Mentioned by Flying Scots Girl
12 gorgeous Instagram spots 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."
"Kirkstall abbey is a well-preserved medieval abbey which has stunning architecture and some great ruins. It is set in parkland and it is the perfect place for a walk. There is also an outdoor deli market where you can try some delicious food, such as a hot spiced wine or a fresh stonebaked pizza, or buy an artisan gift for your friends."
"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."
"To see a fantastic panorama of York and take some great photos, head to the Clifford’s Tower. The entry price is a bit high for what the place has to order. However, it’s excellent for photos that you’re going to take there."
"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."
"As the name implies, York’s Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361."
"York's most impressive semi-timbered building is still owned by the fraternity that built it almost 650 years ago and it is the oldest surviving guildhall of its kind in Britain. The owner was originally a..."
"As one of the Treasure Houses of England, you know you’re in for a treat at Harewood House. The 18th century building is impressive to behold, set amongst 100 acres of beautiful landscaping, and it’s just as good inside, where you’ll find a huge collection of art, including the works of JMW Turner, Joshua Reynolds and El Greco. Wait, there’s more – they also have an adventure playground, bird garden and farm at Harewood, making this the perfect choice for family days out."
"Harewood House is a grandiose 18th-century country home, set in stunning gardens – and it’s full of art. The watercolours are at the heart of their extensive collection – they have paintings by the likes of JMW Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Varley. You can also see temporary exhibitions by modern artists, works by masters of the Italian Renaissance and family portraits by the likes of Reynolds, Hopper and Lawrence."
"This place is genuinely spectacular, with lots of history to discover. It was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy plantation owner Edwin Lascelles. Since then, it’s not lost any of its splendour, with members of the Royal Family even living here in years gone by."
"Stately homes may be two a penny in England, but you'll have to try pretty damn hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as Castle Howard, a work of theatrical grandeur and audacity set in the rolling Howardian Hills. This is one of the world's most beautiful buildings, instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited and in the 2008 film of the same name (both based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel of nostalgia for the English aristocracy)."
"Standing in the Howardian Hills to the west of Malton, Castle Howard is an outstanding example of English baroque, with a distinctive…"
"Four miles west of the city centre, on the banks of the River Aire is this wetland nature reserve. With a lagoon, scrubland, wet grassland and reed beds it's a great place to stroll and spot waterfowl, birds of prey and other nature. Access it via Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP."
"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."
"Osbornes @ 68 is another breakfast/brunch place that’s situated not too far from my house; it’s just at the bottom of Gillygate. The food here is absolutely wonderful, with friendly staff and quick service; definitely a place to head to on a lunchtime with friends!. I’d recommend: the club sandwich or the spicy chicken and salsa wrap (and a hot chocolate, as always!)."
"Plenty of vegan/vegan options and all dishes on main menu can be made GF on request. ‘Osborne’s @68 on Gillygate – lovely people, great coffee, and the cakes are delicious and enormous!!"
"Little Breads cafe in the Hydro swimming baths offers tasty food and is very family friendly. There is a small area with toys inside, a little fenced play area poolside & a great children’s menu. A microwave is available for customers to use themselves, plastic cutlery for kids & colourin-in on the kids menu."
"A 15-minute walk from the train station, in a former industrial zone where the warehouses are being repurposed as offices and studio spaces, this site is home to the Northern Monk Brewery Co and, on the first floor, a ruggedly handsome tap room. Naturally, Northern Monk’s beers feature prominently (long on flavour, the zesty, citrussy Eternal Session IPA was in great form) but some 20 lines include plenty of space for potent (in all senses of the word) guest beers, most of them also served in thirds. On this visit these included Kernel’s Export Stout, Cromarty Brewing’s fantastic AKA IPA and Magic Rock’s famous, if not notorious, Human Cannonball – dangerously drinkable at 9.2%."
"The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Mill, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 9YJ. Located on the first floor of the Old Flax Store, this brewery-based refectory hosts regular takeovers from local food vendors, though the focus on the varied styles of beer the ‘monks’ brew."
"So successful has this craft brewery become that its beers are now stocked in UK supermarkets. But it's best drunk at the source, in the brewery's Grade II–listed taproom just south of Leeds city centre in the... Top ChoiceBar in Leeds"
"Offering a small but perfectly formed food menu, Beer Hawk is a craft beer bar and bottle shop boshing out more than just pints. Chow down on buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, vegan wings and an array of delicious sides including raclette-covered waffle fries, mac 'n' cheese and mango salads."
"Pitching up on Boar Lane, Beer Hawk has brought a new craft beer competitor to the city. Fronting upwards of 140 different brew, the bar is one of the hops-heads among you, and also offers a small but delicious menu of fried chicken, vegan alternatives and tasty sides."
"Best known for its mega selection of craft brews - the last time we checked it had over 140 - Beer Hawk also whips up tasty burgers. Spend a laid-back evening here with friends sinking pints and chomping on onion rings, vegan duck fries and patties galore."