Tropical World and Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is an incredibly large park in Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire. Tropical World is part of the park and it is an attraction that you must pre-book tickets for. The park itself is free, and parking around the park is also free but can get busy very quickly.

What can you do at Tropical World and Roundhay Park?

Tropical World is located at the top left of the park next to a couple of pretty themed gardens. It is entirely indoors and it’s a large building with different themed areas. There are rainforests, mangroves and a desert. The fish, animals, reptiles and birds in these areas are native to the areas they are in. We especially love the meerkats and the birds. There are also plenty of informative signs for young and old.

Roundhay Park itself has over 700 acres of rolling parkland with two lakes, formal gardens, a ‘castle ruin’ and two play areas. The Land train starts at Lakeside Cafe and runs up Carriage Drive and along Middle Walk, to the Park gates and then does a return journey. The hills at the park are huge and unavoidable, especially if you want to visit both playgrounds. We felt the park could do with some signs for non-locals like ourselves. Even the map we had printed off wasn’t particularly easy to read.

Both lakes are great for feeding the ducks, swans and geese. We took our own bird-safe food but you can purchase bags of food from the bottom cafe that overlooks the main lake. There is a great number of swans at this lake!

If you walk up to the top lake and follow the paths to the right there is a pretty waterfall under a bridge. There is also a folly in the shape of a castle which was built in 1812. We didn’t manage to walk around everything, you could spend a long time just walking around the large bottom lake. Up near the Mansion restaurant are some themed gardens. There is a golf course and you can take canoes out on the lake.

The lakeside cafe has a castle/train-themed playground. In the summer they have a bouncy castle and rides. The top playground is more of your standard kind of playground with things to swing, climb and slide on. There is also a skate park next to this. You can also print off Children’s trails courtesy of the Friends of Roundhay Park.

Important Information Tropical World and Roundhay Park

Is there food and drink available?

There is a cafe at Tropical World plus a Lakeside cafe. There’s also a pub and a restaurant within Roundhay Park. You are welcome to picnic in the park.

What are the main things to do?

700 acres of parkland with 2 playgrounds, a land train, 2 lakes, Tropical Word and more. There are toilets and a choice of places to eat.

What are the ticket prices?

It is free, to visit Roundhay Park. The land train costs £1.50 for a single and £2 for a return. Tropical World costs £7.60 per adult, children 5-15 £3.80 and children under 5 are free.
Prices are subject to change.

Is there parking?

There is free parking.

When are they open?

Roundhay Park is open all year round. Tropical World is open for most of the year. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.

Dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome outdoors.

Are they accessible?

All main paths are accessible. Accessible toilets are available in Tropical World Explorers Cafe, Lakeside Cafe, the Visitor Centre and the Education Rooms.