Must See Sights and Landmarks in Hessay Area

"Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery"

"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."

"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."

"Clifford's Tower is an excellent first stop when visiting York. The panoramic views from the top of the tower give visitors a spectacular overview of Old Minister, York, and the North York Views. The tower is situated on a tall hill, perfect for providing defense to 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"

"Located about four miles west of Leeds in Aire Valley, Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall is in a magnificent Cistercian house built in 1152. The picturesque remains include a roofless church with a narrow choir and a ruined tower, an almost completely preserved chapterhouse, as well as a refectory, kitchen, and various other buildings. The gatehouse is now part of the Abbey House Museum with its reproduction houses, shops, and workshops illustrating life in Yorkshire through the centuries."

"You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but inside Abbey House Museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street. Explore the high street, with its traditional shops full of old artefacts, nip into the Rover Inn to see what a pub was like back in the day and even call by the undertakers for a slightly more grisly glimpse of the past. Don’t miss the Childhood Galleries where you can marvel at 19th century toys, with everything from dolls’ houses to penny slot machines."

"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."

"Stately homes may be two a penny in England, but you'll have to try pretty damn hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as Castle Howard, a work of theatrical grandeur and audacity set in the rolling Howardian Hills. This is one of the world's most beautiful buildings, instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited and in the 2008 film of the same name (both based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel of nostalgia for the English aristocracy)."

"Standing in the Howardian Hills to the west of Malton, Castle Howard is an outstanding example of English baroque, with a distinctive…"

"There’s far more than just the stately home to discover at Harewood House – this is somewhere to spend all day exploring. The grounds have three walking trails to help you explore, along with a great adventure playground, and a natural play area in the woods, a ‘secret’ tunnel to the Norman church, formal gardens, a pretty lake with a ferry heading across to more gardens and usually boat trips running too. You’ll also find a string of farmyard animals, from guinea pigs to actual pigs, and a host of rare birds, including macaws and cockatoos, lovebirds and a flamboyance of flamingos."

"Visitors to Harewood House will be pleasantly surprised by the array of attractions on offer. Not only can the house and gardens be admired, but there is also a farm experience and a series of interesting events including theatrical performances and costume exhibitions. Visitors can even visit the resident Humboldt penguins at feeding time!"

"Though not the grandest, Thornton’s Arcade was the first Victorian shopping arcade to be built in Leeds and remains one of the most interesting. Its sky-coloured, neo-Gothic arches rise up to a glass ceiling and..."

"The landmark clock is located at the western end of Thornton’s Arcade. It has wooden sculptures of people and a huge bell. The sculptures are colorful, vibrant, and life-size."

"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"

"A post shared by AnnoniBA (@annonibags) on Dec 18, 2016 at 3:50am PST. Among the many shops, cafes and bars strewn around Headingley, this tiny bakery can easily go unnoticed, but the smell of freshly baked breads and cakes will be more than enough to lure you in. Whether you get something to enjoy back at home or to eat on the road, their delectable bakes are sure to tempt you back again and again."

"Let’s face it, it is always a good time for ice cream, but the arrival of spring is just the perfect excuse. Located in Victoria Gate, Amorino is definitely one of the best places for ice cream in Leeds. Chocolate sorbet, blueberry cheesecake, tiramisu … A nice variety of flavours coming in rose-shaped cones."

"This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices."

"Thai Sabai is a Headingley favourite that specialises in quality South East Asian cuisine. You can get popular classics like Chicken Pad Kee Mow and Beef Panang Curry, but they also have a wide and varied meat-free menu which includes Tofu Thai Red Curry, Sum Tam Thai Salad and Mixed Veg Pad Thai."

"This local favourite is out in the Headingley ’burbs, but it’s worth the trek. From the outside it looks like a takeaway, but don’t be fooled. Inside you’ll find a few rows of tables, Thai wood carvings and low lighting – a fuss-free environment that allows the food to shine."

"This is one of the more traditional all you can eat buffets in Leeds, with an absolutely massive selection of food from every corner of the globe. It’s not fine dining by any stretch, but if you’re after a cheap and cheerful dinner with oodles of choice, you’re definitely onto something. Prowl around their buffet and you’ll find yourself moving from traditional British Sunday roasts to Indian curries, Italian pizza and Chinese chicken wings, all in one go."

"We are located in bustling retail centre 'The Light' at Leeds City Centre only few minutes walk from the Arena. Leeds Red Hot is 'all you can eat' buffet with exciting live stations starting from £9.99 per person. Our talented 5-star chefs make absolutely everything fresh every single day so whether you're in the mood for a bit of Tex Mex, Chinese, Indian, Grill, Carvery or Italian."

"Mega-popular with locals and visitors alike, this spot offers exemplary south Indian food served by the smiliest waiters in Leeds at an affordable price. And it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from Leeds train station."