Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places 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."

"Grade I listed Kirkstall Abbey sits in leafy grounds and offers a snapshot into the lives of the monks who resided there. Entry to the dramatic ruins is free through the visitor centre, which illustrates the history of the abbey, which was surrendered to Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. The abbey grounds also host regular farmers markets, open cinema events and Christmas fairs."

"If you want to experience the type of history that can capture your imagination with just how far back it dates, then Kirkstall Abbey is the perfect place for you. It’s one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today. It also offers a picnic area, and play area for children, but don’t panic if you forget to bring something to eat."

"What: This trendy New York style rooftop bar and restaurant is a great spot in which to start the weekend, particularly when you factor in its fantastic bottomless brunch. Here you can feast on the likes of avocado on toast, eggs cooked in various ways, and burgers, all while enjoying free-flowing bubbly or Bloody Marys for 90 minutes. It’s worth noting that East 59th’s weekend bottomless brunch is popular with groups and parties, so it’s best to book ahead.Where: East 59th, 47 Victoria Gate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7AU"

"East 59th’s jungle-like roof terrace is blessed with south-facing views over the city’s skyline, which you can take in at your leisure over dinner, and if the weather doesn’t play, you can cosy up under their heat lamps and parasols to keep warm. From the East Cheeseburger to the Seafood Platter, they have a menu of New York-inspired eats to fill your belly. Fancy something lighter?"

"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."

"Family friendly York Castle Museum is centrally situated near Coppergate Shopping Centre – green signs direct you to the ‘Castle Area’. Collections of Costume and Textiles, Military and Social History and a collection on York Castle’s most famous prisoner Dick Turpin, eventually hanged in 1739, all feature in exhibitions. A favourite with children, the recreated Victorian and Georgian rooms here display historic every day items from the collection of North Yorkshire country doctor John Kirk."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Located in a historic, listed building on Vicar Lane, The luxurious Ivy Victoria Quarter is situated within the Victoria Quarter arcade. Open seven days a week, the restaurant offers breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, light snacks and dinner, as well as astonishingly good cocktails (we had a few – for research purposes, of course). Every part of The Ivy is thoroughly Instagrammable, from the two terraces and beautiful bar, to the restaurant and possibly the prettiest loos I’ve ever seen!"

"The Ivy Leeds do a Saturday and Sunday Brunch (and bank holidays). The restaurant itself is a beautiful art deco inspired space. With options like Truffle Arancini, Zucchini fritti, Eggs Benedict and Avocado Benedict, as well as Hot Buttermilk Pancakes for those (like me) with a sweet tooth!"

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Ivy Victoria Quarter (@theivyleeds) on Sep 19, 2018 at 7:26am PDT"

"Dean’s Park offers fantastic views, a great place to stretch out and enjoy a break during a busy day, as well as soft drink and ice cream refreshments available during summer. You may also want to view nearby York Minster. There is an admission charge for entering this cathedral but it doesn’t cost anything to take in the magnificent exterior!"

"Located on the North side of the Minster, Dean’s Park is a quiet, green oasis offering incredible views of the Gothic Cathedral and the Minster Library. Some ruins of a 12th-century cloister – probably from the Old Palace – are still standing. While it originally was accessible only to members of the church, today it’s open to the public."

"A beautiful place to soak in the sun and enjoy an ice cream cone, Dean’s Park offers beautiful views and plenty of green, open space. Spread out a blanket and enjoy stunning views of the Minster and its Chapter House."

"For classy, sophisticated brunch then The Ivy is an obvious choice. Serving classic brunch dishes in beautiful surroundings, with a bar close to hand, is everything you could possibly want in a brunch spot. You won’t be disappointed."

"The Ivy is a new kid on the block in Harrogate and serves modern British food in gorgeously styled interiors. Pop in for breakfast, brunch or an evening meal and wash it down with a cocktail."

"Chiquito is a lively, family friendly Mexican chain restaurant. They serve breakfast, available every day until noon. Breakfast items include the Breakfast Sizzler, Breakfast Chimichanga plain tortilla, Mexican eggs benedict and the Breakfast feast."

"Once the richest abbey in the north of England, St Mary's lies in what are now the York Museum Gardens, on a steeply-sloping site to the west of York Minster. The abbey dates back to 1086 and over time became the wealthiest monastery in northern England before it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Over the next 200 years, it fell into disrepair and was largely dismantled for its stone."

"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"