Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in York, England
"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."
"If you want to experience the type of history that can capture your imagination with just how far back it dates, then Kirkstall Abbey is the perfect place for you. It’s one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today. It also offers a picnic area, and play area for children, but don’t panic if you forget to bring something to eat."
"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."
"Clifford's Tower was once the site of a timber keep built by William the Conqueror. The current incarnation of Clifford's Tower has looked over the city of York since 1245. Part of York Castle, the tower played a role in the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the English Civil War."
"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."
"As this attraction was once short-listed for the Museum Family Friendly Award you can expect just that from it. It contains crafted sets, made to look like the enchanting streets, shops and houses that you would have seen during the Victorian era. You can interact with all of the actors in traditional Victorian costumes, or even sneak into a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house if you’re in need of a little rest."
"Abbey House Museum is one of those museums in Leeds which holds a number of activities for the children ranging from descriptive to interactive. This museum was short-listed for the Guardian ‘Kids in Museum family Friendly Award’ in 2011. The museum allows you to go back in time and wander in the Victorian Streets so as to see the life in 19th century Leeds."
"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."
"St Mary’s Abbey is a picturesque ruined Benedictine abbey in York, located in York Museum Gardens. Once the richest abbey in the north of England, it now tells the story of York’s influential ecclesiastical past, and its degradation through Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. The first church on the site of St Mary’s was built in 1055 and dedicated to St Olaf of Norway, and following the Norman conquest was refounded by King William Rufus in 1088 during his visit to York."
"The park also serves as a romantic backdrop to St. Mary’s Abbey… or what’s left of it. The monastery was first built in 1088 and was among the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. In the 1530s King Henry VIII banned all monasteries in England in 1530s and St. Mary’s gradually fell into the medieval ruins you can see today."
"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"
"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."
"Officially opened in 1933 by King George V, Leeds Civic Hall is a truly stunning building made from pristine white Portland stone. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Leeds, not only for being beautiful, but for what it stands for. It’s one of a number of buildings which was commissioned to meet the needs of Leeds as it was developing from a poor town to a blossoming city."
"Leeds Civic Hall is one of the main attractions on Millennium Square. Vincent Harris won the competition for the design of the building in 1926 and work began five years later in 1931. It took just two years to complete and was opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1933."
"Come here for live music or cosy atmosphere and you can enjoy a selection of tasty craft and cask beers, as well as craft beers imported from around the world. And then you can feast on a selection of bar snacks, like nachos, burgers, meats and cheese."
"There are three Roxy sites in Leeds city centre, and within a short walk of each other you can play bowling, pool, ping-pong, beer-pong, mini-golf and shuffleboard. They are perfect for stag and hen do's, and also if you just fancy a night out with fun activities involved. There's also Roxy Lanes, its bowling alley, in Bond Street, and another Roxy Ballroom in Merrion Street."
"The social games bar is adding some entertainment to your drinks with the gang, with sharing pitchers, private rooms and a late-night licence keeping the good times going 'til 2am."
"Eating out at Art’s is a little like eating at the smallest gastropub you’ve ever seen. The rustic charm and dark wood panelled bar are the first thing to hit you upon entry, but take a seat and you’ll soon be charmed by the intimate space and international menu. It makes for an exciting browse, with everything from confit duck to curried cauliflower on a menu that changes every month."
"Local art on the walls and a bohemian vibe make this a popular place for quiet reflection and a really good cup of coffee. The dinner menu is a cut above your average fare, with inventive dishes such as rib-eye... Modern British in Leeds"
"Offering a mouth-watering menu of burgers, tacos, grilled meats and fajitas, there's something to satisfy every palate at this American-inspired eatery, along with a selection of beers, cocktails and fizz to wash it all down. Visit: 9 Merrion Street, LS1 6PQ - arcinspirations.com. East 59th boasts a Manhattan-style rooftop bar (Photo: Other 3rd Party)"
"02/05/2021: Very rude staff , dirty behaviour, as if dons , just another rubbish, think they are bigger than mcdonalds and kfc UPSTARTS , typical newly rich desis. 27/03/2021: Really great service and amazing tasting food, so much on the menu to choose from!. Favourite takeaway place in Leeds, will be coming again and again."
"The plant-covered roof terrace at East 59th is stunning with incredible south-facing views that look out over the city’s skyline. Temperature isn't an issue either as they have heat lamps and blankets to keep you warm until closing time. Expect a menu of hundreds of cocktails and even some classic American grub."
"Serving up American grub and slinky Manhattan-themed cocktails, East 59th is a great choice for places to drink outside in Leeds, thanks to its gorgeous terrace. Be sure to check out its weekend bottomless brunch and enjoy free-flowing booze as you top up your tan."
"Look no further than East 59th, a rooftop bar and restaurant channelling New York vibes. Venture up for one of the best bottomless brunches in the city, enjoyed in their chic dining room or out on their gorgeous terrace."
"You’ll find Bear’s Den hidden away in Bradford’s historic Underground Quarter, Sunbridge Wells. This unique space is home to vibrant street food, and if you’re looking for where to eat in Bradford as a student, Bear’s Den is a must-visit. Whether you’re visiting after a night out or in between lectures, Bear’s Den is the place to be for melting grilled cheese and tasty fillings, served between slices of crusty bread – the perfect comfort food!"
"A maze of bars, shops, and cafés that looks straight out of a Harry Potter film, Sunbridge Wells is unlike anything I have ever seen!. It opened a few weeks before we arrived in Bradford, so not many people knew where it was yet. Luckily, we spotted a group of guys who were heading there and were kind enough to lead the way."
"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."
"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!"
"The Grand Arcade is one of the oldest shopping Arcades in Leeds City Centre, and it is well worth a visit…"
"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."
"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."