Lotherton Hall, near Aberford, has always been a firm favourite with my children and we are so lucky it is on our doorstep in North Leeds! There is so much to do for families of all ages with playgrounds, lots of outdoor space to run around in, bird garden, the new Wildlife World and they often have themed events during the school holidays.
The adventure playground, situated near the car park, is for under 8s and provides hours of fun – I normally have to drag mine out! The main structure includes lots of different types of climbing structures, bridges and a great spiral slide. There is also a zip wire, tyre style swing, puzzle games and a smaller climbing frame and swing for younger children. The park is very secure as well with gates at either side and seating for adults!
There is also a woodland play area (more for older children) which is brilliant in the summer months. You can set up a picnic, play ball games, fly a kite, let off steam in the vast open space and there is also permanent play structures dotted throughout the woodland adventure including two zip wires, swings, climbing logs, see-saw and much more.
In the school holidays, there is usually a themed trail running around the grounds and a walk around the deer hide is nice (it does involve quite a bit of walking for younger children) and its educational for children. In the summer months, there is often garden games on the lawn in the front of the house.
The bird garden has a wide range of species and there are information points providing lots of details on the different birds, my eldest especially liked finding out where they all originated from. The youngest is fascinated by the ‘Vulture’! We also enjoy a game of ‘pooh sticks’ on the bridge where you can watch the ducks playing.
The opening of Wildlife World in November 2017 was a brilliant addition. My children spent ages watching the playful Humboldt penguins. The viewing area was really good both above water and below, there was also lots of information available on the penguins.
If you visit in the Easter Holidays a flock of fabulous flamingos will be in their new enclosure as the first phase of the Wildlife World is finally completed (open from 19th March).
As well as the flamingo enclosure, the newly-finished parts of the attraction also includes a brand new main entrance to the park complete with a timber boardwalk that winds through the Forest Zone.
The area is also home to Arthur, the attraction’s resident tapir, and the new Visayan warty pigs, with an all-weather viewing area for the flamingo enclosure and tapir paddock.
During the Easter Holidays (24th March-15th April) you can follow the Mad Hatter’s Trail, play hopping games with the Easter Bunny, meet the Mad Hatter and friends, take part in springtime crafts and enjoy outdoor games. The popular Mad Hatter’s Tea Party will also be taking place every Wednesday, complemented by Flamingo Fun in the Nestbox Education Centre.
Mumbler Tips:
Cafe
There is a cafe in the courtyard that has an indoor and outdoor seating area and is very child-friendly with sandwich boxes, beans on toast, half jacket potatoes etc. Highchairs are also available. The cafe can get busy at peak times. There is also plenty of space for picnics. There is a drinks station just outside the playground if you need a cuppa!
Opening Times & Costs
Gates open: 8am, Wildlife World: 11am-5pm, Toilets: 9am-5pm, Gates locked: 8pm. Winter opening times vary see website.
Adult: Online £7.80, at the gate: £8.30, LeedsCard: £6.60, LeedsCard Extra: £4.95
Child (Aged 5 -18): Online £3.90, at the house: £4.15 , LeedsCard: £3.30 LeedsCard Extra £2.50 Under 5s are FREE
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): Online £23.70, at the house: £25, LeedsCard: £22, LeedsCard Extra: £15
Lotherton is situated off Collier Lane which is just off junction 47 of the M1. If you are using a route planner the postcode is LS25 3EB.
Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB. Tel: 0113 378 2959
