Roundhay Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roundhay Park |
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Map sign, Roundhay Park
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| Type | Parkland, woodland, gardens |
| Location | Leeds, West Yorkshire, England |
| Area | 700 acres (2.8 km2) |
| Created | 1872 |
| Operated by | Leeds City Council |
| Status | Open all year |
Roundhay Park is a really big park in the northern part of Leeds, a city in England. It's a fantastic place with lots to explore! The park has two main lakes, called Waterloo Lake and the Upper Lake. You can also find the historic Roundhay Mansion, a fun place called Tropical World, and even a building that looks like a castle.
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The History of Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park has a long and interesting past. A very long time ago, in the 1200s, it was a private area used for hunting. Imagine knights and lords hunting here!
Later, in 1803, a man named Thomas Nicholson bought the park. He hired John Clarke in 1811 to redesign it into a beautiful private park. Around the same time, the grand Roundhay Mansion was built.
In 1871, something big happened: the Leeds City Council bought the park. They wanted it to be a place for everyone to enjoy, not just private owners. At first, some people thought it was a bad idea because the park was quite far from the city centre. But as Leeds grew bigger, more and more people moved closer to the park, making it a popular spot for everyone.
Exploring the Lakes of Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is famous for its two beautiful lakes. They are great places to relax, walk, and enjoy nature.
Discovering Waterloo Lake
Waterloo Lake is the biggest lake in the park. It was built by soldiers who had just returned from the Napoleonic Wars after a famous battle called the Battle of Waterloo. This lake is about 60 ft (18 m) deep and covers an area of 33 acres (13 ha).
Long ago, people used to go boating on Waterloo Lake. Now, it's mainly used for fishing. The old boathouse on the lake was turned into a cafe, where you can grab a snack or a drink. Before 1900, a steamboat called the Maid of Athens even sailed on the lake! The dam at one end of the lake used to be a waterfall.
Exploring the Upper Lake
The Upper Lake is smaller than Waterloo Lake. It sits on higher ground, giving it a different feel. Between the two lakes, you can find Roundhay Castle, which is actually a folly – a building made to look like a castle, but not a real one! The Upper Lake also has a large fountain right in its middle, which looks lovely when it's spraying water.
Concerts and Events at the Park
Roundhay Park is a huge open space, which makes it perfect for big events and concerts. Many famous musicians have performed here! For example, the park has hosted "Party at the Park" events. Superstars like Madonna and Robbie Williams have also held concerts here, bringing thousands of fans to enjoy their music in the open air.
Images for kids
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A street plan of the park
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Tropical World Exterior
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The Arena with Hill 60 on the Right
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Roundhay "Castle"
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Waterloo Lake
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The Mansion in Roundhay Park
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Visitor Centre, The Mansion House
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In the Butterfly House, Tropical World
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In the Desert House, Tropical World
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Part of the Jungle, Tropical World
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Monet Garden
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Alhambra Garden
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The Friends Garden
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The rotunda
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Capital and cornice
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Sink with shell splashback
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