Mentioned by I'm Just A Girl
The Most Instagrammable Places In York – Updated For 2021
"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."
"Step back in time and explore the historical ruins for free at Kirkstall Abbey. Unquestionably, the remarkable architecture is a sanctuary for all curious souls and historians alike. Learn about life as a monk in one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in the UK and explore rich British history throughout the abbey."
"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."
"The striking contrast of Clifford’s Tower with the green bank of grass it sits on is a classic photo to snap of York!. Make the short (but steep) climb to the top and venture inside for a panorama of York."
"With a working farm, grand mansion, tea room, gardens and woodlands to explore, Temple Newsam is worth the journey out of the city centre (around 20 minutes by car) for a scenic day out. Home Farm gives you the chance to meet the estates pigs, sheep, cattle, goats and ducks, while the Tudor-Jacobean mansion was the birthplace of notorious Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. The stately home has been restored, with rooms filled with decorative art and the secrets of past residents."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"A romantic 32-acre (13-hectares) lake sets the tone for a romantic stroll on the grounds of Harewood House, exploring which is one of the best things for couples to do in Leeds. The swooping riverbanks serve as the perfect spot to chill and sit beside each other. Walk around the lush garden filled with colorful rhododendrons and daffodils."
"Situated within “capability” Brown designed landscape, this historic Georgian property offers breathtaking views from its terraces. Inside the house, you can see rare Chippendale furniture and exquisite interior designs in the State Rooms. Also, do take out time to explore the corridors Below Stairs."
"Harewood House is no doubt the prettiest place in Leeds for a romantic stroll. Explore over 100 acres of gardens together. Admire the fountains in the formal terrace garden, wander amongst the rhododendrons in the Himalayan garden, and find fruit and veg growing in the walled garden."
"Just a short drive from the city center you can find the York Cold War Bunker which is unlike any of the other historic attractions in the area. Wonderfully well-preserved, it dates to 1961 and is the only Royal Observer Corps bunker of its kind that you can take tours around. Once one of around thirty such sites in the UK, it was in this semi-subterranean two-storey bunker that members of the Corps and a scientific warning team would have sheltered in the event of a nuclear war."
"The York Cold War Bunker has to be one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Tucked down a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’ll find the inconspicuous entrance through an industrial-looking bomb-proof door. Go past the decontamination room, and down to the control centre, dormitory, and staff room where, for more than 30 years, this place hummed with activity, staffed by volunteers ready to map and manage the fallout from a nuclear blast."
"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."
"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."
"Brew Haus is a World-class drinking den in the heart of the City of Bradford, occupying the ground floor of the historic old Bradford Baths on Randall Well Stree. The bar is extensive with a wide variety of gins, cocktails, real ales, wines"
"Angelica is home to one of the most spectacular roof terraces in Leeds. South-facing, this outdoor area offers breathtaking views over the city. It’s vast and spacious, so maintaining social distancing is a doddle, and when the air cools, there are blankets and plenty of outdoor heaters."
"A classy rooftop bar, make your way to Trinity and head six storeys up. Said to boast sophisticated cocktails, the atmosphere here is a calm one and again has some picture-perfect views."
"Hong Kong Chop House is notable for its diverse menu, and it is this element that makes it one of the best Chinese takeaways in York. They serve authentic Chinese cuisine from various regions, so you will find Cantonese dishes alongside Sichuan meals and food from Northeast China. Not only are there the typical items that are served by most Chinese restaurants, but there are also traditional Chinese dishes that are not usually found on menus in the UK."
"One of the best Asian restaurants in town, Hong Kong Chop House definitely lives up to its claim. Choose from an extensive menu including soup, dim sum, appetizers, hot and cold starters, meat, poultry, seafood dishes, vegetarian options, and more. You are just an order away from devouring a whole lot of goodness."