The Little Owl Café

Astley Ln, Swillington, Leeds LS26 8AL, United Kingdom
+44 113 232 0529
$$$ Cafe
(48 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Little Owl Café, a charming eatery nestled within the serene surroundings of RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve in Swillington, Leeds. This delightful café is not just a place to grab a bite; it's a haven for nature lovers, dog walkers, and anyone looking to indulge in delicious homemade treats while enjoying breathtaking views of the reserve.

The ambiance at The Little Owl Café feels warm and inviting. With its cozy interiors and outdoor seating, you can sink into a comfy chair while soaking in the stunning landscape around you. Imagine sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee, watching the wildlife roam freely, or chatting with fellow visitors after a refreshing walk. This café has become an essential stop for those exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Now, let’s dive into the culinary offerings that await you. The menu showcases an array of delightful cakes that cater to every sweet tooth. Don’t miss the Double Chocolate Cake (£3.95), which promises a rich and decadent experience that melts in your mouth. For a taste of the season, the Spiced Apple and Custard (£3.95) is a must-try during the autumn and early winter months, perfectly pairing with a hot drink from their selection. For those seeking something classic, the Strawberry Victoria Sponge (£3.95) remains a beloved favorite among guests.

If you’re in the mood for something more handheld, indulge in one of their homemade Triple Chocolate Brownies (£2.95). There’s also a selection of Tea Cakes (£2.25), which can be heated for that perfect toastiness, accompanied by a pot of jam for just an extra 50p—a delightful touch to your afternoon pick-me-up.

Real customers have shared heartwarming experiences at The Little Owl Café. Jenny Coe describes enjoying meaningful conversations amidst bird watching, savoring vegan treats alongside her fellow enthusiasts. Andrew Sanderson raves about the café being a fantastic stop for dog walkers, where his German Shepherd, Nova, couldn’t get enough of the doggy ice cream treats available. Michael Dean perfectly encapsulates the café vibe, suggesting it's an ideal place to relax with a cuppa and a tasty toastie while enjoying the surrounding nature.

The Little Owl Café is more than just a place for food; it’s about connection—both with nature and with the community. Whether you’re here for a quick break or to savor the indulgent flavors, you’ll leave with a happy heart and a full belly. Make sure to stop by during your next visit to RSPB St Aidan's Nature Reserve—you won’t regret it!

For inquiries, you can reach them at +44 113 232 0529. The café is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, ready to serve you delicious food and friendly smiles.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Organic dishes
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
On-site parking
Paid parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

48 Reviews
Jenny Coe

13 Sep 2025

Had a lovely chat with lots of like minded people whilst visiting to go bird watching, even had vegan magnums

Andrew Sanderson

07 Sep 2025

Fantastic place for dog walkers. Lovely little café with a great choice of cakes and a great cup of coffee. Nova (our German Shepherd) loved her doggy ice cream

Michael Dean

29 Jun 2025

Nice little cafe where you can get a cuppa, cake and a toastie and sit and enjoy the view outside.

Harold Heath

04 Jun 2025

Great cafe to enjoy food and drink with an outdoor view over the entire nature reserve!

Anne Marie Stagg

31 May 2025

What a great spot for a cafe! We could see the cafe as we walked around the site so we aimed for it for coffee, cakes and a comfort break. The cakes all looked delicious; we opted for the flapjacks in different flavours . I chose the gluten free ginger flavour which I really enjoyed. I initially thought the prices were rather steep, however the coffee and cakes were very generous in size and made with good quality ingredients. We sat inside but there was also a terraced area outside with spectacular views across the reserve. I liked the fact that there was a map and details of birds to look out for; there was also a book corner and you could hire binoculars. Wheelchair accessible entrance with room to manoeuvre. The toilet was accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users and had baby changing facilities. Staff friendly and efficient.

Mark Richards

29 May 2025

The Little Owl Café is the onsite café at RSPB St Aidan's nature reserve. There's a limited range of hot & cold drinks, and snacks. The staff are friendly and helpful. Open 10am - 5pm. It's a nice space, especially the outdoor seating area which has spectacular views out over the nature reserve.

Join the The Little Owl Café Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.