"If you're looking for somewhere with a bit of history, then look no further than Kirkstall Abbey. The giant Gothic building is a former Cistercian monastery which was built in the 12th Century and the sheer scale of the structure is still breathtaking (and award-winning) in this day and age. Nowadays though, it embraces modern life with a monthly market and other events inside the walls of the Abbey, while the open spaces on the banks of the River Aire are the perfect spot to unwind."
"Family friendly York Castle Museum is centrally situated near Coppergate Shopping Centre – green signs direct you to the ‘Castle Area’. Collections of Costume and Textiles, Military and Social History and a collection on York Castle’s most famous prisoner Dick Turpin, eventually hanged in 1739, all feature in exhibitions. A favourite with children, the recreated Victorian and Georgian rooms here display historic every day items from the collection of North Yorkshire country doctor John Kirk."
"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."
"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."
"Structured in an impressive Tudor- Jacobean fashion, Temple Newsam mansion is set within 1500 acres of enticing parklands, housing rare breed farm and displaying a rich history through its 500 years old country mansion. As you enter inside the mansion, you will come across some of the finest decorative art treasures.The place is also famous as the birth place of Lord Darnley, the notorious husb...Read more"
"Another impressive country house close to the city centre, Temple Newsam may not have penguins, but its grounds are particularly lovely to walk around. Time your visit for spring to coincide with meeting the new born lambs and piglets at Home Farm. Temple Newsam | © Tim Green / Wikimedia"
"Located about four miles west of Leeds in Aire Valley, Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall is in a magnificent Cistercian house built in 1152. The picturesque remains include a roofless church with a narrow choir and a ruined tower, an almost completely preserved chapterhouse, as well as a refectory, kitchen, and various other buildings. The gatehouse is now part of the Abbey House Museum with its reproduction houses, shops, and workshops illustrating life in Yorkshire through the centuries."
"During the Victorian Period, the Industrial Revolution changed Britain, turning it from a rich but agricultural nation to the modern country it is today. Abbey House Museum captures these exciting times, recreating shops, pubs and houses from the 19th century. Wander through Victorian streets and see how the people of Leeds lived two hundred years ago, and see if you can spot what has changed and what’s stayed the same."
"You can have the perfect Leeds day out at Abbey House Museum. It sits opposite Kirkstall Abbey, so you can explore the famous ruins and make the most of the handsome park it sits in, then dive into the museum. When the Abbey still stood proud, from 1152 until Henry VIII had it dissolved in the 16th century, this building was the gate house."
"Many of Britain’s most well recognised historical figures were born in Yorkshire, and the Brontë sisters are no exception. Kept inside their old house in Haworth, the Passage Museum contains the largest collection of their manuscripts, letters and other writings anywhere in the world. A true beacon of literary history."
"The best of Haworth's Brontë sights is this somber Georgian (1778) house where the sisters grew up. It displays original furniture (some…"
"Within easy reach of the town, East Riddlesden Hall is a stunning national trust property which makes for a great day out or even a venue for a special occasion. The current 17th century manor house sits on an estate with roots stretching back to the 7th century. Enjoy the house, tearoom, and grounds of this beautiful spot."
"East Riddlesden Hall is a 17th-century manor house in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England, now owned by the National Trust. The hall was built in 1642 by a wealthy Halifax clothier, James Murgatroyd. The hall is a Grade I listed building."
"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."
"The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is a restored medieval guildhall dating from the 14th century. The Great Hall is Britain's largest timber-framed building still used for its original purpose. The hall is still used by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York, now a charitable organization."
"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."
"121A Cardigan Road, Leeds LS6 1LUThey may have the most gaudy website on this list, but Slips Deli are a student favourite. A family-run sandwich shop for 15 years, Slips make 15in subs (or halves, if you’re not so hungry) stuffed with vegan goodies, including vegan sausage & bacon, beans, mushroom, tomatoes & hash browns all stuffed into a breakfast sub."
"A shabby chic decor is combined with distinctive Victorian architecture at Corner House Coffee Bar, so it’s the perfect place to get your brunch fix. They serve up a host of classics, from a Full English to Eggs Benedict and Smashed Avocado on Toast, but you can also try something different. Take the Natural Smoked Haddock Kedgeree for example – it’s a classic Indian dish which brings together rice, flaked fish, eggs and veggies, brought to life with a kick of curry powder."
"Corner House is a coffee shop which serves breakfast, lunch and small plates in an evening. It also has a selection of coffees from around the world and serves alcoholic drinks. There is a specific menu for kids which also includes breakfast options."
"You would assume that the Best Restaurant in Leeds (as judged by the British Restaurant Awards) would be a pricy affair, but My Thai offers surprisingly affordable food in its two Leeds addresses. Most of the main dishes come in at under a tenner with starters and sides also reasonably priced. Step out of your comfort zone and try one of their more unusual dishes and leave feeling fully satisfied in terms of flavour and portion sizes."
"Sometimes it can be hard to find eating establishments that you want to try while you’re abroad. You don’t always know what to expect, or whether you can trust an establishment while looking at it. My Thai Leeds is one of the most intimate restaurants you could go to, seating around 25 people."
"Authentic Thai food for under a tenner in under ten minutes. Seriously, this place is the bomb dot com. Any of their dishes will hit the spot, but I always think you can judge a place on its Pad Thai – and My Thai's one is delicious."
"Bradford Cathedral, 1 Stott Hill,, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4EH - Visit now. Bradford Cathedral has been a place for Christian workshop since the 8th Century, today it feeds the community artistically and spiritually."
"Commonly known as Saint Anne's Cathedral, Leeds cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Leeds, and is the seat of the Bishop of Leeds. This is one of the most significant heritages building which is surrounded by the modern city of Leeds. The original cathedral was located in St. Anne's Church in 1878, but that building was demolished around 1900."
"One of the most impressive Catholic Cathedrals in the whole of the UK, Leeds Cathedral is a vital attraction for anyone with an interest in religious structures. The dramatic Gothic Revival building may only be small in size but this is more than made up for with its impressive interior. Leeds Cathedral | © Michael Beckwith / Wikimedia"
"Copyright Michael D Beckwith, licensed for commercial use under Creative Commons. Believe it or not, Leeds is home to one of the finest Catholic cathedrals in England. Built in 1904, the present building replaced St Anne’s, the original church which was raised to Cathedral status in 1878."