Meanwood, Headingley and West Park are a stone’s throw away from LS17 and are worthwhile destinations for shopping and leisure.

Meanwood
Meanwood is steeped in history. Its name dates from the 12th century, from the Anglo Saxon ‘Meane wude’. Meanwood Beck, which runs through Meanwood Park, provided water and power for corn, flax and paper mills, dye works and tanneries in the 19th century; there are a number of industrial buildings dating from that era in Meanwood Valley.

Meanwood Park and the separate park bordering onto it called the Hollies are popular day out destinations; the National Plant Collection of Philadelphus is housed in the Hollies. Some believe that the artist John Atkinson Grimshaw set some of his fairy paintings in Meanwood Park.

Meanwood has its own urban farm - Meanwood Valley Urban Farm (www.mvuf.org.uk) - which is a popular destination for school trips. The farm spans a 16.5 acre site and is open to visitors every day.

Headingley
Vastly popular with students and young professionals, Headingley is alive with sights and sounds. Bars and boutiques nestle among pubs, shops and cafes; there’s a host of amenities, including banks and a supermarket. Headingley is also home to The Cottage Road Cinema (www.cottageroad.co.uk), which has been open and continuously showing films since 1912.

Headingley is a haven for sports fans. Not only is it home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club (www.yorkshireccc.com), Leeds Rhinos rugby league and Leeds Carnegie rugby union clubs are also based here. Next month Headingley Carnegie Stadium is set to host The Ashes (7th-11th August), with England playing against Australia.

For tasty local produce, a farmers market runs on the second Saturday of every month at the Rose Garden on North Lane. It is organised by the Headingley Development Trust (www.headingleydevelopmenttrust.org.uk). Celebrate Headingley (www.headingley.org/celebrate) organises musical, literary, social and children's events, and special deals at local restaurants for the non-student population of Headingley.

West Park
North of Headingley is West Park. As its name suggests, the area boasts a large park, with playing fields and a conservation area of grassy meadow.

The main parade of shops on Otley Road have distinctive Dutch-style gables, with a post office, a laundrette, an estate agents, an Indian restaurant and an Italian restaurant just some of the businesses to be found there. Near Spen Lane and Butcher Hill, there’s also a beauty salon, hair salons, cafes and takeaways.

The West Park Centre is a popular arts and community centre and is a hive of activity for arts organisations, such as Northern Ballet Theatre and Irish Arts Foundation. Visit www.educationleeds.co.uk

To find out more about West Park, visit www.westparkresidents.org.uk.

Goodies Galore
Meanwood, Headingley and West Park are home to an exciting choice of retailers and services; from fancy dress and milkshakes to security specialists and travel agents.

Fancy Dress Experience
Fancy Dress Experience in Headingley is celebrating 10 years of helping customers find the perfect costume. It specialises in fancy dress hire for children and adults, with a huge range including historical costumes. It also offers pre-packaged and bespoke costumes, customised tutus and T-shirts, party accessories, and a balloon décor service.

Ridyard Travel
Established in Headingley for over 25 years, leading independent travel agent Ridyard Travel has highly experienced staff who can book leisure holidays worldwide, including Israel, at moderate prices; luxury holidays can be tailor-made for discerning clients. A cruise specialist, it also has a business travel department which caters for corporate clients.

Shakey Jakes Milkshake Bar
Shaky Jakes makes delicious custom made milkshakes in over 200 different flavours, with a dazzling array of different chocolate bars, sweets, cakes, biscuits and even cereal to choose from as ingredients. It also sells fruit smoothies and Mr Moo’s Yorkshire dairy ice cream in its 1950s-style café in Headingley.

ABI Garage Doors
ABI Garage Doors is a trusted, family-run business specialising in remote controlled garage doors, gates and railings. It boasts over 30 years’ experience in offering the highest quality products and service. Catering to the security-conscious who are looking for added value, ABI offers a first-class, professional service with a dedicated team of staff.

The Olive Tree
The Olive Tree in Headingley is part of the award-winning, family-run restaurant chain, which includes the Chapel Allerton and Rodley branches. It is the only Greek restaurant in the UK to be featured in The Good Food Guide 2009. It has won a number of awards, including Best Mediterranean Restaurant awarded by the Leeds Restaurant Association, for its mouth-watering menu of authentic dishes and friendly service.

Thai Sabai
Located in the heart of Headingley and close to both stadiums, the multi-award winning Thai Sabai serves an extensive menu of exquisitely flavoured authentic Thai dishes, including an impressive list of vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is fully licensed and air conditioned, with simple décor and friendly, attentive staff.

Bliss Spa
For bespoke pampering in glamorous surroundings, Bliss Spa in Headingley and West Park is the perfect choice for wedding bookings, catering for parties of up to 12 at a time. Express nail treatments, spray tans, makeovers, and deliciously relaxing hot stone body therapy and facials are all available at Bliss. Call for a free consultation.