Mentioned by Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do
Top things to do in York
"Step back in time and explore the historical ruins for free at Kirkstall Abbey. Unquestionably, the remarkable architecture is a sanctuary for all curious souls and historians alike. Learn about life as a monk in one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in the UK and explore rich British history throughout the abbey."
"Few locations can top the spectacular backdrop offered by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and with 24 hectares of parkland surrounding it, you can enjoy a romantic stroll before asking that all important question."
"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."
"The plant-covered roof terrace at East 59th is blessed with incredible south-facing views that look out over the city’s skyline, but don’t worry about moving inside when the temperature drops – they have heat lamps and blankets to keep you warm until closing time. It’s known for its extensive cocktail menu, so get ready for classic concoctions and experimental creations."
"Designed to resemble a New York rooftop bar and restaurant, this stylish hangout celebrates contemporary American dining. This means you can tuck into bottomless brunch from midday onwards any day of the week."
"Clifford's Tower was once the site of a timber keep built by William the Conqueror. The current incarnation of Clifford's Tower has looked over the city of York since 1245. Part of York Castle, the tower played a role in the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the English Civil War."
"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."
"Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage"
"Zen Rendezvous has been one of the best Chinese takeaways in Leeds for over two decades – it was even championed by Gordon Ramsey on The F Word. The Guiseley staple makes restaurant quality food to eat at home. They’ve got an extensive menu full of tantalising dishes – think Roast Duck in Orange Sauce, Calamari in Black Bean Sauce and Sizzling Bean Curd with Chinese Mushrooms."
"In the Leeds suburb of Guiseley, a few miles from the city centre, but easily accessible by either train or car is the wonderful Zen Rendezvous. A relaxed family restaurant with a great menu – it’s been in Leeds for many years now and has established a wonderful reputation in that time. Here you’ll find all the Chinese classics that’ve become a staple of the UK dining scene."
"Another day out less around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre is Harewood House, fusing history and heritage with the great outdoors and breathtaking gardens. As well as the stately home, the site offers stunning grounds and an adventure playground, as well as a bird garden. And if you fancy exploring further, there are around fifteen miles of footpaths and bridleways across the estate.The estate also hosts an extensive programme of Christmas events each year."
"There is so much to do and see at Harewood House, that you may struggle to fit it all in!. This is the perfect family day out with both fun indoor and outdoor activities on site. A 25-minute drive from the hotel, this 18th century house is a popular attraction in Leeds, featuring over 100 acres of beautiful gardens containing a wide range of plants from all over the world."
"Harewood House is no doubt the prettiest place in Leeds for a romantic stroll. Explore over 100 acres of gardens together. Admire the fountains in the formal terrace garden, wander amongst the rhododendrons in the Himalayan garden, and find fruit and veg growing in the walled garden."
"Walk through this Ossett Brewery craft beer bar and it opens out into a rather ugly barn of a room: all exposed, new red brick under a glass atrium, the walls incongruously decorated with huge, historic portraits of local dignitaries. The room does have one key eye-catching feature though, a wood-fired oven which gives the Hop an edge over many of York’s pizzerias. The pizzas are paper thin in the middle, boast reasonable char and the dough easily digestible."
"The fourth Ossett Brewery Hop site has a rather overdesigned bar (fancy, pump-clip print wallpaper, jazzy floor tiles and vintage mirrors, ornate art deco lights) opening out into a cavernous pizza restaurant and live music venue. If it feels a little plastic, you can't fault the beer across nine keg and 11 cask pumps. Ossett beers feature prominently of course, as do beers from its rather more buccaneer microbrewery offshoots, Rat and Fernandes."
"The Hop York is a unique real ale house and an exciting drinking establishment located at the heart of York on Fossgate, serving up delicious wood-fired pizza and Ossett Brewery ales, as well as hosting weekly music. Everyday our kitchen is serving up the tastiest pizza in town, freshly wood-fired to create the perfect taste sensation."
"Four miles west of the city centre, on the banks of the River Aire is this wetland nature reserve. With a lagoon, scrubland, wet grassland and reed beds it's a great place to stroll and spot waterfowl, birds of prey and other nature. Access it via Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP."
"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"
"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."
"Boasting the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens, Tropical World is also popular for its adorable meerkats, terrapins, turtles, tropical birds and butterflies (which are free to flutter around the attraction). As the name suggests, the tropical origins of its inhabitants mean the attraction is kept warm and humid - but you soon adapt to the balmy setting. Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay LS8 1DF (within Roundhay Park)."
"Sous Le Nez is a charming French bistro based in the city centre. There are many highlights at this low-ceiling restaurant, which impresses with its charming décor and carefully picked, traditional French dishes. For example, there is the award-winning Yorkshire venison haunch steak served with venison sausage, or the succulent seared pigeon breast; alternatively, guests can pick the seared fillet of cod, crab and tarragon crust, or the clams and mussels and samphire in garlic butter."
"French restaurant Sous le Nez en Ville, in the Quebec hotel, came in third. It has been described by reviewers as "rustic and romantic.". Photo: James Hardisty"
"This well-established favourite in the heart of Leeds continues to pull the crowds and hardly surprisingly, since it goes on providing what people want at…"
"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."