Mentioned by Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do
Top things to do in York
"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."
"Ruined but prideful, forgotten but known, beautifully neglected — Kirkstall Abbey is a lot of things to a lot of people. This gorgeous piece of historic …"
"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."
"Roundhay Park is ideal for the family to have fun enjoying the great outdoors. Located a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Leeds, the park is one of Europe’s biggest inner-city green spaces spanning over 700 acres of parkland, woodland, lakes and landscaped gardens. Spot the various species of fish and birds across the water features in the park or enjoy some fishing on Waterloo lake."
"It's autumn and your are itching to start planning your Bonfire Night celebrations - Roundhay Park has you covered with a massive bonfire in this beautiful park!"
"We spent the afternoon wandering around, discovering Knaresborough’s main attractions: the ancient, crumbling castle overlooking one of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen, the House in the Rock, Mother Shipton’s Caves and the Petrifying Well. Whatever you do, you really can’t miss the imposing structure of the four-span stone viaduct high above the River Nidd. A stunning panorama, that makes for some wonderful shots."
"Mother Shipton’s Cave is one of England’s oldest tourist attractions. It gets its name from a prophetess who was raised in the cave and was said to be a witch, but that’s just one of the reasons to visit. The water inside is rich in sulphate and carbonate, so it covers everything in its path in a thick silt coating that looks like stone."
"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."
"Knaresborough Castle was once a medieval stronghold, overlooking the River Nidd. When visiting the castle, you can explore on your own or join tours to learn about the king’s chambers, dungeons and the secret underground exit. Knaresborough offers amazing insight into the medieval life and its residents throughout history."
"Walk along the picturesque riverside, or row a boat out under the viaduct’s soaring arches, or simply wind your way through narrow lanes to Knaresborough Castle. Our pit-stop in Knaresborough certainly was the perfect end to the day."
"Once the richest abbey in the north of England, St Mary's lies in what are now the York Museum Gardens, on a steeply-sloping site to the west of York Minster. The abbey dates back to 1086 and over time became the wealthiest monastery in northern England before it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Over the next 200 years, it fell into disrepair and was largely dismantled for its stone."
"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."
"The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a museum, wedding and hospitality venue, regularly hosting vintage and wedding fairs. The museum hosts collections including silver, furniture and paintings and is open during the summer months. 721 metres from the Minster.Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9XD, United Kingdom"
"Another excellent photography spot and Instagrammable place in York is the Merchant’s Hall. The Merchant’s Hall has one of the most impressive guildhalls in the world, and sometimes you can get it empty – it’s incredible for photos."
"Taking over a building left derelict for decades, The Old Red Bus Station is a multi-functional bar, arts and events space. It’s got a reputation for attracting an eclectic array of DJs and club nights hosted in their top floor room. License 2 Jungle presents a weekly residency of, yeah, you guessed it, jungle tunes, but they also have techno, drum’n’bass and hip-hop nights as they aim to show off the best of the genres not usually given a big platform in the city."
"A post shared by Tharavadu (@tharavadu) on May 17, 2017 at 10:39am PDT. Tharavadu loves to shout out that it’s Michelin recommended, but I completely understand, because they wholeheartedly deserve their success. Their menu is blummin' massive and they are not sparing with their vegan options."
"It serves Sardinian cuisine made from fresh ingredients, typical of the island. The chef creates extraordinary dishes with brilliant presentations. Address : Acomb Wood Dr, Woodthorpe, York YO24 3XN, UK"
"Recently opened The Owl, in Kirkgate Market, brings a fine dining-inspired gastropub to the market’s halls for the first time. From the minds behind highly-lauded Leeds fine dining establishment HOME, The Owl focuses on game and fish (it’s fittingly located on Fish & Game Row in the market), and serves up brilliant wines by the glass. There’ll be some wines with all sorts of different histories here, but Liz serves up Orange, British, and natural wines across the menu - choosing the best vintners and vineyards, rather than by labels like ‘natural’’, to match her menu."
"The owl has been the emblem for Leeds since their inclusion on the Leeds coat-of-arms registered in 1921 - but did you know there were 25 to spot around the city centre?. The Leeds Owl Trail offers two routes for owl-spotting, with a downloadable map that offers information on the history of Leeds’ connection with the proud birds - and it’s free!. Visit leedsowltrail.com."
"Set in 9 acres of wooded grounds, the 4-star Weetwood Hall Estate is a 17th-century manor house with an award-winning pub, The Stables, which shows Sky Sports and features a cobbled courtyard. The hotel is just outside Leeds centre, a 10-minute drive from Leeds Airport with complimentary car parking on-site. The contemporary bedrooms feature Yorkshire biscuits, a flat-screen TV with Sky Sports and Video Cast, a work desk and Wi-Fi access, toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities."
"This hotel and venue occupies a 17th-century manor house and more modern buildings, set in extensive wooded grounds. It truly wows with its Mediterranean dining and offers guests a mixture of contemporary and more traditional rooms, some with four-poster beds."
"Give into your comfort food cravings and enjoy a meaty feast of beef, chicken and vegan burgers, wings, fries and sides, polished off by an Oreo, marshmallow, coconut and chocolate pie, served warm with ice cream. Visit: Trinity Centre, Bank Street, LS1 5AT - meatliquor.com. Red's True Barbecue is the perfect spot to indulge in a meaty feast (Photo: Dave Lee)"
"Expect the usual array of obscene burgers that promise to fulfil the brand’s ‘come hungry, leave wobbly’ motto, along with hotdogs, fries, sides and hard shakes. Kids and dogs are both welcome and vegans are catered for too."