Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Menston

"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."

"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"

"You can send the day with friends lying on the grass in the beautiful park that surrounds the abbey,.or join of the numerous events organised there, like “Feast & Fiesta“, on May 11th.Abbey Rd, Leeds LS5 3"

"Clifford’s Tower, a semi-ruined 13th-century remnant of York Castle, is also one of the few Norman relics in a city dominated by Viking influence. Nowadays, Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular and emblematic sights in York, and the panoramic views from the tower’s ramparts make it an excellent starting point for first-time visitors to historic 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"

"With over 700 acres of paw-pounding space, Roundhay Park is one of the UK’s largest urban green spaces–making it a top hit among dog owners in Leeds. Its asset is the variety of terrain: there’s open space for ball-chucking, woodland trails rich in sniffing opportunities (because sometimes a good boy needs more than bottoms), Waterloo Lake for hot-day dips, a steep climb up to the castle if a proper calf-stretch is required, plus the ‘secret gorge walk’–a 2.7km route to find a beautiful hidden waterfall. Look out for dog-themed events, too, such as the Yorkshire Dachshund Group’s annual Christmas sausage walk."

"One of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park sprawls over more than 700 acres and welcomes more than a million visitors each year. Four miles (or an 18-minute car journey) from the city centre, the park offerd lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes, two playgrounds and Tropical World. There is also the grand Mansion, now an event space for weddings and corporate events."

"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."

"In the near centre of Wakefield sits the magnificent Wakefield Cathedral, or the even grander title of the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Wakefield. Although we owe the Victorians for Wakefield Cathedral’s current appearance, restored and reopened in 1888, it has been a place of worship since the 9th-century, and has even been mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Today, anyone can come and have an informal, 45 minute tour of this historic cathedral, with no booking required and completely free!"

"Another incredibly old building, Wakefield Cathedral is the tallest church in Yorkshire and has a long and fascinating history. Although it has been developed and rebuilt at various points over the past 900 years, the building which exists today dates back to the 14th century. Its 247-foot tall spire is visible from many of the suburbs of Wakefield and even beyond on a clear day."

"Marigold Café and Boating is situated in Knaresborough on the banks of the River Nidd, one of Yorkshire’s most picturesque settings. Marigold in Knaresborough enjoys an enviable riverside location at the bottom of the Nidd Gorge. And here’s a thought: how often is it the case that, after travelling far and wide, we realise that true happiness is to be found in our own backyard?"

"Take the family to the former Tetley brewery in Leeds, which is now home to an art gallery, a whole heap of children’s events and a very family-friendly restaurant. You can stop off for a quick drink after your culture vulture-ing or take your time with a proper sit-down. Their dedicated children’s menu, which doubles as a colouring sheet, offers brunch options like brioche eggy bread until midday, and thereafter it’s all about mains like cheese sarnies or crispy chicken with coleslaw."

"A 20th century Art Deco building is the quintessential location to house an art space; high ceilings and streaming light make for the perfect exhibiting set-up. Formerly the Tetley Ale headquarters and now a protected heritage building, The Tetley opened its newly-renovated doors in late 2013. The venue is curated by Project Space Leeds, a charity which facilitates the space to couple the appreciation of the contemporary arts with learning."

"The former headquarters of the Tetley Brewery at Leeds’ South Bank is now a creative space for art, events and workshops, and also houses a bar serving Yorkshire fare. The art gallery, open daily, offers regularly changing exhibitions, while live music, yoga, guest speakers and family art workshops are also on the calendar. The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ, gallery open faily 10am-5pm and Wednesdays 10am-8pm, admission free."

"Kala Sangam, St. Peter’s House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4TY - Visit now. Kala Sangam is an intercultural arts hub based in the heart of Bradford city centre which reflects the diversity of contemporary Britain through the work it presents, the artists it supports and the communities it engages."

"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."

"Finally, this indoor attraction is home to one of the largest collections of tropical plants anywhere in the UK, and a whole host of exotic creatures including crocodiles, butterflies, piranhas, and meerkats. The different areas will take you on a thrilling journey through mangroves, desert and rainforest, exploring the habitats of some amazing animals. The rainforest canopy and waterfall areas are a particular highlight."

"Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing."

"Spurriergate is open for refreshments and meet-ups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2.30pm. We have free Friendly WiFi, a soft play area and a warm welcome. Come and meet your friends and make some new ones!"

"What makes Skipton Castle so fascinating is its splendid state of preservation, providing a striking contrast to the ruins you'll see elsewhere. Although it is lauded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, many of its most memorable features date to Tudor times. Entrance is through the original Norman archway, which leads to a Tudor courtyard with a yew tree planted by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659, and beyond that a warren of rooms to explore. Grab the informative free illustrated guide to the castle from the ticket office, available in several languages."

"Hidden behind the medieval Skipton Castle, the Woodland Trust’s Skipton Castle Woods is a rare ancient woodland habitat. There’s lots for nature-lovers and families to see and do and with a fascinating history that dates back a thousand years, it’s one the Woodland Trust’s most unique sites – and it’s straight off the high street!. It’s a fantastic place for a family walk, with the 36-acres of woodland providing a variety of walks to choose from!"

"What makes Skipton Castle so fascinating is its splendid state of preservation, providing a striking contrast to the ruins you'll see elsewhere. Although it is lauded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles..."

"10 Greek Street, Leeds LS1 5RU151 Otley Old Road, Cookridge, Leeds LS16 6HNWith venues in the city centre and out in Cookridge, Gusto serves up Italian food, in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Gusto has a filter on their online menu, making it easy to find the perfect dish, with vegain options available."

"Gusto is a rather posh affair, perfect for celebrations, and they’ve got the kids covered too. You know the phrase ‘variety is the spice of life’?. Well it’s certainly true when it comes to Gusto’s kids menu, where young diners can enjoy any pasta dish from the main menu in a child-friendly portion."

"In the summer, the delicious smells of Gusto spread out onto Greek Street to create an alfresco dining experience that’s hard to resist. Their outdoor seating comes with big parasols and cosy heat lamps, so you can dine in the lap of outdoor luxury. The menu is filled with refined Italian classics."