Mentioned by History Hit
10 of the Best Historic Sites in York
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"The York Cold War Bunker has to be one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Tucked down a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’ll find the inconspicuous entrance through an industrial-looking bomb-proof door. Go past the decontamination room, and down to the control centre, dormitory, and staff room where, for more than 30 years, this place hummed with activity, staffed by volunteers ready to map and manage the fallout from a nuclear blast."
"Like a moment frozen in time, York’s Cold War bunker takes visitors back to an era where the threat of nuclear explosions prompted the construction of this space. The partially-underground bunker is a glimpse into the recent history of the British Cold War, built in 1961 to monitor fallout. It was decommissioned in the 1990s, but remains a reminder of what it is like to live under the threat of nuclear war."
"Overlooking the River Calder, sits the ruined medieval castle, Sandal Castle. With free entry, this place offers a great day out at little cost, providing fantastic views of the river and of Wakefield, it is one of the more breathtaking sites to visit on this list!. Many visitors have praised it for being gorgeous and also fascinating!"
"This ice cream truck is to the rescue – and serving straight from an ambulance window. Located in the beautiful Museum Gardens, this is the perfect pit stop before lounging in the sun. Museum Gardens, Museum St, York, YO1 7FR"
"The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they’ve noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options – now they are creating thee ‘super Sundaes’ which you can pick up from one of the trucks around Roundhay Park. Find them at Mansion Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH."
"It is set in 17 acres of lovely Yorkshire countryside, and within easy reach of Leeds and Bradford with wide car and coach parking. Open 7 days a week with an outstanding selection of plants plus stunning gifts and home decorations, gorgeous outdoor furniture and all you need to keep your garden looking great each and every season, Tong is set to inspire you."
"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."
"Just below Tropical World are the beautiful Canal Gardens which again, despite being in the area many times exploring Roundhay Park I had never noticed before I ran past them during a lockdown run. I came back again a couple of weeks later with my new tripod (best purchase!!!) to photograph them. In Spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom in this peaceful place."
"For those times you’re in need of a no-holds-barred Friday night treat for all the family, consider Almost Famous. It’s by no means the healthiest or cheapest family restaurant in Leeds, but it will certainly ramp the excitement level up to near-hysteria. Burgers are the plat du jour and your young ones can choose between a classic cheeseburger, chicken burger or a brain-boggling burger topped with frazzles, mac and cheese and a strawberry pop tart!"
"12/06/2021: dropped in for a quick bite after having some drinks across the road, should have had seconds. My partner really enjoyed her meal too so we really will make the effort to come here again, dont know why its taken us so long. Also thanks to the team who were so understanding with respect to allergies"