Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Thorp Arch

"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."

"Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey on the bank of the River Aire is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. Its dramatic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and provided the perfect setting for Yorkshire’s Gothic Film Festival in 2013"

"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."

"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."

"Address: Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU. Phone number: 0113 426 5050. Price: From £29 per person"

"Clifford’s Tower offers stunning views of the city from it’s vantage point on top of a mound. The tower is what’s left of the York Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Tower St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA, United Kingdom"

"The tower stands high next to York Castle Museum with views over York. Clifford's Tower was built at the Eye of York, a defensive position between the River Ouse and River Foss. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England."

"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."

"Just a 20 minute drive from Leeds city centre is St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. A huge country park with abundant wildlife and over 12 kilometres of trails to walk or cycle along. Admire lakes, woodland and plenty of fresh air, as you spot roe deer, skylarks and owls."

"This wetland on the fringes of Leeds is a birdwatcher's paradise and also a top place for a gentle walk. It's off Astley Lane, Swillington."

"Pop over to RSPB St. Aidan's and see what you can spot through your binocs ( also known as binoculars!)"

"The Rooftop at East Parade Social is bang in the middle of Leeds, overlooking some amazing sights – Leeds Town Hall being just one. Take in the sights as you soak up the sun – you’ll get plenty of that."

"Totally possible in this social dining space that combines hipster decor with a kickass rooftop, and has a regular ‘Dog of the Day’ on Instagram (see above)."

"Begun in 1964, the West Yorkshire Playhouse has established a reputation both nationally and internationally as one of Britain’s most exciting producing theatres. Opened as a successor to earlier Leeds Playhouse, its structure has two auditoria and hosts a range of productions – from classical drama to modern European theatre and children’s shows. If you are looking forward to...Read more"

"The West Yorkshire Playhouse building had long been considered an eyesore. In 2016, Page Park Architects were appointed to transform the building into Leeds Playhouse. The new design is focused on the facilities, accessibility, and inclusivity, with a bright new façade of ceramics creates to reflect the creativity and diversity within."

"The Stone Roses Bar has a unique and quirky Britpop theme to it and is a popular place amongst people of all ages. The area of the bar is pretty huge and there’s even an upstairs balcony where you can enjoy dancing, drinking and playing pool. They’re also famous for their creation of ‘Blue Shit’; a mixture of vodka, lemonade and Blue WKD that’s sure to fill you full of party juice!"

"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."

"The Leeds Dock area is home to some new chic developments, but is also packed with history. It was constructed in 1843, initially built to transport coal into the city centre. Nowadays, there are considerably less coal shipments entering the docks, but it's still one of the most picturesque spots in the city."

"Victoria Leeds is a fusion of both shopping centre and leisure area with the combination of Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate shopping centre. A prime place to visit, this area offers different attractions that would provide you with a fun time and an enjoyable day. If you are out on a shopping spree, you can find here different shops and speciality stores for technology, health and beauty, toys and gifts, jewellery and different home items."

"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."

"The Merrion Centre is a city centre stalwart that remains one of the most interesting and diverse places to go shopping in Leeds. It’s home to Jumbo Records, perfect for all your musical needs, while footie fans can make a pilgrimage to the official Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos stores. It’s a great mix of popular names – Morrisons, 3, Wilko, Iceland – and indie brands such as Chilli Shop and The Bookish Type."

"It is one of the well-known shopping centres in Leeds that has gone through many transformations over the period. You will find a wide range of stores inside with some big household names such as Home Bargains, Morrisons, Superdrug etc. My Thai, Smoke Barbecue and Bulgogi Grill are also some of the famous brands which have made strong influence there."

"Above Farrah's chocolatier and gift store – which itself sells sandwiches, from £1.99, and Voakes's award-winning pies – this is a rather old-fashioned cafe in both good ways (home-cooked food prepared with decent local ingredients) and bad (rather drab, grannyish decor). A dish of rich Lyonnaise potatoes, proper sausages and sweet beetroot and carrot salad was every bit as tasty as it sounds. Yes, admittedly, after being reheated, those sausages had taken on a distinctive ever-so-slightly mushy texture, but, at this price-point, in a limited kitchen, that goes with the territory."

"Left Bank Leeds is one of the city’s most unusual gallery spaces. Formerly St Margaret’s Anglican church, this grade II-listed building was transformed into a community space in 2002. It hosts art exhibitions on a regular basis."