Mentioned by Visit York
Family Friendly
"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."
"You can learn about its rich history at the visitors’ center. Here you will learn about its deep history and how monks lead their lives. Run by the Cistercian Order, the Abbey also has vast parklands where you and your beloved can take strolls for as long as you want."
"Ruined but prideful, forgotten but known, beautifully neglected — Kirkstall Abbey is a lot of things to a lot of people. This gorgeous piece of historic …"
"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."
"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."
"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"
"Abbey House promises to take you back in time to the Victorian Era with its recreated Victorian streets and residents wandering around in Victorian dress. Visit Stephen Harding Gate for the 19th century equivalent to a modern high streetoffering you a unique shopping experience and, after some retail therapy, stop off at the Hark to Rover Inn to grab a pint at a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house. Explore the social division of the poor and rich as you experience life both in poverty and as a rich pawnbroker in the residential districts."
"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."
"Abbey House Museum is one of those museums in Leeds which holds a number of activities for the children ranging from descriptive to interactive. This museum was short-listed for the Guardian ‘Kids in Museum family Friendly Award’ in 2011. The museum allows you to go back in time and wander in the Victorian Streets so as to see the life in 19th century Leeds."
"Commissioned by the owner of the Old White Swan Inn, Charles Thornton, in 1875, the building of Thornton’s Arcade was opened to the public in May 1878. One of eight arcades built on the city during the era, Thornton’s Arcade is three stories high with a cast-iron Gothic roof . Inside you will find a large clock with a mechanism created by William Potts and Sons of Leeds."
"Leeds has several different shopping arcades which are steeped in history, and Thornton’s Arcade is the oldest. Built in 1878, it connects Leeds’ main shopping street, Briggate, with the street behind. The impressive arcade features neo-gothic architecture, and an adorable Potts’ clock which strikes every 15 minutes."
"Though not the grandest, Thornton’s Arcade was the first Victorian shopping arcade to be built in Leeds and remains one of the most interesting. Its sky-coloured, neo-Gothic arches rise up to a glass ceiling and..."
"Overlooking the River Calder, sits the ruined medieval castle, Sandal Castle. With free entry, this place offers a great day out at little cost, providing fantastic views of the river and of Wakefield, it is one of the more breathtaking sites to visit on this list!. Many visitors have praised it for being gorgeous and also fascinating!"
"Marigold Café and Boating is situated in Knaresborough on the banks of the River Nidd, one of Yorkshire’s most picturesque settings. Marigold in Knaresborough enjoys an enviable riverside location at the bottom of the Nidd Gorge. And here’s a thought: how often is it the case that, after travelling far and wide, we realise that true happiness is to be found in our own backyard?"
"As a Grade I listed building under the English Heritage Registry, the Chantry Chapel of St.Mary is an ancient and beautiful monument to Wakefield’s history. Although it is only open at specific times, making the extra effort to see this place is definitely worth it. Although small, many have praised it for its beautiful stained windows, its enriching history, and the complimentary tea and biscuits along with it!"
"The Chantry Chapel dates back almost 700 years to a time where the landscape of Wakefield would have been dramatically different. It's one of only four of its kind still standing in the UK today. It forms an integral part of the structure of the Medieval bridge of the River Calder."
"York Theatre Royal has been producing great drama in the beautiful city of York for over 270 years and is one of the country’s leading producing theatres. Each year the theatre entertains over 200,000 people with its wide variety of performances, events and activities including the much-loved annual pantomime starring Berwick Kaler, the UK’s longest-running Dame."
"The York Theatre Royal was built in 1744 on the site of the medieval St. Leonard’s Hospital. Parts of the old hospital can still be seen, including archways and walls. Under the stage lies a well, which is believed to be from the Roman era."