Must See Sights and Landmarks in Selby Canal Area

"The perfect park for picnics, relaxing by the River Aire and leisurely strolls around one of the best surviving medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain, Kirkstall Abbey has 24 hectares of parkland for you to explore. The park stretches from Abbey Mills Wildflower Meadows, which is carpeted in bluebells in the spring, past the tennis courts on the far side and over the road to the playground and fields on either side of Abbey House Museum. Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH."

"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."

"Kirkstall Abbey has a wooly great summer of sheep themed activities in the abbey!. Cistercians loved their sheep and they Kirkstall Abbey will celebrate that fact with a baa-tastic trail. Pick up or download a trail to find the whole flock and discover the different types of sheep that the UK call home."

"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."

"The tower stands high next to York Castle Museum with views over York. Clifford's Tower was built at the Eye of York, a defensive position between the River Ouse and River Foss. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England."

"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 train station may seem like an unusual location to describe as ‘Instagrammable’ but York train station is far from ordinary. The beautiful building is home to some stunning pieces of architectural work, as well as modern film interest!. The bridge that connects the platforms at York train station is actually the one that Harry and Hagrid walk over in the first Harry Potter film!"

"In the near centre of Wakefield sits the magnificent Wakefield Cathedral, or the even grander title of the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Wakefield. Although we owe the Victorians for Wakefield Cathedral’s current appearance, restored and reopened in 1888, it has been a place of worship since the 9th-century, and has even been mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Today, anyone can come and have an informal, 45 minute tour of this historic cathedral, with no booking required and completely free!"

"Another incredibly old building, Wakefield Cathedral is the tallest church in Yorkshire and has a long and fascinating history. Although it has been developed and rebuilt at various points over the past 900 years, the building which exists today dates back to the 14th century. Its 247-foot tall spire is visible from many of the suburbs of Wakefield and even beyond on a clear day."

"Leeds Town Hall has become the perfect venue for entertainment thanks to the stunning Victoria Hall. That counts for a night of comedy too, and the grandiose venue has become an attractive stop on big tours by big names – think Ross Noble, Sarah Millican, Jimmy Carr, Omid Djalili and Stewart Lee, all of whom have played to packed out audiences here over the years. Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AD."

"Designed by Leeds architect Cuthbert Broderick, Leeds Town Hall was built in 1858 and opened by Queen Victoria herself in the same year. It was the city’s tallest building when it was constructed, and remains one of the largest town halls in the UK standing at 68.6m (225ft high). Photo: Carl Milner Photography"

"Leeds Town Hall is a 19th century municipal building that was made a Grade I listed building in 1951. It’s the location for everything from marriages and ceremonies to concerts and festivals. See the 1960s chandeliers we restored as part of refurbishments at the Leeds Town Hall back in 2019."

"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."

"Once one of the richest abbeys in the North of England, St. Mary’s used to rival York Minster in terms of its size and splendor. Nowadays, its extensive and impressive ruins are protected as part of the York Museum Gardens that lie just on the edge of the city center. Founded in 1088, the abbey prospered for centuries until Henry VIII’s edict in 1536 that dissolved and disbanded monasteries, priories and convents."

"The Victoria Quarter of Leeds is a series of Victorian shopping arcades whose opulent style and extravagance have led them to house some of the most expensive retail stores in Leeds. The County Arcade is perfect for an Instagram shot with its wonderful mosaic floor, gilt designs and marble columns…"

"It is a pleasant Sunday afternoon at Quirky Ales and Monkey is starting his afternoon off with a Hip Hop. Is that wise Monkey?"

"Little Leeds Beerhouse is a small but mighty bottle shop nestled in Brownhill & Co. A huge array of craft beers line the shelves, with local favourites from North Brewing Co. alongside cool creations from further-afield, like Ireland’s Whiplash Brewery. They also have growlers and an ever-changing selection of beers on draught, so you can get tap-fresh beer to enjoy at home."

"Using seasonal ingredients, Brewers Fayre The Hunsworth boasts a menu of traditional pub dishes. Varied sharing platters are served alongside tempting nibbles and British favourites. Hearty breakfasts are also available for early risers, while…"

"Crafting classic British roasts every day of the week, Toby Carvery presents a crowd-pleasing feast. Select from tender slow-cooked meats, a variety of vegetables and hand-ruffled potatoes (each of which are checked to ensure they're crisped and…"

"This British Asian fusion restaurant offers a menu which spans continents and tantalises taste buds. They proudly offer many traditional curries, dabble in the odd Italian dish, and have a great selection of foods fresh from their flaming grill. The selection doesn’t end there, as they also offer hot drinks, milkshakes and mock-tails, to quench your thirst."

"Located in the student community of Hyde Park, not far from Headingley, the Greasy Pig is renowned for being a minimalist haven for amazing food and drink. Their signature dish ‘the Paralyser’ is great if you have the appetite, as are the many food challenges they have. Feeling something a bit lighter?"

"Specializing in feeding hungry students for affordable prices. You are likely to find something on the menu that will appeal to you. Most meals are under £5 pounds."

"Using seasonal ingredients, Brewers Fayre The Hunsworth boasts a menu of traditional pub dishes. Varied sharing platters are served alongside tempting nibbles and British favourites. Hearty breakfasts are also available for early risers, while…"