Mentioned by Devon 21 days itinerary
See the Best of England: A Three Week Itinerary
"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."
"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."
"There's precious little left of York Castle except for this evocative stone tower, a highly unusual four-lobed design built into the castle's keep after the original one was destroyed in 1190 during anti-Jewish..."
"Offering a small but perfectly formed food menu, Beer Hawk is a craft beer bar and bottle shop boshing out more than just pints. Chow down on buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, vegan wings and an array of delicious sides including raclette-covered waffle fries, mac 'n' cheese and mango salads."
"Pitching up on Boar Lane, Beer Hawk has brought a new craft beer competitor to the city. Fronting upwards of 140 different brew, the bar is one of the hops-heads among you, and also offers a small but delicious menu of fried chicken, vegan alternatives and tasty sides."
"Best known for its mega selection of craft brews - the last time we checked it had over 140 - Beer Hawk also whips up tasty burgers. Spend a laid-back evening here with friends sinking pints and chomping on onion rings, vegan duck fries and patties galore."
"Once one of the richest abbeys in the North of England, St. Mary’s used to rival York Minster in terms of its size and splendor. Nowadays, its extensive and impressive ruins are protected as part of the York Museum Gardens that lie just on the edge of the city center. Founded in 1088, the abbey prospered for centuries until Henry VIII’s edict in 1536 that dissolved and disbanded monasteries, priories and convents."
"The park also serves as a romantic backdrop to St. Mary’s Abbey… or what’s left of it. The monastery was first built in 1088 and was among the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. In the 1530s King Henry VIII banned all monasteries in England in 1530s and St. Mary’s gradually fell into the medieval ruins you can see today."
"St Mary’s Abbey is a ruined Benedictine abbey in York, surrounded by the Museum Gardens and next to the Yorkshire Museum. It was once the richest abbey in the north of England. 575 metres from the Minster.Yorkshire Museum, Museum St, York YO1 7FR, United Kingdom"
"Tucked away down a cobbled side street just round the corner from York’s famous Shambles, this modern, laid-back restaurant and bar (plus tiny attic cinema with big comfy armchairs) makes a great pit stop for breakfast, reasonably priced lunch or late night nosh. Vegetarians, vegans and people with dietary allergies are well catered for and there are plenty of non-meat sausages and vegetable stir fries in among the homemade pies and bangers and mash. On the odd occasion York gets hot enough, there’s a pretty, covered walled garden in the courtyard."
"This courtyard complex houses a bar, a cocktail lounge and even a private cinema, along with an appealing 1st-floor restaurant serving a menu of crowd-pleasing classics like sausage and mash, Sunday roasts and..."
"01/06/2021: Upon being greeted by the most miserable people on the planet, we had our menus thrown on the table. We tried to order food several times, but none of the staff were interested. However, the manager suddenly became interested when we got up and left, running after us for the drinks bill."
"Booking is not required for The Ruddy Duck on Bridge Street, opening its outdoor area from April 12. Visit for handmade pizza and steak."
"Playing host to several bars and restaurants on this now pedestrianised walkway, Greek Street is the best beer garden in Leeds for when you can’t decide which bar to visit. Take your pick from Manahatta, All Bar One, The Lost & Found and more, with all venues offering outdoor space. The electric atmosphere when Greek Street busies up in the warm weather isn’t to be missed."
"Thought that The Alchemist was just the destination for bubbling drinks and dry ice?. Think again, because this Trinity gem also happens to be one of the best restaurants with heated outdoor seating in Leeds. Head to the plush terrace for quirky brunches, stylish mains and plenty more."
"Since opening in 1990, West Yorkshire Playhouse has become one of the city’s most cherished cultural institutions. They have a well deserved reputation as one of the best repertory theatre companies in the UK, but the theatre itself also welcomes an exciting calendar of touring shows. From modern greats like To Kill a Mockingbird and Alan Bennett’s Untold Stories to classics such as Othello, The Grapes of Wrath and Dracula, it’s always worth checking what’s on at the Playhouse."
"Looking incredible after its total revamp and name change in 2019, Leeds Playhouse, hosts a wide variety of shows in its two auditoria, from musicals and stand-up comedy to drama and productions for children. The Playhouse also runs a youth theatre for young people aged five-19. The theatre has a restaurant serving an a la carte menu on performance days."
"If you’re looking for a more intimate environment for a night of comedy in Leeds, look no further than the Carriageworks Theatre. The venue puts on a vast and diverse array of entertainment all year round – and they get more than their fair share of comedy too. They’ve had visits from the likes of Mitch Benn, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Tape Face, Patrick Monahan and The Clean As Possible Comedy Show over the past few years."
"Did you know that Leeds is one of just three cities in the UK with its own ballet and opera companies?. The former is Northern Ballet, a critically acclaimed company that’s widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Led by David Nixon OBE, they offer up unique reinterpretations of classics like Swan Lake alongside new ballets like Casanova, The Little Mermaid and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas."
"The Northern Ballet is a touring dance company which performs locally, nationally and internationally, with its home in Leeds. They are well-known for transforming popular stories into Dance, such as The Little Mermaid and The Great Gatsby. You should definitely take up the opportunity to watch one of their mesmerising ballets if you have the chance."