Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in York, England
"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."
"Basically, this is the ruins of a Christian monastery that was set within a public park right on the banks of a great looking river. Built during the 12th century by monks who had forsaken their home in Barnoldswick, the ruins are still preserved, and visitors can get a slice of history by admiring them. The abbey and the grounds look very relaxing and a pleasant day out will help one unravel all this and more."
"With breathtaking views of York, Clifford’s tower is an important stop off for anyone new to the city. Originally part of York Castle, the tower was built by William the Conqueror and has been used as both a prison and a royal mint."
"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"
"This 700-acre park is a firm favourite with local families, who flock to its open green space and two huge lakes on a sunny day. It’s the biggest park in Leeds and one of the biggest in Europe, so there’s plenty of space for outdoor activities with the kids. They can play tennis, let run wild at the playground, or enjoy a picnic in the landscaped gardens."
"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."
"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."
"Kala Sangam, St. Peter’s House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4TY - Visit now. Kala Sangam is an intercultural arts hub based in the heart of Bradford city centre which reflects the diversity of contemporary Britain through the work it presents, the artists it supports and the communities it engages."
"Harrogate has two main theatres which both stage regular performances of plays, concerts and stand-up comedy. Both the Royal Hall and Harrogate Theatre were built in the early 1900s but have undergone regeneration projects to make them suitable for modern performances. Harrogate Theatre is situated at and Royal Hall is at Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SY. For show listings and ticket information for both venues visit www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk."
"A 45 – 60 minute show packed with interactive fun and games for the whole family. This show is all about children’s ideas and stories…"
"The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ - Visit now. Housed in the 1931 art deco headquarters of the Joshua Tetley & Son brewery, The Tetley opened in 2013 and has sat at the very epicentre of the Leeds art scene ever since."
"Tetley Brewery's defunct 1930s offices have been converted into a contemporary-arts venue with a restaurant and pub on the ground floor, spilling out onto an outdoor terrace. Upstairs the old meeting rooms have..."
"It’s home to a sensational collection of art, including one of the biggest collections of 20th-century British art in the UK, starting with Henry Moore’s sculpture of the Reclining Woman outside and Lothar Götz’s Xanadu in the entrance hall. Inside, you can head to the Lower Galleries to discover important works by the likes of Francis Bacon, Barbara Hepworth and Damien Hirst or visit the Upper Galleries to explore works from their modern artworks and temporary exhibitions. Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AA."
"Leeds Art Gallery boasts a stunning glass roof, one of the most impressive collections of 20th Century British art and a colourful new wall painting commission for the Victorian staircase by Lothar Götz – the perfect selfie backdrop. The Headrow, LS1 3AA"
"The Jorvik Viking Centre is one of the most popular museums in York, so much so that you’ll often find a long queue out the door!. The Viking Centre provides visitors with an immersive experience of 10th century York, where you’ll get to know the sounds, sights and even smells of Viking England. It really is an incredible experience, just make sure you book in advance to avoid the queues!"
"Interactive multimedia exhibits aimed at bringing history to life often achieve exactly the opposite, but the much-hyped Jorvik manages to pull it off with aplomb. It's a smells-and-all reconstruction of the..."
"One of England's most impressive collections of sculpture is scattered across the formidable 18th-century estate of Bretton Park, 200-odd hectares of lawns, fields and trees. A bit like the art world's equivalent of a safari park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcases the work of dozens of sculptors both national and international. The park is partly a homage to local heroes Barbara Hepworth (1903−75), who was born in Wakefield, and Henry Moore (1898−1986), though more of their works are on display at the Hepworth Wakefield."
"This outdoor gallery near Wakefield is in a former 18th-century estate encompassing more than 500 acres of fields, lakes, exotic trees,…"
"Middleton Park is a fusion of traditional parkland and ancient woodland, this area is certainly the best place to enjoy with your friends and families. With different attractions like a playground, fishing lake, multi-use game areas and heritage trails, you can certainly enjoy many fun activities here like trail walk, picnic, fishing and more. They also have a cafe where you can sit and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a weekend brunch with friends."
"Copyright J3Mrs licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. With 630 acres of sweeping park and woodland, Middleton Park is one of the finest green spaces in Leeds. The park itself is filled with history – the dips and swells of the land are actually remnants of the bell pits from the old coal mines."
"Take in the refreshing air of the forest while you follow the paths that. will lead you to cliffs from where you’ll have the best view of the Wharf Valley."