Historic Sites in Knaresborough

"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."

"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."

"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"

"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."

"Experience life as a Victorian at Leeds’ Abbey House Museum. Neighbouring the stunning Kirkstall Abbey, this museum has recreated Victorian-era streets, filled with old shops, pubs and a Sunday school building. Each street is a wonderful experience, with costumed actors helping to transport you back to northern life in 19 century England."

"In the secluded valley of the River Rye about 3 miles west of Helmsley, amid fields and woods loud with birdsong, stand the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey (ree-voh). The extensive remains give a wonderful sense of the size and complexity of the community that once lived here, and their story is fleshed out in a series of fascinating exhibits in a new museum. There's also a cafe with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace from which to gawp at the ruins."

"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 quirky Treasurer’s House lies directly behind York Minster and was extensively renovated in the late 19th century. However, the renovations were not of their time but were designed to emulate historical houses of different eras so that the owner, Frank Green, could ‘authentically’ house his collection of historical artefacts. From the timber frame medieval feel of the grand entrance hall to the Victorian bedrooms, this is a house that will keep you guessing!"

"You can find this National Trust Property behind York Minster, this fine 17th Century house was once home to the treasurer's of York Minster. Join a guided tour of Treasurer's House and see over four Centuries of the elegant interior. If you go on the ghost walks in York this is one of the key stops on route!"

"Located in the student community of Hyde Park, not far from Headingley, the Greasy Pig is renowned for being a minimalist haven for amazing food and drink. Their signature dish ‘the Paralyser’ is great if you have the appetite, as are the many food challenges they have. Feeling something a bit lighter?"

"Specializing in feeding hungry students for affordable prices. You are likely to find something on the menu that will appeal to you. Most meals are under £5 pounds."

"Take a short bus or cab ride outside of the city centre and head down by the canal for this fantastic artist-led studio and project space, situated inside an old textiles mill. Assembly House was created to provide affordable solutions for artists to work and share ideas through a co-operative working environment. The 8x8m project space has hosted exhibitions of sculpture, video installation and paintings, and the friendly, dedicated team are on hand behind the makeshift bar to offer a refreshment or chat about the work on display."

"Assembly House is an artist-led gallery and studios in a converted Victorian textiles mill on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Open since 2015, it’s one of the best spaces and galleries in Leeds where local creatives can work on their practice and collaborate on ideas. The resident artists run the gallery’s exhibition programme, curating a line-up that shows off their own work and welcomes artists from around the UK."

"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 like your coffee served in a hip hangout with cool decor and even cooler fellow drinkers, then Outlaw’s is sure to be your favourite spot in Leeds. Firmly welcoming freelancers, this is a welcoming and friendly space that encourages visitors to make themselves comfortable on the sofas and plug in their laptops. Own-blend espresso (roasted by North Star) and their very own pale ale (brewed by Northern Monk) accompany a menu based around healthy breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and tasty cheese platters."

"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."

"A café, bar, record shop and exhibition space, Outlaws Yacht Club is not your usual drinking hole. As looks go, the venue is filled with cool sofas surrounded by artwork, as well as cutesy touches like vintage typewriters and globes."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Clark used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Bingley Five-Rise Locks is a staircase lock, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal of Bingley. As the name infers, a vessel going through the lock is lifted or brought down in five phases."

"Rarely does one come across a church with so much personality. The 15th century building, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the town, has a marvellous architectural design. The Goodramgatearea comprises of some of York’s oldest structures."