So we made it through the great 2015 heatwave but rumour is that there's another one on the way! Luckily for us there's no need to get hot and bothered about where to go when the sun has got his hat on – there's loads of great places to visit in Leeds when the sun is shining. Here are just five:
Roundhay Park and Ornamental Gardens
Flickr: David Incoll
Leeds boasts one of the biggest city parks in Europe and there's no better time to take advantage of it than when the sun is out. Sunbathe on Hill 60, stroll by the lake, or grab an ice cream or a refreshing drink from the Lakeside Cafe to cool off.
Roundhay also has a fantastic playground to keep kids entertained where they often have face painting. Plus, just down the road from the park off Mansion Lane there's the stunning ornamental gardens including the Alhambra Gardens- an authentic homage to the Palacio de Generalife in Andalusia, Spain.
Kirkstall Abbey
Flickr: Bill Richards
Located in the parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey is one of England's most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey. It's also great spot for a picnic or just a nice leisurely stroll.
You'll also find that Kirkstall Abbey is the venue for loads of events, including open air screenings of cinematic classics such as 'Alice in Wonderland', family picnic mornings and the Kirkstall Deli Market . It also hosts the Kirkstall Festival – one of the largest community festivals going with something to entertain people of all ages.
Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park is a destination you'll never tire of visiting. It originally opened as a privately run amusement park back in 1932, which then closed during World War II before being re-opened by the council in 1945.
Situated between Adel and Bramhope, Golden Acre Park offers beautiful gardens, a tea room and a wonderful circular lakeside walk – everything you need for a nice sunny afternoon out.
You can also visit the nearby Nature Reserves Adel Dam and Breary Marsh. So, bring your binoculars along and you can join the twitchers in trying to spot a rare type of bird.
Harewood House
Flickr: Ben Watkin
Harewood House is one of Yorkshire's gems – a stunning 18th century house surrounded by beautiful countryside. The house has over 100 acres of gardens and plants from all over the world which really come to life over the summer months. The bird garden is great fun for kids (and big kids), with daily penguin feeding throughout the summer.
There is also a huge adventure playground. If you want to seek some shade then soak in some artistic delights at one of the exhibitions inside the house.
Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam has a history as vast as its grounds. The country mansion house was the birthplace of the notorious husband of Mary Queen of Scots, Lord Darnley, and it's renowned as one of the best stately homes in the UK.
The gardens are filled with beautiful flowers and its shady spots are idyllic locations to sit and read a book. There's also Home Farm to please all you fellow animal lovers where you can see – and feed – some of the rarest farmyard animals in the country.
Temple Newsam hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Coming up this summer includes theatrical performances of 'Love's Labour's Lost' and 'Emma' in the grounds.
Find more things to do and other attractions in Leeds.