24 Hours in Cookridge
Cookridge in Leeds is known for three things: it’s picturesque views, it’s instant curb appeal and its great location. With so much to offer to see and do in the area it can be hard to know where to start, so here’s our insider’s guide to spending 24 hours in Cookridge.
9:00am and its breakfast time!
When it comes to getting breakfast in Cookridge there really is no competition. It simply has to be the
Granary Restaurant at Crag House Farm. Tucked away in the quiet countryside along the Otley Old Road, this restaurant is known for its local produce, beautiful décor (it’s set in a 17
th century barn) and a menu that’s packed full of unquestionable breakfast favourites like American style pancakes, smokehouse kippers, eggs benedict and of course, the traditional all day breakfast.
10:00am and your chance to work off that breakfast.
After fuelling up on fantastic, locally produced food at the Granary Restaurant we recommend a leisurely walk around Golden Acre Park. It is a stunning green space set in no less than 179 acres of woodland and gardens, all focused around an impressive lake. If you’re feeling adventurous you can simply set off and explore but if you prefer a route to follow then there is
a lovely 5.5 mile walk which takes you through the beautiful woodland and the banks of Marsh Beck up to the Golden Acre Lake.
From there you can continue on to Adel Dam Nature Reserve before tracking along through more woodland, wetlands and streams until you return to Golden Acre Park. You’ll need a good couple of hours to really explore all that the park and surrounding countryside has to offer which means you’ll need a good lunch afterwards…
13:30pm and it’s time for a spot of lunch.
After enjoying the quieter side of Cookridge, we think lunchtime is the perfect opportunity to hop over the border into the neighbouring, lively suburb of Horsforth to enjoy some authentic, freshly baked Italian pizza at
Trattoria Il Forno. This little gem is known for its genuine wood burning pizza oven and laid-back atmosphere and the menu is a real crowd pleaser too. Garlic dough balls and Pizza Valentina anyone?
15:00pm how about a round of golf?
Cookridge Hall dates back to the 18
th century and today it’s the setting for the clubhouse at
Cookridge Hall Golf Club, where it provides an impressive backdrop for the intimidating 18
th hole! A round of golf here takes between 3 and 4 hours making it a popular place to spend an afternoon outdoors. If you’re short on time though, then you can always pay a visit to the purpose built, floodlit driving range that lets you hit out over views of the impressive Yorkshire Dales.
Of course, if you don’t like golf then you can try your hand at a spot of ceramics at Firefly Pottery in Horsforth (just a few doors down from Trattoria Il Forno) or you could try your hand at sailing, archery, climbing, orienteering and even bush craft at the Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre in nearby Yeadon.
19:00pm means it’s time for tea (or dinner depending on where you’re from)
After an afternoon of activities, you’ll be ready for a hearty meal and
Gusto’s on the Otley Old Road in Cookridge is the best place to go. Here you can enjoy dishes like honey-glazed duck, pan-fried sea bass or smoked haddock risotto all in the beautiful surroundings of this elegant restaurant. Everything is served fresh and made from scratch and the cocktail menu is as impressive as the food one!
21:00pm is the time for after dinner drinks
Once the cocktails at Gusto have got you nicely warmed up, we recommended heading over to
Granville’s in Horsforth where you can indulge in local beers including Granville’s House Lager, Kirkstall Virtuous and Saltaire New Ground or if you prefer, there are a range of new and exciting gins to choose from too. If you’re lucky, you could even squeeze in a game of bingo (Wednesday nights 7:00 – 9:30pm)!
23:00pm and after a busy day that means bedtime.
If you’re looking for a peaceful (and impressive) place to stay near Cookridge then look no further than
Chevin Country Park Hotel and Spa. It’s a unique destination in Yorkshire and known for its alpine style, complete with log cabins, a picturesque lake and birch forest surroundings. If you want, you can work out in the woodland health club or take a relaxing dip in the pool and if you’re really out to spoil yourself while you’re there, then there is a full range of spa treatments to choose from too.
9:00am and it’s time to start all over again!
After waking up fully refreshed after a night at Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa you can head on down to their Lakeside Restaurant for a spot of breakfast before heading off for even more adventures. And if you’ve really enjoyed your time in Cookridge and the surrounding areas then how about visiting our sales suite at
Aspect at the Park and swap visiting Cookridge for living in Cookridge? We’ll let you decide.