Historic Sites in Byram

"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."

"Located just a short distance out of the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is beautifully preserved, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through the ruins. The abbey is located beside the River Aire, making it the perfect starting point for a relaxing stroll by the water. Kirkstall Abbey | © Minda / Wikimedia"

"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."

"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."

"Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage"

"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."

"With a working farm, grand mansion, tea room, gardens and woodlands to explore, Temple Newsam is worth the journey out of the city centre (around 20 minutes by car) for a scenic day out. Home Farm gives you the chance to meet the estates pigs, sheep, cattle, goats and ducks, while the Tudor-Jacobean mansion was the birthplace of notorious Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. The stately home has been restored, with rooms filled with decorative art and the secrets of past residents."

"Temple Newsam House, a magnificent 40-room Tudor-Jacobean mansion, is a must-see when in Leeds. Set in a sprawling 900-acre park on the city's outskirts, it's famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Interior highlights include a variety of Old Master paintings, as well as furniture by Thomas Chippendale and collections of Leeds creamware and silver."

"In the galleries at Abbey House Museum, you’ll be transported back to life in Victorian Leeds, strolling recreated 19th century streets. There are shops, a pub and houses, where you can peer inside and see how people lived a century or so ago, as well as regular new exhibitions. You can also discover a whole area on classic toys, including traditional games and Victorian dolls – you can even play some of the original penny slot machines (and buy an old-fashioned penny from the vending machine to do it)."

"You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but inside Abbey House Museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street. Explore the high street, with its traditional shops full of old artefacts, nip into the Rover Inn to see what a pub was like back in the day and even call by the undertakers for a slightly more grisly glimpse of the past. Don’t miss the Childhood Galleries where you can marvel at 19th century toys, with everything from dolls’ houses to penny slot machines."

"The Treasurer's House is more than just a museum but also includes a beautiful garden and pleasant cafe. Now owned by the National Trust the Grade I listed property was once the home of the treasurer of York Minister. What we see today is mostly a 17th century house built over a supposedly haunted Roman cellar."

"This historic home, which once housed York Minster's medieval treasures, is an anomaly: in the 19th century it was bought by Yorkshire industrialist Frank Green as a collection of rundown interconnected..."

"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,…"

"The undisputed home of contemporary art in the region, Leeds Art Gallery is the go-to place for a little artistic stimulation in the North. The building is one of the most recognisable in the city, and its Victorian clock tower remains synonymous with Leeds’ historic skyline. Dubbed a collection of “national importance,” the museum displays work from award-winning artists labelled a stroke of genius, to understated masterpieces from emerging talents with considerably less exposure."

"Leeds Art Gallery is free to visit and this summer has two current temporary exhibitions from artists Zadie Xa and Georgina Starr. Families can download learning and activity packs from home including Mindful Creatives fact sheets and colouring-in."

"Situated in the city centre, Leeds Art Gallery offers a fun-filled experience for all age groups. It has been described as “probably the best collection of twentieth century British art outside London”. Its exhibits include:"

"Fuse Art Space, 7 Rawson Place, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 3JP - Visit now. Fuse is a new and exciting venue where multidisciplinary art forms meet a full spectrum of live performance; this dynamic space is broadening the artistic minds of Bradford and beyond."

"Since arriving on the scene, the Rum Shack has been able to compliment and contribute to the growing sense of community and relaxed atmosphere that thrives so strongly in Bradford."

"Queens Court Leeds is a nightclub-like type of bar that is one of the most popular LGBTQ hangouts. Offering different events like courtyard parties and themed nights, this is certainly one of the best places in Leeds to hang out and have fun while listening to fun and lively music. Aside from the party atmosphere that everyone is looking forward to, they also have a fine selection of different alcoholic beverages and spirits that will suit their customer’s distinct tastes."

"A fun gay bar and Leeds club, Queens Court is keeping the party going both day and night. Whether you fancy grabbing a few afternoon drinks on the sun-soaked terrace or you want to shake your tail feathers 'til the early hours, this Lower Briggate beauty has got you covered."

"New homemade pasta restaurant Sarto opened this autumn, just south of the bus station, in Munro House. Its simple menu is full of well-considered and refined ingredients, and the wine list is just as well thought-through, once again using Leeds’ favourite winos (sommelier? Wino? Potato potahto, we say) Latitude and Wayward to source some exciting and gluggable options. The wine menu changes frequently (the food does too!) but you know there’s going to be a natural white or orange perfect to pair with our current favourite ‘gnocchi on jerusalem artichoke puree with chervil’, and a bodied red to go with the ‘lamb neck ragu with mint’."

"Canteen-like Sarto pays homage to two things Italy excels at: sleek minimalist design and fresh, handmade pasta. Slow-cooked ragùs of lamb shoulder or pork and ’nduja speak for themselves, as do classics like fettucine with wild mushrooms and marsala sauce. The meat-free options (say, campanelle with roast garlic, lemon and caper butter) are object lessons in letting a few bold flavours shines."

"Leeds' very first dedicated pasta restaurant arguably offers the greatest value for money anywhere in the city. Diners sit overlooking the open kitchen, which is slap bang in the middle of the restaurant, and the chefs are absolute masterminds. The menu is pretty limited, but each and every dish is a belter."

"The main focus of the Trembling Madness is the stunning three rooms upstairs; each is finely presented in the grand Georgian style but with that quirky Madness shining through with a smattering of taxidermy and quite disturbing renaissance gothic works of art mainly depicting hell. Two of the rooms are set out with tables and chairs, the high ceilings and big windows giving a spacious and relaxing atmosphere."

"Just like the name suggests, this eccentric restaurant offers something a little unique. It is designed to resemble a medieval ale house with stuffed animals sprawn across the walls and Belgian beers on tap. Food is served all day long with bar snacks, authentic Yorkshire ingredients, and craft beer all round."

"When a place describes itself as a 'medieval drinking hall', it clearly deserves investigation. The ground floor and basement host an impressive shop stacked with craft beers, gins, vodkas and even absinthes; but..."