Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Green Hammerton

"The perfect park for picnics, relaxing by the River Aire and leisurely strolls around one of the best surviving medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain, Kirkstall Abbey has 24 hectares of parkland for you to explore. The park stretches from Abbey Mills Wildflower Meadows, which is carpeted in bluebells in the spring, past the tennis courts on the far side and over the road to the playground and fields on either side of Abbey House Museum. Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH."

"If you're looking for somewhere with a bit of history, then look no further than Kirkstall Abbey. The giant Gothic building is a former Cistercian monastery which was built in the 12th Century and the sheer scale of the structure is still breathtaking (and award-winning) in this day and age. Nowadays though, it embraces modern life with a monthly market and other events inside the walls of the Abbey, while the open spaces on the banks of the River Aire are the perfect spot to unwind."

"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."

"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."

"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."

"Within the cities of England, it’s often hard to find beautiful green locations, although they are plentiful outside of the cities. At just three miles north of Leeds City Centre you can find a whole 700 acres of rolling parkland, two clear lakes and woodland as far as the eye can see. Alongside the natural beauty of nature there are several formal gardens, and two playgrounds to keep your travelling children entertained."

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"Enjoy a little fresh air with an invigorating walk around Chevin Forest Park, a short drive from Leeds overlooking the town of Otley. The walk shows off the best of Yorkshire’s natural scenery, taking in dramatic views, rocky outcrops and moorlands scattered with beautiful purple heather."

"Situated close to Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire Playhouse is one of Britain’s most exciting production theatres. The playhouse was opened in 1990 and since then has established both a national and an international reputation for its great shows and high quality service. The theater offers its visitors such cultural events as classic drama, comedy, modern European plays and fantastic children’s shows."

"Begun in 1964, the West Yorkshire Playhouse has established a reputation both nationally and internationally as one of Britain’s most exciting producing theatres. Opened as a successor to earlier Leeds Playhouse, its structure has two auditoria and hosts a range of productions – from classical drama to modern European theatre and children’s shows. If you are looking forward to...Read more"

"If you’re looking for a more intimate environment for a night of comedy in Leeds, look no further than the Carriageworks Theatre. The venue puts on a vast and diverse array of entertainment all year round – and they get more than their fair share of comedy too. They’ve had visits from the likes of Mitch Benn, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Tape Face, Patrick Monahan and The Clean As Possible Comedy Show over the past few years."

"A 45 – 60 minute show packed with interactive fun and games for the whole family. This show is all about children’s ideas and stories…"

"York Theatre Royal has been producing great drama in the beautiful city of York for over 270 years and is one of the country’s leading producing theatres. Each year the theatre entertains over 200,000 people with its wide variety of performances, events and activities including the much-loved annual pantomime starring Berwick Kaler, the UK’s longest-running Dame."

"The York Theatre Royal was built in 1744 on the site of the medieval St. Leonard’s Hospital. Parts of the old hospital can still be seen, including archways and walls. Under the stage lies a well, which is believed to be from the Roman era."

"Perhaps one of the most unique establishments in York – Spark is a vibrant hub of some of the best food and drink in the city. With large benches on the lower and upper floors, this venue is the perfect place to grab and go, or to spend an evening with a few friends and drinks."

"When to go: When you fancy something quick, casual and can’t decide so visit more than one. What to have: The buttermilk fried chicken burgers from Clucking Oinks are unbeatable. Wash one down with an ice-cold can of craft beer from resident bar Piccadilly Tap."

"Spark:York is proud to always offer an eclectic mix of food and drink from around the world. Showcasing a fantastic range of local and independent businesses. Enjoy a deliciously fruity peach bellini served by the piano at Bohemian Bar."

"The Woods, located in Chapel Allerton, is a personal favourite as the sheltered seating and optional heaters mean that sitting outside needn’t be reserved for summer evenings. The rooftop balcony offers exceptional views across the local area, best enjoyed alongside their range of bar snacks. The Woods offers freshly baked, wood-fired pizzas to appreciate alongside locally sourced beverages – the ideal solution for those seeking an alternative to the city center offerings."

"Offering a great selection of homemade cakes and coffee or even a picnic to take on your walk. Enjoy a short walk in Acomb Wood and Meadow Local Nature Reserve which is about a mile from Love to Eat. Or you could pop by Love to Eat after a visit to Askham Bog if you are in the car."

"Afternoon Tea – A full Afternoon Tea comprising sandwiches, savouries, scones with Jam & cream and mini cakes & desserts. Adults £15.95, Children £9.95. 52 Moor Lane, York, YO24 2QY"

"is the ideal place to stop off for brunch during a walk around the idyllic Crimple Valley. The high-ceilinged, spacious cafe is full of streaming sunlight and situated in one of Yorkshire’s greenest buildings, complete with a sedum roof and solar panels, and is insulated with sheep’s wool. Serving up local produce sourced from hundreds of farmers and small producers, Fodder offers all the country cafe favourites, including the splendid ‘Great Yorkshire Breakfast’ (dry-cured bacon, pork sausage, black pudding, fried egg, flat mushroom, grilled tomato, baked beans and a slice of granary or white toast)."

"Located on the Great Yorkshire Showground, Fodder is an enterprising, state-of-the-art showcase for regional food and drink, and makes a splendid spot ..." Read our full review"