Best Arts and Culture Places in York

"Free to visit and in the city centre, Leeds’ premier Art Gallery is the perfect location for a relaxing afternoon trip or an escape from the rain. A collection of 19th century works and 20th century British Art, the government declared the site ‘of national importance’ in 1997, and it’s easy to see why. On top of its permanent displays, a regular cycle of temporary exhibitions brings world-class displays of surrealism, woodwork, and anything imaginable to the city."

"Leeds Art Gallery reopened in October 2017 following an extensive refurbishment, including works on its original Victorian roof and renovation of the Central Court - meaning visitors can now see the stunning glass ceiling as part of the gallery. As well as the gallery’s main collection, artist room feature regular exhibitions. The Headrow, Leeds,LS1 3AA, open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-3pm, closed Mondays."

"This major gallery is packed with 19th- and 20th-century British heavyweights – Turner, Constable, Stanley Spencer, Wyndham Lewis et al – along with contemporary pieces by more recent arrivals such as Antony..."

"Set up by Henry Moore to encourage people to appreciate visual art, as well as providing an invaluable resource for those studying sculpture, the Henry Moore Institute is a one of a kind attraction that absolutely mustn’t be missed. Their calendar of events brings a constant procession of world-class art and sculpture into the city, with exhibitions from the likes of Eleanor Antin, John Latham and Olga Jevrić. Henry Moore Institute, 74 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AH."

"The Henry Moore Institute, based on the Headrow, celebrates sculpture in honour of the Henry Moore, who began his training as a sculptor in Leeds and whose works can be seen around the world. The Institute, an international research centre, hosts a year-round varied programme of exhibitions including sculpture from around the world. The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AH. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5.30pm, Wednesdays until 8pm, closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays."

"Take the family to the former Tetley brewery in Leeds, which is now home to an art gallery, a whole heap of children’s events and a very family-friendly restaurant. You can stop off for a quick drink after your culture vulture-ing or take your time with a proper sit-down. Their dedicated children’s menu, which doubles as a colouring sheet, offers brunch options like brioche eggy bread until midday, and thereafter it’s all about mains like cheese sarnies or crispy chicken with coleslaw."

"A unique experience is discovering the contemporary art offered in the former Tetley Brewery. Explore the latest collections, participate in a workshop or if that’s not your thing, enjoy a pint of Tetley’s or something to eat from their kitchen. If you choose to eat here, 100% of the profit goes to support their artistic programme."

"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."

"Just off City Park, this free photography gallery aims to show contemporary photography that gets you looking, thinking and talking. There’s also a diverse education and events programme. Visit the Impressions Gallery website"

"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."

"A café, bar, record shop and exhibition space, Outlaws Yacht Club is not your usual drinking hole. As looks go, the venue is filled with cool sofas surrounded by artwork, as well as cutesy touches like vintage typewriters and globes."

"One of England's most impressive collections of sculpture is scattered across the formidable 18th-century estate of Bretton Park, 200-odd hectares of lawns, fields and trees. A bit like the art world's equivalent of a safari park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcases the work of dozens of sculptors both national and international. The park is partly a homage to local heroes Barbara Hepworth (1903−75), who was born in Wakefield, and Henry Moore (1898−1986), though more of their works are on display at the Hepworth Wakefield."

"This outdoor gallery near Wakefield is in a former 18th-century estate encompassing more than 500 acres of fields, lakes, exotic trees,…"

"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."

"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"

"Commonly known as Saint Anne's Cathedral, Leeds cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Leeds, and is the seat of the Bishop of Leeds. This is one of the most significant heritages building which is surrounded by the modern city of Leeds. The original cathedral was located in St. Anne's Church in 1878, but that building was demolished around 1900."

"One of the most impressive Catholic Cathedrals in the whole of the UK, Leeds Cathedral is a vital attraction for anyone with an interest in religious structures. The dramatic Gothic Revival building may only be small in size but this is more than made up for with its impressive interior. Leeds Cathedral | © Michael Beckwith / Wikimedia"

"Copyright Michael D Beckwith, licensed for commercial use under Creative Commons. Believe it or not, Leeds is home to one of the finest Catholic cathedrals in England. Built in 1904, the present building replaced St Anne’s, the original church which was raised to Cathedral status in 1878."

"Sited at the top of Micklegate a few yards from the city walls this bar from independent Scottish brewing giants Brewdog opened after a protracted court battle with a local trader – much to the relief of their loyal following of fans in the York area. I say fans because Brewdog as a company have so far attracted investment in their crowdfunding equity scheme from over 100,000 loyal drinkers. The multi-roomed bar is huge."

"Roland’s roof terrace is so well hidden, you’d never even know it was there. Follow the staircase from the courtyard and you’ll find yourself in a petite sun trap with room for just 30 people. Long benches and high stools line the walls with a few garden tables thrown in for good measure."

"When it comes to classic cocktails and cheesy slices, Roland's knows a thing or two. Head over to the cool Call Lane haunt for a winning trio of potent libations, speakeasy-esque interiors and a relaxed atmosphere."

"Sited at the top of Micklegate a few yards from the city walls this bar from independent Scottish brewing giants Brewdog opened after a protracted court battle with a local trader – much to the relief of their loyal following of fans in the York area. I say fans because Brewdog as a company have so far attracted investment in their crowdfunding equity scheme from over 100,000 loyal drinkers. The multi-roomed bar is huge."

"It’s currently tasting incredibly moreish at @thecrosskeysdunnington #WhosRoundNext?. #Beer #yorkshirebeer #brewedinyorkshire #yorkshirepub #leedsbrewery. A post shared by Leeds Brewery (@leedsbrewery) on Sep 4, 2020 at 8:01am PDT"