Forest bathing at Middleton Park

Middleton Park is a large estate park in south Leeds of over 470 acres, and around 200 acres of it is ancient woodland. It is a remnant of a medieval manor recorded in the Domesday Book, and the ground through the woods is dotted with shaft mounds and bell pits from medieval coal mining. The woods are a Local Nature Reserve, which is a surprise so close to the city, and they are big enough to lose the sound of traffic.

The main entrance is on Town Street in Middleton, near the visitor centre and café. Tarmac paths round the open parkland are suitable for wheelchairs, while the woodland paths are earth and can be muddy. The park is owned by Wade's Charity and run by Leeds City Council, and the heritage Middleton Railway runs along one edge. In spring the woods are full of wild garlic. Some tracks are used by mountain bikers, so choose the footpaths for a slow walk.