Mentioned by History Hit
10 of the Best Historic Sites in York
"The perfect park for picnics, relaxing by the River Aire and leisurely strolls around one of the best surviving medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain, Kirkstall Abbey has 24 hectares of parkland for you to explore. The park stretches from Abbey Mills Wildflower Meadows, which is carpeted in bluebells in the spring, past the tennis courts on the far side and over the road to the playground and fields on either side of Abbey House Museum. Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH."
"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."
"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."
"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."
"Landscaped by Capability Brown, Temple Newsam has 1,500 acres of grounds for you to explore, with stunning vistas and scenic walks. The Menagerie Ponds are one of the highlights. Each has a different personality – the first is surrounded by parkland, the second by perennials and the third by the bamboo garden."
"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)."
"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."
"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 best of Haworth's Brontë sights is this somber Georgian (1778) house where the sisters grew up. It displays original furniture (some…"
"Within easy reach of the town, East Riddlesden Hall is a stunning national trust property which makes for a great day out or even a venue for a special occasion. The current 17th century manor house sits on an estate with roots stretching back to the 7th century. Enjoy the house, tearoom, and grounds of this beautiful spot."
"East Riddlesden Hall is a 17th-century manor house in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England, now owned by the National Trust. The hall was built in 1642 by a wealthy Halifax clothier, James Murgatroyd. The hall is a Grade I listed building."
"Dusk always reminds me somewhat of Evil Eye as it has a quirky and unique vibe to it. I’ve had many a night out that ended with drinks in Dusk and there’s also an elusive magician that often pops in to perform magic tricks right in front of you; it’s even more impressive when you’re quite a few cocktails in!. The cocktails also have the coolest names including the ‘Phil Collins’, ‘Graham Norton’ (a personal favourite of mine) and the ‘Britney Spears’."
"If it’s vegan Sunday lunch you want, then it’s vegan Sunday lunch that you’ll get. Wapentake serves up a banging Sunday roast that can be vegan or veggie, and at just £7 you’d be a fool not to try it. Their main thing is brunches though, and they have a really decent selection of veggie and vegan options on their brunch menu."
"Wapentake, 92 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ - Visit now. Freshness is the name of the game for this city centre cafe bar. The bread is baked on site daily and there’s an exhaustive range of coffees and teas – not to mention alcoholic drinks."
"The name gives it away – The Botanist is obsessed with unusual botanical concoctions. They love gin in all its forms, with an extensive list, including some of the UK’s finest – from Leeds Gin to Hunters of Chester, Langley’s of Birmingham and Campfire Gin of Reading, you can try them all. They mix them up into a series of classic cocktails with a twist – try the English Mojito."
"The Botanist, 67 Boar Lane, Tirinity Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW. The Botanist is a great venue in the heart of the city centre, which has become one of the most popular bars in the city. They’re passionate about everything boozy, and in particular gin."