"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."
"Located just a short distance out of the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is beautifully preserved, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through the ruins. The abbey is located beside the River Aire, making it the perfect starting point for a relaxing stroll by the water. Kirkstall Abbey | © Minda / Wikimedia"
"You can learn about its rich history at the visitors’ center. Here you will learn about its deep history and how monks lead their lives. Run by the Cistercian Order, the Abbey also has vast parklands where you and your beloved can take strolls for as long as you want."
"What: Another brunch spot from our friends at D&D, this time taking its inspiration from the rooftop bars of New York. There's always a buzz in East 59th whether you come for cocktails in the evening or to feast on eggs and pancakes during the day. If you're looking for a bottomless brunch, this is a particularly great option as you have to pay just £15 per person for an hour and a half of free-flowing drinks."
"East 59th is a New York-style loft with a sun-soaked roof terrace. It’s carpeted in astroturf, covered in leafy plants and decked out in stylish wicker furniture. Settle down in this urban jungle, under the shade of the massive parasols to grab a few drinks."
"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."
"Clifford’s Tower offers stunning views of the city from it’s vantage point on top of a mound. The tower is what’s left of the York Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Tower St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA, United Kingdom"
"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"
"Holiday Inn Garforth is a spa hotel near Leeds which is fantastic for those who want to stay on the outskirts of the busy city. Book one of the lovely rooms here for your stay and you will receive complimentary access to this Leeds spa’s You Fit Health Club!. Make the most of the swimming pool, sauna, and steam room to relax, or reach your health goals in the fitness suite, fully equipped gym and even some fitness classes."
"A mile outside of the city centre, York Cold War Bunker tells the story of a country on the brink of nuclear warfare. Designed to monitor nuclear fallout in the event of an attack in Yorkshire, the semi-submerged bunker affords visitors the chance to explore some of York’s more unusual history. Built in 1961, the bunker served as the regional headquarters for the Royal Observer Corps until 1991."
"Unit 6, Enterprise Complex Walmgate, York, YO1 9TT01904 848448Website. No venue has made a bigger impact on the recent York pub and brewing scene than Brew York Brewery and Tap. It’s already hosted numerous beer festivals and a major expansion in 2018 will see it take over the whole of the former Maltings next door to make it a one-stop food and beer mecca, as well as expanding its brewery capacity."
"Located on Walmgate, the beer garden at Brew York is a hidden gem that overlooks the River Foss and Rowntree’s Wharf. With unique barrel benches and YUZU street food also on offer, make this your next stop for a fresh brew."
"What: Small, unassuming, and tucked away down one of the city’s quieter streets, this incredible restaurant is a must for any visiting (or resident) foodie. Aptly named, Le Cochon Aveugle deals solely in ‘blind’ tasting menus (four or six courses with optional wine pairings), which are modestly-priced given the quality, and make for a wonderfully relaxed and indulgent evening. The interiors are nothing special but the skill of the chefs is, meaning dishes as simple as scallops with butter are exceptional."
"Le Cochon Aveugle serve a fine dining blind tasting menu for the more adventurous foodie. “It is a small stripped back restaurant in the heart of York, serving a frequently changing tasting menu. The contemporary European menu is rooted in classical French techniques, and showcases the very best produce available to the kitchen on each individual day."
"This is the kind of restaurant for those who can never decide what to eat. Le Cochin Aveugle is a unique fine dining restaurant where diners don't really have a say as to what they eat. All you have to do is notify them in advance of any dietary requirements, rock up to your table reservation, and wait for the dishes to arrive."
"While not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, the Grub and Grog Shop is still a firm favourite among Leeds’ plant-based community. That’s because it offers up vegan and vegetarian-friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner in an informal setting, with everything made from scratch (as much as possible) using local, organic ingredients. Grub and Grog also works with a number of local providers, meaning customers can buy the products used directly from the shop."
"Based in Sheaf Street Cafeteria, Grub & Grog is open for breakfast and lunch all week as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, serving an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Utilising fresh ingredients and wholesome recipes, their daytime offering is centred on sandwiches, salads and traditional brunch options. The evening menu is usually based around vegan offerings with a choice of meat, fish and vegetarian options."
"This ethical and sustainable café and coffee shop is leading the way in Leeds’ #eatyourgreens movement. They source ingredients locally before serving up delicious meals in a funky renovated warehouse. Grub & Grog comes from the same people as Sheaf St., and their impact on the vegan food scene here in Leeds has certainly not gone unnoticed."
"A beautifully designed bar with a large selection of food and wines. They have a wine selection that is complemented by information about wines. Highly recommend for wine lovers and people just starting to love wine."
"When to go: For those ‘just one’ evenings that stretch out into the small hours. What to have: Go for one of the Pairing Flights. Choose three wines from the list, each paired with a perfect deli food or dessert."