Last Updated on 12/03/2023
Are you looking for an adventure that’s a little off the beaten path? If so, then you’ll want to check out the lost summer house at Roundhay Park in Leeds.
This hidden gem has been tucked away in the park since its construction in the Victorian era and finding it is now source of entertainment for those seeking something unique.
If you’re a regular visitor to Roundhay Park in Leeds, you might have heard the rumour of the hidden summer house somewhere in the park.
This hidden gem is notoriously difficult to find! So, I’m going to give you some clues about how to find the lost summer house at Roundhay Park.
However, unlike my other Hidden Yorkshire posts, I’ve decided that I’m not going to give away the exact location of Roundhay Park’s best kept secret.
The magic in the lost summer house is that you must hunt for it, and I don’t want to reveal the secret completely.
But I will guide you to the right section of the park to focus your efforts so you can narrow your search area while still enjoying unearthing the discovery for yourself.
So read on if you’re ready to embark on your own secret mission!
Keep reading to discover how to find the lost summer house at Roundhay Park (almost!) plus everything you need to know about visiting.
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Where is Roundhay Park?
Roundhay Park is a large city park located in Leeds.
The park is approximately three miles to the north of the city centre and is made up of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens.
Incredibly, Roundhay Park attracts almost one million visitors each year!
What is special about Roundhay Park?
Roundhay Park is huge.
That’s no exaggeration. At over 700 acres, it is one of the biggest city parks in Europe!
Roundhay Park is so much more than just a place to catch a breath of fresh air.
You could easily spend an entire day or more exploring the area and all the attractions.
You can see why locating the lost summer house is no walk in the park with such a large area to scour!
How to get to Roundhay Park
Roundhay Park is easy to get to no matter whether you are driving or arriving by public transport.
Here are the easiest ways to get to Roundhay Park.
How to get to Roundhay Park by car
If you’re travelling by car, it is free to park at Roundhay Park.
There are five car parks for you to choose from, so even on busy days you can get parked easily.
The car parks are located at:
- the south end of the park off Wetherby Road (LS8 2JZ)
- the end of Park Avenue by the Lakeside Cafe (LS8 2WF)
- the west side of the park by the old tram station off Princes Avenue (LS8 2EP)
- behind the Roundhay Fox pub off Mansion Lane (LS8 2HH)
- the end of Mansion Lane by the Mansion House Hotel (LS8 2HH)
How to get to Roundhay Park from Leeds by public transport
Leeds is just three miles south of Roundhay Park, so if you are travelling by public transport, this is the closest central hub to travel to.
From Leeds, you can catch a taxi to make the short journey to Roundhay Park.
Alternatively, you can catch one of many local bus services including numbers 2 and 12. Depending on the route and the traffic, the bus journey will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
What is the lost summer house at Roundhay Park?
The lost summer house at Roundhay Park is an old Victorian bandstand or gazebo.
Not much is known about its history, but it is believed that James Kitson, a prominent engineer, and Mayor of Leeds built it.
Sadly, over the years, this little gem has become a victim of the elements and is now simply a skeleton of its former self.
The fact that only the frame remains, and it is shrouded in woodland is what makes this gem so tricky to locate!
How to find the lost summer house at Roundhay Park
The magic of the little lost summer house at Roundhay Park is that it is notoriously tricky to find.
You feel a sense of pride and achievement when you finally catch a glimpse of it after a thorough search, and I don’t want to lose that!
However, there is a wide range of information online that differs wildly, and with over 700-acres to scour, it can be a frustrating search!
So, although I’m not going to tell you the exact location of the summer house, I’m going to help you locate the right section of the park to focus your efforts.
If you’re really stumped, Google Maps gives the precise location of the Victorian Summer House. But I urge you to only use this as a very last resort!
Directions to the lost summer house (almost!)
To set you on the right track, follow the instructions to locate the right section of the park to search. Then get ready to roam the woodlands to track the lost summer house down!
The easiest way to navigate to the lost summer house is to park in the car park off Wetherby Road (LS8 2JZ).
From here, make your way to the large Waterloo Lake.
However, instead of heading towards the popular lakeside spot near the White Rose Canoe Club, walk to the east side of the park, with the lake on your left-hand side.
