Rodley Nature Reserve
Rodley Nature Reserve
Rodley Nature Reserve
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Created on a floodplain in Kirkstall Valley, a recognised ‘flyway’ for wildfowl and waders on migration, the wetland habitats constructed here complement the nearby River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Please see website for varied content of interest to all ages and walks of life – fun activities for the young, information of latest sightings on the reserve, forthcoming events, newsletters, educational resources and information on how you can become a volunteer or friend of Rodley Nature Reserve. Opening Times Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and most Bank Holidays (see social media for updates) March to October – 9am to 5pm | November to February – 9am to 4pm Visitor Centre & cafe open from 10am until 4pm throughout the year. Special openings are also available for community groups, schools and walking groups by arrangement – please refer to the website contact page. Cycles welcome on tarmac areas only, bike racks on site. Registered assistance dogs only.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
127 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
39
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Shannon K
York, UK5 contributions
Feb 2023
An absolute gem for bird and wildlife lovers. I didn't know it was possible to hear that much bird song. The volunteers were super friendly and helpful. An amazing place that is totally reliant on volunteers so be sure to check out the opening times carefully.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula G
34 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
What a gem of a place to walk with nature. Well laid tracks to follow around different habitats and lakes. Lots of viewing places with information boards.
The most amazingly clean and smart toilet block and a visitor centre complete with cosy cafe.
Even on a winter day this is a superb walking venue, in a summer it must be even better. Good free parking, great paths. Brilliant
Understandably it allows only assistance dogs. A truly great little gem of a place which combined with a walk on canal to Rodley or Kirkstall is a great half day out
The most amazingly clean and smart toilet block and a visitor centre complete with cosy cafe.
Even on a winter day this is a superb walking venue, in a summer it must be even better. Good free parking, great paths. Brilliant
Understandably it allows only assistance dogs. A truly great little gem of a place which combined with a walk on canal to Rodley or Kirkstall is a great half day out
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markrwinn
Bromley, UK4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
My parents live about 1 mile from this place, and I have been to visit them on numerous occasions, BUT this place is NEVER open......PATHETIC.
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AliAl-Aswad
Leeds, UK1,174 contributions
Dec 2020
This wildlife haven not far from the city is free to visit, and now open Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. A pleasant place to visit, with a small visitor centre, staffed by volunteers,
Written November 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob
3 contributions
Jul 2021
My previous visits to this reserve have been wonderful, but today's wasn't, i'm afraid. There was a general air of unfriendlyness by some of the volunteers. The worse thing that happened was when we were drinking coffee bought in the visitor centre and were told to exit via a door into the pouring rain, with a long walk to get under cover. However, a volunteer we were talking to was allowed to stay drinking coffee without a mask. Sorry for the review, but maybe consistency is something the volunteers should consider?
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca M
Banbury, UK819 contributions
Aug 2020
We went in a group of six people to visit this place, our first time, the rest of the group were flower and wildlife experts so we were able to learn about the flora and fauna.The place is a little oasis quite off the beaten track and not so easy to locate first time. You travel across the river which was soooo peaceful and it was heaven to watch the birds on the water. Then we entered what seemed to be a magical place away from all the hubbub of the main road and traffic etc.
Not being in the height kept summer,though a fantastically hot day, we would have seen other flowers at a different time of the year.
Being in the covid situation the cafe was closed. We were the only people there so it was fabulous.
The only somewhat annoying thing was the smell as you entered the car park, there is a sewerage works close by and it was rather long, however once you enter the main part of the reserve this is no longer a problem.
Lovely grasses,meadows, ponds. So many dragon flies and mayflies and lots of birdlife.
A hidden gem.
Not being in the height kept summer,though a fantastically hot day, we would have seen other flowers at a different time of the year.
Being in the covid situation the cafe was closed. We were the only people there so it was fabulous.
The only somewhat annoying thing was the smell as you entered the car park, there is a sewerage works close by and it was rather long, however once you enter the main part of the reserve this is no longer a problem.
Lovely grasses,meadows, ponds. So many dragon flies and mayflies and lots of birdlife.
A hidden gem.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neiljennings070
Leeds, UK28 contributions
Jul 2020
Tried number of times to visit in the last couple of months. While other large and small reserves are open locally this remains closed. Now told open on Wednesday and Saturday from but only from 1pm. Truly reflects the organisers view of their role in encouraging people to get "in touch " with nature.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d.darke
leeds, west yorkshire50 contributions
Mar 2020
We have visited here several times for a lovely relaxing walk.
The birds you can see all around are so lovely.
A very peaceful spot for an afternoon walk.
Only downside is that it is now open for so few days.Would be great to be open more often.
The birds you can see all around are so lovely.
A very peaceful spot for an afternoon walk.
Only downside is that it is now open for so few days.Would be great to be open more often.
Written May 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally B
Leeds, England, United Kingdom14 contributions
Oct 2019
What I love about Rodley Nature Reserve is that first and foremost it is a haven for wildlife and protects the land they need to survive. I've read some reviews which say visitors saw very little and were disappointed - I don't know what they expected to see but nature lovers understand that it takes time to observe wildlife and just being in the tranquil reserve itself is enough for me. This reserve exists for wildlife and it's a privilege to walk in their territory, their home, which is beautifully maintained by dedicated volunteers. I'm so pleased it doesn't open every day therefore giving the animals and birds that depend upon it chance to move around the area relatively undisturbed. There is a lovely little cafe and educational activities throughout the year, and there are some amazing up to date photos of the animal and plant-life on their facebook page.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yorkshire_fern
Thirsk, UK384 contributions
Oct 2019
Lovely small reserve in the centre of Leeds. For anyone visiting for first time its a bit daunting driving off the main road down the side of a building towards the canal but once over the bridge we saw the car park and signs. Lots of hides to sit in and walking underfoot on hard core which is good in wet weather. Had been told it was a good place to see a Kingfisher and we did indeed see one. Our only negative was that we were sat quietly observing but a large group came in and talked loudly which spoilt it for us.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emmaknowlesy
Manchester, UK85 contributions
Is it worth visiting in the winter?
Rodley N
Leeds, UK
Hi Emma, yes we think so! We're still open and the birds are sometimes easier to see at this time of year because they rely on the feeders. We don't have pond dipping at this time of year, but there are some small tanks in the visitor centre and our harvest mice to see there too. We have a cafe with hot drinks and cakes and lots of bird supplies and also some Christmas stock available too. It depends what you're after, but it's a lovely walk around the reserve and you can link up with footpaths and stroll along the canal too. Hope that helps. *sorry for the delay in getting back to you - we've had some technical issues.
Rodley Nature Reserve (Leeds) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Rodley Nature Reserve
- Rodley Nature Reserve is open:
- Wed - Wed 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Rodley Nature Reserve:
- (3.31 mi) Willow Cottage
- (4.49 mi) The Chambers Park Place
- (4.64 mi) Dakota Leeds
- (4.20 mi) Ford House Farm
- (7.22 mi) Harewood Holidays
- Restaurants near Rodley Nature Reserve:
- (0.07 mi) Tastebuds
- (0.36 mi) Ephesus Restaurant
- (0.81 mi) Original Fisheries
- (0.33 mi) The Owl Inn - Rodley
- (0.89 mi) The Agora
Rodley Nature Reserve Information
Excellent Reviews | 78 |
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Very Good Reviews | 39 |
Rodley Nature Reserve Photos | 48 |