"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, 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"
"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."
"There's precious little left of York Castle except for this evocative stone tower, a highly unusual four-lobed design built into the castle's keep after the original one was destroyed in 1190 during anti-Jewish..."
"This park, which is four miles northeast of Leeds city centre, offers 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. If it's really cold you can warm up in the indoor Tropical World, which has butterflies, birds, reptiles and even meerkats, or the early 19th century Mansion House which has a cafe. The car park is accessible via Wetherby Road, LS8 2JZ."
"Firmly ensconced as the most popular park in Leeds, Roundhay Park is a favourite not just for people in the city but for visitors from across Yorkshire too. Fact fans will no doubt be aware that it's one of the biggest city parks anywhere in Europe, covering 700 acres. It offers something for everyone, too."
"If you’re at White Rose Centre and get a sudden urge for some ice cream, you’re in luck. The Ice Cream Parlour has 18 flavours for you to work through. From mint chocolate chip to raspberry ripple, bubblegum and pistachio, they do the classics and they do them well."
"This Grade I listed Georgian church was nearly lost in the 1950s, but was saved when church officials decided that it was a building of historical and architectural importance. While it’s still a place of worship, Holy Trinity Church is also a lively community space and they put on all manner of events for you to enjoy, including art exhibitions, vintage fairs and live music – the acoustics are fantastic. Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW."
"Officially opened in 1933 by King George V, Leeds Civic Hall is a truly stunning building made from pristine white Portland stone. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Leeds, not only for being beautiful, but for what it stands for. It’s one of a number of buildings which was commissioned to meet the needs of Leeds as it was developing from a poor town to a blossoming city."
"Built in the 1930s, the Civic Hall replaced Leeds Town Hall as the administrative centre in 1933. It is a Grade II listed building which includes the council chamber, council offices, and a large hall."
"Krispy Kreme is an internationally beloved donut shop and you can get a taste of their famous sweet treats in Trinity Leeds. They’ve been perfecting their Original Glazed Donut for over 75 years, so you can bet it’s lip-smackingly good. Sweet, crisp and fluffy in all the right places, take a bite and it almost melts in your mouth."
"Whether it’s a single doughnut or a sharers dozen box, no matter what type of doughnut you love, Krispy Kreme has them."
"They’re made fresh in house every day and they keep things interesting by switching up the flavours, so there’s always something new to try. Take the Lucky Charms donut for an example. This epic ball donut is deep-fried, stuffed with marshmallow and covered in vanilla fudge icing before they top it with that all-important Lucky Charms cereal to create a sweet and sticky treat like nothing you’ve had before."
"Credit: Ian S licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. It’s known as ‘The Pub That Floods’ but don’t let that put you off The King’s Arms on the banks of River Ouse. Its location just by the water makes it one of York’s most popular spots on a warm summer’s day, and it’s even better for being a Samuel Smith’s pub."
"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."
"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."
"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."