Follow the lakeside path until the cages of rocks end, then head up into the woodland and start your search here.
If you need a clue, the summer house is located quite close to the golf course boundary, but that’s all I’m going to give away!
Other things to see at Roundhay Park
Once you’ve tracked down the remains of the summer house and captured some pictures, you can explore the rest of the park and all the attractions it has to offer.
Here are some other wonderful things to see at Roundhay Park on your visit.
Tropical World
Located on the west side of the park, you will find Tropical World.
This family-friendly attraction is home to the UK’s largest tropical plant and animal collections outside of Kew Gardens.
You can discover a range of creatures from cheeky meerkats to nocturnal bats. Plus, you can walk through the enchanting butterfly house to admire these insects up close.
Tropical World is a wonderful place to visit for a unique up-close glimpse at some exotic critters.
You can enjoy anything from a couple of hours to half a day exploring the exhibits and reading the displays.
Waterloo Lake
You will have caught a glimpse of Waterloo Lake on your journey to the lost summer house. This huge lake is a beautiful focal point of the park.
It is a popular spot with a waterside cafe overlooking the lake and many visitors sit on the surrounding grass to soak up the views.
The best way to take in the lake is to enjoy a stroll around it.
The picturesque lakeside walk is charming and varied as you will enjoy scenes of rolling grassy hills and enchanting woodlands.
A steady stroll could take you up to an hour depending on your pace. It is an idyllic way to pass a sunny afternoon!
Roundhay Walking Trails
And on the topic of walking, there are several walking trails at Roundhay Park for you to enjoy.
As well as the Lake View walk around Waterloo Lake, you can also enjoy the Secret Gorge Walk, Upper Lake Walk, Formal Garden Walk and Parkland Walk.
The walks all vary in length but are fairly easy in ability as they follow clear, established paths, although the sections that pass through woodland can be a little uneven in places.
You can get a map of all the Roundhay walking trails here.
The Castle
One of the last things you might expect to find at Roundhay Park is a castle.
And technically, you would be correct because ‘the castle’ is not actually a castle at all. It was constructed by Thomas Nicholson who bought a large section of Roundhay in 1803.
Nicholson wanted to ’embellish’ the park and created this sham castle as a place to host shooting lunches and picnics.
So, although the structure looks like a castle as you approach it, it is simply an extravagant folly.
But nevertheless, it remains an attraction well worth seeking out when you visit Roundhay Park.
You can locate the castle at the northern end of Waterloo Lake. Unlike the lost summer house, you will find the castle marked on the maps throughout the park.
Things to remember when visiting Roundhay Park
If you are planning a visit to Roundhay Park, there is some general etiquette you should know.
Following this guide ensures that all visitors and local residents have a fun and safe experience of the park:
- Please take any litter away with you or use the bins provided to keep the area looking beautiful for all visitors.
- Clean up your dog waste and use the bins to properly dispose of it.
- BBQs are not permitted anywhere in the park.
- Please help to keep the area as beautiful as possible by picking up a piece of litter if you see it and placing it in a bin.
Thank you for helping to look after Roundhay Park!
Things to do in Leeds
If you want to get the most out of your visit to the area, you can make the short journey into the city centre to enjoy some of the shops and attractions that Leeds has to offer.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can check out my guide to Leeds by a local for the best attractions, places to shop and places to eat.
Or if you want a more unique experience, check out my guide to the best Leeds street art and where to find it.
Where to stay in Leeds
If you want to really get the most out of your visit to Roundhay Park and Leeds, why not stay for a weekend? Here are some great accommodation options in Leeds for your visit.
For visitors arriving in Leeds by train, The Queens Hotel is the first sight you will be greeted with. This luxurious hotel is right in the centre of Leeds, close to shops and attractions. Book your stay here.
Situated in another of the spectacular Victorian buildings in Leeds is Quebecs Hotel. This beautifully furnished hotel includes wood panelling and stained-glass windows. Book your stay here.
The Met Hotel is housed within a grade II listed building, but all the bright and stylish rooms are fully furnished with modern amenities, right at the heart of the city. Book your stay here.
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, the mirrored tower of Park Plaza is ideal. Situated opposite the train station, it has spacious rooms and an award-winning restaurant. Book your stay here.
