Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Moor Monkton

"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."

"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"

"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."

"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 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."

"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"

"With over 700 acres of paw-pounding space, Roundhay Park is one of the UK’s largest urban green spaces–making it a top hit among dog owners in Leeds. Its asset is the variety of terrain: there’s open space for ball-chucking, woodland trails rich in sniffing opportunities (because sometimes a good boy needs more than bottoms), Waterloo Lake for hot-day dips, a steep climb up to the castle if a proper calf-stretch is required, plus the ‘secret gorge walk’–a 2.7km route to find a beautiful hidden waterfall. Look out for dog-themed events, too, such as the Yorkshire Dachshund Group’s annual Christmas sausage walk."

"You’ll find one of the biggest parks in Europe three miles north of Leeds city centre. Roundhay Park is a beautiful outdoor space that covers a massive 700 acres, with landscaped gardens, rolling parkland and two scenic lakes. It’s a great place to get back to nature, but you’ll also find a few man-made attractions here that are just as worthy of your time – think adventure playgrounds, sports pitches, tennis courts and a skate park."

"Tucked away behind an inconspicuous gate and seemingly cut off from the rest of the town, the Church of the Holy Trinity is a fantastically atmospheric old building, having survived almost unchanged for the past..."

"Although not a royal castle by any stretch of the imagination, Roundhay Park has its own castle that sits within its grounds (btw don’t worry – Roundhay Park will get its own mention later on 🤪). Grab a shot that looks like you travelled miles away into the countryside when really you’re only about ten minutes away from home with this spot. Nicholson added the folly in the guise of a medieval gateway in the 1820s and after its construction it was used a summer house and a hunting lodge."

"Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Richmond (or Fountains Abbey for short) is an ideal stop when visiting the Yorkshire Dales with kids. There is so much to see and do here and it has one of the best adventure playgrounds in the Yorkshire Dales. The National Trust owned estate is divided into two sections with a pleasant grass ‘corridor’ linking the two sections of the park."

"World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey is a truly special place for us. We reckon this is the most beautiful place to visit in the Yorkshire Dales!. As well as abbey ruins that are the oldest in England, there’s also the Studley Royal Water Garden, which inspired our Sing Gin branding."

"This National Trust property is a World Heritage Site and includes the evocative ruins of a medieval monastery and the delightful water gardens of Studley Royal."

"Leeds’ famed shopping arcades are not just a place to stroll around and shop. They do represent the city’s cultural institution and have stood to represent the city’s growth as well. Thornton’s Arcade was opened in 1878, and is named after Charles Thornton, the proprietor of The Old White Swan Inn and the City Varieties."

"If you enjoy architecture and medieval clocks, as we do, you should definitely take a stroll through one of Leeds' best arcades!"

"FREE WI-FI The Unicorn is one of Ripons oldest and most historic inns.The hotel reopened in April 2011, following a £2.1million refurbishment and is part of the JD Wetherspoon hotel group. It is the largest building on the market place and has featured…"

"Situated amongst local tourist attractions, The Unicorn Hotel Wetherspoon is a 10-minute walk from from Ripon Cathedral. It also offers a 24-hour reception, wireless internet and a wake-up service."

"Spark:York is a place that looks and feels like no other venue in York. It’s a vibrant, relaxed place to eat and drink, with kids or without, and a good option if you’d like a range of food and drink to choose from and take away (or eat there). There’s a changing rota of pop-up bars and restaurants, but if you imagine craft ales, edgy cocktails and some of the best street food in town, you’re not too far from the mark."

"Sparks is a relatively new addition to York and it has quickly become known as a local hotspot. Popular with everyone, Sparks has loads of different food spots but if you’re vegan or veggie, head straight to Donner Summer’s for kebabs, hot dogs and more."

"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."

"Tucked behind the Shambles is the market where you can take in the bustling atmosphere and enjoy meandering the 85 stalls that are usually open on a daily basis. The market sells everything from local produce to baked goods to flowers, cosmetics, clothing, gifts, books, and handmade crafts. Even if you don’t spend any money, the atmosphere alone is worth a visit!"

"Next to The Shambles street, there is also The Shambles market. It’s full of local goods to take home and delicious treats to taste as well. The buildings that surround this market are pretty amazing and my favourite has to be Gert and Henry’s Pub (I know, another black and white timbered building, but they’re just so photogenic!)."

"One of the most Instagrammable and photogenic spots in York is the York Market (Shambles Market). While the market itself as well, like a regular market, the buildings surrounding the market are incredible for taking photos."

"The development was completed in 2016 as part of the restoration of the historic shopping district around Vicar Lane and the Victoria Quarter. Spanning 53,400m2, it’s the largest premium retail and leisure venue in Northern England and houses a flagship John Lewis along with over 30 other stores. The project was designed by ACME alongside commercial property developer Hammerson and won the Best Shopping Centre at the prestigious MIPIM awards at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, beating off competition from Japan, Hong Kong, and China."

"Victoria Gate isn’t just a shopping centre, it’s a landmark building with a unique design. The John Lewis store has an intricate crisscrossed pattern that gives a nod to the city’s textile heritage, while the arcade itself is adorned with an intricate pattern of 360,000 individual drawn and located bricks. Even the car park stands out with 228 twisted metal panels hiding the cars within."

"Victoria Gate is a modern take on a traditional shopping arcade and a go-to destination for designer shopping in Leeds. You’ll find a range of well-known brands on here. Visit Tommy Hilfiger for preppy mens and womenswear, pop into Peloton for premium sportswear or shop at Calvin Klein for designer underwear."