"Henry VIII had a great impact on Britain’s history, but did you know he was partially responsible for Kirkstall Abbey?. The 12th century monastery was disestablished by Henry in the 16th century, but is still standing today and is easily one of the most picturesque landmarks in Leeds. View this post on Instagram"
"Kirkstall Abbey has a wooly great summer of sheep themed activities in the abbey!. Cistercians loved their sheep and they Kirkstall Abbey will celebrate that fact with a baa-tastic trail. Pick up or download a trail to find the whole flock and discover the different types of sheep that the UK call home."
"Ruined but prideful, forgotten but known, beautifully neglected — Kirkstall Abbey is a lot of things to a lot of people. This gorgeous piece of historic …"
"Family friendly York Castle Museum is centrally situated near Coppergate Shopping Centre – green signs direct you to the ‘Castle Area’. Collections of Costume and Textiles, Military and Social History and a collection on York Castle’s most famous prisoner Dick Turpin, eventually hanged in 1739, all feature in exhibitions. A favourite with children, the recreated Victorian and Georgian rooms here display historic every day items from the collection of North Yorkshire country doctor John Kirk."
"If you’re craving green space, head to one of the largest city parks in Europe to spend an afternoon walking the dog or simply sunbathing on one of the many lawns. Roundhay Park is a popular spot all year round with a variety of lakes, meadows and forests to walk around and explore. Roundhay Park | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia"
"This park, which is four miles northeast of Leeds city centre, offers 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. If it's really cold you can warm up in the indoor Tropical World, which has butterflies, birds, reptiles and even meerkats, or the early 19th century Mansion House which has a cafe. The car park is accessible via Wetherby Road, LS8 2JZ."
"Firmly ensconced as the most popular park in Leeds, Roundhay Park is a favourite not just for people in the city but for visitors from across Yorkshire too. Fact fans will no doubt be aware that it's one of the biggest city parks anywhere in Europe, covering 700 acres. It offers something for everyone, too."
"With tree-lined walkways, vast swathes of grassland and a traditional bandstand where live entertained play during the summer, Horsforth Hall Park is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Japanese gardens are its crowning glory – created in 1987, they reflect the diverse landscapes of the Japanese isles and create a place of contemplation for visitors. The park also has a skate park and a cricket pitch."
"For those who live in Horsforth, it's no secret that this place becomes swamped in the summer months and it's got a bit of everything. If you fancy burning off a few calories then the Trim Trail is one of the best around and it's also plenty big enough for a quick game of cricket or football, but the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning Japanese Garden."
"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"
"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."
"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."
"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."
"The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a museum, wedding and hospitality venue, regularly hosting vintage and wedding fairs. The museum hosts collections including silver, furniture and paintings and is open during the summer months. 721 metres from the Minster.Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9XD, United Kingdom"
"Another excellent photography spot and Instagrammable place in York is the Merchant’s Hall. The Merchant’s Hall has one of the most impressive guildhalls in the world, and sometimes you can get it empty – it’s incredible for photos."
"Set on the first floor of the Pinnacle Building in the heart of Leeds, big and little diners alike are welcomed into the rather opulent restaurant, complete with deep-set sofas, quirky dining furniture and even a covered terrace for when you want to bring the outdoors indoors (it’s surrounded by glass, so no worries here). The food is simpler though, with favourites like fish fingers, chicken lollipops and fruit sundaes all making welcome appearances. Ice cream on the terrace?"
"What: Cosy Club is known around the UK for its eclectically decorated dining rooms and this Leeds outpost is no different. The menu is just as quirky as the space, with a few less than conventional breakfast dishes found among the more traditional fare. Play it safe with a smoked bacon sandwich or try something new with the Middle Eastern dish of shakshuka."
"Jimmy’s is a new bar and restaurant that has opened on Petergate, in York. They have two floors each with dining areas and bars, as well as an outdoor covered and heated courtyard. They serve breakfast and brunch from 10am until 3pm and then a ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll BBQ’ in the evening."
"Valhalla is York’s only traditional Viking pub and just being there is an entire experience in itself!. You’ll find people drinking strong, strange ales and mead out of a real Viking drinking horn!. The do also serve regular beers, lagers and spirits as well, but no cocktails unfortunately!"
"They have a carefully chosen selection of publications on art, culture, politics, fashion and photography as well as special-edition novels. But it’s not just books – they also have an awesome collection of zines. In fact, it’s the only shop in the city where you can find such an eclectic mix of self-published zines from internationally-acclaimed and emerging artists."
"Pairings is an independent wine bar in York run by sisters, located on historic Castlegate. Serving fine wines by the glass, local ales, signature cocktails and great coffee alongside cheese, charcuterie, deli foods and desserts, this cosy bar caters for everyone. If you’re not a wine connoisseur, don’t worry, the friendly staff are very knowledgeable and will pair your wine to the dish you choose."
"A beautifully designed bar with a large selection of food and wines. They have a wine selection that is complemented by information about wines. Highly recommend for wine lovers and people just starting to love wine."
"What’s on the menu – Choose from an amazing array of wine from across the world, Yorkshire and Spanish deli platters, olives, pork pies, Spanish pork scratchings and a whole range of cheese."