Find more hotels in Leeds here.
Booking.comWhy I love the lost summer house at Roundhay Park
It’s hard to really appreciate the magic of the lost summer house until you’ve searched high and low for it and eventually stumble upon it.
While I love discovering the hidden gems across Yorkshire and showing you how to find them, the lost summer house is one of those rare places that is worth the search.
I love the fact that the lost summer house has remained elusive in an age where we can find any information at the click of a button.
And I think that is what makes this wonder truly unique and a secret worth protecting. Do you agree?
The lost summer house at Roundhay Park
So, this is my guide to visiting the lost summer house at Roundhay Park.
This forgotten gem is one where the adventure is truly in the search. So, enjoy the hunt and if you do track it down, tag me in your Instagram pics! I’d love to see them!
If you want to discover more incredible Hidden Yorkshire locations, click here for the complete series.
Before you go
If you’re ready to discover the lost summer house at Roundhay Park, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit this guide!
And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
Finding the lost summer house sounds like great fun, so I’m glad you didn’t share the exact location. I also like your outfit, it fits perfectly with the surroundings 🙂
Thanks Kitti! It is a beautiful location that is even more special due to the search! I love the fairytale woodland vibes of Roundhay Park, it felt pretty magical!
I like that you didn’t give away the exact location to this site – it makes finding it much more fun! One of my best friends lives in Leeds so I’ll have to ask her if she’s seen this before!
I couldn’t bring myself to give away the secret, it is so rewarding to finally track down the lost summer house for yourself! In fact, it is so well hidden, I don’t think many locals even KNOW about it! It certainly makes for a fun treasure hunt on a trip to Roundhay Park!
What a charming quest in delightful Roundhay park! I’d love to see it in person and am glad you’ll keep us wandering through such a pretty place to find it.
The summer house is such a beautiful gem and the thrill is definitely in finding it! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
How great to get local tips on how to find hidden spots. I would definitely want to check out the lost summer house at Roundhay’s Park if we visit Leeds. With 700 acres, I can see why it might be hard to find all the gems. The summer house seems to blend right in with the trees so I can understand why many people miss it. Looks like a park that requires many visits.
Roundhay Park is an impressive place! It is crazy to think you’re so close to the city centre – it certainly doesn’t feel like it! I agree that you need several visits to admire all of Roundhay Park, there is so much to see and do! It certainly doesn’t disappoint!
The entire place seems so charming, especially the castle and lake. Perhaps some day I will cross the pond to visit the UK.
It is such a lovely place, I enjoyed spending the day strolling around and taking it all in! I hope you get an opporunity to visit!
I have been going to Leeds for several years but never took time to extend one of my business trips to explore the city. Roundhay Park looks like a nice place to explore.
Ah there are so many great places in Leeds! It is well worth exploring if you get the chance! Roundhay Park is definitely worth a visit, it is a lovely place and so close to the city centre!
What a hidden Gem you share with your readers. Thank you! I love knowing there are enchanting places like this in the world.
It is a lovely gem, isn’t it? I’m so lucky to have so many of these enchanting places nearby!
What a fun excursion! So glad you didn’t give away it’s location. That’s the really fun part of exploring!
It was loads of fun tracking the summer house down! The fun is definitely in the search!
Wow this is so beautiful and it must have been so fun to track it down! The castle looks stunning too. I love how much casual history unpretentious Yorkshire has 🙂
It was fun (and a little frustrating!) searching for the summer house! It was all worth it when we finally tracked it down though!
How fun! Love the photos. I’ll check it out if we visit.
It is a fun search! I hope you get an opportunity to track it down for yourself!
Everything is explained so well! Can’t wait to read more posts!
I’m so glad that you think the instructions are clear! Thanks for reading!
What a fun treasure hunt! The gazebo is so pretty and so delicate among the woods. I love looking for hidden spots. If this park was anywhere near me, I’d following in your footsteps :).
It is a beautiful find! And such a fun hunt. I definitely think the fact that it is tricky to find is what makes it so special!
I’d never heard of Roundhay Park. Will make sure to check it out when I’m in the area
It’s a beautiful park and well worth a visit when you’re in the area. I hope you’re able to visit soon! Thanks for reading!
