Must See Sights and Landmarks in Dewsbury Area

"One of the most complete medieval abbeys in the UK, Kirkstall Abbey was founded over 800 years ago as a Cistercian Abbey. It’s another great free day out in Leeds with kids, with regular family events and activities during holidays, including trails and art packs. Whenever you visit, you can stroll through the ruined abbey buildings and the lovely parkland on the banks of the river, plus more about the monks who lived here, on display at the visitor centre."

"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."

"Henry VIII had a great impact on Britain’s history, but did you know he was partially responsible for Kirkstall Abbey?. The 12th century monastery was disestablished by Henry in the 16th century, but is still standing today and is easily one of the most picturesque landmarks in Leeds. View this post on Instagram"

"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."

"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."

"You can have the perfect Leeds day out at Abbey House Museum. It sits opposite Kirkstall Abbey, so you can explore the famous ruins and make the most of the handsome park it sits in, then dive into the museum. When the Abbey still stood proud, from 1152 until Henry VIII had it dissolved in the 16th century, this building was the gate house."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Clark used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Bingley Five-Rise Locks is a staircase lock, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal of Bingley. As the name infers, a vessel going through the lock is lifted or brought down in five phases."

"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."

"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"

"Tharavadu is a Malayalam word which roughly translates into “keeping traditions alive”. This is the idea that is at the very heart of this ever popular south Indian inspired restaurant. Regularly cited as one of the most unique restaurants in Leeds, it has a vast array of choices on the menu and is well regarded for its unusual dishes, such as crab in coconut, fried lentil doughnuts and toffee steamed rice cakes!"

"Boasting its own Michelin recommendation (it’s not quite a Michelin star, but give them time), a visit to Tharavadu is always an absolute pleasure. The home of south Indian Keralan cuisine in Leeds, this restaurant sets expectations high, but continues to meet those high standards every single time. There are no bland kormas or butter chickens here."

"Okay, so it’s debatable whether a huge, novelty donut is an essential element of a picnic but when they’re this good (and this fun), why not?. Rainbow, cream-filled, seasonal, chocolatey, fruity, vegan and veggie, Doe has an array of homemade donuts to choose from right in the heart of the city. Prepare to queue at peak times, but it’s worth the wait."

"They’re made fresh in house every day and they keep things interesting by switching up the flavours, so there’s always something new to try. Take the Lucky Charms donut for an example. This epic ball donut is deep-fried, stuffed with marshmallow and covered in vanilla fudge icing before they top it with that all-important Lucky Charms cereal to create a sweet and sticky treat like nothing you’ve had before."

"At Crepe Affaire, it’s all about traditional French pancakes. Expect a host of classic combinations, both sweet and savoury, like cinnamon or hunter’s chicken. But it’s their more creative options that demand your attention."

"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."