Golden Acre Park

Is it right for my child?

• Walkers: the council says the main circular route around the park and lake is well maintained and fairly flat.
• Bird spotters: Visit Leeds says the park is home to native animals and wildfowl. The council map labels the water as the Wildfowl Lake.
• Garden explorers: Visit Leeds lists rock gardens and a Demonstration Garden. The council map adds an Arboretum, a Heather Garden and a Wildflower Meadow.
• Nature lovers: Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve sits next to the park. The council says Paul’s Pond, at the reserve’s southern end, is popular with waterfowl, particularly in winter. A kingfisher may be seen if you are very lucky.
• No playground listed: plan this as a walk and café trip rather than a play park visit.
• Water safety: the council lists a lake, streams and ponds. Toddlers need a hand to hold near the edges.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Bring a contactless card or the PayByPhone app for parking. Charges apply 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday.
• Note your car park’s PayByPhone zone: 810357 for Otley Road or 810358 for Arthington Road.
• Time your café stop. In winter (GMT) the council lists the café as open 10am to 3.30pm, Monday to Sunday.
• Need a mobility scooter? The free scooters from the café must be pre-booked before 10am on the day on 0113 535 2502.
• Remind children to keep off any ice. The council’s parks byelaws, which list Golden Acre Park, ban stepping onto any frozen waterway.

Prices and tickets

The council page lists no admission charge for the park. The council’s parking prices page gives these charges for both Golden Acre Park car parks:

• Up to 2 hours: £1.20
• Up to 4 hours: £2.70
• Up to 12 hours: £4.50

Payment is pay and display by contactless card, or by the PayByPhone app or phone line. Charges apply from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday, and the page says no overnight camping. The parks byelaws also bar leaving a motor vehicle in the park between 10pm and 6am without the council’s consent. The parking page does not mention Blue Badge concessions for these car parks.

Regular visitors can buy a parks season ticket: £10 for one month or £85 for one year. It covers all the council’s chargeable parks car parks, with a separate ticket needed for each vehicle. You can buy one online, or at the Golden Acre Park café with your vehicle registration and payment.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

The main circular route around the park and lake is described by the council as well maintained and fairly flat. The demonstration gardens are described the same way.

The council lists public toilets in the park, including a Changing Places facility. Accessible toilets are in the café and in the public toilet block next to the café.

The official pages do not mention baby changing or a feeding room.

Food and drink

The park has a café with outdoor seating and wheelchair access. The council gives these café hours:

• Winter (GMT): 10am to 3.30pm, Monday to Sunday.
• Summer (BST): 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The council page gives no menu or prices, and no Christmas or New Year café hours. The official pages do not mention picnic areas.

Getting there and parking

Golden Acre Park is on the A660 between Adel and Bramhope, six miles north of Leeds city centre. Visit Leeds gives the address as Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 9JX.

• Car parks: the council names car parks off Otley Road and Arthington Road. Its park map shows one car park across the A660 from the gardens, and one in the north-east corner off Arthington Road.
• Crossing the A660: the council map marks a pedestrian underpass by the car park on the far side of the A660. Hold hands near the main road.
• Disabled parking: the council says there are six disabled parking bays in the car park off the A660.
• Buses: the council points you to West Yorkshire Metro for bus times. Its map shows bus stops on the A660 by the park.

When to visit

Visit Leeds lists the park as open 24 hours a day, every day. The council park page does not give opening hours, and it does not mention Christmas or New Year arrangements. Car park charges and café hours still apply as above.

For a winter visit with a café stop, arrive in good time, as the council lists a 3.30pm café close in winter.

In summer, the council says bands play in the park regularly on Sundays. It points to the Leeds International Concert Season for more information.

The park does not suggest a visit length. Our own unverified estimate is 1 to 2 hours.

Additional needs and disability support

The council lists several practical access features at Golden Acre Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is Golden Acre Park free?

The council page lists no admission charge for the park. Parking costs £1.20 for up to 2 hours, £2.70 for up to 4 hours or £4.50 for up to 12 hours. Charges apply 8am to 8pm daily.

Is there a playground at Golden Acre Park?

The council page does not mention a playground, and the council’s park map does not show one. The council lists a circular lakeside walk, gardens and a café instead.

Can you take a pushchair to Golden Acre Park?

The council says the main circular route around the park and lake is well maintained and fairly flat. It describes the demonstration gardens the same way.

Are there toilets at Golden Acre Park?

Yes. The council lists public toilets, including a Changing Places facility, with accessible toilets in the café and in the block next to it. The official pages do not mention baby changing.

What time does the Golden Acre Park café close?

In winter (GMT) the council lists the café as open 10am to 3.30pm, Monday to Sunday. Christmas and New Year hours are not given, so check before you travel.

Can children ride bikes in Golden Acre Park?

The byelaws say no one may ride a cycle without reasonable excuse, except on a cycle right of way or a designated cycling route. Look for signs on the day.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official Leeds City Council pages for Golden Acre Park, the park map, parking prices, public toilets and Changing Places, Breary Marsh and the parks byelaws, plus the Visit Leeds listing. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.