Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Kirkstall

"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"

"Located just a short distance out of the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is beautifully preserved, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through the ruins. The abbey is located beside the River Aire, making it the perfect starting point for a relaxing stroll by the water. Kirkstall Abbey | © Minda / Wikimedia"

"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."

"Clifford’s Tower offers stunning views of the city from it’s vantage point on top of a mound. The tower is what’s left of the York Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Tower St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA, United Kingdom"

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"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."

"It's autumn and your are itching to start planning your Bonfire Night celebrations - Roundhay Park has you covered with a massive bonfire in this beautiful park!"

"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."

"In the near centre of Wakefield sits the magnificent Wakefield Cathedral, or the even grander title of the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Wakefield. Although we owe the Victorians for Wakefield Cathedral’s current appearance, restored and reopened in 1888, it has been a place of worship since the 9th-century, and has even been mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Today, anyone can come and have an informal, 45 minute tour of this historic cathedral, with no booking required and completely free!"

"Another incredibly old building, Wakefield Cathedral is the tallest church in Yorkshire and has a long and fascinating history. Although it has been developed and rebuilt at various points over the past 900 years, the building which exists today dates back to the 14th century. Its 247-foot tall spire is visible from many of the suburbs of Wakefield and even beyond on a clear day."

"Barley Hall is a (somewhat controversial) restored medieval townhouse and hospice dating from 1386. The building was built by the monks of Nostell Priory and was once home to the Lord Mayor of York. The house is decorated to recall the late 15th century home of William Snawsell."

"This restored medieval townhouse, tucked down an alleyway, includes a permanent exhibition of life in the times of Henry VIII. It was once the home of York’s Lord Mayor. The centrepiece is a double-height banquet..."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Meanwood Park is a 29-hectares area consisted of woodland, mown grass, stream and meadows. They have different attractions and facilities like Meanwood Valley Trail, nature reserve, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and picnic areas. A perfect place for the family to have their quality time, kids would love to play on their children’s playground while their parents can do different sports activities like tennis or basketball."

"Four miles north of Leeds city centre, Meanwood Park’s 29-hectares span meadows, woodland, lawns, and a stream. That’s a checklist of most dogs’ outdoor needs, which also happens to be pretty darn beautiful to boot. For the energetic, Meanwood is part of a seven-mile walk called the Meanwood Valley Trail, which takes you from Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park and then onto Seven Arches (Leeds’ first aqueduct) and Golden Acre Park."

"A short distance from LCA, this park is great for an afternoon walk!. It's also the perfect place to see freshly hatched moor hen and mallard duck chicks in the springtime!"

"145 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6BRBella Italia has offered family-friendly Italian-style dining in the UK since the early ’90s. With the option to filter their online menu for vegan dishes, Bella Italia make it easy to eat out with a crowd."

"Located in prime position on Briggate, Bella Italia should already be on your radar. And if it isn’t, why on earth not?. The food is surprisingly good and the service merits a gold star."

"What: If you like your brunch served with a side of fries and as much gin, vodka, prosecco, beer and cocktails as you fancy, Leeds’ Neighbourhood Restaurant should be on your hit list. Edgy interiors, which include graffitied walls, pink banquette seating and neon signs also help with that buzzy weekend vibe, while dishes such as avocado on toast and eggs royale will keep you satisfied. Where: 5 Greek Street, Leeds, LS1 5SX"

"A little slice of New York in the heart of Leeds, Neighbourhood is a great place to do brunch. The restaurant is decked out in style with a living wall and graffiti murals by famous street artist Triston Eaton. Their mid-morning can be made into a bottomless affair for £30 per person, so you can get any dish on their dedicated menu with unlimited drinks between 10am and 1pm every Saturday and Sunday."

"Outside their flash Greek Street restaurant, Neighbourhood’s outdoor area promises afternoon sun and Insta-worthy food. There’s a canopy along the building, to offer shelter from the elements, but if it’s sun you want, there’s plenty of space. They offer a menu of New Yorkshire inspired eats, from fresh sushi rolls to crispy pulled duck lollipops and teriyaki glazed salmon."

"Eating out at Art’s is a little like eating at the smallest gastropub you’ve ever seen. The rustic charm and dark wood panelled bar are the first thing to hit you upon entry, but take a seat and you’ll soon be charmed by the intimate space and international menu. It makes for an exciting browse, with everything from confit duck to curried cauliflower on a menu that changes every month."

"Local art on the walls and a bohemian vibe make this a popular place for quiet reflection and a really good cup of coffee. The dinner menu is a cut above your average fare, with inventive dishes such as rib-eye... Modern British in Leeds"

"Spark is a relatively new addition to the city of York but it’s certainly one that’s been welcomed with open arms (at least by me). Offering a vast selection of different cuisines, as well as gorgeous seating areas and unique shipping containers disguised as shops and food stalls, Spark is a great place to grab some pictures."

"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."

"Community project and social destination supporting independent businesses. Inside you’ll find street food vendors, bars, retailers, beauty, holistic therapy, a co-working hub, arts studio and events space. We are family friendly and dogs are welcome."

"What sometimes feels like a historical reenactment is actually a fully functioning and fantastic way to shop in style!. Nestled in the heart of the city, between Parliament Street and the ever-popular Shambles, the 70 stalls host a variety of wares and crafts. From handmade cheeses and alcoholic rarities like mead (if they offer you a free sample – take it) to arts and crafts and beautiful floral bouquets, the markets are a sensory experience even if you aren’t willing to spend."

"*Unless you get tempted and end up buying lots of lovely things!. See where we get most of our ingredients from:  Ye Olde Pie Shoppe on the Shambles provide us with sausages, but Chris also loves their pork pies (Chris’ favourite is the chilli one!); we get drinks from Hebden Teas also on The Shambles. Then on the Market itself we get meat from Swains butchers, and fish from Cross of York."