Roundhay Park, Roundhay, Leeds
Roundhay Park dates back to the 13th century when it was the home of the De Lacy family. Its stands on 700 acres of parkland and gardens. Attractions include Tropical World, the Sham Castle folly, well maintained gardens and walks and much else. The park benefits from a good degree of diversity, from wide open spaces and large boulevards to woodland and riverside walks making it a great place for a Sunday stroll. Roundhay Park is also a great for sledding in winter and basking in summer. In the 18th century landscaping work was undertaken on the park, which resulted in the water falls and follies, such as the 'sham castle' that add to the charm of the park today. Several events take place on Roundhay Park around the year including the Leeds Mela and firework displays in November. On our visit this year it was just coming towards the end of summer.
Taking a stroll through Roundhay Park
There are some great slopes in Roundhay Park for sledding in winter if you want to take the little kids and the big kids. I realised that as a 'big kid' I was getting too old for sledding a few years ago, when I lost control and went flying into a tree. A young lad who can't have been more that eight years old came over to check I was okay, just as my face was doing that 'I'm just realisng how much pain I'm in and I might cry' thing - not a good look. Ironically, Spire Leeds physiotherapy clinic is just around the corner from where this horrific accident happened; although I was probably in more need of a phsycologist at the time. I was traumatised I tell you, traumatised!
Sham Castle Folly, Roundhay Park
View of the mock castle from the bottom of the steps.
Follies were popular on 18th century estates, and were often meant as playful representations of classical, medieval or mythical buildings and places, as well as being an ostentatious display of wealth on the part of the landowner.