Best Arts and Culture Places in Barkston Ash

"In the heart of the city, the Leeds Art Gallery offers a feast for art lovers, its collections covering everything from traditional prints, watercolours, paintings and sculpture to weird and wonderful contemporary works. The gallery is renowned for having the best collection of British art outside of London - a fiercely contested accolade. Adjoining the gallery is the Henry Moore Institute, with its acclaimed sculpture study centre, and a full programme of sculpture exhibitions that run all year round."

"The undisputed home of contemporary art in the region, Leeds Art Gallery is the go-to place for a little artistic stimulation in the North. The building is one of the most recognisable in the city, and its Victorian clock tower remains synonymous with Leeds’ historic skyline. Dubbed a collection of “national importance,” the museum displays work from award-winning artists labelled a stroke of genius, to understated masterpieces from emerging talents with considerably less exposure."

"Situated in the city centre, Leeds Art Gallery offers a fun-filled experience for all age groups. It has been described as “probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London”. Its exhibits include:"

"Set up in 1977 and dedicated to the appreciation of visual arts, the Henry Moore Institute has been long established as a world-leading institution to study sculpture. Why not take a seat in the research library before heading in to see the gallery's award-winning exhibitions that highlight the best in contemporary sculpture?. The Institute's programme of talks, conferences and lectures are open to all and are often free, to secure sculptor Henry Moore’s vision of engaging the public in sculpture."

"One of the largest sculpture galleries in Europe, the Henry Moore Institute has three vast areas dedicated to all …"

"The 1930’s art deco, former headquarters of Tetley Brewery is a pioneering centre for contemporary art. Also, a great place to kick back, enjoy a selection of cask ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks, together with a Yorkshire inspired menu showcasing the very best ingredients. Their sun trap of a beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Tetley’s, right on the spot it was born more than 200 years ago."

"Founded in 1822, Tetley was once the biggest brewery in the North, and for a while, it was the largest producer of cask ale in the world. Its reign ended when the brewery was taken over by the Carlsberg Group, and the brewery closed in 2011, before being demolished a year later. Thankfully, out of its ashes, a new venue was born."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chemical Engineer used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Just south of the city center in Leeds is where you’ll find The Tetley. This modern art gallery opened in late 2013 and stands on the former Tetley’s Brewery."

"If you like your coffee served in a hip hangout with cool decor and even cooler fellow drinkers, then Outlaw’s is sure to be your favourite spot in Leeds. Firmly welcoming freelancers, this is a welcoming and friendly space that encourages visitors to make themselves comfortable on the sofas and plug in their laptops. Own-blend espresso (roasted by North Star) and their very own pale ale (brewed by Northern Monk) accompany a menu based around healthy breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and tasty cheese platters."

"This one might just win the title of the most family-friendly bar in all of Leeds. A grown-up hangout where kids are warmly welcomed, Outlaws Yacht Club goes out of its way to make families feel at home. There’s a ramp for easy buggy access, vintage board games to get stuck into, children’s books for quieter relaxation, LEGO to construct and even a tiled wall to scribble on."

"Established in 2011, Blue Tree is an independent contemporary art gallery on 23 Bootham – unmissable with its striking blue front and tall, glass windows. With a welcoming and informal atmosphere and attracting first time buyers and collectors alike, Blue Tree showcases a wide range of original paintings, original prints, ceramics & jewellery from established artists both local and international. They are also Art Council approved with the ‘Own Art’ scheme – an easy and affordable way to collect art with interest free installments, making the buying process simple for a variety of budges and hold six exhibitions a year."

"Choose from our extensive range on our drinks menu, locally sourced juices, luxury hot chocolates, fresh herbal teas and wacky kids milkshakes. Don’t see anything you fancy?. Our friendly team will be happy to get creative and help you find something you desire!"

"Take a short bus or cab ride outside of the city centre and head down by the canal for this fantastic artist-led studio and project space, situated inside an old textiles mill. Assembly House was created to provide affordable solutions for artists to work and share ideas through a co-operative working environment. The 8x8m project space has hosted exhibitions of sculpture, video installation and paintings, and the friendly, dedicated team are on hand behind the makeshift bar to offer a refreshment or chat about the work on display."

"Assembly House is an artist-led gallery and studios in a converted Victorian textiles mill on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Open since 2015, it’s one of the best spaces and galleries in Leeds where local creatives can work on their practice and collaborate on ideas. The resident artists run the gallery’s exhibition programme, curating a line-up that shows off their own work and welcomes artists from around the UK."

"According to McGee is a contemporary art gallery found opposite Clifford’s Tower and close to the River Ouse, dedicated to exhibiting the most “exciting artists in the UK” – whether they are established, emerging or just starting out. For 14 years directors Greg and Ails McGee have been displaying a mix of works in their gallery, from sculpture to photography, with prints of the work available for purchase online – selling to collectors the world over. From Goldsmiths and Glasgow School of Art graduates, to rock star and Pop Artist Horace Panter and 1960s legend Doug Binder, According to McGee is “an increasingly well regarded gallery space of note” with knowledgeable and passionate minds behind the project – making it one of the best places to discover something new."

"Shopping, Independent"

"Fuse Art Space, 7 Rawson Place, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 3JP - Visit now. Fuse is a new and exciting venue where multidisciplinary art forms meet a full spectrum of live performance; this dynamic space is broadening the artistic minds of Bradford and beyond."

"Does a premier champagne weekend with resident DJ and fabulous meals set in an urban chic venue sound good to you?. If so, make your York nightlife venue of choice The Biltmore Bar & Grill. The Biltmore’s lively bar has a club vibe at weekends with great cocktails."

"Eat & Drink, Fish & Chips, Restaurants"

"Situated in Micklegate, York, Partisan is a family-run restaurant. This eatery creates a special menu every week to cater to vegan and vegetarian visitors and locals in town. The remarkable thing about Partisan is that it runs an arable farm on the city’s outskirts, where staff grows the herbs and vegetables used in making the restaurant’s tasty dishes."

"Partisan is a vibrant, independent coffee shop located on Micklegate in York and the cafe has been a long term dream for owner, Florencia. They serve a modern menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea every day of the week. And they also open on evenings later in the week for casual dining."

"Again, this one involves eggs, especially on the daytime menu. But if that’s not a problem for you, then you will love this quirky spot. If you don’t eat eggs then you still have options and some very tasty ones too."

"At Crepe Affaire, it’s all about traditional French pancakes. Expect a host of classic combinations, both sweet and savoury, like cinnamon or hunter’s chicken. But it’s their more creative options that demand your attention."

"The Mad Greek is a no-nonsense eatery with a lively atmosphere that dishes up scrumptious, traditional Greek grub. You can tuck into juicy Chicken Souvlaki Skewers or try the flavourful Keftedes Meatballs cooked in a tomato and feta sauce. But their speciality though is their gyro, which comes stuffed with your choice of chicken, pork or feta & tomato."

"Overlooking the River Calder, sits the ruined medieval castle, Sandal Castle. With free entry, this place offers a great day out at little cost, providing fantastic views of the river and of Wakefield, it is one of the more breathtaking sites to visit on this list!. Many visitors have praised it for being gorgeous and also fascinating!"