Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in York, England
"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."
"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."
"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."
"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."
"One of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park sprawls over more than 700 acres and welcomes more than a million visitors each year. Four miles (or an 18-minute car journey) from the city centre, the park offerd lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes, two playgrounds and Tropical World. There is also the grand Mansion, now an event space for weddings and corporate events."
"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"
"Firmly ensconced as the most popular park in Leeds, Roundhay Park is a favourite not just for people in the city but for visitors from across Yorkshire too. Fact fans will no doubt be aware that it's one of the biggest city parks anywhere in Europe, covering 700 acres. It offers something for everyone, too."
"With tree-lined walkways, vast swathes of grassland and a traditional bandstand where live entertained play during the summer, Horsforth Hall Park is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Japanese gardens are its crowning glory – created in 1987, they reflect the diverse landscapes of the Japanese isles and create a place of contemplation for visitors. The park also has a skate park and a cricket pitch."
"For those who live in Horsforth, it's no secret that this place becomes swamped in the summer months and it's got a bit of everything. If you fancy burning off a few calories then the Trim Trail is one of the best around and it's also plenty big enough for a quick game of cricket or football, but the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning Japanese Garden."
"Just north of Rodley Nature Reserve is this park with a Japanese garden, trails and plenty more. The main entrance is off Hall Lane, Horsforth"
"In the heart of spectacular Wharfedale, Kilnsey Park Estate is your ideal location to enjoy the Yorkshire Dales. Visit this varied attraction to catch your first fish, explore the Dales on horseback, meet the UK’s rarest orchid, watch red squirrels play or simply to relax in some of the UK’s most stunning scenery."
"Offering family fishing and a fantastic nature trail, Kilnsey Park is a great place to go for a day out in the Yorkshire Dales. You can explore the Dales from horseback and try all manner of fun activities there. Kilnsey Park is located in Wharfedale."
"Kilnsey Park in Wharfedale is the ideal location to enjoy the Dales. With fishing, kids activities, friendly farm animals and the best of local food, Kilnsey is a great Yorkshire family day out."
"Set inside a large and elegant building, an £8 million development back in 2015 has seen York Art Gallery rise to one of the best regional galleries in the country. Boasting 7 exhibition spaces across 2 floors and an outdoor Artist’s garden, there’s plenty to see for the art lovers visiting York, including an internationally significant collection of ceramics spreading across 2 galleries and temporary exhibitions that mean there is always something fresh to see. Keep your eyes out for works by hugely famous artists such as Turner and Hockney."
"York Art Gallery boasts the largest collection of British Studio Ceramics in the country in its Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA). The 19th century building (restored 2013-2015) contains works from the 14th century to the present day including altarpieces, drawings, paintings, prints and sculpture. Highlights include works by Pablo Picasso, L S Lowry and David Hockney."
"Fuse Art Space, 7 Rawson Place, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 3JP - Visit now. Fuse is a new and exciting venue where multidisciplinary art forms meet a full spectrum of live performance; this dynamic space is broadening the artistic minds of Bradford and beyond."
"Cartwright Hall is the public art gallery in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, situated about a mile from the city centre in the Manningham district. It was constructed on the previous site of Manningham Hall using a gift of £40,000 given by Samuel Lister and it is named after Edmund Cartwright. The gallery which opened in 1904 originally had a exhibition of artworks loaned from other galleries and private collections until it was able to purchase a permanent collection of Victorian and Edwardian works using money raised by the 1904 Bradford Exhibition."
"Last but not least is something a bit different, and a must-try for all of you with a sweet tooth. My Cookie Dough is a cookie dough stand in Trinity Shopping Centre, but they also do takeaway and delivery. Whilst they offer boxes for you to bake yourself, we’d recommend the fresh cookie dough boxes which come warm (or cold, should you choose an ice cream)."
"‘Savoury, sweet and everything in between’ profess Crepe Affaire, and they’re not wrong. Based on the second floor of Trinity Leeds, this is a French restaurant centred around the honest pancake, whether you want it with lemon and sugar, Grand Marnier cognac, chicken and tarragon, feta and hummus, or even an all day breakfast. They also serve up smothered waffles, and oodles of ice cream if that’s your bag."
"When dining with children, a lunch that feels more like a party treat might be enough to tempt even the most reticent of young foodies. Cue Crepe Affaire, where everything on offer is, you guessed it, crepe-based. There are the sweet treats, like salted caramel, Oreo, peanut butter and Nutella, but don’t miss out on the savouries."
"Fliirt is a contemporary dessert Parlour which serves fabulous gelatos and frozen yoghurts. This dessert paradise has Yummy options for everyone, whether you want to consume your weekly allowance of sugar in one sitting or if you want to keep the calorie count low. For the naughty kids there are freshly made Waffles, hot and gooey cookie dough, joyful Sundaes, scrumptious Cakes, creamy Gelato, rich Milkshakes, then there’s the guilt-free (until you add the toppings) Frozen Yogurt which can be topped with unlimited toppings from the selection of over 40 toppings, which includes fresh cut fruit and masses of sweets."
"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."