Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Yorkshire
"Henry VIII had a great impact on Britain’s history, but did you know he was partially responsible for Kirkstall Abbey?. The 12th century monastery was disestablished by Henry in the 16th century, but is still standing today and is easily one of the most picturesque landmarks in Leeds. View this post on Instagram"
"Ruined but prideful, forgotten but known, beautifully neglected — Kirkstall Abbey is a lot of things to a lot of people. This gorgeous piece of historic …"
"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."
"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"
"Within the cities of England, it’s often hard to find beautiful green locations, although they are plentiful outside of the cities. At just three miles north of Leeds City Centre you can find a whole 700 acres of rolling parkland, two clear lakes and woodland as far as the eye can see. Alongside the natural beauty of nature there are several formal gardens, and two playgrounds to keep your travelling children entertained."
"At 700 acres, Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. It’s twice the size of Hyde Park in London and offers a multitude of adventures. The vast network of paths stretches beyond the landscape gardens into the woodlands where you’ll find quaint riverside rambles, picturesque gorge walks and calf-burning hikes that promise incredible views."
"Next, there’s no better way to escape the busy city than going for a stroll in Roundhay Park. The grand park covers over 700 acres and is just 3 miles north of Leeds City centre. Undeniably, it is one of the most popular parks in Leeds."
"Indeed, rugby and cricket are very close to our hearts, which is why Headingley Carnegie Stadium is one of the biggest attractions in Leeds. The cricket ground, which hosted The Ashes in 2009, can be found on the northern side of the stadium and is home to the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, while the rugby ground on the southern side is shared by Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie. Headingley Carnegie Stadium, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3BR."
"You don't have to support the Leeds Rhino's to go see some rugby here, although, we would really prefer it!"
"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!"
"Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Families use a self guided trail to explore the historic castle allowing you to visit at your own pace. The information provided about each part of the castle helps to bring the unfurnished castle to life."
"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."
"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."
"One of the most popular family attractions in Leeds, Tropical World makes for a fantastic day out. It’s home to one of the biggest collections of tropical plants outside of Kew Gardens, but that’s not what’s going to have the kids excited, because you’ll also find a medley of animals here. You’ll peer into tanks of piranhas, catch a glimpse of their crocodile and walk through rooms filled with butterflies, birds and even bats (don’t worry, there’s a wall of glass to protect you in that one)."
"The Tropical World at Roundhay Park has become one of the most coveted family attractions in Leeds. Situated just three miles from the city centre, this terrain is great to take a trek through the rainforest, relax in the simulated environs of Australia and to take a quick excursion through the desert. This is one of the best ways to learn the tropical habitat...Read more"
"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."
"The 1930’s art deco, former headquarters of Tetley Brewery is a pioneering centre for contemporary art. Also, a great place to kick back, enjoy a selection of cask ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks, together with a Yorkshire inspired menu showcasing the very best ingredients. Their sun trap of a beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Tetley’s, right on the spot it was born more than 200 years ago."
"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chemical Engineer used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Just south of the city center in Leeds is where you’ll find The Tetley. This modern art gallery opened in late 2013 and stands on the former Tetley’s Brewery."
"Located about 10 miles from Sheffield, the Elsecar Heritage Railway is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and expansion of one of the area's oldest railway lines. Highlights include an impressive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock that once belonged to the South Yorkshire Railway. Budding engineers can even learn to drive a steam train through one of the railway's "footplate" courses (they also offer a number of fun themed excursions)."