I’d never heard of Roundhay before but it sounds like worth including in a Yorkshire trip
Roundhay is such a beautiful park, you would never know you were so close to Leeds city centre! I definitely recommend a visit when you are next in the area!
A true treasure hunt! I imagine the difficulty in finding it means that it doesn’t attract crowds. I love the fact that for the most part, it’s accessible by public transportation.
It’s a wonderful gem, isn’t it? It definitely makes the search worthwhile! It was very quiet when we went with just one other family at the summer house. I think most visitors to Roundhay Park don’t even know it is there! It is such a special spot, I couldn’t bring myself to give away such a well-kept secret completely!
I’ve never heard of this place, so it was nice to learn more about it! Sounds like an amazing place and will definitely keep it in mind for my next travel in the UK 🙂
I hope you’re able to visit England and Roundhay Park soon! It’s a great place to unwind and just a short distance from Leeds City Centre!
This part of Yorkshire looks so serene and beautiful! I would love to do this adventurous summer house hunt. The walks and Waterloo lake look so inviting. Will check it out when I am near this part of England. 🙂
It is such a beautiful spot…it’s crazy to think you’re only a short distance from Leeds City Centre! Roundhay Park is definitely a wonderful escape from the city. I’m keen to go back and see more of the park, you could spend an entire day exploring it all!
I love that you didn’t post the exact coordinates or anything, but gave a general idea of what area to look in – that’s so smart. That’s something I struggle with in my hiking posts, because I don’t want to gatekeep the trails I hike, but I also don’t want to contribute to overuse or ruin the magic. If I ever post about “secret” spots maybe I’ll take a hint from your method here!
The final picture looks straight out of a movie, “skeleton” was the right word! Gets your imagine going, wondering what it might have looked like in it’s former glory. I’m going to check out your Hidden Yorkshire series, I live in the States but I traveled that direction to hike Hadrian’s Wall once and vowed to return to explore more of the country!
I’m so glad you like the guide and you think I shared the right balance between getting people on the right track and not spoiling the secret! It was a tricky one to do as I know how frustrating it can be when you’re looking for something and you can’t find it, but I don’t want to spoil the magic of finally stumbling across it in the woods!
It is such a beautiful, delicate structure. I bet it looked so grand once upon a time! I hope you’re able to come back and visit Yorkshire’s hidden gems some time, we’ve got some great ones! Thanks for reading!
This looks like a lovely place to visit! Your photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
It is a stunning location, I really enjoyed finding it. Thanks for reading!
Wow! This is so pretty! I’ve never heard of this park! Great recommendation and I’ll need to go if I visit Leeds!
Roundhay Park is beautiful and there is so much to see and do there! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Oooh I love this so much! A lost summer house in a park? Yes please! Having specific directions to a lost treasure is perfect. I’m definitely saving this post 🙂
It’s magical, isn’t it? I hope you get an opportunity to track it down soon!
Never heard of it, but it looks so interesting. If I stop by Yorkshire in the future I’ll definitely consider stopping here.
It’s a lovely gem that is well worth seeking out. I hope you get an opportunity to stop by and see it some time!
Wow seems like a magical and dreamy destination!
It definitely is! It felt like something out of a fairytale! It is even more magical because not many people know about it, so you can enjoy it without huge crowds. Thanks for reading!
This is so cool. I did not know something like this existed. Will definitely do it if I am ever in Leeds.
It’s a great hidden gem that even many locals don’t know about! I hope you get an opportunity to visit Leeds so you can track it down for yourself!
You are so good at finding the hidden treasures of Yorkshire! I bet many people are fooled by the sham castle!
Haha I enjoy tracking them down, it feels like a giant treasure hunt and, so far, I’ve never been disappointed with the treasures I find! The castle is deceptive, especially from a distance! It’s another cool gem to track down on a visit to Roundhay Park!
Oh wow this is so cute! I love finding cute little hidden gems like this!
It is a pretty hidden gem! It was so much fun tracking it down!
What a fairytale spot you’ve found here! Love hidden gems like this, so thank you for sharing the details of this wonderful place 🙂
It was such a magical find nestled away in the woods! We had a lot of fun tracking it down…it wasn’t an easy find! But it is well worth the search!