Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Upper Dunsforth

"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."

"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."

"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."

"There's precious little left of York Castle except for this evocative stone tower, a highly unusual four-lobed design built into the castle's keep after the original one was destroyed in 1190 during anti-Jewish..."

"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."

"This much-beloved watering hole is the sister bar to one of Leeds’ oldest pub, Whitelocks. Whilst the former is the place to head for the more classic ales, Turks Head is the more modern choice, with a plethora of interesting craft ales, gins, and cocktails. The beer garden which sits in the alleyway just off Briggate is lively and atmospheric all year round, with plenty of seating, and canopies with heaters for those unpredictable British summer days."

"Another set of magnificent gardens in Harrogate are these towards the western edge of town, which reflect the Yorkshire landscape with a selection of trails, a log maze and tea rooms. There's also a range of boutique shops and tours on offer at the 17 acre site which, as is the case with many parts of Harrogate, was formerly the location for a bath house and a spa. Harlow Carr Gardens are at Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB. The gardens are open from 9.30am throughout the year and close at 6pm from March to October and 4pm for the rest of the year."

"Enjoy a little fresh air with an invigorating walk around Chevin Forest Park, a short drive from Leeds overlooking the town of Otley. The walk shows off the best of Yorkshire’s natural scenery, taking in dramatic views, rocky outcrops and moorlands scattered with beautiful purple heather."

"A train station may seem like an unusual location to describe as ‘Instagrammable’ but York train station is far from ordinary. The beautiful building is home to some stunning pieces of architectural work, as well as modern film interest!. The bridge that connects the platforms at York train station is actually the one that Harry and Hagrid walk over in the first Harry Potter film!"

"Situated in the former headquarters of the Tetley Brewery, The Tetley is a transformative contemporary art exhibition space which focuses on education and community engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds. There is always opportunity for discussions about the high standard of art on display, with the hope that it can inspire future artistic talents. The bar and kitchen downstairs is a great place to kick off the discussions over brunch."

"Founded in 1822, Tetley was once the biggest brewery in the North, and for a while, it was the largest producer of cask ale in the world. Its reign ended when the brewery was taken over by the Carlsberg Group, and the brewery closed in 2011, before being demolished a year later. Thankfully, out of its ashes, a new venue was born."

"Authentic wood fired pizza as well as lots of classic Italian dishes, wine and more from owner Francois Strydom (aka The Fat Chef). 51 Wheelgate, Malton YO17 7HT01653 690768fatchefcompany.co.uk/la-pizzeria/"

"Ripley Castle near Harrogate is a child friendly estate which offers regular castle tours especially for children. The children’s tours are a child friendly length of 45 minutes but there are also adult tours available. The extensive grounds of the estate include a deer park, a small children’s play area and a pretty walled kitchen garden so are ideal for a good run around."

"Very close to our Yorkshire Dales distillery in Kettlesing, Ripley Castle is among the best things to see in the Yorkshire Dales. Over 700 years old; the castle has lakes, a deer park, walled gardens, hothouses and more to explore. The grounds are particularly attractive in Spring, when they’re in full bloom."

"Ripley Castle and Gardens, near Harrogate, is an historic attraction open to the public all year round and makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location."

"Just below Tropical World are the beautiful Canal Gardens which again, despite being in the area many times exploring Roundhay Park I had never noticed before I ran past them during a lockdown run. I came back again a couple of weeks later with my new tripod (best purchase!!!) to photograph them. In Spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom in this peaceful place."

"Hong Kong Chop House is notable for its diverse menu, and it is this element that makes it one of the best Chinese takeaways in York. They serve authentic Chinese cuisine from various regions, so you will find Cantonese dishes alongside Sichuan meals and food from Northeast China. Not only are there the typical items that are served by most Chinese restaurants, but there are also traditional Chinese dishes that are not usually found on menus in the UK."

"One of the best Asian restaurants in town, Hong Kong Chop House definitely lives up to its claim. Choose from an extensive menu including soup, dim sum, appetizers, hot and cold starters, meat, poultry, seafood dishes, vegetarian options, and more. You are just an order away from devouring a whole lot of goodness."

"This is a slightly different twist on bottomless brunch, and it’s one of the best that Leeds has to offer. Bar Soba serves Pan-Asian street food, and the bottomless brunch will have you choosing from dishes such as a katsu curry or a pad thai, which certainly makes a change from the usual bottomless brunch offerings you’ll find!. Bar Soba offers two options: Option 1 is £25pp and allows you to choose from prosecco or bottles of Tsingtao or Sol, while option two also lets you choose from a number of Bar Soba’s cocktails for the slightly higher price of £30pp."

"What: A quaint spot for eggs and a glass of fizz or two with your mother-in-law Bar Soba is definitely not, but if you’re looking to kick-start your weekend in funky surroundings with plenty of bottomless booze, it’s just the ticket. There are two bottomless brunch packages available: one limited to free-flowing prosecco and bottled beer and another that also includes selected cocktails. You won’t find the usual breakfast dishes here so instead get ready to tuck into Pan-Asian dishes like katsu curry and pad Thai.Where: 6 Greek St, Leeds, LS1 5RW"

"If you like the idea of bottomless brunch, try Bar Soba's lunchtime version, served every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You'll get a two-course meal from their street food menu plus free-flowing mojitos and Prosecco for £25 per person. Even better, there's also a Bottomless Supper Club, where from 6pm you can enjoy street food, cocktails, DJs and dancing at £35 per person – again, it's a two-course street food affair, but with Prosecco, mojitos, mimosas and bellinis."

"Teppanyaki is a Japanese restaurant that offers an authentic Japanese cooking experience that all their diners would love to experience. With a team of carefully selected and handpicked chef, they offer authentic Japanese dishes that will tempt the palate of all types of people even those that are picky eaters. Specialising in teppanyaki, they offer theatrical grilling and frying of your dish right in front of you."

"Add a little theatre to your meals out with a trip to Teppanyaki. The Japanese restaurant is preparing your food right in front of your eyes, with chefs juggling, flipping and setting fire to a whole array of seafood and meat."