Mentioned by History Hit
10 of the Best Historic Sites in York
"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."
"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."
"If you want to experience the type of history that can capture your imagination with just how far back it dates, then Kirkstall Abbey is the perfect place for you. It’s one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today. It also offers a picnic area, and play area for children, but don’t panic if you forget to bring something to eat."
"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."
"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"
"Adventurous couples can tackle the tree tops at Temple Newsam. Be bold and go for the tree top challenge – the hardest Go Ape course. Your unbreakable love and unwavering support (did we just say that?) will get you through once you’re 15 meters above the ground."
"The Tudor-Jacobean mansion needs little introduction but its 1,500 acres of surrounding parkland with lakes, formal gardens and woods are worth more than a mention. It's accessed off Selby Road, LS15 0AE."
"Abbey House promises to take you back in time to the Victorian Era with its recreated Victorian streets and residents wandering around in Victorian dress. Visit Stephen Harding Gate for the 19th century equivalent to a modern high streetoffering you a unique shopping experience and, after some retail therapy, stop off at the Hark to Rover Inn to grab a pint at a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house. Explore the social division of the poor and rich as you experience life both in poverty and as a rich pawnbroker in the residential districts."
"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."
"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."
"If you’re at White Rose Centre and get a sudden urge for some ice cream, you’re in luck. The Ice Cream Parlour has 18 flavours for you to work through. From mint chocolate chip to raspberry ripple, bubblegum and pistachio, they do the classics and they do them well."
"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?"
"Ice Scoop Gelato is one of the best places for ice cream in Leeds. They have a slew of flavours, all made in house on the day, like Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno. If you fancy something a little bit adventurous go for the salted caramel, or how about one that’s a bit fruity?"
"This 18th-century townhouse offers a glimpse into the tastes, fashions, and daily life of Georgian-era nobility. It began as the home of Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax and then enjoyed brief stints as a gentlemen’s club, cinema, and dancehall before being restored to its Georgian-era glory."
"Fairfax House is one of the finest 18th century houses in the North of England. It was designed by John Carr of York, and has the best 18th century rococo decoration. Fairfax House is owned by York Civic Trust who have restored the house to its former glory."
"Art And Culture, Historical Site, Architecture , Specialty Museum. When you visit the castles and cathedrals of York, you see places where the rich and famous of old Yorkshire worked and prayed. But where did the nobility of Yorkshire live?"
"Learn about the history of Vikings in York on the very site where the excavations had taken place. Different to most historical exhibitions or museums, at the Jorvik Viking Centre you are transported abound in what they call a “ride experience” (a bit like a very slow cable car, but only inches off the ground – nothing to be scared of!) – really good fun!. This attraction got a big thumbs up by an excited 4 year old (Rebecca’s friend’s son) – it was his second favourite thing that we did in York when he visited – and we did a lot!"
"York Archaeological Trust conducted several excavations in Central York and found objects and remains over thousand years old. The dig had lasted 5 long years and managed to unearth around 40,000 well preserved remains of wooden structures from the Viking City of Jorvik. These included animal pens, workshops, fences and wells."
"The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘Must See’ attraction for visitors to the City of York. It is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. Learn everything there is to know about Viking life in York."
"The UK’s National Railway Museum in York is one of the world’s largest and free to enter!. A mecca for railway enthusiasts and a superb family attraction, the museum doesn’t just trace the history of Britain’s railways from the early 19th century through to the present, it also digs deep into the international history of rail. Historic British steam locomotives on display in the Great Hall include the Mallard and an exact replica of Stephenson’s Rocket (from which all locomotives can trace their roots)."
"When I said Jorvik was York’s best-known attraction I should probably have said its equal best-known attraction because the National Railway Museum is also very famous. And, because it’s just a five-minute walk from the train station, it’s an obvious first port of call for many people. Tracing the history of rail travel around the world, this museum holds over a million different exhibits and if your kids are train buffs they will absolutely LOVE it here."
"York's National Railway Museum – the biggest in the world, with more than 100 locomotives – is well-presented and crammed with fascinating stuff. It is laid out on a vast scale and is housed in a series of giant railway sheds – allow at least two hours to do it justice. The museum also now includes a high-tech simulator experience of riding on the Mallard (£4), which set the world speed record for a steam locomotive in 1938 (126mph)."
"Unit 7, Albert Street Westgate House, Harrogate HG1 1JX EnglandItalian, PizzaLunch, DinnerDelivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service+44 1423 408080https://www.askitalian.co.uk"
"The patty slingers are whipping up all things comfort food, with an extensive and quirky selection of chicken, beef and vegan chows, alongside boozy slushies and shakes."
"This 100% vegan street food popup serves up ‘guilty eats with a conscience’. They have a breakfast menu as well as their main menu, and you are in for a treat if you decide to eat here. The gang at Knaves Kitchen are experts in vegan junk food, so every bite you take here will be packed full of flavour."