Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lower Dunsforth

"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."

"Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey on the bank of the River Aire is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. Its dramatic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and provided the perfect setting for Yorkshire’s Gothic Film Festival in 2013"

"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."

"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."

"Clifford’s Tower (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of York."

"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."

"At 700 acres, Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. It’s twice the size of Hyde Park in London and offers a multitude of adventures. The vast network of paths stretches beyond the landscape gardens into the woodlands where you’ll find quaint riverside rambles, picturesque gorge walks and calf-burning hikes that promise incredible views."

"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."

"Spurriergate is open for refreshments and meet-ups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2.30pm. We have free Friendly WiFi, a soft play area and a warm welcome. Come and meet your friends and make some new ones!"

"The Stray is the largest of Harrogate's parks: comprising 200 acres of contiguous open land linking the spa town's curative springs and wells. The site dates back to 1778 when it was created from the forest of Knaresborough to link several of Harrogate’s springs together in one area but is now open grassland full of beautiful flowers. The Stray is in the centre of the town off Knaresborough Road and is free to access throughout the year."

"Moments away from the bustle of the town centre, the Stray has given the people of Harrogate somewhere peaceful to relax since it was created in 1778 from the forest of Knaresborough. Nothing can be purer than the air at Harrogate. Over the years the Stray has been used to graze livestock, turned into allotments and wheat fields during WWII, and it’s even been used as an airfield for light aircraft."

"The Stray is an area of around 200 acres of parkland in Harrogate which links the town’s spas and wells; it’s also the site of the original Tewit Well discovered by William Slingsby. In the 18th century, the park was bequeathed to the people of Harrogate by the Duchy of Lancaster to be forever unenclosed and makes a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic, an outdoor game or a walk."

"The Yorkshire Wrap Company will give you one of their giant Yorkshire puddings and stuff it with goodies, before you chow down on it like a burrito. You can have roast beef, red cabbage, onion and horseradish or roast pork, sage and onion stuffing with apple & mustard sauce. If you get there early doors, they’ve even got a full English one for you to try."

"You can gorge on the ultimate Yorkshire pudding at the Yorkshire Wrap Co. They’ve transformed the humble pud into a deliciously filling roast dinner wrap. Load yours with slow cooked beef, red cabbage and horseradish or roast pork, stuffing and apple sauce, before it’s finished with lashings of gravy and wrapped up in a freshly made Yorkshire."

"Don’t let the name fool you, Humpit is a must-visit if you’re looking for a new vegetarian option. Having traveled extensively in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the owners of the Humpit know their hummus and pitas. Grab a large group of friends and gather around a dramatically meal-sized bowl of hummus, tear yourself off a warm bit of pita and dig in."

"In our humble opinion it’s one of the best places you can eat in Leeds with kids, and what Humpit doesn’t know about this chickpea-based snack isn’t worth knowing. Inside it’s cosy, but worth squeezing in. Big bowls of traditional hummus are on the menu, delivered with various extras like pita bread, falafel balls, mixed pickles and salads."

"If you want a filling meal that’s also healthy, head on down to Humpit in the Corn Exchange or at Leeds University Union. Here you can choose between salad bowls topped with healthy delights such as hummus and falafel, filled pittas, Turkish pizzas, loaded fries and more. Everything on the menu is plant-based, so take your pick and dig in!"

"Eat & Drink, Cafés & Tearooms"

"Restored from a crumbling 19th-century building, the ‘Lamb’ mixes warm exposed brickwork with big open windows and one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. Expect the full range of Leeds Brewery beers alongside an extensive range of draught lagers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and a menu of locally sourced, freshly cooked food. If you’re looking for lively courtyard vibes just a stone’s throw from the centre of town, this is it."

"This Grade II-listed cutie isn't just serving up cosy interiors for winter, but also has prime position next to the rather impressive Leeds Minster - a church dating back to the Medieval ages. Head out to their patio for brews from Leeds Brewery and views of this important piece of the city's history."

"The Lamb and Flag is a local hotspot when it comes to drinking outside in Leeds. Not only does the historic pub offer a range of craft brews and an impressive Sunday roast, but it also has a large beer garden and upstairs balcony area."

"A maze of bars, shops, and cafés that looks straight out of a Harry Potter film, Sunbridge Wells is unlike anything I have ever seen!. It opened a few weeks before we arrived in Bradford, so not many people knew where it was yet. Luckily, we spotted a group of guys who were heading there and were kind enough to lead the way."

"The Victoria Quarter of Leeds is a series of Victorian shopping arcades whose opulent style and extravagance have led them to house some of the most expensive retail stores in Leeds. The County Arcade is perfect for an Instagram shot with its wonderful mosaic floor, gilt designs and marble columns…"