How to Spend 24 hours in Woodlesford
Woodlesford is a fantastic suburb of Leeds sitting on the banks of the Aire and Calder Navigation. A charming village boasting a beautiful, calming canal side, this area has fantastic transport links to nearby Wakefield and Leeds, making it an ideal location for families and young professionals to call home. With that in mind, here’s our handy guide on how to spend a memorable 24 hours in Woodlesford.
8am – Let’s get up and at ‘em…
With a full itinerary ahead, there’s no better place to start your day than The Midland Hotel for a hearty breakfast. Located in the centre of Woodlesford this family friendly local pub is a firm favourite and the beating heart of the community. Whether it’s a traditional full English breakfast you fancy to set you up for the day, a vegetarian delight, or a lighter bite to put you on until lunchtime, this pub has options to cater for all.
It's 10am and time to take in the scenery…
Woodlesford Lock on the Aire and Calder Navigation is a beautifully peaceful, rural spot in an otherwise lively village. The towpath along the serene canal side provides fantastic walking routes, suitable for all ages and accessible to all, and depending on the route you choose, can take you as far as Temple Newsam and beyond. There are plenty of picnic benches close to Woodlesford Lock and a number of shorter family friendly trails including the very popular Gruffalo Trail. When visiting Woodlesford, it’s the perfect spot venture outside and enjoy all nature has to offer, right on your doorstep.
The area is well known for its rich variety of local wildlife and as you meander your way down from the lock, past the beautiful canalboats, you can find yourself in Rothwell Country Park or St Aidens Nature Reserve. Both of which offer gentle walks through stunning scenery and a whole host of wildlife to spot. Use the viewing platform to take in the sights and sounds of nature by observing birds of prey, kingfishers, foxes, voles, otters, reptiles, and sand martins. How many can you tick off the list?
If walking isn’t your thing, then why not immerse yourself in a little retail therapy before lunch? Head to The Springs at Thorpe Park, a mere 5-minute drive away, for a morning of shopping. With renowned high street favourites such as Next, TK Maxx, and JD Sports, alongside smaller independent boutiques, a deluxe cinema screen, gym facilities and plenty of coffee shops and eateries, there really is something for everyone.
12:30 and it’s time for lunch…
Feeling peckish? Look no further than The Boundary House in the neighbouring village of Methley. This superb country pub offers traditional pub food made with locally sourced ingredients, some cooked on a specialist BBQ and grilled over Ash Wood to create an incredible flavour. The bar serves an impressive selection of craft lagers, ciders, real ales, a diverse selection of fine wines and a varied cocktail menu. The food is simply second to none and all is delivered in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. It’s one not to be missed when visiting Woodlesford.
2pm – will it be thrills or relaxation?...
If you’re looking for culture, thrills, adventure, family fun or a combination of them all to keep everyone happy then a visit to Temple Newsam Estate is guaranteed to tick all the boxes. Temple Newsam is one of the great houses of England, bursting with treasures and tales. With over 500 years of history, it has been home to many colourful characters including Lord Darnley (the notorious husband of Mary Queen of Scots). You can explore the atmospheric house, immerse yourself in tales gone by and marvel at the beautifully crafted interiors with one of the greatest collections of fine and decorative arts in Britain. Not only is there the grand stately house to visit, but you can also explore the wonderful gardens, lakes, and woodland trails, perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding. Take a picnic and enjoy the stunning views across the lakes and watch the children blow off some steam in the adventure playground. Another way to keep the kids entertained is towander through the historic cobbled yards and outbuildings to find out what working life was like at Home Farm. Here they can get up close and personal to their favourite farmyard friends including lambs, piglets, geese, guinea pigs and more. For those seeking more thrills and adventure, look no further than Go Ape, a high ropes aerial adventure situated in the grounds of the Temple Newsam Estate. With a series of challenging obstacles to overcome high in the treetops such as the Tarzan Swing, tree to tree zips and free-falling plummet, will you dare?
