Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Yorkshire
"Basically, this is the ruins of a Christian monastery that was set within a public park right on the banks of a great looking river. Built during the 12th century by monks who had forsaken their home in Barnoldswick, the ruins are still preserved, and visitors can get a slice of history by admiring them. The abbey and the grounds look very relaxing and a pleasant day out will help one unravel all this and more."
"You can learn about its rich history at the visitors’ center. Here you will learn about its deep history and how monks lead their lives. Run by the Cistercian Order, the Abbey also has vast parklands where you and your beloved can take strolls for as long as you want."
"Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery"
"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."
"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"
"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."
"Roundhay Park is ideal for the family to have fun enjoying the great outdoors. Located a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Leeds, the park is one of Europe’s biggest inner-city green spaces spanning over 700 acres of parkland, woodland, lakes and landscaped gardens. Spot the various species of fish and birds across the water features in the park or enjoy some fishing on Waterloo lake."
"Roundhay Park is one of the most popular attractions in Leeds. With over 700 acres of land, the area is a fusion of woodlands, lakes, formal gardens, cafes and playgrounds. It also houses Tropical World, a place where you can experience different exotic animals like meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles, butterflies and many others."
"This lake is next to Leeds Bradford Airport but don't let that put you off. It's an easy, level walk where you can spot waterfowl as you stroll. Reach it via Cemetery Road, LS19 7UR."
"Meanwood Park is a 29-hectares area consisted of woodland, mown grass, stream and meadows. They have different attractions and facilities like Meanwood Valley Trail, nature reserve, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts and picnic areas. A perfect place for the family to have their quality time, kids would love to play on their children’s playground while their parents can do different sports activities like tennis or basketball."
"Four miles north of Leeds city centre, Meanwood Park’s 29-hectares span meadows, woodland, lawns, and a stream. That’s a checklist of most dogs’ outdoor needs, which also happens to be pretty darn beautiful to boot. For the energetic, Meanwood is part of a seven-mile walk called the Meanwood Valley Trail, which takes you from Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park and then onto Seven Arches (Leeds’ first aqueduct) and Golden Acre Park."
"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"
"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."
"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."
"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."
"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."
"The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a museum, wedding and hospitality venue, regularly hosting vintage and wedding fairs. The museum hosts collections including silver, furniture and paintings and is open during the summer months. 721 metres from the Minster.Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9XD, United Kingdom"
"The French tearoom has a jam-packed menu of dishes for you to choose from. They’ve got classics like avocado on toast, as well as six different ways with eggs. If you want a real French treat, try their crepes."
"New Station Street, Leeds LS1 5DLPret are good in a pinch for breakfast on-the-go at Leeds station. With a menu available online and good labelling instore, you can pick up vegan sandwiches, hot food and breakfast pots for that early-morning train."
"House of Koko is a cool, family-run cafe on the southern edge of Chapel Allerton and it’s a must-visit. You can get a cracking cup of North Star coffee or try one of their loose leaf teas, but don’t just come for the drinks – they have a creative food menu that’s worth checking out. Start with the classic buttermilk and berries pancakes for breakfast or come later in the day for eclectic dishes like their chicken & avocado salad or homemade baked beans on sourdough."
"House of Koko, 62 Harrogate Rd, Leeds, LS7 4LA - Visit now. As well as great Northstar coffee, House of Koko offers a variety of real teas, sourced from around the world, and some very rare indeed. A place where you will always be met with a smile."
"House of Koko is an independent coffee and tea house in Chapel Allerton. Offer hand-pulled Northstar coffee and a wide range of loose teas. Have an ever changing seasonal menu curated by head chef that focuses on healthy, locally sourced produce."
"This cosy intimate bar has built an enviable reputation as a music venue with an eclectic roster of performers packing the place most nights of the week. The diminutive bar area where more people stand to listen to music than sit is supplemented by significantly more seating in the upstairs lounge which leads to a compact roof terrace with one of the best views of York Minster of any pub in the city. Like most café bars in York, daytimes see the Habit more popular for their home-made burgers and coffees whilst the evening clientele take advantage of a decent selection of beers, wines and spirits."
"One of the coolest spots in a city renowned for its oldie pubs, The Habit is a café-bar with assorted, reclaimed furniture, relaxed vibes and a decent selection of guest ales and beers. One of the main attractions, though, is the regular live music and hip DJs, making it quite popular with the city's student population. Head up stairs to the terrace in the summer, where you'll also find The Habit's renowned graffiti wall."
"With a stunning backdrop of the Minster on their terrace, this gem on Goodramgate is a must-visit for a pint with a view. Whether beer, wine or spirits is your style there’ll be something for you to enjoy here. Relax and chat with loved ones while taking in this breath-taking view of York’s most iconic building."
"If you want to eat outdoors in Leeds, Grumpy’s sun trap of a courtyard is the perfect choice. They have plenty of picnic tables outside, many of which come complete with parasols to give you a little respite from the summer sun. You can treat yourself to wood-fired, Roman-style pizzas with a host of bold toppings."