Mentioned by Visit York
Family Friendly
"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."
"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."
"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"
"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."
"Clifford's Tower is an excellent first stop when visiting York. The panoramic views from the top of the tower give visitors a spectacular overview of Old Minister, York, and the North York Views. The tower is situated on a tall hill, perfect for providing defense to York."
"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."
"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 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."
"Situated on Leeds Road, Creme de la Creme is every chocoholics dream, the parlour itself is a quirky and unique space with booths to sit and enjoy your chosen delights. Choose from luxurious cakes, rich and thick freakshakes, freshly made crepes and pancakes, fluffy waffles, ice cold sundaes, hot cookie dough, sweet little macaroons and an excellent selection of hot and cold drinks."
"Part of the Jorvik group, this attraction is an introduction to archaeology for kids. It’s suitable for all ages. My toddler enjoyed the under 5’s play area on the second floor whilst my 5 year old did some stained glass painting."
"Under the same management as Jorvik and housed in an atmospheric old church, Dig gives you the chance to be an 'archaeological detective', unearthing the secrets of York's distant past as well as learning..."
"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)."
"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."
"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."
"There’s far more than just the stately home to discover at Harewood House – this is somewhere to spend all day exploring. The grounds have three walking trails to help you explore, along with a great adventure playground, and a natural play area in the woods, a ‘secret’ tunnel to the Norman church, formal gardens, a pretty lake with a ferry heading across to more gardens and usually boat trips running too. You’ll also find a string of farmyard animals, from guinea pigs to actual pigs, and a host of rare birds, including macaws and cockatoos, lovebirds and a flamboyance of flamingos."
"Another day out less around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre is Harewood House, fusing history and heritage with the great outdoors and breathtaking gardens. As well as the stately home, the site offers stunning grounds and an adventure playground, as well as a bird garden. And if you fancy exploring further, there are around fifteen miles of footpaths and bridleways across the estate.The estate also hosts an extensive programme of Christmas events each year."
"Situated within “capability” Brown designed landscape, this historic Georgian property offers breathtaking views from its terraces. Inside the house, you can see rare Chippendale furniture and exquisite interior designs in the State Rooms. Also, do take out time to explore the corridors Below Stairs."
"There are actually two excellent dog-friendly parks in the Leeds neighbourhood of Pudsey. The first is the council-owned Pudsey Park: a Green Flag-awarded green space that’s earned the rightful status of being Leeds’ second most-visited park. It’s as good for dogs as it is pretty, with clean, well-cared for lawns and beds, plus activities for the whole family, including a playground, a bowling green, and a skate park."
"Credit: Chemical Engineer licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. Second only to Roundhay Park for annual visits, Pudsey Park offers 7.5 hectares of lush green space for you to explore. It’s much more than just fields – there’s a rose garden, a bedding area and a glasshouse."
"Côte’s tagline is “Relaxed all day dining inspired by the brasseries of Paris” and I would agree with that. They serve breakfast/brunch between 8am and noon Monday to Friday and 9am till 1pm Saturday and Sunday. They have a good lunchtime and early evening set menu at two courses for £11.95 that includes French classics like steak frites and baked camembert."
"Cote are a French Restaurant that serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday, as well as Bank Holidays, from 10am to 2pm. They serve a full breakfast as well as French classics such as Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame."
"Kendell’s is the most famous French restaurant in Leeds – and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the food good, but the atmosphere is incredible – you’ll step into a candlelit bistro where the blackboard displays a new menu daily. What they serve depends on the fresh, seasonal produce they can get their hands on, but you can expect the likes of salmon en croute, porc boulangère and créme brûlée."
"A French bistro offering fine dining in a gorgeous, cosy environment. Located on St Peter's Square, near Leeds Bus Station"
"They’re so popular in fact that there have two restaurants in York. Although the foods not as sophisticated as others in the roundup, they serve honest, great quality food that’s great for casual dining. Specialising in French cuisine at affordable prices, they have an ever-popular two-course set menu which starts at £14.95."
"Lovely French restaurant, reasonably priced and has an excellent reputation. There are two restaurants in town – the nearest one to the apartment is Lendal.www.rustiquerestaurants.co.uk/rustique-york-castlegatewww.rustiquerestaurants.co.uk/rustique-york-lendal"
"413 Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AYCarluccio’s have an extensive vegan menu, so you can enjoy Antonio Carluccio’s authentic regional Italian food in the heart of Leeds."
"Sizzling Pubs do a excellent value breakfast with unlimited help-yourself tea or coffee up to 12 noon. You can go for the Sizzling Breakfast (Two juicy pork sausages, two rashers of grilled back bacon, two fried free-range eggs, grilled tomato, grilled flat mushroom, potato and onion hash, Heinz® baked beans and your choice of unlimited white or wholemeal toast with butter. Served sizzling on a skillet, or on a plate if you prefer), or just porridge or white or brown toast. You can also go for a bacon or sausage bap (vegetarian versions available)."
"Rarely does one come across a church with so much personality. The 15th century building, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the town, has a marvellous architectural design. The Goodramgatearea comprises of some of York’s oldest structures."
"Tucked away behind an inconspicuous gate and seemingly cut off from the rest of the town, the Church of the Holy Trinity is a fantastically atmospheric old building, having survived almost unchanged for the past..."