Must See Sights and Landmarks in Gateforth Area

"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"

"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."

"Kirkstall Abbey is a beautiful historic ruin in West Leeds that has some spectacular angles to photograph. The Abbey was founded over 800 years ago and is one of the most well preserved monasteries in the country. It’s free to step back in time into the Abbey to see the marvelous detail and architecture that it has."

"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."

"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."

"To see a fantastic panorama of York and take some great photos, head to the Clifford’s Tower. The entry price is a bit high for what the place has to order. However, it’s excellent for photos that you’re going to take there."

"This summer holidays Abbey House Museum will welcome some of your favourite fairy tale characters and creatures as the Victorian Streets are taken over by them!. Captain Hook has managed to stop the clocks ticking in the pub, a marvellous pumpkin patch has sprung up in the middle of the street and there are a mischief of magical mice helping Cinderella make a ball gown before the clock strikes twelve!. You can even pick up a bumper craft bag to take home filled with activities to keep the kids entertained."

"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."

"Monk Bretton Priory, circa 1154 (12th century) was built by Adam Fitz Swain. It was built as a daughter house of St Johns Priory for Cluniac Monks, founded by IIbert de Laci close to his base at Pontefract Castle. Cluniacs at Monk Bretton Priory controlled agriculture and natural resources on many sites between Wakefield and Rotherham."

"If they are, then a visit to this 12th-century Cluniac monastery is not to be missed. The outlines of the church, kitchens, and cloister are said to be the clearest example of a Cluniac monastery in Europe. You can also see a fantastically well-preserved drainage system here."

"One of the city’s most impressive landmarks, Leeds Minster was built in 1841 on an ancient, holy Christian site. It’s a beautiful, Grade I listed building, designed by Robert Chantrell, with huge stained glass windows by a range of high profile artists, including Schwanfelder, David Evans, Thomas Wilmshirst and most recently Sally Scott. You’ll also find The Leeds Cross inside – it dates back to the 10th century, making it one of the earliest objects in the city’s history."

"Leeds Minster is one of the most striking structures in the city. It’s believed that the site has been used as a place of worship since the 7th century, but the current Gothic-style building, designed by Robert Dennis Chantrell, was consecrated in 1841. The building was christened Leeds Minster in 2012 and was known as St Peter’s and Leeds Parish Church prior to that."

"Pou Poutine specialises in serving poutine, only with house hand-cut chips and the best local ingredients, to a recipe that dates back to the 1950s Centre-Du-Quebec."

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"Rowntree Park, on the flood plains of the River Ouse, is a myriad of paths and walkways along the river. It was York’s first ever municipal park, presented to the public by sweets company Rowntree & Co to commemorate the 200 members of their staff who died in World War I. If you’re in search of a little exercise during your visit, the park boasts six tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court, two tennis tables and two bowling greens. The duck pond also makes for an excellent picnicking spot."

"For a scenic afternoon in the park, head over to Rowntree Park. The park is located on the banks of the River Ouse and was built as a scenic memorial to the soldiers who fought in the two World Wars. The 30-acre area holds children’s play areas, a lake, flower beds, woodlands, and facilities for bowling, tennis, and basketball."

"Located on the banks of the River Ouse, Rowntree Park was built as a scenic memorial to those who fought in the World Wars. Across its 30 acres, you will find children’s play areas as well as facilities for bowling, tennis and basketball. Enjoy walking around the lake, woodland and flower beds for free!"

"When to go: When you want to get dressed up and treat yourself. What to have: The buttery tender British Wagyu. Located opposite Oakwood’s obelisk at the foot of the sprawling Roundhay park, Chophaus inhabits a stylish beamed cabin, where you can expect a modern take on the traditional steak house."

"If you’ve got a hankering for steak and want to eat outdoors in Leeds, head to Chophaus. They’ve got a new heated terrace, designed by the award-winning Nanu Soda. It’s completely covered, so rain isn’t a problem, and has space for 80 people."

"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!"

"Tharavadu is a multi-award-winning Indian restaurant in Leeds, making it a no-brainer for your curry fix. Feast on a selection of authentic Keralan dishes - chilli paneer, marinated sea bass and masala dosas - and you'll see why it's gained such acclaim."

"7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS 15DQTharavadu’s South-Indian menu is a delight, and the venue always books up quickly. Their well-labelled menu includes plenty of labelled vegan dishes, including dosa and thali."