Roundhay Park - Information

Information

• At the South end of Waterloo Lake is a dam. In 1907 an open-air swimming pool was constructed below it. It was known as a lido and was particularly popular in the 1950s but was closed and filled in during the 1970s. The area is now a car park, still signposted 'Lido'.
• A wide range of sports and activities take place in the park. These include parkrun at 9.00am each Saturday and British Military Fitness. Roundhay Runners, a local running club, use the park and the surrounding areas for their Thursday evening sessions with runs starting from the tram terminus car park during the summer.
• In 1976, Peter Sutcliffe (or the Yorkshire Ripper) attempted the murder of Marcella Claxton and a year later murdered Irene Richardson at Roundhay Park.
• In June 2005, two teenagers drowned in Waterloo Lake.
• In January 2007, The Lakeside Café was extensively damaged by fire. Following complete renovation including a new roof, it has reopened.
• The residence of the late Jimmy Savile overlooks Roundhay Park.
• Each Guy Fawkes Night a firework display is held at Roundhay Park with people gathering there from all around Leeds to stand by the fire and watch.
• A £1 dotto train links the Mansion House with the Lakeside Cafe and Children's Play Area.
• The park is accessed by First Leeds services 2 and 12 (Red and Blue lines).
• The last concert of Bruce Springsteen's landmark European Born in the U.S.A. Tour ended here in Roundhay Park on July 7, 1985.
• In July 2011, a roe deer (a species rarely seen) from deep inside the park, ventured onto soldiers field and the neighbouring School