Mentioned by Visit York
Family Friendly
"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."
"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’s jungle-like roof terrace is blessed with south-facing views over the city’s skyline, which you can take in at your leisure over dinner, and if the weather doesn’t play, you can cosy up under their heat lamps and parasols to keep warm. From the East Cheeseburger to the Seafood Platter, they have a menu of New York-inspired eats to fill your belly. Fancy something lighter?"
"Family friendly York Castle Museum is centrally situated near Coppergate Shopping Centre – green signs direct you to the ‘Castle Area’. Collections of Costume and Textiles, Military and Social History and a collection on York Castle’s most famous prisoner Dick Turpin, eventually hanged in 1739, all feature in exhibitions. A favourite with children, the recreated Victorian and Georgian rooms here display historic every day items from the collection of North Yorkshire country doctor John Kirk."
"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."
"To see a fantastic panorama of York and take some great photos, head to the Clifford’s Tower. The entry price is a bit high for what the place has to order. However, it’s excellent for photos that you’re going to take there."
"Located between Leeds and Wetherby, Bramham Park is the site of the iconic Leeds Festival which occurs every August bank holiday weekend. If you don’t hold tickets to the festival, visit during the rest of the year to explore the 18th Century manor house and its sprawling grounds."
"The Mexican Pilgrim offers up an array of authentic Central American street food. The star of the show is their burritos – they fill freshly cooked tortillas with your choice of red wine pork, spiced chicken or avocado, as well as loads of veggies and toppings. That’s not all though – they also offer up the likes of tortas, quesadillas and tacos."
"Neon Cactus, 35 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT - Visit now. The go-to place in Leeds when it comes to vibrant Mexican food and tequila-based cocktails and special one-off menus. It’s inspired by the traditional canteen and old town street vendors of Mexico."
"The Mexican cantina is bringing a dose of sunshine to Call Lane with vibrant interiors, tequila-fuelled cocktails and an authentic menu of tacos, burritos and quesadillas. And when the sun goes down?. Drinks keep flowing and DJs hit the deck for a midnight fiesta."
"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."
"The last arcades to be built in Leeds during the Victorian period were the Cross and County arcades (now known as the Victoria Quarter) and they were built by theatre architect Frank Matcham. Designed to stand out from the drab, industrial buildings already present in the city, County Arcade features marble columns, cast-iron arches and colourful mosaics. The Victoria Quarter in Leeds is now home to some of the most exclusive shops in the city."
"Home to the largest John Lewis store outside of London, Victoria Gate is one half of Victoria Leeds, which combines the centre with the Victoria Quarter as the home of luxury brands in Leeds, including Anthropologie,t the White Company and Aspinal of London. The centre is also home to restaurants including Cau, ISSHO and coming soon, The Ivy. George Street, Leeds, LS2 7AU, open Monday-Friday 9.30am-7pm, Saturdays 9am-7pm and Sundays 11am-5pm."
"One of the pride and joys of the city, the Victoria Quarter rewrites the rules for what a modern shopping centre can be. For starters, it’s simply gorgeous. From the wonderfully tiled floor to the largest stained-glass roof in Britain, it’s a masterpiece in how to refresh Victorian architecture."
"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."
"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."
"Harrogate has two main theatres which both stage regular performances of plays, concerts and stand-up comedy. Both the Royal Hall and Harrogate Theatre were built in the early 1900s but have undergone regeneration projects to make them suitable for modern performances. Harrogate Theatre is situated at and Royal Hall is at Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SY. For show listings and ticket information for both venues visit www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk."