Mentioned by Visit York
Family Friendly
"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."
"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."
"With breathtaking views of York, Clifford’s tower is an important stop off for anyone new to the city. Originally part of York Castle, the tower was built by William the Conqueror and has been used as both a prison and a royal mint."
"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..."
"Roundhay Park is an emerald jewel in Leeds crown and spreading across 700 acres of land it rivals some of the biggest parks in Europe. In fact, it’s bigger than London’s Hyde Park, actually much bigger at DOUBLE the size – take that London 😜 It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend morning or afternoon with a variety of walks and corners to uncover. The main feature is the expansive Waterloo Lake which has a 2.5km walk around its perimeter."
"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."
"This 700-acre park is a firm favourite with local families, who flock to its open green space and two huge lakes on a sunny day. It’s the biggest park in Leeds and one of the biggest in Europe, so there’s plenty of space for outdoor activities with the kids. They can play tennis, let run wild at the playground, or enjoy a picnic in the landscaped gardens."
"Just a 20 minute drive from Leeds city centre is St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. A huge country park with abundant wildlife and over 12 kilometres of trails to walk or cycle along. Admire lakes, woodland and plenty of fresh air, as you spot roe deer, skylarks and owls."
"This wetland on the fringes of Leeds is a birdwatcher's paradise and also a top place for a gentle walk. It's off Astley Lane, Swillington."
"Pop over to RSPB St. Aidan's and see what you can spot through your binocs ( also known as binoculars!)"
"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."
"Serving Middle Eastern food from a literal hole-in-the-wall, Caravanseria’s motto is ‘fast food cooked slower’ – and that includes a number of vegan options. Great for a late-night takeaway, or you can sit in their tiny dining area upstairs, where a dozen or so people can be seated family-style around one long dining table."
"Just a short stroll to all the shopping districts, popular bars and restaurants, Jurys Inn Leeds is a budget friendly overnight stay for those who don’t want to break the bank. This hotel in Leeds town centre has a total of 248 rooms, all spacious with flat screen tv’s, air-con, refreshment facilities, bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, selection of pillows and even more!. Upgrade your room to an executive and bag yourself a super king sized bed, costa coffee drinks and even a daily newspaper at this cheap hotel in Leeds city centre."
"This comfortable, mid-range hotel with its 24-hour restaurant is situated in the riverside Brewery Wharf area. Its restaurants, facilities and loft apartments make it appealing to everyone and it's location makes it ideal for travellers looking to explore some of the main attractions Leeds has to offer."
"In Leeds city centre, this hotel offers budget accommodation along with a modern bar and restaurant. Leeds Rail Station and the city’s main shops are a 10-minute walk away. Jurys Inn Leeds is located on Brewery Wharf by the banks of the River Aire."
"Chino Latino is known to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in Leeds. They were awarded the Pan-Asian Leeds City Square Restaurant of the year. It’s near the Leeds station and is clean."
"Wasbi is a Japanese restaurant which offer take away and eat in. If you are in a rush you don’t have to wait. If you like spicy, you can’t miss their spicy chilly tofu or spicy chilly chicken."
"The Raj is an authentic Indian restaurant proudly owned and run by an Indian national, so you are guaranteed the best of the cuisine. The Raj takes on a contemporary style of Indian cuisine without disregarding the rich flavors behind it. The place is considered a hidden gem in York, and those who have discovered it leave impressed."
"Leeds Corn Exchange is a beautiful Victorian building that sits on Call Lane (one of Leeds bustling nightlife areas) in the heart of the city centre. The building was used for trading corn into the 1950s and beyond but popularity began to decline. In 2008 the Corn Exchange was reopened as a place for independent retailers (there’s come lovely boutique shops to look around as well as cafes) that we know today!"
"One of the most notable landmarks in Leeds is also one of the most impressive buildings. The Corn Exchange, designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, has been at the centre of the city for more than 150 years. A key trading post in its heyday, the façade of this dominating circular building is certainly impressive with its many windows, sandstone base and iron-crested dome."
"The Corn Exchange is, without a doubt, one of the finest buildings in Leeds. It dates back to 1864 and was designed by renowned architect Cuthbert Brodrick. With a huge domed roof and intricate Italian-style masonry, you can’t miss it, but the best is yet to come."
"There’s good reason why Bradfordians are so welcoming of the building site currently taking up the eastern side of the city centre. After much of the area was razed to the ground several years ago to make way for a new development, the proposed shopping centre was abandoned amid the recession. With the loss of the city’s nerve centre and the subsequent proliferation of pound shops, the derelict site poignantly become known as “the hole in the heart”."
"A few minutes’ walk away from the museum is Bradford’s newest shopping centre, with 70 shops and eateries under one roof. Visit the Broadway Bradford website"