Gotts Park

Gotts park is actually used as a golf course, but is perfect for a stroll, flying balls permitting!
I always access Gotts Park by crossing the canal coming from Kirkstall Road via the slightly creepy area with the transformer station. After the bridge over the canal there is a really pretty path up through the trees, which create a kind of tunnel. Turning off to the right at the top of the path you reach a gentle hill up toward the mansion, a grade two listed building that seems to watch over the park with its large windowey eyes… or is that just me? Before you reach the mansion’s lawn there is a towering dead-​looking tree that has a dramatic weather-​beaten look, somehow reflecting the sense of history evoked by the grand, imposing mansion behind.
Following a path along the side of the mansion leads you to the extremely popular ‘spoon’, probably the best grassy sledging hill in Leeds, with an amazing view of the city. During our week of snow I doubt there was a moment when there wasn’t someone hurtling down it at great speed. When I joined in the fun there was a bunch of snow boarders who seemed to be enjoying the ride.
I have yet to explore the entire park, but its combination of perfect slopes and brilliant views gets my vote!

On a mission to find something different to do with my free time that didn’t require massive planning and organisation, namely transport efforts to reach it I found Gotts Park Golf Course. Close to many residential areas so you don’t need a car to get to it and open to all it is a far cry from the immaculate greens of private clubs but that’s why I felt comfortable (let alone felt like I could afford it) the topography will pride you with a mini-​work out and challenging holes. It’s got a pretty nice hazy view at this time of year too, try and get there in the afternoon for best light of the surrounding area this may not be the optimum time for a round.

just a bit up from mikes carpets if you are heading into armley towards bradford from leeds.
a modern safe play area for kids, & a skate park,
basket ball court (in need of a little restoration)
& new tennis courts.
nice big playing fields with cricket area & goal posts in the footie season.
great place for a picnic on a sunny day or flying kites on a windy day.
great area for walking, as attached to gotts park golf course & a short walk through the woods leads to the canal.
situated close to armley town street, which has various shos & a supermarket.
there is a greggs & a fish & chip shop if you dont fancy the picnic.