Mentioned by Visit York
Family Friendly
"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."
"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."
"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."
"Look no further than East 59th, a rooftop bar and restaurant channelling New York vibes. Venture up for one of the best bottomless brunches in the city, enjoyed in their chic dining room or out on their gorgeous terrace."
"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."
"It may be a cafe by day, but on weekends, Sheaf Street Cafeteria transforms into one of the coolest clubs in Leeds. It hosts The Friday Residency to get the weekend started and has welcomed the likes of Steve Cobby, Eddy Temple-Morris and Clandestino in the past. If the sun’s shining, it becomes The Yarden Party with all kinds of brilliant house, disco and funk DJs into the early hours."
"The menu at Sheaf St. isn’t entirely meat-free, but around half the menu is veggie or vegan friendly, which is a pretty good effort. They have a sizeable daytime menu as well as a shorter evening menu, and you’ll want to stick around all day in this cool spot!. They also run events including club nights, so check them out to see if anything takes your fancy."
"Sheaf Street Cafeteria, 3 Sheaf Street, Leeds, LS10 1HD - Visit now. Part of the effortlessly cool Duke Studios, Sheaf Street offers all kinds of interesting food and drink plus events and resident DJs. Try out the buckwheat pancakes and the huevos pobre."
"For a restaurant by the river in Leeds, it's over to Aire Bar, the charming eatery housed in a Grade-II listed building with sights of the water. Its vibe is pretty cool and casual, which is great for a catch-up with mates - though we can find any excuse to work through their burger menu."
"Overlooking the River Aire at Granary Wharf, Water Lane Boathouse is one of the best alfresco dining spots in Leeds. It’s great when the sun’s shining, but don’t worry, they have heaters and covered seating too. Their menu takes a two-pronged approach – Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza, made in a hand-crafted Italian oven, and juicy burgers, stacked high with everything from Yorkshire beef to Magic Mountains vegan patties."
"Sitting on the banks of the River Aire, Water Lane Boathouse has gone to great lengths to get the best gin they can find. They have a wide range of well-known names, each of which have their own tonic and garnish. Try Pink Rives with Mediterranean tonic, strawberry and basil or Caorunn with tonic, red apple and raspberries – they’re perfect for sitting out in that impressive waterside beer garden under the sunshine."
"Situated by the canal, in summer this place hosts gorgeous views. A little further out than others, it is worth it as it's perched on the edge of Lock Number One at Leeds' Canal Wharf, and offers some delicious pizza."
"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."
"Boasting the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens, Tropical World is also popular for its adorable meerkats, terrapins, turtles, tropical birds and butterflies (which are free to flutter around the attraction). As the name suggests, the tropical origins of its inhabitants mean the attraction is kept warm and humid - but you soon adapt to the balmy setting. Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay LS8 1DF (within Roundhay Park)."
"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"
"They serve ramen with mushroom and kombu, spicy chilli beef and tonkotsu. Sando (Japanese hot sandwiches) with chicken, pork belly and tamago egg, bao buns, Robata (Japanese BBQ) and specials of the day,"
"Crown Point Shopping Park is a fun place to visit if you are looking to unwind and have a leisurely trip to shop or dine. This is also a go-to place to complete your errands and buy some essentials that you need at home or your office. Housing a wealth of shops from drugstore, gadgets and appliance store, furniture, pet store, toy store, clothing shop, optician and travel and tour agency, they certainly offer comprehensive solutions to the different needs that you may have."
"Just on the south side of Leeds, Crown Point is the closest retail park to the city centre. It’s a great place to visit, with a variety of well-known names lined up for you to explore. Book a holiday at Tui, browse the Wren Kitchens showroom and see how you stand up to the pester power of your kids when you take them along to Smyths Toy Superstore."
"You’ll find Bear’s Den hidden away in Bradford’s historic Underground Quarter, Sunbridge Wells. This unique space is home to vibrant street food, and if you’re looking for where to eat in Bradford as a student, Bear’s Den is a must-visit. Whether you’re visiting after a night out or in between lectures, Bear’s Den is the place to be for melting grilled cheese and tasty fillings, served between slices of crusty bread – the perfect comfort food!"
"A maze of bars, shops, and cafés that looks straight out of a Harry Potter film, Sunbridge Wells is unlike anything I have ever seen!. It opened a few weeks before we arrived in Bradford, so not many people knew where it was yet. Luckily, we spotted a group of guys who were heading there and were kind enough to lead the way."
"One of Leeds’ most recent retail parks, everything at The Springs in Thorpe Park feels shiny and new. Get your shop on at Boots, The Range and EE, while there’s an M&S Foodhall too. H&M, JD, Card Factory, The Works, The Entertainer, Mountain Warehouse, Next, TK Maxx – it’s a place that covers a lot of ground."