Explore this former open cast coal mine and see how nature has reclaimed this industrial landscape. Join us for an event – how about staying out until after dark to see what night-time wildlife we can find?
Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Leeds, St Aidan’s is a stunning place to explore. Whether you’re on foot, on your bike, riding a horse or have your camera at the ready, take advantage of the amazing views and wonderful wildlife including Bitterns, Black-necked Grebes, Little Owls, Kestrels, Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings.
St Aidan’s has been transformed from an old, open cast mine to a reserve that’s alive with wildlife. Its relatively small size means you can easily explore a rich variety of habitats including reedbeds, wetlands, meadows and woodland.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
What 3 Words:
///encounter.spider.spring
Address:
RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Park, Astley Lane, Leeds LS26 8AL
Opening days/times:
Nature reserve: Dawn – Dusk
Car park: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Toilets: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cafe: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (10am-4pm, November-February)
Cost:
Free.
Parking:
Car park is £4 to non-members.
90 spaces. 5 Blue Badge spaces. Blue badge spaces, approximately 30m from the Visitor Centre. Tarmac in the car park. Bicycle racks available. No formal drop-off point. No lighting in car park. No height restriction barrier.
Facilities:
The Little Owl Cafe serves hot and cold food, including soup, teacakes and a range of sandwiches. Hot and cold drinks. Ice creams. We have a range of handmade cakes and traybakes as well as packaged options for gluten free and vegan.
There is seating inside with a beautiful view across the whole reserve. There is ample seating outside on the decking and picnic benches on the grass too.
Toilets:
Open daily, 10am-5pm (10am-4pm, November-February). They are located in a separate toilet block in the car park.
Accessible toilets are open daily, 10am-5pm (10am-4pm, November-February). An accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of the Visitor Centre, with level access to it. The gender neutral accessible toilet has one toilet, sink and a fold down baby changing table that can be used from a seated position.
There are both horizontal and vertical hand rails and colour contrast on critical surfaces. Push buttons on the sink. Emergency alarm cord.
Changing Place:
Not on site.
- Extra Leeds Motorway Service Area (3.31miles)
- Temple Newsam (3.12miles)
Terrain:
There is a mix of different types of paths, that are both flat and undulating, where walks can be enjoyed. Suggested trails are described on the trail guide and map and vary in length and difficulty, to appeal to explorers of different needs and desires. The trail guide and map are available free from the visitor centre.
You can download St Aidans Accessibility Guide from their website here.
You are also able to hire a Mobility Scooter for free (donation suggested). Please enquire at the cafe for this.
Website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/st-aidans
