Townclose Hills Nature Reserve
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
Leeds
What it’s like
Free woodland and grassland trails where kids can hunt for butterflies and birds, with no entry fee at all.
This is a walking-and-spotting sort of day rather than a playground one. The trails wind through woodland and grassland, and the site flags gatekeeper, speckled wood and comma butterflies as ones to look out for, plus birds like yellowhammer, fieldfare and lesser spotted woodpecker if you've got sharp-eyed kids and a pair of binoculars going spare.
It's free to get in, which makes it an easy one to add to a weekend with no pressure to make the most of a ticket price. April to September is the window they point to as the best time to go, which tracks if butterflies are the main draw for your kids rather than bare branches and mud.
Getting there is straightforward if not glamorous. Park at Kippax Leisure Centre on Station Road, or take the 163 or 166 bus from Leeds city centre and hop off on Station Road. Dogs are welcome but need to be kept on a lead, so factor that in if you're bringing one along with the kids.
The one real catch is the terrain. Wheelchair access is limited because of steep slopes and muddy paths, so a buggy built for pavements is going to have a rough time of it too. This is one for wellies and a bit of stamina rather than a quick flat stroll.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- No set age range listed, but best suited to kids old enough for muddy trails
- Parking
- Kippax Leisure Centre car park on Station Road
- Wheelchairs
- Limited wheelchair access due to steep slopes and muddy paths
- Dogs
- Must be on a lead
- Getting there by bus or train
- Accessible by public transport
- It's free, no booking needed
- Bring binoculars if you've got them, the birdlife list is decent
- Wellies over trainers, the paths get muddy
- Dogs on leads only
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Nothing, it's free entry.
Is there parking?
Yes, at Kippax Leisure Centre on Station Road, a short walk from the reserve.
When's the best time to visit?
April to September, when the butterflies and birds they mention are around.
Is it buggy or wheelchair friendly?
Not really. The slopes are steep and the paths get muddy, so it's tough going on wheels.
Can we get there without a car?
The 163 and 166 buses run from Leeds city centre to Allerton Bywater, get off on Station Road.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes, but it needs to stay on a lead.
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