Mentioned by History Hit
10 of the Best Historic Sites in York
"One of the most complete medieval abbeys in the UK, Kirkstall Abbey was founded over 800 years ago as a Cistercian Abbey. It’s another great free day out in Leeds with kids, with regular family events and activities during holidays, including trails and art packs. Whenever you visit, you can stroll through the ruined abbey buildings and the lovely parkland on the banks of the river, plus more about the monks who lived here, on display at the visitor centre."
"Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey on the bank of the River Aire is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. Its dramatic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and provided the perfect setting for Yorkshire’s Gothic Film Festival in 2013"
"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."
"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 an excellent first stop when visiting York. The panoramic views from the top of the tower give visitors a spectacular overview of Old Minister, York, and the North York Views. The tower is situated on a tall hill, perfect for providing defense to York."
"Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage"
"Temple Newsam House, a magnificent 40-room Tudor-Jacobean mansion, is a must-see when in Leeds. Set in a sprawling 900-acre park on the city's outskirts, it's famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Interior highlights include a variety of Old Master paintings, as well as furniture by Thomas Chippendale and collections of Leeds creamware and silver."
"This summer holidays Abbey House Museum will welcome some of your favourite fairy tale characters and creatures as the Victorian Streets are taken over by them!. Captain Hook has managed to stop the clocks ticking in the pub, a marvellous pumpkin patch has sprung up in the middle of the street and there are a mischief of magical mice helping Cinderella make a ball gown before the clock strikes twelve!. You can even pick up a bumper craft bag to take home filled with activities to keep the kids entertained."
"During the Victorian Period, the Industrial Revolution changed Britain, turning it from a rich but agricultural nation to the modern country it is today. Abbey House Museum captures these exciting times, recreating shops, pubs and houses from the 19th century. Wander through Victorian streets and see how the people of Leeds lived two hundred years ago, and see if you can spot what has changed and what’s stayed the same."
"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."
"Are you looking to view an estate house with both a history and a twist?. That’s exactly what Harewood House has to offer to you, while constantly striving to stay relevant it also manages to keep a firm grip on the past, with some of the finest art collections in England. The short trip out of the city centre shouldn’t put you off, buses run directly to and from Leeds City Centre every 15 minutes, and you’ll even get the chance to see penguins, flamingos and parrots."
"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."
"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."
"Down a back alley beside Skipton's canal basin, this friendly pub is essentially a modern craft beer bar but still manages to cultivate a traditional feel with wooden beams and old bar furniture."
"The patty slingers are whipping up all things comfort food, with an extensive and quirky selection of chicken, beef and vegan chows, alongside boozy slushies and shakes."
"Pitcher & Piano is a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion, and their restaurant in York is absolutely gorgeous. They’ve got some of the yummiest brunch dishes around, too – how does a brunch burger or a baked Moroccan breakfast sound to you?. For £28 per person, you get one of their amazing dishes as well as two whole hours of bottomless prosecco, bellinis, mimosas, Aperol spritzes and pints of Amstel, which is a great selection!"
"El Piano, tucked away in the historic Grape Lane, is wholly gluten-free and plant-based. That doesn’t mean it’s restricted menu by any stretch, as a 5-year winner of Visit York’s Tourism Award will attest to. With over two decades behind them, the El Piano team also run a regular cooking school and a B&B just in case you were keen to really immerse yourself in the world of veggie and vegan cookery."
"Hosted in a Grade II listed Victorian building, The Lost & Found is a Victorian haven of antique furnishings and botanical cocktails. Head over for a weekend brunch or midweek dinner and tuck into the likes of beef ragu arancini and grilled seabream, before hunting down their secret den that's so decadent it would make Oscar Wilde proud."
"A Victorian-themed den with a sun-drenched terrace, The Lost & Found is a top choice for botanical cocktails and European fare. Housed within an impressive building and with menus suited for vegans, veggies and carnivores alike, this restaurant and bar is ideal for catch-ups with mates and romantic date nights."
"There are plenty of reasons why Weatherby locals love All Seasons Chinese takeaway, including the delicious food and large portion sizes. They also feel that this Chinese takeaway in Leeds offers good value for money as the prices are reasonable."
"This British Asian fusion restaurant offers a menu which spans continents and tantalises taste buds. They proudly offer many traditional curries, dabble in the odd Italian dish, and have a great selection of foods fresh from their flaming grill. The selection doesn’t end there, as they also offer hot drinks, milkshakes and mock-tails, to quench your thirst."
"When to go: When you’re done with shopping and are in desperate need of carbs. What to have: Four words."