Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Yorkshire
"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."
"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."
"Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery"
"Sitting at the top of beautiful shopping destination Victoria Gate, is East 59th rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace. Oozing laid back Manhattan style, East 59th offers contemporary dining and cocktails. The outdoor terrace is a little haven in the city, surrounded by greenery, wooden furniture and decking."
"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."
"Address: Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU. Phone number: 0113 426 5050. Price: From £29 per person"
"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."
"Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage"
"The striking contrast of Clifford’s Tower with the green bank of grass it sits on is a classic photo to snap of York!. Make the short (but steep) climb to the top and venture inside for a panorama of York."
"Rowntree Park, on the flood plains of the River Ouse, is a myriad of paths and walkways along the river. It was York’s first ever municipal park, presented to the public by sweets company Rowntree & Co to commemorate the 200 members of their staff who died in World War I. If you’re in search of a little exercise during your visit, the park boasts six tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court, two tennis tables and two bowling greens. The duck pond also makes for an excellent picnicking spot."
"For a scenic afternoon in the park, head over to Rowntree Park. The park is located on the banks of the River Ouse and was built as a scenic memorial to the soldiers who fought in the two World Wars. The 30-acre area holds children’s play areas, a lake, flower beds, woodlands, and facilities for bowling, tennis, and basketball."
"I had to start with Kennedy’s as it’s mine and Matt’s favourite place in the whole of York (potentially even the world!) when it comes to a night out. During the day you’ll find it set up as a restaurant (though I’ve never actually eaten here!), but at night it’s transformed to an 80s dreamland!. The ‘Kennedy’s DJ’ plays some of the best 80s, 90s and noughties music you’ll ever find in a club."
"Kennedy’s is a unique York bar and restaurant with a flexible layout spread across two floors. A roof top sun terrace is here too in this popular party venue located right in the heart of The Quarter on Little Stonegate. The interior is ultra modern and DJs or live music artists often feature at weekends."
"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant is really the place to be. It stays open until late, with not expensive alcohol, open-mic nights, two-for-one burger on Wednesdays and a special roast on Sundays."
"Address & map:27 Vinery Rd, Burley, Leeds LS4 2LB, United Kingdom. Sometimes leg stretches don’t require a vast green space, particularly for the little-limbed pals among us. In those cases, Burley Park is a city centre salvation: a small dog-friendly park that provides enough good smells for even the most inquisitive of pups–particularly those still on the lead–as well as frisbee space for the older members of the clan."
"High atop Ilkley Moor, overlooking the pub of the same name, sit the Cow and Calf rocks. The story goes that these incredible rock formations were separated when the giant Rombald stepped on them as he fled an enemy but, in fact, the rocks have formed over the last 320 million years. Now, they draw in hikers and climbers all year round – you can walk in between them before making your way to the top where you can enjoy show-stopping views across the countryside."
"A friendly, traditional coaching inn on a main street in the centre of Pickering. Inside it's all dark wood furniture, low-slung beamed ceilings and cheerful locals with dogs propping up the bar. A smart, stone-flagged restaurant and glass-walled ‘bothy’ lend a stylish air but the overall ambience is unstuffy and relaxed."
"One of the most prestigious hotels and country retreats in the whole of the UK, Rudding Park can be found on the outskirts of Harrogate within an endlessly tranquil setting which includes pristine gardens. The Hotel has a sensational reputation for its high levels of service, its focus on providing a luxurious experience for all guests and, of course, its exceptional Spa. The proud recipient of a seemingly countless array of top industry awards, this spa in Harrogate features an indoor pool, a unique log sauna, bucket showers and an array of treatment rooms which cover everything from mud rasul, manicures, pedicures, make up, hair and much more."
"Imagine Spa at Dower House in Knaresborough, offers a truly tranquil spa experience in relaxing surroundings. They have a number of spa experience packages on offer, ranging in price from £25 for two hours in the thermal suite to £145 for a full day of pampering including two hours of treatments and three hours in the Thermal Suite. Experiences at Imagine Spa fall under three categories: Discover, Enrich or Induldge."
"Back to the centre of Leeds and we find Leeds Docks where the renowned Royal Armouries Museum is situated. The Docks are surrounded by high rise modern flats but with plenty of canal boats nestled into the moorings. Stand on the bridge at the end of Armouries Way and wait for the iconic little yellow water taxi to glide past transporting people from the docks to Granary Wharf near the train station."
"Firstly, one of the best free things you can do in Leeds is to take a stroll on the banks of the rejuvenated waterfront and end up in the docklands. This area is part of Leeds’ regeneration and is a great example of how the city has redeveloped in recent years. For example, you’ll find quirky cafes like North Star, a hip Yoga Hero studio, businesses and a display of colourful canal boats."
"A sunny spring day, walking next to the river, stopping on the way. for some shopping or at one of the cafes and restaurants.The docks are accessible by free water taxi."
"York has some fabulously chic Cocktail bars at its heart around The Quarter (the central collection of streets located between Stonegate and Petergate). Bobo Lobo isn’t just one of York’s finest Cocktail bars and grills, it’s also a top venue for private parties and functions with two floors and a DJ on request. Why not make their ‘Cocktail Mixology Master Class’ part of your private party!"