Middleton Park, just a short hop from Morley, is one of Leeds’ largest and most unexpected green spaces. Stretching across over 700 acres, the park blends ancient woodland, lakeside walks, flower-filled meadows, and modern amenities like cycle trails, a playground, and a friendly café. But this beautiful park has a secret – one that takes us deep underground and back in time.

Wander into the woods and you might notice small, round dips in the ground. These are not natural – they’re the remains of “bell pits,” a primitive form of coal mining dating back to at least the 1660s. Over 270 of these pits have been discovered in Middleton Woods, evidence of the area’s vital role in Britain’s early industrial story.

So important is this mining heritage that two sections of the park have been designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Between 2006 and 2008, a local archaeology project surveyed the area, uncovering stories of 17th-century miners who dug down by hand into the coal seams that lay just beneath the surface. Few urban parks can boast this level of historical depth – literally.

Today, Middleton Park is equally loved for its natural beauty and outdoor fun. Families stroll by the lake, birdwatchers explore peaceful paths, and cyclists of all abilities flock to the Leeds Urban Bike Park, one of the UK’s top urban cycling facilities. There’s something here for everyone, from toddlers to triathletes.

At the heart of the park’s success is a remarkable community group: the Friends of Middleton Park. This small charity organises dozens of free events every year, including brass band concerts, outdoor theatre, guided walks, and woodland crafts. But they don’t just plan events – they also help maintain the park, working with the council and local volunteers to litter-pick, restore benches, plant bulbs, and protect habitats.