Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Otley

"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."

"Kirkstall Abbey is a beautiful historic ruin in West Leeds that has some spectacular angles to photograph. The Abbey was founded over 800 years ago and is one of the most well preserved monasteries in the country. It’s free to step back in time into the Abbey to see the marvelous detail and architecture that it has."

"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."

"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."

"Clifford’s Tower (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of York."

"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."

"Few names are as synonymous with quality French food as Raymond Blanc. His Brasserie Blanc restaurants are popular all over the country – and Leeds is no different. Nestled on the edge of the River Aire, it’s a classy affair with exposed brickwork and oodles of character, but the food is the real focus."

"Hedonist bar takes you on a round the world trip courtesy of their character Olivia. Olivia is a lovely Shakespearean name with an admirable balance…"

"One of the most popular family attractions in Leeds, Tropical World makes for a fantastic day out. It’s home to one of the biggest collections of tropical plants outside of Kew Gardens, but that’s not what’s going to have the kids excited, because you’ll also find a medley of animals here. You’ll peer into tanks of piranhas, catch a glimpse of their crocodile and walk through rooms filled with butterflies, birds and even bats (don’t worry, there’s a wall of glass to protect you in that one)."

"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."

"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"

"Ripley Castle near Harrogate is a child friendly estate which offers regular castle tours especially for children. The children’s tours are a child friendly length of 45 minutes but there are also adult tours available. The extensive grounds of the estate include a deer park, a small children’s play area and a pretty walled kitchen garden so are ideal for a good run around."

"Very close to our Yorkshire Dales distillery in Kettlesing, Ripley Castle is among the best things to see in the Yorkshire Dales. Over 700 years old; the castle has lakes, a deer park, walled gardens, hothouses and more to explore. The grounds are particularly attractive in Spring, when they’re in full bloom."

"Ripley Castle and Gardens, near Harrogate, is an historic attraction open to the public all year round and makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location."

"A trendy hipster hangout offering unique indie brews which are developed in house and brewed upstairs from the bar. Neighbouring the Brewhouse is the Clubhouse, an event space great for larger parties. On weekends, join in on the fun as Cold Bath host street food vendors, pop-ups and more."

"A stone’s throw from the train station, Northern Monk is a solid choice, even if you’re not based in the city centre. With street food takeovers on rotation, the kitchen’s always got something to nibble on to soak up all those beers. Just beware, the toilets are unisex, so you might have to time your trips to avoid awkward touch-ups in the mirror…"

"So successful has this craft brewery become that its beers are now stocked in UK supermarkets. But it's best drunk at the source, in the brewery's Grade II–listed taproom just south of Leeds city centre in the... Top ChoiceBar in Leeds"

"The Refectory at Northern Monk Brewery is where we work, rest and play and we welcome you to join us. The tap room features 16 keg lines, 2 cask lines... Marshalls Mill, HolbeckTelephone."

"Sultry in its own right, you'll find all the Hotel du Vin hallmarks inside this low-level, pale-rendered building: slate and wooden floors, charcoal-grey walls, moody black-and-white photographs, tan leather armchairs with splashes of cherry red and aubergine in cushions and footstools. This style continues to the rooms and many of the bathrooms have freestanding baths. The French brasserie-style dining-room is all terracotta and sage-green walls, semi-private side-booths framed by wool curtains and softly glowing brass table lamps; cooking is confident and portions are generous."

"If you’re after cool-toned colours, roll-top baths and an enviable wine cellar, you’ll feel right at home at Hotel du Vin. The hotel is described as “the epitome of northern splendour” – thanks to the fine-dining menu of steak haché and moules frites, the decadent dining spaces, and the stunning rooms located inside a magnificent Grade II listed building."

"Accommodation, Hotels"

"There are two Rustique French restaurants in York, the second one opening a few years ago after the popularity of the first on Castlegate. “Established in 2004, Rustique specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere. Offering a large and varied selection of traditionally cooked, locally sourced meat and fish dishes, we pride ourselves on giving our customers a first class, French-inspired dining experience."

"They’re so popular in fact that there have two restaurants in York. Although the foods not as sophisticated as others in the roundup, they serve honest, great quality food that’s great for casual dining. Specialising in French cuisine at affordable prices, they have an ever-popular two-course set menu which starts at £14.95."