The Hollies
A tranquil 30-acre woodland and garden sanctuary hidden in northwest Leeds, blending rare plants with wild nature.
The Hollies is a serene 30-acre park nestled in northwest Leeds, offering a hidden escape from urban life. This peaceful green space combines formal gardens with natural woodland, featuring rare plant collections, forested walking trails, and flower gardens. Located on the west bank of Meanwood Beck between the Leeds outer ring road and Weetwood Mill Lane, it provides a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and families seeking quiet walks away from the city centre.
A brief summary to The Hollies
- Bardon Grange Lodge, 103 Weetwood Ln, Leeds, Weetwood, LS16 5PA, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in spring or early summer to see the rare plant collections in full bloom. The formal gardens are most spectacular during these months, creating vibrant displays throughout the park.
- Wear appropriate footwear for woodland walking. Paths can become muddy after rainfall, particularly in shaded areas, so sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended for comfortable exploration.
- Allow time to explore beyond the main entrance. The park's network of interconnected trails reveals hidden corners and varied landscapes that reward thorough exploration.
- Visit on a weekday or outside peak hours for a quieter experience. The park remains relatively undiscovered by many Leeds residents, offering peaceful solitude even during busy seasons.
- Bring a camera or sketchbook. The combination of formal gardens, woodland scenery, and seasonal changes creates numerous opportunities for photography and artistic capture throughout the year.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
Getting There
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Public Bus
First Bus Leeds number 28 from the Headrow city centre stops on Weetwood Lane, approximately 5 minutes' walk from the main park entrance. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes from the city centre. Buses run regularly throughout the day, with reduced frequency on Sundays and evenings.
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Car
From Leeds city centre, follow signs toward the northwest via the A660 or A65. Enter the park via the signed lane off Weetwood Lane. The car park accommodates approximately 10 vehicles and is accessed by turning left after entering the lane—do not turn right, which leads to residential properties. Postcode for the car park is LS16 5NZ.
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Walking from Meanwood Park
The Hollies connects directly to Meanwood Park across Meanwood Beck. If visiting Meanwood Park first, follow the signposted path across the beck to access The Hollies from the south. This route takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point within Meanwood Park.
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Access from Ring Road
The Leeds outer ring road provides access to the park from the north and east. Follow signs toward Weetwood Lane and the park entrance. This approach is useful if arriving from areas beyond the city centre or from the motorway network.
The Hollies location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about The Hollies
A Hidden Gem Born from Remembrance
The Hollies began as a private estate before being gifted to Leeds City Council by William Brown in memory of his son, Major Harold Brown, who was killed during the First World War in 1918. This generous donation transformed what was once an exclusive private garden into a cherished public space. The memorial plaque dedicated to Major Harold Brown sits on the hillside, a quiet testament to the park's poignant origins. This history of private stewardship explains the park's distinctive character—a sense of seclusion and carefully curated beauty that feels worlds away from the surrounding urban landscape.Where Formal Gardens Meet Wild Nature
The Hollies occupies a unique position in Leeds's green infrastructure, blending cultivated horticultural displays with untamed woodland. Formal flower gardens showcase rare plant collections that transform throughout the seasons, while natural woodland areas invite exploration and discovery. The park sits above Meanwood Park and forms part of the Meanwood Valley Local Nature Reserve, anchoring the area as an important ecological asset. The 30 acres create multiple distinct environments within a single destination—visitors can move from manicured garden beds to dense forest within minutes, experiencing dramatic shifts in atmosphere and landscape.Walking Trails and Woodland Exploration
The park's network of walking paths offers something for every visitor, from leisurely strolls through cultivated areas to more adventurous woodland hikes. The varied terrain and multiple routes mean that even regular visitors discover new paths and hidden corners. The woodland canopy provides shelter and creates an immersive natural experience, while open spaces offer respite and views across the valley. During spring and summer, the flowering plants and blooming gardens create spectacular displays, while autumn brings rich colours to the woodland. Winter visits offer a different magic, with bare trees revealing the park's structure and creating atmospheric, quiet spaces.Practical Amenities and Accessibility
The park provides essential facilities for visitors, including a car park accessed via a signed lane off Weetwood Lane with capacity for approximately ten vehicles. Disabled access and wheelchair accessibility are available, making the park welcoming to visitors with mobility considerations. Dog waste bins and general rubbish facilities support responsible use. The main entrance is on Weetwood Lane, though additional access points connect to Meanwood Park across Meanwood Beck and from the Ring Road, providing flexibility for different approach routes. Nearby food and drink options, as well as toilet facilities, are available in the surrounding area.Seasonal Character and Weather Considerations
The park's appearance and accessibility shift with the seasons and weather conditions. Spring and early summer showcase the rare plant collections in full bloom, creating the most visually spectacular period. Autumn brings warm colours to the woodland. Winter offers quieter visits and atmospheric woodland walks, though paths can become muddy and challenging after rainfall, requiring careful navigation. The combination of woodland trails and open areas means some routes are more affected by wet weather than others, so visitors should plan accordingly during rainy periods.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Chapel Allerton Arts Festival
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Civic Hall
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Leeds War Memorial
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Statue of John Harrison
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Canal Gardens
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Oakwood Clock
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Victoria Leeds
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Holy Trinity Church
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The Talbot Hounds Fountain
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Time Ball Buildings
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Leeds Corn Exchange
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Temple Works
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Beckett Park
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Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre
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Woodhouse Ridge View point
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Headingley Rectory
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The Original Oak
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Headingley Carnegie Pavilion
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Hinsley Hall
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Sparrow Park
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AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium
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Abbey House Museum Gardens
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Abbey House Museum
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Headingley Bear Pit
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Kirkstall Abbey
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Chapel Allerton Spaces
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Essential places to dine
Casa Alba
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Zucco
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm family hospitality in the heart of Leeds’ Meanwood at Zucco, a cozy spot for sharing plates and fine wines.
Salvo's
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Authentic family-run Italian dining in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving classic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and warm hospitality since 1976.
Heaney & Mill
1.4 km
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Poco Sicilian Street Food Headingley
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Authentic Sicilian street food in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving vibrant flavors in a casual, welcoming setting.
Santorini Bar & Grill
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Experience authentic Greek and Turkish flavors in a lively, welcoming setting at Santorini Bar & Grill in Leeds’ vibrant Headingley district.
The Cat's Pyjamas
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TADA
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Kuala Lumpur Café Headingley
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Signature Bar and Restaurant
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De Baga Restaurant
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The Queens Arms
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Toby Carvery Chapel Allerton
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MYTHOS Chapel Allerton
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The Olive Chapel Allerton
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Flavour Like Fancy
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Legs&Limpy
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Style LTT
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Holton Apparel
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Eco Queen
1.9 km
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Pablos Friends Shop
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varelas.clothing
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Melts
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North South Vintage
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Vintage Boutique
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Chirpy
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Glasshouse Gallery
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Angels Too
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In Your Dog House Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Gin Room
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The Headingley Taps
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Further North
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Bricklebank's Cafe & Bar
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Regent
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Nature Escape
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Scenic
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Nature Reserve
- Protected Area
- Eco-Friendly
- Wildlife Habitat
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
