Mentioned by Fodor's Choice
Sights in 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."
"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"
"Few locations can top the spectacular backdrop offered by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and with 24 hectares of parkland surrounding it, you can enjoy a romantic stroll before asking that all important question."
"Clifford’s Tower (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of 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"
"With breathtaking views of York, Clifford’s tower is an important stop off for anyone new to the city. Originally part of York Castle, the tower was built by William the Conqueror and has been used as both a prison and a royal mint."
"Within the cities of England, it’s often hard to find beautiful green locations, although they are plentiful outside of the cities. At just three miles north of Leeds City Centre you can find a whole 700 acres of rolling parkland, two clear lakes and woodland as far as the eye can see. Alongside the natural beauty of nature there are several formal gardens, and two playgrounds to keep your travelling children entertained."
"If you’re craving green space, head to one of the largest city parks in Europe to spend an afternoon walking the dog or simply sunbathing on one of the many lawns. Roundhay Park is a popular spot all year round with a variety of lakes, meadows and forests to walk around and explore. Roundhay Park | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia"
"Taking kids on outdoor activities is a must when you visit a city like Bradford. One of the best places to take the kids for this purpose is Roberts Park. This very clean, well-maintained, and vast park offer so much space for the kids to walk around and experience closeness to nature."
"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Flickr user:Tim G... used under CC BY 2.0. Roberts Park is an urban park, located in Baildon, West Yorkshire."
"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 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."
"Because it’s less than 100 kilometers away, York is an excellent destination for a day trip from Manchester. The city was founded way back in Roman times, so it has a rich history and loads of things to see. The view from its impressive city walls will leave you speechless, and you certainly must see York Minster. Apart from those, there are plenty medieval monuments left from the age when the Normans ruled here."
"York is a walled city in northeast England that was founded by the ancient Romans. Its huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, has medieval stained glass and 2 functioning bell towers. The City Walls form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse. The Monk Bar gate houses an exhibition tracing the life of 15th-century Plantagenet King Richard III."
"York Theatre Royal has been producing great drama in the beautiful city of York for over 270 years and is one of the country’s leading producing theatres. Each year the theatre entertains over 200,000 people with its wide variety of performances, events and activities including the much-loved annual pantomime starring Berwick Kaler, the UK’s longest-running Dame."
"The York Theatre Royal was built in 1744 on the site of the medieval St. Leonard’s Hospital. Parts of the old hospital can still be seen, including archways and walls. Under the stage lies a well, which is believed to be from the Roman era."
"Situated on the riverbank by Millennium Bridge is this “unique and charming floating ice cream van”. Ideal for a sunny afternoon walk by the riverside."