Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Yorkshire

"One of the most complete medieval abbeys in the UK, Kirkstall Abbey was founded over 800 years ago as a Cistercian Abbey. It’s another great free day out in Leeds with kids, with regular family events and activities during holidays, including trails and art packs. Whenever you visit, you can stroll through the ruined abbey buildings and the lovely parkland on the banks of the river, plus more about the monks who lived here, on display at the visitor centre."

"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."

"Henry VIII had a great impact on Britain’s history, but did you know he was partially responsible for Kirkstall Abbey?. The 12th century monastery was disestablished by Henry in the 16th century, but is still standing today and is easily one of the most picturesque landmarks in Leeds. View this post on Instagram"

"Clifford’s Tower, a semi-ruined 13th-century remnant of York Castle, is also one of the few Norman relics in a city dominated by Viking influence. Nowadays, Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular and emblematic sights in York, and the panoramic views from the tower’s ramparts make it an excellent starting point for first-time visitors to historic York."

"Clifford's Tower was once the site of a timber keep built by William the Conqueror. The current incarnation of Clifford's Tower has looked over the city of York since 1245. Part of York Castle, the tower played a role in the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the English Civil War."

"The striking contrast of Clifford’s Tower with the green bank of grass it sits on is a classic photo to snap of York!. Make the short (but steep) climb to the top and venture inside for a panorama of York."

"If you’re craving green space, head to one of the largest city parks in Europe to spend an afternoon walking the dog or simply sunbathing on one of the many lawns. Roundhay Park is a popular spot all year round with a variety of lakes, meadows and forests to walk around and explore. Roundhay Park | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia"

"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."

"It's autumn and your are itching to start planning your Bonfire Night celebrations - Roundhay Park has you covered with a massive bonfire in this beautiful park!"

"If you fancy a tipple whilst you browse, then the White Cloth Gallery should be at the top of your list. A versatile venue, it’s home to photography and film exhibitions, a café-come-bar, and an event space. The WCG Café-Bar serves food from lunch to dinner, and is a popular eatery for gallery visitors and punters from the street alike."

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"I was actually intending to spend a couple of hours in the Tiled Hall Cafe (see above) but it was closed for a private event, so I wandered into The Light centre and spotted this pink, flowery, instagram-perfect wonderland!. Haute Dolci has eight locations, so it’s a much larger operation that the other Leeds’ coffee shops I’ve included here, but it’s so pretty that I just had to include it. I would say it’s more of a dessert restaurant than a coffee shop, serving up the most elegant looking desserts, but I had a cappuccino and a couple of macarons which were intensely sweet (in a good way)."

"Although Haute Dolci isn’t a cafe, I couldn’t skip this dessert restaurant. You’ll find this beautiful restaurant inside The Light leisure centre. Their menu is all about desserts which is the dream for anyone with a sweet tooth."

"Puddings to die for from Haute Dolci in The Light - now delivered on UberEats. Choose from chocolate fudge brownies, banana split sundaes, stacked American pancakes and plenty more."

"Gelato Passion have 20 different flavours of ice cream to choose from at their Beeston store and they’re all made fresh each day. Their most popular ones are bubblegum, cookies & cream, Oreo and Ferrero Rocher, or you can try something a little more unusual like Nutella or Milky Bar. Want a treat to go alongside your ice cream?"

"Afro-Portuguese chain restaurant serving flame-grilled chicken in spicy chilli sauce and more, including vegan and vegetarian options. We are a 1-min walk from the Coppergate Shopping Centre. Vangarde Shopping Park, Vangarde Way, Huntington, North Yorkshire, YO32 9AET: 01904 621563"

"02/04/2021: Takeaway Collection.We collected some food from Nando’s after ordering via the app. Order process was simple and straight forward. Collection felt safe and the bag was checked before given to me so that everything was correct."

"Chino Latino is known to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in Leeds. They were awarded the Pan-Asian Leeds City Square Restaurant of the year. It’s near the Leeds station and is clean."

"If you're looking for cool places to drink cocktails in Leeds, it's time to check out Bar Soba. Tuck into bang bang katsu wings and other tasty Asian bites while trying passionfruit and chilli margaritas, apple and ginger mojitos or their infamous porn 'jar' martini."

"When it comes to the best places to eat in Leeds with friends, Bar Soba should be on your radar. Not only does the Greek Street hotspot offer potent cocktails and vibrant decor, but it's also got a delectable menu of Asian food and a brilliant bottomless brunch."

"6 Greek Street, Leeds LS1 5RWWith inspiration from the bustling night markets of Southeast Asia, Bar Soba offer small-plates and wok-fried delights in their dark, neon-lit venue. Bar Soba has a well-labelled food menu, with a selection of vegan options."

"Head to Ice Stone Gelato where you can devour over 30 crazy flavours. We’re talking everything from popping candy to raspberry pavlova, bubblegum to blueberry muffin. There are so many imaginative creations you’ll be spoilt for choice."