Must See Sights and Landmarks in Clifford Area

"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."

"Kirkstall Abbey has a wooly great summer of sheep themed activities in the abbey!. Cistercians loved their sheep and they Kirkstall Abbey will celebrate that fact with a baa-tastic trail. Pick up or download a trail to find the whole flock and discover the different types of sheep that the UK call home."

"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."

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"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."

"Every year Leeds Valentine's Fair brings some thrills and spills to the Valentine's Day and the Februiary half-term holidays, with more than 70 attractions on offer. In 2020 the fair moved from it's previous base at Elland Road, next to Leeds United's ground, to Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park, Leeds. This year's fair is running now until Sunday, February 23."

"Covering 27 hectares, with seven tree-lined paths taking you into the centre, Woodhouse Moor is one of the finest parks in Leeds. John Atkinson created it for the residents of Woodhouse Square in 1840 and it became a public green space in 1905. It’s a popular spot with walkers, picnickers and skaters, but that’s not the only reason to go."

"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."

"Leeds’ famed shopping arcades are not just a place to stroll around and shop. They do represent the city’s cultural institution and have stood to represent the city’s growth as well. Thornton’s Arcade was opened in 1878, and is named after Charles Thornton, the proprietor of The Old White Swan Inn and the City Varieties."

"This one-stop shop sells everything skaters need for their set-up plus big-name and local brand apparel. Where:10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, LS1. Shop online at:welcomeleeds.com"

"Indeed, rugby and cricket are very close to our hearts, which is why Headingley Carnegie Stadium is one of the biggest attractions in Leeds. The cricket ground, which hosted The Ashes in 2009, can be found on the northern side of the stadium and is home to the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, while the rugby ground on the southern side is shared by Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie. Headingley Carnegie Stadium, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3BR."

"You don't have to support the Leeds Rhino's to go see some rugby here, although, we would really prefer it!"

"*Unless you get tempted and end up buying lots of lovely things!. See where we get most of our ingredients from:  Ye Olde Pie Shoppe on the Shambles provide us with sausages, but Chris also loves their pork pies (Chris’ favourite is the chilli one!); we get drinks from Hebden Teas also on The Shambles. Then on the Market itself we get meat from Swains butchers, and fish from Cross of York."

"Tucked behind the Shambles is the market where you can take in the bustling atmosphere and enjoy meandering the 85 stalls that are usually open on a daily basis. The market sells everything from local produce to baked goods to flowers, cosmetics, clothing, gifts, books, and handmade crafts. Even if you don’t spend any money, the atmosphere alone is worth a visit!"

"Next to The Shambles street, there is also The Shambles market. It’s full of local goods to take home and delicious treats to taste as well. The buildings that surround this market are pretty amazing and my favourite has to be Gert and Henry’s Pub (I know, another black and white timbered building, but they’re just so photogenic!)."

"Lotte Inch Gallery first came to York in 2012 in the form of a pop-up art gallery space – but many glorious years later and after several small pop-up exhibitions, the gallery moved from its previous space near York Minster to its current location in bustling 14 Bootham. The eponymous Lotte comes from a background in Art History and Heritage, having worked for The National Trust; Scampston Hall and Gardens; and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at The University of Leeds, amongst others – making her a mastermind when it comes to art. The gallery is the ideal place to discover new artists, designers and makers, alongside established names and figures, hoping to be a “welcoming and inclusive place with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions."

"Choose from our extensive range on our drinks menu, locally sourced juices, luxury hot chocolates, fresh herbal teas and wacky kids milkshakes. Don’t see anything you fancy?. Our friendly team will be happy to get creative and help you find something you desire!"

"Sunny Bank Mills was once a key part of the city’s industrial past, but since being restored by the Gaunt family, it’s been turned into a multi-purpose creative space with a 3,000-square-foot art gallery at its heart. It’s one of the best galleries in Leeds to find exhibitions by local artists, as it gives them a platform to show their work, from Mel Davies’ colourful landscapes to Kate Kenney’s oil paintings of Yorkshire. It’s also home to Spinning Mill Studios, where local artists and makers create and display their work."

"Trinity Leeds is perfected situated at the heart of Leeds making it extremely convenient for shoppers to commute. The 3-floor structure of this shopping centre features more than 100 shops, restaurants and bars. It is considered as one of the unique shopping centres fees from tax as most of the businesses follow Premier tax or Global blue system."

"If you love eating while shopping then Grand Arcade is a destination for you. It is a place where you will find more cafes than shops to serve your mouth-watering cuisine. This shopping destination features much local collection including handmade items, creative paintings and handicrafts that you can consider taking with you as a souvenir."

"Grand Arcade is another beautiful Grade II listed building, with a beautiful Victorian architecture consisting of arched windows and wooden floors. It is again home to lots of independent shops, such as a wedding dress shop, as well as some well-loved eateries like Zaap Thai Street Food."

"Considering its relatively small stature, the Grand Arcade definitely packs plenty in. It’s full of places to eat and drink – this is where you’ll find the hidden entrance to The Domino Club tucked away inside Lords’ Barbering, and the quaint Just Grand!"

"There’s good reason why Bradfordians are so welcoming of the building site currently taking up the eastern side of the city centre. After much of the area was razed to the ground several years ago to make way for a new development, the proposed shopping centre was abandoned amid the recession. With the loss of the city’s nerve centre and the subsequent proliferation of pound shops, the derelict site poignantly become known as “the hole in the heart”."

"A few minutes’ walk away from the museum is Bradford’s newest shopping centre, with 70 shops and eateries under one roof. Visit the Broadway Bradford website"