Mentioned by Big 7 Travel
The 7 Most Instagrammable Spots In York
"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"
"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."
"Clifford’s Tower (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of York."
"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"
"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."
"The entertaining Abbey House Museum is contained in the gatehouse of the picturesque, ruined Kirkstall Abbey, dating from 1152. Abbey House allows visitors to walk around the streets of 1880s Leeds, while the upstairs section features galleries detailing the history of Kirkstall Abbey and the social history of the area. The museum has won awards for being family-friendly and fun for children."
"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."
"St Mary’s Abbey is a picturesque ruined Benedictine abbey in York, located in York Museum Gardens. Once the richest abbey in the north of England, it now tells the story of York’s influential ecclesiastical past, and its degradation through Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. The first church on the site of St Mary’s was built in 1055 and dedicated to St Olaf of Norway, and following the Norman conquest was refounded by King William Rufus in 1088 during his visit to York."
"Once one of the richest abbeys in the North of England, St. Mary’s used to rival York Minster in terms of its size and splendor. Nowadays, its extensive and impressive ruins are protected as part of the York Museum Gardens that lie just on the edge of the city center. Founded in 1088, the abbey prospered for centuries until Henry VIII’s edict in 1536 that dissolved and disbanded monasteries, priories and convents."
"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."
"Another excellent photography spot and Instagrammable place in York is the Merchant’s Hall. The Merchant’s Hall has one of the most impressive guildhalls in the world, and sometimes you can get it empty – it’s incredible for photos."
"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!"
"You don’t have to miss out on all the delicious donuts in Leeds thanks to Wildcraft Bakery. They make proper, yeast-risen fried donuts, so you can enjoy all of the naughtiness with none of the gluten. Their delightfully fluffy dough brings together a blend of rice flour and tapioca with water, eggs and sourdough yeast."
"Unit 13, Penraevon Industrial Estate, Leeds LS7 2AWLeeds’ gluten-free bakery also serves up vegan doughnuts, whoopie pies and other treats from their shop just outside the city centre."
"Resident on Coldbath Road, Manna Bakery recently extended its premises to a few doors down from its original location, transforming their grab ‘n go bakery to a lovely cafe. Manna Bakery have the best fresh produce and exciting breakfast menu items – the smell of freshly-baked bread and brownies hits you before you even walk through the door!. They have their own take on a few breakfast classics, and the flavours definitely don’t fall short."
"31 Potternewton Lane, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3LWBased outside the city centre in Chapel Allerton, Inkwell’s Cafe is volunteer-led, 100% vegetarian, and only open on Saturdays. Serving up breakfast until 11:30, accompanied by arts and crafts sessions and live music, The Inkwell centre also supports Mind, the mental health charity."
"Sultry in its own right, you'll find all the Hotel du Vin hallmarks inside this low-level, pale-rendered building: slate and wooden floors, charcoal-grey walls, moody black-and-white photographs, tan leather armchairs with splashes of cherry red and aubergine in cushions and footstools. This style continues to the rooms and many of the bathrooms have freestanding baths. The French brasserie-style dining-room is all terracotta and sage-green walls, semi-private side-booths framed by wool curtains and softly glowing brass table lamps; cooking is confident and portions are generous."
"This is classic Hotel du Vin with a period building (in this case, an orphanage) given a dark and clubby makeover. It's comfortable without being fussy and smart without feeling too formal. Bedrooms are crisp with excellent bathrooms while food is classic French with a rich wine list."
"Hotel du Vin & Bistro York offers luxury and quality that should impress even the most discerning guest. Bedrooms are stylish, and bathrooms feature huge monsoon showers and roll-top baths. Dinner in the bistro is a memorable highlight."
"There are two Rustique French restaurants in York, the second one opening a few years ago after the popularity of the first on Castlegate. “Established in 2004, Rustique specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere. Offering a large and varied selection of traditionally cooked, locally sourced meat and fish dishes, we pride ourselves on giving our customers a first class, French-inspired dining experience."
"They’re so popular in fact that there have two restaurants in York. Although the foods not as sophisticated as others in the roundup, they serve honest, great quality food that’s great for casual dining. Specialising in French cuisine at affordable prices, they have an ever-popular two-course set menu which starts at £14.95."
"Savour the best cuisine of both France and Yorkshire at the elegant Le Bistro De Amis. Pop in for a coffee and sweet treat, relish a freshly prepared salad or sandwich or treat a loved one to a meal from their A La Carte offering. Menu specialities include chargrilled venison, pan roasted chicken breast and twice-cooked pork belly."