Maybe you’d prefer a more relaxing pastime for your afternoon pursuit? If that’s the case, then no 24hours in Woodlesford would be complete without a visit to Oulton Hall. This grand hotel, spa and golf course is the ideal way to relax and unwind in a spectacular setting. Set in lush parkland and well-groomed fairways The Golf Resort boasts state of the art first class facilities; including a 27-hole course complex created by iconic course designer Dave Thomas, driving range, practice putting green and golf academy and tuition from PGA qualified coaches. After a round of golf you’ve earned some time to rest, relax and re energise at the spa. Oulton Hall’s grand setting makes for a truly indulgent spa experience whether you’re being pampered with a facial, body wrap, deep-tissue massage, or foot spa, all treatments are carefully selected to leave your skin feeling nourished and glowing. The perfect way to allow you to get away from it all and soothe your stresses away.
- Dinner and Evening Entertainment:
6pm and its time for that dinner reservation…
It would be well worth extending your stay at Oulton Hall to enjoy deliciously down-to-earth food in one of their fine eating establishments. The bars and restaurants each have their own unique atmosphere, from the sophisticated Champagne Bar to the traditional elegance of the Drawing Room. Their main restaurant, the stylish Calverley Grill is where you'll find seasonal menus packed with contemporary classics done just right. Tuck into your favourites like haddock and chips, or vegan burger but remember to leave room for pudding or a cheese platter for afters. Alternatively, the newly-refurbished Claret Jug is a great setting for a laid-back dinner, light bite, or informal celebration – in pride of place on the ‘19th hole’.
If, however, you fancy something a little spicier and more exotic, then look no further than Zoya for the finest Indian cuisine. They specialise in delicious fusion dishes, full of flavour, combining tastes from Indian and Bangladeshi cookery. For excellent food, high quality dining service, all with a relaxed and friendly, family atmosphere Zoya is a must on any visit to Woodlesford.
- Nightlife and Local Tips:
8:30 – means showtime…
Once dinner is finished why not take a short trip into Leeds and take in a show at Leeds Grand Theatre or Leeds Playhouse. Leeds is a wonderful creative hub where people and communities come together to experience world-class theatre that is pioneering, invigorating and relevant. If the ballet or the opera is more your thing, then a visit to the Northern Ballet or Leeds Opera North is one not to be missed.
10pm and the night is young…
Time for some after show drinks? There are plenty of places to accommodate you in Leeds, whether you’re after a quiet wine bar or the start of a wild night of music and dancing. Greek Street is at the top of its game right now, with a host of bars and restaurants ready to make your next night out one you’ll never forget. With Bar Soba, The Alchemist and Manahatta all found here there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. Alternatively, head to Headrow House the home to Redondo Beach, a cocktail bar that serves a wide range of original and traditional cocktails, as well as a variety of bottled beers with DJs every Saturday night. Redondo Beach leads out onto their huge roof terrace which features a kitchen, outdoor bar and sheltered areas with plenty of seating.
- Local Gems and Hidden Treasures:
This Green Moon are a hidden treasure based at Swillington Organic Farm. They host regular forest school classes, outdoor education, tree nippers and residentials and work closely with schools in the local community to utilise outdoor spaces in educational settings. Alongside this they host regular weddings, parties, and outdoor events such as their Christmas Panto, under a teepee, around a campfire in the woodland. If you get the chance to see one of their amazing shows its certainly a unique experience.
Described as a local gem, before your visit is over its essential you make a quick pitstop at Leventhorpe Vineyard. A well-established vineyard, founded in 1985, being the first to re-introduce commercial wine growing back into Yorkshire, Leventhorpe Vineyard produces a range of award-winning wines - white, red and sparkling, both white and pink. All the wines produced at Leventhorpe are made from grapes grown within the five-acre vineyard in their purpose-built winery. Why not head over for a quick tasting session and maybe take a bottle or 2 to go?
Theres certainly plenty to do with 24hours in Woodlesford, so much so that we highly recommend a return visit or even a longer stay. If you’d like find your forever home in this area, take a look at our exclusive homes on
The Moorings, situated on the canal side in Woodlesford and take your time exploring this beautiful village and all it has to offer.