Mentioned by Visit York
Family Friendly
"If you're looking for somewhere with a bit of history, then look no further than Kirkstall Abbey. The giant Gothic building is a former Cistercian monastery which was built in the 12th Century and the sheer scale of the structure is still breathtaking (and award-winning) in this day and age. Nowadays though, it embraces modern life with a monthly market and other events inside the walls of the Abbey, while the open spaces on the banks of the River Aire are the perfect spot to unwind."
"Celebrating the best of American dining, this New York themed bar and grill provides a stylish, contemporary space to tuck in to some delicious dishes, and if the weather is permitting, the Manhattan-style rooftop bar is a great spot to enjoy a cocktail or two. Visit: Victoria Gate, Eastgate, LS2 7AU - east59th.co.uk"
"If you’re looking for a Sunday brunch with friends, East 59th is doubtless the best option in the city. The rooftop restaurant and bar is located on the third floor of Victoria Gate shopping centre. East 59th brings you contemporary dining in a sophisticated Manhattan-style restaurant."
"When the weekend rolls around, East 59th becomes inundated with daytime revellers getting their fix of free-flowing fizz and brekkie dishes. But it's not just the bottomless brunch that attracts the masses. The rooftop gem also touts citywide vistas that are sure to wow."
"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."
"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."
"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."
"Fossgate rivals Bishy Road for the title of “independent central” given the preponderance of great locally owned businesses that make it such an epicurean honeypot. Taking its name from its locality, this chameleonesque café bar attracts a varied clientele who come for top notch coffee and snacks during daylight and a warm intimate atmosphere with craft beers, spirits and cocktails later in the day. You feel welcome whether wandering in on your own or part of a group."
"This independent coffee shop and bar is the perfect place to escape into from the bustling Fossgate street!. With a warm, cosy and friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to wile away the hours in here well into the evening. Which is perfect, since they serve up delicious cocktails too."
"Perhaps one of the most underrated pubs in Leeds, Veritas on Great George Street is, and will always be, a great child-friendly place to eat. Families are warmly welcomed and although there’s no specific kids’ menu, the main menu caters well for young stomachs with nachos, burgers, sandwiches and tempting small plates. Floor to ceiling windows at the front make it a perfect spot for people watching, while the partitioned rooms with fireplaces create cosy little dens to fend off the world outside."
"Most pubs have seriously upped their food game in recent years (thank you, smoking ban) and Veritas combines a tempting range of real and craft ales with an imaginative yet reasonably priced menu. For every steak and ale pie there’s a sea bass and crab tagliatelle, and the burgers never disappoint. Where: 43 Great George Street, Leeds (near LGI)"
"The finest of Leeds' many lovely churches - and also the city's oldest - is St. John's in New Briggate. Built in 1634, its interior is notable for having two naves, as well as an original Renaissance rood screen, pulpit, and stalls. Other religious sites worth visiting in Leeds include St. Anne's Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral in Cookridge Street (built 1904), and the Georgian Church of Holy Trinity on the riverbank in Boar Lane (1727)."
"Leeds' most interesting museum was originally built in 1996 to house armour and weapons from the Tower of London, but subsequently expanded to cover 3000 years of combat and self-defence, becoming home to the national collections. The exhibits are as varied as they are fascinating, covering subjects such as jousting, fencing and Indian elephant armour. To get here, walk east along the river from Centenary Footbridge (approx 10 minutes), or take the free boat from Granary Wharf outside Leeds train station's southern entrance."
"Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most popular family attractions which offers a unique opportunity to explore the habitats of the Tropics and other hot places from around the world. It includes jungle, desert, nocturnal and aquatic habitats with plants and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats complete with babies!"
"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"
"Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing."
"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."
"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."
"Tribeca City Cafe, 2 Park Square E, Leeds, LS1 2NE - Visit now. Proudly serving the businessfolk of Leeds for years, this bright and breezy basement eatery prides itself on local produce, whether that’s artisan breads or coffee from local supplier, Keighley’s Seasons For Coffee."
"A firm family favourite, ‘The Strangest Place in the World’ was voted best European folly of the 20th century, as well as the best children's attraction in Yorkshire. Offering its visitors a fun filled day out with a genuine difference, The Forbidden Corner is a must see filled with unique labyrinths, tunnels, chambers and galleries that present a barrage of tricky challenges, including the occasional spray of water."
"The perfect place to take children, the Forbidden Corner is an enthralling combination of labyrinths, Victorian follies, pathways to nowhere and underground lairs. Enter, if you dare, and try to tick off every attraction on the unusual map."
"One of the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales with kids is The Forbidden Corner in Coverdale. We have visited several times with our kids and love it!. The Forbidden Corner is a quirky and unique Yorkshire attraction."