Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in North Yorkshire
"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."
"You can learn about its rich history at the visitors’ center. Here you will learn about its deep history and how monks lead their lives. Run by the Cistercian Order, the Abbey also has vast parklands where you and your beloved can take strolls for as long as you want."
"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."
"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"
"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"
"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, Abbey Walk, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. If your children struggle to imagine life without tablets, iPhone games or a PlayStation to keep them entertained, then a trip to Abbey House Museum should prove an eye-opening experience."
"The Abbey House Museum, once the Great Gate House to Kirkstall Abbey, contains meticulously reconstructed shops and houses that evoke Victorian Leeds, plus rotating exhibitions mostly aimed at kids."
"In the secluded valley of the River Rye about 3 miles west of Helmsley, amid fields and woods loud with birdsong, stand the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey (ree-voh). The extensive remains give a wonderful sense of the size and complexity of the community that once lived here, and their story is fleshed out in a series of fascinating exhibits in a new museum. There's also a cafe with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace from which to gawp at the ruins."
"Spurriergate is open for refreshments and meet-ups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2.30pm. We have free Friendly WiFi, a soft play area and a warm welcome. Come and meet your friends and make some new ones!"
"Take a short bus or cab ride outside of the city centre and head down by the canal for this fantastic artist-led studio and project space, situated inside an old textiles mill. Assembly House was created to provide affordable solutions for artists to work and share ideas through a co-operative working environment. The 8x8m project space has hosted exhibitions of sculpture, video installation and paintings, and the friendly, dedicated team are on hand behind the makeshift bar to offer a refreshment or chat about the work on display."
"Assembly House is an artist-led gallery and studios in a converted Victorian textiles mill on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Open since 2015, it’s one of the best spaces and galleries in Leeds where local creatives can work on their practice and collaborate on ideas. The resident artists run the gallery’s exhibition programme, curating a line-up that shows off their own work and welcomes artists from around the UK."
"In a city with the biggest student population outside of London, it would be absurd for the prevailing university culture not to have some influence on the art scene. Housed within the University of Leeds campus in the Grade II listed Art Deco Parkinson Building, The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery showcases a mix of contemporary art as well as works from the university’s special collections department spanning over 200 years. The gallery expectedly supports and promotes its students’ and its graduates’ work, in addition to displays from local artists and those from further afield."
"You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the art of The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds. Since 1970, it’s been home to the University Art Collection, which features ceramics, photographs and sculpture. That’s not all – you can see an incredible selection of British and European paintings, drawings and prints from 17th century to the present day."
"This small independent cafe near the Monkbar walls offers table service and a homely environment. They serve a lovely menu of freshly cooked dishes as well as a selection of sweet and savoury treats that are baked on the premises each day. Wheldrakes is a licensed cafe so if you fancy something stronger than their excellent home blend coffee, they have plenty of alcoholic beverages to choose from."
"This independent coffee shop and tearoom on Goodramgate serves up homebakes, delicious brunch dishes, great coffee and more. With many delicious treats on the window display, it will be difficult to walk past this place…"
"Independent coffee shop and tea room selling home bakes and much more. Open for takeaway and dine-in. 5C Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LJ"
"Toby Carvery do a quick and easy all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. “Whether you fancy tea and toast or want to go all out with our unlimited breakfast buffet including eggs, bacon and our famous breakfast Yorkies — here at Toby Carvery, we’ve got everything you need to give you the perfect start to your day.” We have eaten breakfast in our local Toby Carvery lots of times. It’s a help yourself buffet with all the usual full English goodies."
"413 Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AYCarluccio’s have an extensive vegan menu, so you can enjoy Antonio Carluccio’s authentic regional Italian food in the heart of Leeds."