Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in North Yorkshire
"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."
"Basically, this is the ruins of a Christian monastery that was set within a public park right on the banks of a great looking river. Built during the 12th century by monks who had forsaken their home in Barnoldswick, the ruins are still preserved, and visitors can get a slice of history by admiring them. The abbey and the grounds look very relaxing and a pleasant day out will help one unravel all this and more."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"In the galleries at Abbey House Museum, you’ll be transported back to life in Victorian Leeds, strolling recreated 19th century streets. There are shops, a pub and houses, where you can peer inside and see how people lived a century or so ago, as well as regular new exhibitions. You can also discover a whole area on classic toys, including traditional games and Victorian dolls – you can even play some of the original penny slot machines (and buy an old-fashioned penny from the vending machine to do it)."
"Experience life as a Victorian at Leeds’ Abbey House Museum. Neighbouring the stunning Kirkstall Abbey, this museum has recreated Victorian-era streets, filled with old shops, pubs and a Sunday school building. Each street is a wonderful experience, with costumed actors helping to transport you back to northern life in 19 century England."
"A working farm and teaching facility, Wigfield farm is also a wonderful day out if you have children who are animal lovers. In addition to all the usual animals you would expect to find on a farm, you can also see meerkats, rats, alpacas, rabbits, and tortoises here. Children can feed lambs and watch the keepers take care of the larger animals."
"There’s something for all ages at Swithens Farm in Rothwell. They have an open farm the kids will love from Tuesday to Sunday, featuring the likes of cows, pigs, rabbits, ducks, geese and two irresistibly cute micro pigs called Molly and Millie. Alongside the animals, they also have a play barn or those up to the age of 11."
"Just a short drive from the city center you can find the York Cold War Bunker which is unlike any of the other historic attractions in the area. Wonderfully well-preserved, it dates to 1961 and is the only Royal Observer Corps bunker of its kind that you can take tours around. Once one of around thirty such sites in the UK, it was in this semi-subterranean two-storey bunker that members of the Corps and a scientific warning team would have sheltered in the event of a nuclear war."
"A mile outside of the city centre, York Cold War Bunker tells the story of a country on the brink of nuclear warfare. Designed to monitor nuclear fallout in the event of an attack in Yorkshire, the semi-submerged bunker affords visitors the chance to explore some of York’s more unusual history. Built in 1961, the bunker served as the regional headquarters for the Royal Observer Corps until 1991."
"It is on the eastern side of the centre of Glossop and fringes onto the Conservation Area of Old Glossop. There is a car park at Corn Mill and on-street parking is available nearby. Again, it's not technically a theme park, but with this much going on for free, it deserves a mention."
"This historic Tudor Jacobean mansion has been beautifully restored with over forty rooms for you to explore. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of Chippendale furniture, paintings, pottery and textiles, while outside there’s even more – it boasts gardens landscaped by Capability Brown, alongside acres of parkland and a working rare breed farm that’s home to over 400 sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and cattle. Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE."
"Soak up the sunshine and take stock of your day’s sightseeing by enjoying one of York’s magnificent parks. The city is blessed with an abundance of green spaces, so take your pick...The York Museum Gardens are one of the reasons York is so wonderful. As well as being a beautiful botanical garden, you’ll find the Yorkshire Museum, York Observatory, York Hospitium, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and a Roman Fortress."
"This renowned restaurant with currently 16 locations offers high quality Pan-Asian cuisine. In Doncanster is located inside Frenchgate Shopping Centre where you can eat as much as you like for one fixed price at the lunch buffet, but Cosmo also serves evening meals from 5:00 pm."
"This east Leeds Chinese has an army of fans who simply can't get enough of Rice Paper's "perfect food". A recent review said: "I've struggled for over ten years to find a Chinese takeout in England that was half decent. "Got to the point that I gave up trying and accepted they were all average [but I] tried Rice Paper last night and we ordered the Deluxe menu for 2 to try a bit of everything."
"A family run affair – Rice Paper Cantonese is a local classic found in LS15, a little away from the city centre. However, it gets a place on this roundup because of its glistening reputation and the wonderful, indulgent Cantonese food that it produces. One to put on the list if you’re looking to indulge, there’s a good mix in terms of Westernised favourites and authentic home cooking."
"Customers say that they receive excellent service, as the staff is friendly and the food is served quickly. Rice Paper is both a restaurant and a takeaway, and it has built an outstanding reputation for the quality of the food. Customers also note that the portion sizes are good."