The park is situated about six miles north-west of the centre of Leeds at Bramhope on the A660 Leeds Road. It consists of approximately 55 hectares of Gardens and mature Woodland surrounding an attractive lake which is home to many species of wildfowl. Adjacent to the park is Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife and important conservation site.
A wonderful horticultural experience
Over recent years the gardens have seen much transformation. Existing features have been upgraded, beds and borders re-organised and new features added. Features include Limestone and Sandstone Rock Gardens, Bog and Late Season borders and Courtyard.
The Display House has recently been transformed into a planted rocky outcrop and a scree bed depicting a dry temperature region typical of the Mediterranean region.
In the heart of the park is the Demonstration Garden. This garden follows the horticultural trends and fashions and provides visitors with inspiration and ideas for their own gardens. Themes range from Tropical, Cottage Formal styles to a Pottage and Container Garden. The Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Societies also exhibit within the garden. Nothing is permanent in here, every year we try to add something new.
National Collections
Leeds Parks & Countryside in 1982 accepted an invitation from the newly formed National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens (N.C.C.P.G) now Plant Heritage, to take part in the preservation and protection of our garden plants. As with our native species many of our cultivated plants are under threat, some have already been lost. To prevent further erosion of our floral heritage a network of national collections each dedicated to one particular group of plants was set up country wide with Plant Heritage co-ordinating. 25 years on, Leeds Parks are proud to hold 11 nationally recognised collections, 3 of which are held here at Golden Acre Park.
The National Collection of Syringa (Lilac’s), forming the Lilac walk within the Arboretum and the Large leaved Hosta and Hemerocallis (Daylilies) collections held within the newly establish Collections Garden in the heart of the park.
Award winner
Golden Acre Park successfully achieved the Green Flag Award in 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12. If you would like more information on the Green Flag Award please follow the link on the right hand site of this page.
Wild Golden Acre
Distinctive features of the park are the areas surrounding the lake, arboretum and picnic area, where the local flora is encouraged to go wild. Reduced mowing has seen a vast increase in the biodiversity. In the low-lying wet meadows of the picnic site, Ragged Robin and sways of wild Orchid flourish. In the higher dry meadows of the arboretum, Scabious and Harebells abound. In contrast a network of shaded woodland pathways lined with many species of Rhododendron and Azaleas provide pleasing areas for visitors to explore. Golden Acre is home to an abundance of wildlife including numerous wild birds, deer, fox, rabbits and squirrels. The popular wildfowl around the lake includes swans, grebes, geese, heron and various species of duck.
History
Officially opened in 1932, in its hey-day Golden Acre was a large amusement park. The lake, formerly Black Hill Dam, was then about half a mile long and about a quarter of a mile wide. Motor launches, rowing boats and dinghy's sailed the length and breadth of the lake whilst in the centre stood a large music tower from which music and announcements were relayed to visitors.
Circling around, a distance of just over a mile, ran a miniature railway. Two engines worked the line pulling open top carriages between three stations connecting the many attractions (including the Blue Lagoon open air swimming pool) to the rest of the park.
The park closed after the 1938 season and having lain derelict since 1939 the park was acquired by Leeds City Council in 1945.
Useful information and contacts
Getting there - From Leeds City Centre turn left onto Wellington Street, then right onto King Street. Continue forward onto East Parade then Calverley Street. Turn right onto Portland Way then left onto the A660. Continue forward at the next two roundabouts onto the A660 and follow the signs for the park. The car park is on your left-hand side.
Buses to and from Leeds: 780, 784, X84 - three buses per hour Monday to Saturday daytime, hourly service evenings and Sundays.
Access - There are a number of entry points to the park, the main entrance is from the car park by a path leading under the A660 giving safer pedestrian access.
Car parking is free but space can be limited particularly during school, bank holidays and weekends. An additional car park is situated off Arthington Road. Coach parties are welcome but by previous arrangements for weekends.
Disabled access - Motorised scooters are available to hire on site. To book telephone: 0113 261 3064 - please give at least 24 hour notice.
For information about disabled access to this venue please see the disabled go link on the right hand side of the page.
Volunteers of Golden Acre Park - If you require any further information regarding the Friends Group then please contact our Head Office on 0113 395 7400, or email us using the link on the right-hand side on this page.
Cafe and kiosk
Refreshments varying from snacks to full meals are provided in the attractive 'Bakery Coffee House' and an added feature is the two-level patio for the use of patrons when the weather is favourable. Opening times vary; Summer opening times Mon - Fri 10.30am - 4.30pm, Sat and Sun 10.30am - 5pm. Winter opening hours Mon - Sun 10.00am - 3.30pm. Contact telephone number: 0113 2613064
Toilet facilities are available nearby, with special facilities for disabled people.
Dogs - Dogs are welcome but please keep on a lead within the gardens and around the lakeside and wildfowl. Please clean up after your dog, bins are provided.
Picnic - Picnic tables can be found towards the lake amongst the wildflower meadows. Barbecues are not permitted.
Special events - Bands play on Sundays regularly throughout summer. For full details contact the park on 0113 261 0374, see the notice boards within the park or visit our events webpage.
Tours - Guided tours can be booked. These are strictly limited and can only be offered to parties of between 10 and 30 people. A small charge per head is made and tours run from May to August. Contact the park for further details on: 0113 261 0374.
Other useful contacts -
Parks and Countryside Head Office – tel: 0113 3957400 , fax: 0113 3954701
Leeds City Council main switchboard – tel: 0113 2224444
ParksWatch (24 hour helpline) – tel: 0113 2329973
Dog Wardens – tel: 0113 2224407
Leeds Visitor Centre (Tourist Information) - 0113 2425242
Or you can contact us using the email link provided on the right-hand side.
Please note that the Parks and Countryside's Head Office main reception telephone number 0113 3957400 is staffed from 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am - 4pm on a Friday. Outside of these hours you can leave a message on the answerphone.