Days out with Kids in West Yorkshire

The National Cycle Network is 5000 miles of safe, signed, attractive cycle routes, open and mapped in June 2000. It is made up of traffic-free sections and traffic-calmed road and minor roads, running right through urban centres and reaching all parts of the UK.

Sustrans is the charity co-ordinating the project and will continue to work with local authorities to expand the Network to a target of 10,000 miles by 2005.

For more information on the National Cycle Network and Sustrans and a copy of their free catalogue of maps, information sheets and technical publications please call the number above or visit their website.

E-Mail: info@nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk

Armley Mills, once the world’s largest woollen mill, is now an award-winning industrial museum. Exhibits dating from the 18th and 19th centuries show the history of textiles, clothing and engine and locomotive manufacture in the area.

The museum also illustrates the history of cinema projections, including the first moving pictures taken in Leeds, as well as 1920s silent movies. During the regular 'working weekends' several exhibits are operated including water wheels, a steam engine and the great spinning `mules'.

Kids days out in Leeds

Web: www.leeds.gov.uk/armleymills/

Normally open all year round excluding Christmas Day, Tropical World is one of the UK's most popular garden tourist attractions and home to the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. Each year over 1,000,000 visitors discover exciting new worlds, alien landscapes and exotic plant life - all in the heart of Leeds.

From continually changing plant displays in the Coronation House to a tropical insect collection. Don't miss out on the new Australasia House or a visit to the gift shop and Canal Gardens tea room. Finally, when you step out of Tropical World back into this world take the opportunity to enjoy a stroll in the 700 acre Roundhay Park with its lakeside walks, display gardens and sports facilities.

As well as the impressive Tudor Jacobean mansion, Temple Newsam offers formal gardens and one of the largest parks in Europe. The 1,000 acre estate of gardens and woodland is stocked with rhododendrons, roses and azaleas, the grounds also offer numerous nature trails.

Home Farm, located in the Estate is home to the largest approved Rare Breeds Centre in the country. The Farm itself is a large working farm yard in which traditional animal rearing techniques are employed and where a fine collection of harvesting machines can be found.

Come rain or shine there\'s lots to see and do! Your tour starts when you collect your helmet and lamp. Then ride the cage 450 feet underground, exploring a hidden world with local miner as your guide.A chance to see what mining life was really like. See mining conditions from the early days to the present day.

This is a real coal mine so warm clothes and sensible shoes are recommended. Children under 5 are not permitted underground but are admitted free to the surface.

Please phone for full details and opening times.

The Museum was the inspiration of Paul Thackray, grandson of Charles F Thackray, founder of the medical company bearing his name in Leeds in 1902.

The displays, which opened in March 1997, explain the ways in which people’s lives have changed over the last 150 years as a result of improvements in public health, medicine and healthcare. The museum collection has over 35,000 objects which, in particular, include a vast range of surgical instruments dating from the late 19th century to the present day. The collection also includes a unique collection of English pharmacy ceramics. The library has over 8,000 books, including the largest collection of medical trade literature in the world.

Web: www.thackraymuseum.org

UKClimbing.com offers a comprehensive list of local climbing centres throughout the UK.

Web: www.ukclimbing.com/databases/listings/clubs.html

Chevin Forest Park covers almost 700 acres of moorland and woodland overlooking Otley on a steep, north facing escarpment ridge.

Facilities for picnics, walking, rock climbing and bridleways for horse riding and cycling.

Henry Moore Collections and Exhibitions maintains the Foundation's holdings of Moore's work. This consists of a major selection of sculpture, drawings and graphics, many of which were given by Moore in 1977.

Lotherton was the home of the Gascoigne family, who created a charming home in the days before the first World War. Given to Leeds City Council in 1968, the house boasts fine furniture and painting with collections of ceramics and superb displays of costume.

Web: www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall

There is something for everyone at Leeds City Art Gallery. You will find traditional prints, watercolours, paintings and sculptures as well as contemporary works made with plastic grapes and twintubs.

Web: www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery/