RSPB St Aidan's - Leeds

Victoria J.

This Nature reserve is a true gem. We went this evening for a stroll as the sun was setting. Love that feeling of open space and chilled out walking. Lovely wildlife and to hear all the birds is wonderful. Whether this place is on your doorstep or not it is definitely worth a visit. Places like this are great for everyone, great for educational needs and great for mental health and general wellbeing. The walks are well signposted, with paths to walk, you can walk as much or as little as you like, there are muddy parts, so sensible footwear is advised. The paths are easily accessible and you can get around easily on the footpaths with a pushchair and some of the paths possibly are wheelchair accessible. There is parking onsite and a lovely little cafe, toilets and picnic benches. What now can you ask for.

Melanie H.

St Aidan’s nature reserve is a peaceful place for walking, birdwatching, or a picnic.

There is a carpark, small cafe, and toilets at the reserve.

Parking is £4 for non members and can be paid for at the machine or in the shop. The carpark was fairly busy on a Friday in early March but there were still a few spaces available at mid morning.

There are various paths around the ponds and wetlands. Great for a short stroll or a longer walk. Some of the paths were very muddy but that main trails were pretty good.

The cafe does a selection of cakes, including a plant based loaf cake (which was delicious). I didn’t look at the menu but I believe they also do savoury dishes. The cafe staff were friendly.

Anne M. S.

We had the perfect day for visiting as it was bright and sunny and the paths were pretty good.
We arrived by train from Leeds to Woodlesford then walked along by the river until we reached the reserve. It is huge!
There were lots of visitors but it never felt crowded. Paths were clearly marked and the map boards gave plenty of information.
It was lovely to see and hear so many birds in their natural habitat. In a couple of spots there were lots of twitchers all armed with binoculars and long lens cameras, all eager to see the black necked grebes and the rare Slovakian grebe.
We walked up to see the famous giant machinery and popped into the Little Owl cafe which is close by.
What a lovely way to spend time in nature!

Khabeer M.

Went for a visit on a weekday in September. We were greeted by a lovely lady who gave us an idea of what routes to take and where we could spot the owls.

Highly recommend, don't forget your binoculars if you have some

Kelly T.

Love walking around this nature reserve. Very peaceful and easy terrain

John M.

Very good nature reserve with well marked paths, toilets and a cafe.
Do not park on the road outside or you will get a ticket.
Use the car park or side roads.

Rick H.

What a great little(massive) place not too far out from Leeds city centre. It's a reserve so as expected lots of wildlife so great for walks with small children to teach them about the world. Will be visiting regularly!

Danny C.

RSPB St Aidan’s is a fantastic place to visit, offering a perfect mix of history, nature, and relaxation. One of the highlights of my trip was seeing the enormous old mining machine, a fascinating reminder of the site’s industrial past. It’s an impressive sight and really gives a sense of the scale of the former opencast mine.

As I explored the reserve, I was surrounded by the sounds of nature. The birdlife was incredible, with so many different species to see and hear. Whether it was the calls of warblers in the reeds or the sight of majestic birds of prey soaring overhead, the variety of wildlife made the visit truly special. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the stunning landscapes, created a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The views across the wetlands and lakes were breathtaking, especially on a clear day. Whether walking along the trails or simply stopping to take it all in, there was always something beautiful to admire. To top it all off, I treated myself to a delicious ice cream from the local café, the perfect way to round off a great day. I’d highly recommend RSPB St Aidan’s to anyone who loves nature, history, and a bit of fresh air.