Must See Sights and Landmarks in Birstwith Area

"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."

"Kirkstall Abbey is a beautiful historic ruin in West Leeds that has some spectacular angles to photograph. The Abbey was founded over 800 years ago and is one of the most well preserved monasteries in the country. It’s free to step back in time into the Abbey to see the marvelous detail and architecture that it has."

"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."

"Located about four miles west of Leeds in Aire Valley, Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall is in a magnificent Cistercian house built in 1152. The picturesque remains include a roofless church with a narrow choir and a ruined tower, an almost completely preserved chapterhouse, as well as a refectory, kitchen, and various other buildings. The gatehouse is now part of the Abbey House Museum with its reproduction houses, shops, and workshops illustrating life in Yorkshire through the centuries."

"During the Victorian Period, the Industrial Revolution changed Britain, turning it from a rich but agricultural nation to the modern country it is today. Abbey House Museum captures these exciting times, recreating shops, pubs and houses from the 19th century. Wander through Victorian streets and see how the people of Leeds lived two hundred years ago, and see if you can spot what has changed and what’s stayed the same."

"Leeds Town Hall has become the perfect venue for entertainment thanks to the stunning Victoria Hall. That counts for a night of comedy too, and the grandiose venue has become an attractive stop on big tours by big names – think Ross Noble, Sarah Millican, Jimmy Carr, Omid Djalili and Stewart Lee, all of whom have played to packed out audiences here over the years. Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AD."

"Leeds Town Hall is a 19th century municipal building that was made a Grade I listed building in 1951. It’s the location for everything from marriages and ceremonies to concerts and festivals. See the 1960s chandeliers we restored as part of refurbishments at the Leeds Town Hall back in 2019."

"A train station may seem like an unusual location to describe as ‘Instagrammable’ but York train station is far from ordinary. The beautiful building is home to some stunning pieces of architectural work, as well as modern film interest!. The bridge that connects the platforms at York train station is actually the one that Harry and Hagrid walk over in the first Harry Potter film!"

"The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a museum, wedding and hospitality venue, regularly hosting vintage and wedding fairs. The museum hosts collections including silver, furniture and paintings and is open during the summer months. 721 metres from the Minster.Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9XD, United Kingdom"

"The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is a restored medieval guildhall dating from the 14th century. The Great Hall is Britain's largest timber-framed building still used for its original purpose. The hall is still used by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York, now a charitable organization."

"Spurriergate is open for refreshments and meet-ups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2.30pm. We have free Friendly WiFi, a soft play area and a warm welcome. Come and meet your friends and make some new ones!"

"Thornton’s Arcade began as a row of shops and offices, but by 1875, the owner, Charles Thornton wanted to expand and so, three years later, one of Leeds’ most treasured landmarks opened. Designed by George Smith, the three-storey arcade sports a lovely glass roof and a William Potts and Sons clock that features characters from Robin Hood. Today, Thornton’s Arcade is full of amazing indies like the award-winning OK Comics and craft beer shop Tall Boys Beer Market."

"145 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6BRBella Italia has offered family-friendly Italian-style dining in the UK since the early ’90s. With the option to filter their online menu for vegan dishes, Bella Italia make it easy to eat out with a crowd."

"Located in prime position on Briggate, Bella Italia should already be on your radar. And if it isn’t, why on earth not?. The food is surprisingly good and the service merits a gold star."

"Many areas of the Yorkshire countryside look like something out of a fantasy film, and this is especially true of Brimham Rocks. The huge natural rock formations were carved into strange shapes by an ancient river and now sit prominently in the midst of the rolling hills of the Dales."

"Depending on the adventurous nature of your kids – or the nerves of mum and dad!. – make a family trip to Brimham Rocks. The National Trust managed Brimham Rocks is an elevated plateau full of rocky towers and enormous rock formations with alcoves and tiny caves for exploring."

"Brimham Rocks is one the finest natural wonders in Yorkshire. These balancing rock formations are set amidst the awe-inspiring landscape of God’s Own Country. They’ve slowly formed over thousands of years as the millstone grit has been eroded by water, glaciation and wind."

"Spurriergate is open for refreshments and meet-ups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2.30pm. We have free Friendly WiFi, a soft play area and a warm welcome. Come and meet your friends and make some new ones!"

"Another on is Cuthbert Boderick’s architectural designs in Leeds is the Corn Exchange. Situated alongside Kirkgate -the oldest street in Leeds, it was completed by 1864. Probably one of the most beautiful examples of Victorian architecture in the city, it was built with an impressive glass dome roof to allow merchants to see the corn they were purchasing from traders."

"This beautiful Victorian building was built in 1862, and is currently home to a number of independent shops and food outlets. It’s a Grade I listed building, and it was originally built (as the name suggests) as a building where traders could exchange corn. It’s one of only three corn exchanges left in the UK."

"A grade I listed building, the Corn Exchange was built in 1863 and was designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect behind Leeds Town Hall. The building is now a boutique shopping centre home to independent retailers and food outlets."

"Catch is a modern fish restaurant with a menu of tasty classics and creative twists. Of course, you can get all your battered favourites to takeaway – their whopping king-sized haddock fillet is a must-try for all fish & chip fiends – but they also do a medley of more refined seafood dishes in the restaurant. Expect plates of crisp tempura tiger prawns, aromatic monkfish curries and smoky seafood grills."