Historic Sites in Earlsheaton

"Set in beautiful parkland situated along the banks of the River Aire, the Kirkstall Abbey is an example of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Restoring its historic architecture, the abbey also displays nature through its wildlife and greenery. The abbey was founded by Henry de Lacy, baron of Pontefract, who was one of the leading landholders in the North."

"It’s not just about shops and bars, there’s plenty of beautiful outdoor places in Leeds to photograph. Make sure you take the time to head slightly out of the city centre and visit Kirkstall Abbey to wander around the old ruins and capture amazingly atmospheric photos. Time your visit for a misty day for the best photo opportunities."

"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 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 (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of York."

"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)."

"Abbey House Museum is one of those museums in Leeds which holds a number of activities for the children ranging from descriptive to interactive. This museum was short-listed for the Guardian ‘Kids in Museum family Friendly Award’ in 2011. The museum allows you to go back in time and wander in the Victorian Streets so as to see the life in 19th century Leeds."

"The Abbey House Museum, once the Great Gate House to Kirkstall Abbey, contains meticulously reconstructed shops and houses that evoke Victorian Leeds, plus rotating exhibitions mostly aimed at kids."

"As one of the Treasure Houses of England, you know you’re in for a treat at Harewood House. The 18th century building is impressive to behold, set amongst 100 acres of beautiful landscaping, and it’s just as good inside, where you’ll find a huge collection of art, including the works of JMW Turner, Joshua Reynolds and El Greco. Wait, there’s more – they also have an adventure playground, bird garden and farm at Harewood, making this the perfect choice for family days out."

"Another day out less around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre is Harewood House, fusing history and heritage with the great outdoors and breathtaking gardens. As well as the stately home, the site offers stunning grounds and an adventure playground, as well as a bird garden. And if you fancy exploring further, there are around fifteen miles of footpaths and bridleways across the estate.The estate also hosts an extensive programme of Christmas events each year."

"There is so much to do and see at Harewood House, that you may struggle to fit it all in!. This is the perfect family day out with both fun indoor and outdoor activities on site. A 25-minute drive from the hotel, this 18th century house is a popular attraction in Leeds, featuring over 100 acres of beautiful gardens containing a wide range of plants from all over the world."

"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."

"Leeds was embracing street art before it was cool – and if your kids love spotting murals and other imaginative creations, the city’s street art trail is another perfect way to explore Leeds with kids. Some is inspired by the city itself – one mural features the elephant armour from the Royal Armouries and the white rose of Yorkshire, another includes an owl, and even a deep-sea diver climbing out of a washing machine. With some tucked away down little alleys and others most visible from the water, it’s a good way to find works you might not otherwise stumble across – some are several storeys high, but the trail is a good reminder to always keep your eyes open."

"The art spills out onto the streets here in Leeds; abstract sculpture and historical figures are among numerous pieces that give Leeds a unique urban landscape; you can follow the self-guided Street Art Trail."

"If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee in Leeds then you can’t do much better than Outlaws Yacht Club. With their own unique espresso blend from local coffee brewers North Star, they serve a delicious and reasonably priced coffee menu as well as a great selection of speciality teas. This is a great place for brunch as they have a good selection of sandwiches and meat and cheese boards as well as cakes and brownies."

"This one might just win the title of the most family-friendly bar in all of Leeds. A grown-up hangout where kids are warmly welcomed, Outlaws Yacht Club goes out of its way to make families feel at home. There’s a ramp for easy buggy access, vintage board games to get stuck into, children’s books for quieter relaxation, LEGO to construct and even a tiled wall to scribble on."

"Outlaws Yacht Club is a cool, laid-back bar that serves cheap eats all day long. Pop in at lunchtime and you can bag yourself one of their famous Outlaws Grilled Cheese sandwiches. Served on Leeds Coop bread, it comes oozing with Emmental, farmhouse cheddar, brie, red onion and gherkins for just £5.45."

"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."

"A Leeds fixture for decades, St Johns has three entrances, two levels and is home to the Post Office and Poundland. Step inside and you’ll find over thirty eateries and shops, the location making it an ideal spot to pick up some essentials or something to eat during your lunch break if you work nearby. Get your nails refreshed at Magic Nails, your eyebrows threaded at Browline and grab a culture fix at the branch of HMV on the lower floor."

"Though it is not creating as much loud as other shopping centres in Leeds, St Johns Centre has been serving its regular segment of customers for many generations. It established in the year 1985 and now possesses more than 30 stores spread across two floors. St Johns Centre features few of the famous brands like Poundland, Card Factory, Stampede and Taco Bell."

"The Merrion Centre is a city centre stalwart that remains one of the most interesting and diverse places to go shopping in Leeds. It’s home to Jumbo Records, perfect for all your musical needs, while footie fans can make a pilgrimage to the official Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos stores. It’s a great mix of popular names – Morrisons, 3, Wilko, Iceland – and indie brands such as Chilli Shop and The Bookish Type."

"It is one of the well-known shopping centres in Leeds that has gone through many transformations over the period. You will find a wide range of stores inside with some big household names such as Home Bargains, Morrisons, Superdrug etc. My Thai, Smoke Barbecue and Bulgogi Grill are also some of the famous brands which have made strong influence there."

"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."

"Victoria Leeds is a fusion of both shopping centre and leisure area with the combination of Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate shopping centre. A prime place to visit, this area offers different attractions that would provide you with a fun time and an enjoyable day. If you are out on a shopping spree, you can find here different shops and speciality stores for technology, health and beauty, toys and gifts, jewellery and different home items."

"One of the pride and joys of the city, the Victoria Quarter rewrites the rules for what a modern shopping centre can be. For starters, it’s simply gorgeous. From the wonderfully tiled floor to the largest stained-glass roof in Britain, it’s a masterpiece in how to refresh Victorian architecture."