"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."
"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."
"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."
"What: Taking its inspiration from the New York nightlife, you'll feel like you've teleported to a Manhattan rooftop when stepping out onto the terrace at East 59th. Contemporary American dishes including burgers and prawns cooked on the BBQ are accompanied by creative cocktails, which can be enjoyed late into the night. Saturday nights see DJs take to the decks on the terrace, making it a particularly great place to come with friends.Where: 3rd Floor Rooftop, Victoria Gate, George Street, LS2 7AU"
"East 59th brings US-inspired cuisine into the centre of Leeds. The New York City-style bar and grill offers guests a contemporary American dining experience throughout the day, then seamlessly transitions into a sophisticated Manhattan-style rooftop nightspot."
"From sweet crêpes to fluffy American pancakes and authentic Breton galletes, there’s so many options you’ll be positively spoilt for choice. If you’re after something savoury, you can get a gallete with cheese, creamed spinach and Lishman’s ham."
"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."
"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"
"Two of the best things in life are brunch and Cuban food… so what could be better than combining the two?. Whilst Revolución de Cuba is a chain restaurant and I don’t usually like to include them in local lists, it is still a local business adding value to the town, so ‘yayy Revs de Cuba‘!. Plus, it’s not too pricey, does good food in a cool setting, and does boozy brunch – winner!"
"The deal is: you get to choose a starter and a main from their brunch menu and then you can indulge in bottomless Prosecco or draught beer for 90 minutes from when you are seated. Bottomless brunch is available every day of the week. On Saturdays it is served from 11am until 3pm (last booking at 1.30pm), and every other day it is served from 11am until 5pm (last booking 3.30pm)."
"Copyright J Thomas licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. The Anchor Inn is one of the best country pubs in North Yorkshire. It’s a 40-minute drive from Leeds in the picturesque village of Whixley."
"3 types of cheese (plentiful portions), ham, mixed leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, celery, grapes, apple slices, slice of orange, chutney, coleslaw, crisps, sliced french stick, variety of crackers and butter."
"Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, England, east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its heritage as a fashionable spa resort continues in the Montpellier Quarter with the Royal Pump Room Museum, documenting the importance of local mineral springs. Nearby is the restored, Moorish-style Turkish Baths & Health Spa. To the west, leafy Valley Gardens features the art deco Sun Pavilion."
"The spa town of Harrogate is the getaway to the moors. We love the little known Ilkley Moors but there are a number of hikes and walks in the area."
"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."
"The Stray is the largest of Harrogate's parks: comprising 200 acres of contiguous open land linking the spa town's curative springs and wells. The site dates back to 1778 when it was created from the forest of Knaresborough to link several of Harrogate’s springs together in one area but is now open grassland full of beautiful flowers. The Stray is in the centre of the town off Knaresborough Road and is free to access throughout the year."
"Moments away from the bustle of the town centre, the Stray has given the people of Harrogate somewhere peaceful to relax since it was created in 1778 from the forest of Knaresborough. Nothing can be purer than the air at Harrogate. Over the years the Stray has been used to graze livestock, turned into allotments and wheat fields during WWII, and it’s even been used as an airfield for light aircraft."
"The Stray is an area of around 200 acres of parkland in Harrogate which links the town’s spas and wells; it’s also the site of the original Tewit Well discovered by William Slingsby. In the 18th century, the park was bequeathed to the people of Harrogate by the Duchy of Lancaster to be forever unenclosed and makes a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic, an outdoor game or a walk."
"Another excellent photography spot and Instagrammable place in York is the Merchant’s Hall. The Merchant’s Hall has one of the most impressive guildhalls in the world, and sometimes you can get it empty – it’s incredible for photos."
"Perhaps one of the most unique establishments in York – Spark is a vibrant hub of some of the best food and drink in the city. With large benches on the lower and upper floors, this venue is the perfect place to grab and go, or to spend an evening with a few friends and drinks."
"When to go: When you fancy something quick, casual and can’t decide so visit more than one. What to have: The buttermilk fried chicken burgers from Clucking Oinks are unbeatable. Wash one down with an ice-cold can of craft beer from resident bar Piccadilly Tap."
"Nestled between York Minster and Monk Bar “Little Italy” was established by owners Andrea & Mandy Gaias in January 1992, and as a result of endless dedication have built up an enviable reputation as one of York’s finest Italian restaurants offering gourmet cuisine to satisfy the most discerning tastes. 12 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQT: 01904 623539"
"Cosy family run Italian just a few minutes’ walk away, very popular for evening meals so you should book in advance. Nice deli counter for take-away food. (Closed Wednesdays).www.littleitalyrestaurantyork.co.uk"
"Gourmet cuisine in a cosy, bare-brick setting with regular cookery demos and a downstairs deli. Well worth a visit if you are in the area!. Address : 12 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ, UK"