Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Appleton Roebuck

"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."

"If you want to experience the type of history that can capture your imagination with just how far back it dates, then Kirkstall Abbey is the perfect place for you. It’s one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today. It also offers a picnic area, and play area for children, but don’t panic if you forget to bring something to eat."

"Step back in time and explore the historical ruins for free at Kirkstall Abbey. Unquestionably, the remarkable architecture is a sanctuary for all curious souls and historians alike. Learn about life as a monk in one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in the UK and explore rich British history throughout the abbey."

"Clifford’s Tower, a semi-ruined 13th-century remnant of York Castle, is also one of the few Norman relics in a city dominated by Viking influence. Nowadays, Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular and emblematic sights in York, and the panoramic views from the tower’s ramparts make it an excellent starting point for first-time visitors to historic York."

"Clifford's Tower is an excellent first stop when visiting York. The panoramic views from the top of the tower give visitors a spectacular overview of Old Minister, York, and the North York Views. The tower is situated on a tall hill, perfect for providing defense to York."

"To see a fantastic panorama of York and take some great photos, head to the Clifford’s Tower. The entry price is a bit high for what the place has to order. However, it’s excellent for photos that you’re going to take there."

"Roundhay Park is ideal for the family to have fun enjoying the great outdoors. Located a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Leeds, the park is one of Europe’s biggest inner-city green spaces spanning over 700 acres of parkland, woodland, lakes and landscaped gardens. Spot the various species of fish and birds across the water features in the park or enjoy some fishing on Waterloo lake."

"One of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park sprawls over more than 700 acres and welcomes more than a million visitors each year. Four miles (or an 18-minute car journey) from the city centre, the park offerd lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes, two playgrounds and Tropical World. There is also the grand Mansion, now an event space for weddings and corporate events."

"Ripley Castle near Harrogate is a child friendly estate which offers regular castle tours especially for children. The children’s tours are a child friendly length of 45 minutes but there are also adult tours available. The extensive grounds of the estate include a deer park, a small children’s play area and a pretty walled kitchen garden so are ideal for a good run around."

"Very close to our Yorkshire Dales distillery in Kettlesing, Ripley Castle is among the best things to see in the Yorkshire Dales. Over 700 years old; the castle has lakes, a deer park, walled gardens, hothouses and more to explore. The grounds are particularly attractive in Spring, when they’re in full bloom."

"Ripley Castle and Gardens, near Harrogate, is an historic attraction open to the public all year round and makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location."

"The Yorkshire Wine School organise gin tasting classes in York on set dates so do check their website. This does mean that there is no minimum party number as lots of people attend at once."

"The Tetley is a gallery like no other as a former brewery that’s now become three floors of art and workshops. They showcase emerging artists and show their work to a wider audience, from cool prints to boundary-pushing, immersive installations. Over the years, they’ve presented work by the likes of Jonathan Trayte, Joseph Buckley and Dora García, as well as big shows that sees local artists come together to collaborate."

"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."

"Located in the Valley Gardens, enjoy lunch or ice cream with the kids after visiting the park. Valley Gardens Court, Valley Dr, Harrogate HG2 0JH"

"Ed’s Easy Diner is an American 1950’s style diner specialising in burgers, shakes and hot dogs. They also do breakfast!. The menu includes Ed’s Big Breakfast (Three rashers of smoked bacon, two sausage patties, two griddled eggs with chilli seasoning, three hash browns, baked beans, mushrooms and two slices of buttered toast), The Full American (Two rashers of smoked bacon, two griddled eggs with chilli seasoning, sausage patty, two fluffy pancakes, two hash browns, maple flavoured syrup and baked beans), Freshly Made Pancakes (Two pancakes stacked with a sausage patty, two rashers of smoked bacon, two hash browns, griddled egg with chilli seasoning and drizzled with maple flavoured syrup) and Fried Chicken and Waffle (Fried chicken breast between two waffles with maple flavoured syrup and icing sugar)."

"Set inside a shopping mall – “Come join in the fun and take a well deserved rest-bite from shopping at Ed’s Easy Diner, McArthurGlen York. Set against the beautiful landscape of the Vale of York, the centre is completely covered, providing the perfect day out no matter what the weather brings. The restaurant will seat up to 80 and is located in the heart of the well-loved Designer Outlet so be sure to stop by, be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner!"

"Just a short drive from the city center you can find the York Cold War Bunker which is unlike any of the other historic attractions in the area. Wonderfully well-preserved, it dates to 1961 and is the only Royal Observer Corps bunker of its kind that you can take tours around. Once one of around thirty such sites in the UK, it was in this semi-subterranean two-storey bunker that members of the Corps and a scientific warning team would have sheltered in the event of a nuclear war."

"Like a moment frozen in time, York’s Cold War bunker takes visitors back to an era where the threat of nuclear explosions prompted the construction of this space. The partially-underground bunker is a glimpse into the recent history of the British Cold War, built in 1961 to monitor fallout. It was decommissioned in the 1990s, but remains a reminder of what it is like to live under the threat of nuclear war."

"A mile outside of the city centre, York Cold War Bunker tells the story of a country on the brink of nuclear warfare. Designed to monitor nuclear fallout in the event of an attack in Yorkshire, the semi-submerged bunker affords visitors the chance to explore some of York’s more unusual history. Built in 1961, the bunker served as the regional headquarters for the Royal Observer Corps until 1991."

"Stately homes may be two a penny in England, but you'll have to try pretty damn hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as Castle Howard, a work of theatrical grandeur and audacity set in the rolling Howardian Hills. This is one of the world's most beautiful buildings, instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited and in the 2008 film of the same name (both based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel of nostalgia for the English aristocracy)."

"Standing in the Howardian Hills to the west of Malton, Castle Howard is an outstanding example of English baroque, with a distinctive…"

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."