As the nights are drawing in earlier and the temperatures are falling, the idea of leisurely wandering outdoors for hours on end seems less and less appealing.
So what do you do if you still want to spend time outdoors but can't face a full evening in the cold?
Let the sky transform from grey and drizzle to shades of violet and crimson and watch the shepherd's warning appear as the sun goes down. Sunsets rarely last more than an hour, making it an ideal opportunity to get out before nightfall.
Watching the sunset is not only the perfect way to get some exercise outdoors, but there are also plenty of positive psychological effects to watching the sun go down. According to reports, it helps us to enhance long-lasting satisfaction and relieves stress.
We've found five spots to get you out and about in Leeds, all hidden in plain sight.
Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is a popular sunset spot for locals. / Image: Milkhile
Recently awarded the title of 'one of the most beautiful parks in the UK', Roundhay Park is the perfect place to watch the sun go down. Find a spot at either of the main lakes that bring the park to life: at the upper, smaller lake, nestle amongst the wildlife in a secluded spot or opt for an open-air view by the larger Waterloo lake. For a more subtle sunset spot, check out the host of gardens, including those inspired by Monet and Alhambra.
Leeds Docks
In summer, the thought of swimming in the docks seemed rather appealing but now that the temperature is dropping faster than the leaves from the trees, watching the sunset on dry land seems much more appealing. Whether you choose to find a spot in the Water Lane Boathouse down by the train station, or wander further down the Leeds to Liverpool trail, there's something about witnessing the canal turn shades of violet as the water reflects the emerging moonlight that's quite special.
Ilkley Moor
The views at Ilkley Moor are nothing like those in the city but just as spectacular. / Image: John Shackleton
Recently, Ilkley Moor made our headlines for a 'Zip the Cow' challenge but most days the mountainous terrain is better known as a tranquil spot to be at one with nature. The peak of the moors lay over 400 metres above sea level and formed the inspiration for the Yorkshire county anthem 'On Ilkla Moor Baht ', making this historic spot a firm local favourite. During twilight hours a cascade of ambers, yellows and crimsons can be viewed from the large boulders, or the Cow and Calf pub nearby if you don't fancy the incline.
Surprise View
The name says it all about this spot. Just thirty minutes from the city centre, Otley Chevin's Surprise View is the place to go for a quick outdoor walk with stunning views included. The trail spans across 2.7 miles and on a clear day, you can see as far as the White Horse near Sutton Bank or Simon's Seat from the top edges. Walk through woodland and climb the crags with ease whilst taking in the surprisingly beautiful views that change upon each visit. Just take care during the colder months when leaves can become slippery.
Knaresborough Viaduct
This quaint town looks like somewhere in the Mediterranean at sunset hours. / Image: Dan Wood
If you need a change of scenery and feel as though you've seen every view in Leeds you can think of, head over to Knaresborough. Opt to arrive by train and you'll get to see the sunset in its full glory too. From the highest point in the town, watch from your air conditioned window as the day comes to a close and the sun settles down beneath you. The viaduct is used to take Harrogate line over the River Nidd but it is not until you get off at a nearby station you realise the full height of the track.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Sophie Smith -
12th October 2021 
