Historic Sites in Linton-on-Ouse

"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."

"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."

"Ruined but prideful, forgotten but known, beautifully neglected — Kirkstall Abbey is a lot of things to a lot of people. This gorgeous piece of historic …"

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."

"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)."

"The entertaining Abbey House Museum is contained in the gatehouse of the picturesque, ruined Kirkstall Abbey, dating from 1152. Abbey House allows visitors to walk around the streets of 1880s Leeds, while the upstairs section features galleries detailing the history of Kirkstall Abbey and the social history of the area. The museum has won awards for being family-friendly and fun for children."

"Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. If your children struggle to imagine life without tablets, iPhone games or a PlayStation to keep them entertained, then a trip to Abbey House Museum should prove an eye-opening experience."

"Located between Leeds and Wetherby, Bramham Park is the site of the iconic Leeds Festival which occurs every August bank holiday weekend. If you don’t hold tickets to the festival, visit during the rest of the year to explore the 18th Century manor house and its sprawling grounds."

"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."

"Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most popular family attractions which offers a unique opportunity to explore the habitats of the Tropics and other hot places from around the world. It includes jungle, desert, nocturnal and aquatic habitats with plants and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats complete with babies!"

"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"

"This fabulous wetland, surrounded on three sides by the River Aire, can be found west of Leeds. The car park is located off the A657."

"*Unless you get tempted and end up buying lots of lovely things!. See where we get most of our ingredients from:  Ye Olde Pie Shoppe on the Shambles provide us with sausages, but Chris also loves their pork pies (Chris’ favourite is the chilli one!); we get drinks from Hebden Teas also on The Shambles. Then on the Market itself we get meat from Swains butchers, and fish from Cross of York."

"Next to The Shambles street, there is also The Shambles market. It’s full of local goods to take home and delicious treats to taste as well. The buildings that surround this market are pretty amazing and my favourite has to be Gert and Henry’s Pub (I know, another black and white timbered building, but they’re just so photogenic!)."

"One of the most Instagrammable and photogenic spots in York is the York Market (Shambles Market). While the market itself as well, like a regular market, the buildings surrounding the market are incredible for taking photos."

"Sultry in its own right, you'll find all the Hotel du Vin hallmarks inside this low-level, pale-rendered building: slate and wooden floors, charcoal-grey walls, moody black-and-white photographs, tan leather armchairs with splashes of cherry red and aubergine in cushions and footstools. This style continues to the rooms and many of the bathrooms have freestanding baths. The French brasserie-style dining-room is all terracotta and sage-green walls, semi-private side-booths framed by wool curtains and softly glowing brass table lamps; cooking is confident and portions are generous."

"The bistro in the Hotel du Vin “With contemporary yet traditional finishes, our Bistro has a sense of sophistication and pays a perfect complement to our ethos, which is all about serving heart-warming, traditional French food and regionally sourced quality ingredients. We encourage you to come and relax, dine and soak up the buzz of the Bistro.”. Also look at our round up of some of the Best Restaurants in York."

"This is classic Hotel du Vin with a period building (in this case, an orphanage) given a dark and clubby makeover. It's comfortable without being fussy and smart without feeling too formal. Bedrooms are crisp with excellent bathrooms while food is classic French with a rich wine list."

"Côte Brasserie is a name the whole country knows – they’re famed for their delicious French fare. The venue is inspired by Parisian bistros, and they’ve got a menu to match. You can pop in for breakfast, lunch or supper – start the day with French Toast, fruit salad and maple syrup, head back at lunch to sample their Steak Frites with garlic butter or nip in for a hearty dinner of Roasted Pork Belly."

"Kendells Bistro brings a taste of France into the heart of Leeds’s arts district with its casual feel and French bistro-style dishes. There are, for example, dishes such as Pâté Maison (homemade pâté) and Porc Boulangere (roast pork belly) available from the prix fixe menu."

"Considered the most romantic restaurant in the city, based on TripAdvisor reviews, you can dine out in style at this snug French bistro, where the candlelit setting and exquisite food really help to set the mood."