Mentioned by History Hit
10 of the Best Historic Sites in York
"The perfect park for picnics, relaxing by the River Aire and leisurely strolls around one of the best surviving medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain, Kirkstall Abbey has 24 hectares of parkland for you to explore. The park stretches from Abbey Mills Wildflower Meadows, which is carpeted in bluebells in the spring, past the tennis courts on the far side and over the road to the playground and fields on either side of Abbey House Museum. Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH."
"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."
"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."
"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."
"Address: Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU. Phone number: 0113 426 5050. East 59th boasts a sophisticated Manhattan-style rooftop restaurant, where you can drink and dine in style."
"Address: Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU. Phone number: 0113 426 5050. Price: From £29 per person"
"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"
"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."
"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"
"York has some fabulously chic Cocktail bars at its heart around The Quarter (the central collection of streets located between Stonegate and Petergate). Bobo Lobo isn’t just one of York’s finest Cocktail bars and grills, it’s also a top venue for private parties and functions with two floors and a DJ on request. Why not make their ‘Cocktail Mixology Master Class’ part of your private party!"
"Holiday Inn Garforth is a spa hotel near Leeds which is fantastic for those who want to stay on the outskirts of the busy city. Book one of the lovely rooms here for your stay and you will receive complimentary access to this Leeds spa’s You Fit Health Club!. Make the most of the swimming pool, sauna, and steam room to relax, or reach your health goals in the fitness suite, fully equipped gym and even some fitness classes."
"Stately homes may be two a penny in England, but you'll have to try pretty damn hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as Castle Howard, a work of theatrical grandeur and audacity set in the rolling Howardian Hills. This is one of the world's most beautiful buildings, instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited and in the 2008 film of the same name (both based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel of nostalgia for the English aristocracy)."
"Standing in the Howardian Hills to the west of Malton, Castle Howard is an outstanding example of English baroque, with a distinctive…"
"Having practiced the art of baking for six decades, the Gilchrist family know how to make the most delicious artisan breads, cakes and pies. From Cornish pasties and pork pies to fruit tea cake, currant slices and treacle tarts, there’s always something here to satisfy both savoury and sweet lovers alike. Visit: 379 Harehills Lane, LS9 6AP"
"Krispy Kreme is an internationally beloved donut shop and you can get a taste of their famous sweet treats in Trinity Leeds. They’ve been perfecting their Original Glazed Donut for over 75 years, so you can bet it’s lip-smackingly good. Sweet, crisp and fluffy in all the right places, take a bite and it almost melts in your mouth."
"Whether it’s a single doughnut or a sharers dozen box, no matter what type of doughnut you love, Krispy Kreme has them."
"Having enjoyed such success in neighbouring Leeds, hummus bar Humpit has brought their falafel and pitta packs to the streets of York. Opened in February 2018, Humpit has already established itself as a firm favourite with the city’s student scene. One of their filled pittas will set you back £4.50 and comes loaded with falafels, hummus, salad and pickles."
"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. The Humpit began in 2014 with a dream to create real authentic hummus and to be able to enjoy it with a warm pita. Five years later, the Humpit has established itself in the York community."
"I usually get the filled pitta which is a good place to start if you're not sure what to order. The staff are lovely, very energetic, and happy to accommodate to your preferences if you do not like specific items. yorkpitasaladstuffedcauliflower"