The Japanese are known for their creating of ornamental gardens that focus on aesthetics and elements in order to highlight the natural world that surrounds us every day – the gardens serve as a mini escape; a place to reflect and ponder the world and all its ingredients.
A miniature example of this can be found in an unassuming corner of Leeds in West Yorkshire, and I believe it to be quite hidden – my partner is born and bred in West Leeds not far from this park. He had never heard of this and is actually a huge fan of all things Japanese! That told me that these Japanese Gardens were not exactly a popular haunt for Leeds folk – rather that it is more stumbled upon if you happen to find yourself at Horsforth Hall Park.
Though, once you have found it, you may want to return again and again.
A typical Japanese entrance way leads you into this little escape where Maple, Cedar, Scots Pine and Bamboo trees can be found. There are little themed peep-through windows that represent scenes found in nature such as ‘Chrysanthemum petals floating on water’ and a beautiful lily-pad ornamental pond with little stepping stones to get you to the other side. A traditional-style curved red bridge provides a memorable focal point and is a perfect little place for taking photographs of you and your loved ones in front of the little cascading waterfall just behind it.
The Japanese Gardens are small but very beautiful and if you are lucky enough to visit in the beautiful sunshine as I did, a little lull by the pond is a tranquil and pleasant activity and provides a great view of the little red bridge just behind the draping tree.
Adults and children alike will find joy in this garden, there were some famiies with young children playing hide and seek when I visited on a beautiful mid-September day and the parents seemed to enjoy reading the plaques that impart information on the history of the garden – it was introduced to Horsforth in the 1970’s after formerly being a tennis court. There are also plaques that explain the origins of Japanese Gardens and what they are trying to achieve.
I can imagine this little secret garden being very pretty in the snow so I very much am holding out for a return visit when we see a bit of snow fall here in Leeds. If you are coming from the Rodley area, it takes about 40 minutes to walk to the park and you can go via the Leeds and Liverpool canal which adds something extra to your trip.
Upon arrival at the park from the main road, past the cricket pitch, the bandstand and refreshments and between the Mediterranean Border and Millenium Garden lay the Japanese Gardens.
The Mediterranean Border was a pretty little area with some nice flowers and an arch in the middle that I couldn’t help but wish had a fountain it it as this would have made it even more quaint. After all, it is very common to find little fountains when you are least expecting them in little hidden corners of Mediterranean countries. As much as I love Leeds, one thing I find it is lacking is fountains – I am a big fountain fan!
The Millenium Garden provided a little seating area where you can enjoy a look out on to the grass and the plant-lined wall to take a bit of time out and there is plenty of open park space for frolicking along with a children’s play area, a bowling green and a little skate park. I would say that this park makes for a lovely little day out for all demographics: families, couples and solo explorers alike. Knowing you have Horsforth town centre where a little museum can be found along with some good pubs and eateries and the Leeds and Liverpool canal being not too far adds to the overall package of this being an ideal day out.
Practical Information
If coming from Leeds, you can get bus number 50 or 33 which takes about 20 – 30 minutes. Alternatively there is a train to Horsforth and the park is a 16 minute walk from the station.
As mentioned further up, you can walk from Rodley via the canal which will pad out your walk and provide some pretty scenery.
