Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Layerthorpe

"One of the most complete medieval abbeys in the UK, Kirkstall Abbey was founded over 800 years ago as a Cistercian Abbey. It’s another great free day out in Leeds with kids, with regular family events and activities during holidays, including trails and art packs. Whenever you visit, you can stroll through the ruined abbey buildings and the lovely parkland on the banks of the river, plus more about the monks who lived here, on display at the visitor centre."

"Basically, this is the ruins of a Christian monastery that was set within a public park right on the banks of a great looking river. Built during the 12th century by monks who had forsaken their home in Barnoldswick, the ruins are still preserved, and visitors can get a slice of history by admiring them. The abbey and the grounds look very relaxing and a pleasant day out will help one unravel all this and more."

"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."

"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."

"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."

"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!"

"With a name like Golden Acre, this even sounds like a winning park for dogs–and it doesn’t disappoint. There are 136-acres on offer, which in doggy terms means space to christen at least 71 tree trunks. In between planted areas, there is vast parkland, woodland, fields, wildflowers, ponds, and a lot of well-maintained paths to walk along."

"Six miles north of Leeds city centre is this park (once an amusement park) which is best known for its gardens, popular tea rooms and circular lakeside walk. Reach it via Otley Road, LS16 9JY."

"We are big supporters of picnics, football in the park with friends and just enjoying the great outdoors!. Get ye' to Golden Acre Park!"

"If your dog is at the spinning-in-circles level of needing to run like Usain Bolt, then Farnley Hall Park is a perfect dog-friendly spot. It’s also a particularly calm space–which is an ideal mood change when your dog is at the washing machine spin cycle stage of existence (looking at you, every waggler under the age of one!). The space used to be a deer park, though today it’s more accustomed to gatherings of dog owners; here, you’re almost guaranteed to make nice new doggy pals to charge over the grass and into the woodland with."

"This 40-acre former deer park, which is located four miles west of Leeds city centre, has a large open grassland, woodlands, formal gardens and a pond. It's accessed via Hall Lane, Farnley, LS12 5HA."

"Every year Leeds Valentine's Fair brings some thrills and spills to the Valentine's Day and the Februiary half-term holidays, with more than 70 attractions on offer. In 2020 the fair moved from it's previous base at Elland Road, next to Leeds United's ground, to Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park, Leeds. This year's fair is running now until Sunday, February 23."

"Covering 27 hectares, with seven tree-lined paths taking you into the centre, Woodhouse Moor is one of the finest parks in Leeds. John Atkinson created it for the residents of Woodhouse Square in 1840 and it became a public green space in 1905. It’s a popular spot with walkers, picnickers and skaters, but that’s not the only reason to go."

"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!"

"What would your journey to the north of England be without the opportunity to eat the traditional English breakfast, or fry up, or collection of things that shouldn’t go together but do. Depending on where in England you are you could hear one of those two first items, although many of you will be thinking the latter upon trying one. Moments Café provides one of the best English breakfasts you can find with a family atmosphere."

"The home of cheese music, Popworld Leeds is the place for old-school classics from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and more!. Not only that, but Popworld is renowned for its cheap prices on drinks & entry and their fantastic cocktail menu with items you won’t find anywhere else. Open slightly earlier than most other nightclubs in the city, this is also a great place to go to enjoy a few drinks on a nightclub crawl as well as being a great place to finish off your night!"

"Just a 20 minute drive from Leeds city centre is St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. A huge country park with abundant wildlife and over 12 kilometres of trails to walk or cycle along. Admire lakes, woodland and plenty of fresh air, as you spot roe deer, skylarks and owls."

"This wetland on the fringes of Leeds is a birdwatcher's paradise and also a top place for a gentle walk. It's off Astley Lane, Swillington."

"Pop over to RSPB St. Aidan's and see what you can spot through your binocs ( also known as binoculars!)"

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"A post shared by AnnoniBA (@annonibags) on Dec 18, 2016 at 3:50am PST. Among the many shops, cafes and bars strewn around Headingley, this tiny bakery can easily go unnoticed, but the smell of freshly baked breads and cakes will be more than enough to lure you in. Whether you get something to enjoy back at home or to eat on the road, their delectable bakes are sure to tempt you back again and again."

"You don’t have to miss out on all the delicious donuts in Leeds thanks to Wildcraft Bakery. They make proper, yeast-risen fried donuts, so you can enjoy all of the naughtiness with none of the gluten. Their delightfully fluffy dough brings together a blend of rice flour and tapioca with water, eggs and sourdough yeast."

"Unit 13, Penraevon Industrial Estate, Leeds LS7 2AWLeeds’ gluten-free bakery also serves up vegan doughnuts, whoopie pies and other treats from their shop just outside the city centre."