding the start of this area was quite difficult. To access the path you need to go through a tunnel to the opposite side of the road (the Otley/ Bramhope road) in the car park and go over a small bridge and then bear right and uphill . The path eventually brings you to a lovely lake which whilst quite small is very scenic and again full of wild birds. The area is much quieter than Golden Acre Park and well worth a visit. The path loops round the lake and the whole trip takes about 30 minutes.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a play area for children at the park
Written 12 August 2020
Am I able to run around the park?
Written 27 March 2020
There are no specific running tracks you can but ground is uneven undulating and often busy. There is a lathe walking and bridle path from the park to Esholt which is better for running
Written 27 March 2020
No not really no swings or slides, there is a lovely lake with a variety of birds it’s so pretty. a good pathway all the way round so scooters or bikes are a good children’s activity
Written 3 July 2019
Dogs can’t swim there as it’s a natural lake with ducks and swans nesting and with their young
Written 11 May 2018
Was having some construction done but I'm sorry I don't know if it is
Written 21 March 2017
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