A meander around the former grounds of the Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, including the recently restored Bear Pit, an intriguing remnant of this Victorian visitor attraction.
Tuesday 28 April 14:00-15:30 / Thursday 11 June 18:30-20:00 / Sunday 12 July 14:00-15:30
From 1840 to 1858, the land around Cardigan Lane comprised “the most beautiful Public Gardens in England, tastefully ornamented with Lawns, Walks, Lakes, Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Flowers, Statues, Fountains, and many other attractions,” according to adverts placed by the local showman, Thomas Clapham.
But why did the gardens last just 18 years before being sold for suburban redevelopment? And what remains today? We’ll find out as we explore the site, taking in Victorian villas, tall stone walls, and a tiny castle where a bear once lived.
Tickets are £6 for Leeds Civic Trust members and £9 for non-members.
There are three booking links, one for each of the three dates. Please only book tickets for the date of the walk you would like to attend. Tickets are not transferable between the three walks. Please take care to make sure you book tickets for the correct date.
Click here to book for Tuesday 28 April 14:00-15:30
Click here to book for Thursday 11 June 18:30-20:00
Click here to book for Sunday 12 July 14:00-15:30
Useful Information & Accessibility
Dates and times: There are three walks. One on Tuesday 28 April 14:00-15:30, one on Thursday 11 June 18:30-20:00 and one on Sunday 12 July 14:00-15:30.
Locations covered: Headingley
Meeting point: The Golden Beam (Wetherspoon’s), Headingley Ln., Headingley, Leeds LS6 1BL
Approximate distance: 1.2 miles
Is the walk step free? The walk is mostly on pavements but includes some slopes and crossing of roads.
Is this a brisk walk or a relaxed walk? This is a relaxed walk.
Please wear: Sensible shoes and outdoor clothes. We reccomend bringing an umberella.
Further accessibility information: Disabled parking spaces can be found at The Golden Beam, at the bottom of Spring Road, and at Burley Park Station.
Anyone who doesn’t want to complete the full route is welcome to leave after visiting the Bear Pit (approximately 1 hour in) and will still get a good overview of the former gardens.
Transport information: By train, alight at Burley Park Station and walk 0.5 miles to The Golden Beam. By bus, the 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 and 28 all stop at The Golden Beam on Headingley Lane.
Booking information: There are three booking links, one for each of the three dates. Please only book tickets for the date of the walk you would like to attend. Tickets are not transferable between the three walks. Please take care to make sure you book tickets for the correct date. Tickets are £6 for Leeds Civic Trust members and £9 for non-members.
Click here to book for Tuesday 28 April 14:00-15:30
Click here to book for Thursday 11 June 18:30-20:00
Click here to book for Sunday 12 July 14:00-15:30
