Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Tholthorpe

"Grade I listed Kirkstall Abbey sits in leafy grounds and offers a snapshot into the lives of the monks who resided there. Entry to the dramatic ruins is free through the visitor centre, which illustrates the history of the abbey, which was surrendered to Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. The abbey grounds also host regular farmers markets, open cinema events and Christmas fairs."

"Kirkstall abbey is a well-preserved medieval abbey which has stunning architecture and some great ruins. It is set in parkland and it is the perfect place for a walk. There is also an outdoor deli market where you can try some delicious food, such as a hot spiced wine or a fresh stonebaked pizza, or buy an artisan gift for your friends."

"Few locations can top the spectacular backdrop offered by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and with 24 hectares of parkland surrounding it, you can enjoy a romantic stroll before asking that all important question."

"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."

"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"

"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"

"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."

"Roundhay Park is one of the most popular attractions in Leeds. With over 700 acres of land, the area is a fusion of woodlands, lakes, formal gardens, cafes and playgrounds. It also houses Tropical World, a place where you can experience different exotic animals like meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles, butterflies and many others."

"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."

"Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Victoria Quarter is part of Victoria Leeds, a luxury shopping destination in the heart of the city centre that comprises a number of arcades and shopping streets. Designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham, it is easy to see the influences of more dramatic structures. Although Victoria Street was covered by a glass roof less than 30 years ago, the Victorian shopping arcades date back more than 100 years."

"The Victoria Quarter is one of the most luxurious shopping destinations in Leeds, as well as being a food-lover's haven. It has over 80 shops with many of them high-end, such as Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood, to name a few. Maybe not somewhere you’ll be gracing too often on a student budget, but it's the perfect place to window-shop or even take Mum when she comes to visit!"

"The city is blessed with a number of gorgeous shopping arcades, the sorts of places that encourages as much photography as they do commerce, and Victoria Leeds …"

"Côte Brasserie serve breakfast and brunch from Saturday to Sunday, and Bank Holidays, from 10am to 2pm. Highlights include a breakfast set menu that involves any cooked breakfast with fresh orange juice or cloudy apple juice and a hot drink of your choice. Options include a full English breakfast, Crepe Complete (pancakes, bacon and comte cheese), Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royal and Eggs Avocado."

"Côte’s tagline is “Relaxed all day dining inspired by the brasseries of Paris” and I would agree with that. They serve breakfast/brunch between 8am and noon Monday to Friday and 9am till 1pm Saturday and Sunday. They have a good lunchtime and early evening set menu at two courses for £11.95 that includes French classics like steak frites and baked camembert."

"Cote are a French Restaurant that serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday, as well as Bank Holidays, from 10am to 2pm. They serve a full breakfast as well as French classics such as Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame."

"If the answer is yes, you need to go and experience Teppanyaki. One of the best Japanese restaurants in Leeds, you get to experience an atmosphere similar to one you will have experienced if you have ever eaten in Japan. Watch as your skilled chefs cook your food in front of your own eyes to the best of standards, feel your jaw drop as they juggle and flip your food, throwing a dash of fire into the mixture."

"Teppanyaki is another one of the best Japanese restaurants in Leeds. They are open all around the world. They serve local Japanese flavour dishes."

"The website defaults to the menu in Japanese, which says to me that this restaurant is catering to the large number of Japanese visitors we receive. I’d say that it does not get more authentic than that!. If you want sushi like it’s served in Japan, then this looks ideal."

"York Art Gallery boasts the largest collection of British Studio Ceramics in the country in its Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA). The 19th century building (restored 2013-2015) contains works from the 14th century to the present day including altarpieces, drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, L S Lowry and David Hockney."

"As well as an impressive collection of Old Masters, York Art Gallery possesses works by LS Lowry, Pablo Picasso, Grayson Perry, David Hockney, and the controversial York artist William Etty who, in the 1820s, was..."

"In a city with the biggest student population outside of London, it would be absurd for the prevailing university culture not to have some influence on the art scene. Housed within the University of Leeds campus in the Grade II listed Art Deco Parkinson Building, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery showcases a mix of contemporary art as well as works from the university’s special collections department spanning over 200 years. The gallery expectedly supports and promotes its students’ and its graduates’ work, in addition to displays from local artists and those from further afield."

"You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the art of The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds. Since 1970, it’s been home to the University Art Collection, which features ceramics, photographs and sculpture. That’s not all – you can see an incredible selection of British and European paintings, drawings and prints from 17th century to the present day."