Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Raskelf

"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."

"You can learn about its rich history at the visitors’ center. Here you will learn about its deep history and how monks lead their lives. Run by the Cistercian Order, the Abbey also has vast parklands where you and your beloved can take strolls for as long as you want."

"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"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."

"The tower stands high next to York Castle Museum with views over York. Clifford's Tower was built at the Eye of York, a defensive position between the River Ouse and River Foss. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England."

"Roundhay Park is ideal for the family to have fun enjoying the great outdoors. Located a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Leeds, the park is one of Europe’s biggest inner-city green spaces spanning over 700 acres of parkland, woodland, lakes and landscaped gardens. Spot the various species of fish and birds across the water features in the park or enjoy some fishing on Waterloo lake."

"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."

"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."

"This Grade I listed Georgian church was nearly lost in the 1950s, but was saved when church officials decided that it was a building of historical and architectural importance. While it’s still a place of worship, Holy Trinity Church is also a lively community space and they put on all manner of events for you to enjoy, including art exhibitions, vintage fairs and live music – the acoustics are fantastic. Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW."

"There are actually two excellent dog-friendly parks in the Leeds neighbourhood of Pudsey. The first is the council-owned Pudsey Park: a Green Flag-awarded green space that’s earned the rightful status of being Leeds’ second most-visited park. It’s as good for dogs as it is pretty, with clean, well-cared for lawns and beds, plus activities for the whole family, including a playground, a bowling green, and a skate park."

"Credit: Chemical Engineer licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. Second only to Roundhay Park for annual visits, Pudsey Park offers 7.5 hectares of lush green space for you to explore. It’s much more than just fields – there’s a rose garden, a bedding area and a glasshouse."

"Commissioned by the owner of the Old White Swan Inn, Charles Thornton, in 1875, the building of Thornton’s Arcade was opened to the public in May 1878. One of eight arcades built on the city during the era, Thornton’s Arcade is three stories high with a cast-iron Gothic roof . Inside you will find a large clock with a mechanism created by William Potts and Sons of Leeds."

"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."

"This one-stop shop sells everything skaters need for their set-up plus big-name and local brand apparel. Where:10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, LS1. Shop online at:welcomeleeds.com"

"Not very far from Leeds Trinity, you’ll find Le Chalet, an excellent place to enjoy an authentic afternoon tea experience. The afternoon tea includes 2 different types of sandwiches from their wide selection (smoked salmon, tomato & onion chutney, etc.), two canapes, two cakes or desserts, one macaroon and one scone. The price per person is £17.95 which is a great value for money."

"What: Bringing a slice of France to Leeds, Le Chalet is the place to go if you're wanting a Gallic-inspired brunch. Indulge in everything from French toast topped with bacon to a full French breakfast, which includes a fresh sliced baguette with jam and honey, a pastry of your choice, a juice and a hot drink. Now that's a spread that's hard to refuse.Where:31-32 Park Row, LS1 5JD"

"Us Brits love tea and Le Chalet has shown us just how good a French tearoom can be. They have 18 different teas for you to choose from, with everything from English Breakfast and Earl Grey to Lapsang Souchong, Hibiscus and Lavender. But it’s not just about the tea."

"La Cour Brasserie is a Parisian-style bistro, known for its classy decor, attentive service and scrumptious food. They serve up a menu of French inspired dishes using the best local produce – think boeuf bourguignon, duck in caramelised port sauce and moules marinières, with a host of tempting desserts to boot. La Cour Brasserie, 194 New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4DP."

"the service was super friendly, it made sure you had a great time and got everything you need, not so expensive and a fair price especially since the food was AMAZING!. the food was great, seriously it was like a dream come true, it was heaven and the food was just the best part. the interior was gorgeous and it had a nice calming aesthetic, the menu had a lot of food and drinks and the day we went they had “no pizza” but it didn’t bug us and we ordered some other delicious food!"

"Zizzi restaurants are passionate about simple Italian cookery. Whether it's pizza or pasta, salads or risotto, or carne and pesce (meat and fish), each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients - from the popular classics to Zizzi's own…"

"Veggies don’t have to miss out on a good old fashioned chippy tea, thanks to JJ’s Vish and Chips. There’s no actual fish on the menu, instead, you can try deep-fried fillets of Tofish, made from tofu, or Vish, made from banana blossom. But that’s just the start, because they do meat-free versions of all the classics, including Sosage, Scam-pi and Fricken Nuggets."

"Chippy food can often be pretty boring when you’re veggie or vegan. You’re sort of limited to chips and a veggie burger if you’re lucky. Well, that’s about to change for you, as at JJ’s the entire menu is vegan friendly."

"The Malayalam word ‘tharavadu’ roughly translates as keeping traditions alive – and that’s certainly the ethos of this charming Keralan restaurant, which you’ll find just across the road from Leeds train station. They cover a wide variety of southern Indian dishes, among which you’ll find some unusual treats. Time Out tip: Look out for crab cooked in coconut sauce, excellent fried lentil doughnuts and toffee-filled steamed rice cake."

"Voted best Indian cuisine two years in a row, Tharavadu is a Michelin recommended restaurant located at Mill Hill in Leeds. Quoted on their website, people can’t seem to say enough good things about this place!. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming."

"They’re made fresh in house every day and they keep things interesting by switching up the flavours, so there’s always something new to try. Take the Lucky Charms donut for an example. This epic ball donut is deep-fried, stuffed with marshmallow and covered in vanilla fudge icing before they top it with that all-important Lucky Charms cereal to create a sweet and sticky treat like nothing you’ve had before."

"Krispy Kreme is an internationally beloved donut shop and you can get a taste of their famous sweet treats in Trinity Leeds. They’ve been perfecting their Original Glazed Donut for over 75 years, so you can bet it’s lip-smackingly good. Sweet, crisp and fluffy in all the right places, take a bite and it almost melts in your mouth."

"Whether it’s a single doughnut or a sharers dozen box, no matter what type of doughnut you love, Krispy Kreme has them."