Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Nidd

"It’s not just about shops and bars, there’s plenty of beautiful outdoor places in Leeds to photograph. Make sure you take the time to head slightly out of the city centre and visit Kirkstall Abbey to wander around the old ruins and capture amazingly atmospheric photos. Time your visit for a misty day for the best photo opportunities."

"Step back in time and explore the historical ruins for free at Kirkstall Abbey. Unquestionably, the remarkable architecture is a sanctuary for all curious souls and historians alike. Learn about life as a monk in one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in the UK and explore rich British history throughout the abbey."

"Henry VIII had a great impact on Britain’s history, but did you know he was partially responsible for Kirkstall Abbey?. The 12th century monastery was disestablished by Henry in the 16th century, but is still standing today and is easily one of the most picturesque landmarks in Leeds. View this post on Instagram"

"Clifford’s Tower, a semi-ruined 13th-century remnant of York Castle, is also one of the few Norman relics in a city dominated by Viking influence. Nowadays, Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular and emblematic sights in York, and the panoramic views from the tower’s ramparts make it an excellent starting point for first-time visitors to historic York."

"There's precious little left of York Castle except for this evocative stone tower, a highly unusual four-lobed design built into the castle's keep after the original one was destroyed in 1190 during anti-Jewish..."

"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."

"This 700-acre park is a firm favourite with local families, who flock to its open green space and two huge lakes on a sunny day. It’s the biggest park in Leeds and one of the biggest in Europe, so there’s plenty of space for outdoor activities with the kids. They can play tennis, let run wild at the playground, or enjoy a picnic in the landscaped gardens."

"There’s far more than just the stately home to discover at Harewood House – this is somewhere to spend all day exploring. The grounds have three walking trails to help you explore, along with a great adventure playground, and a natural play area in the woods, a ‘secret’ tunnel to the Norman church, formal gardens, a pretty lake with a ferry heading across to more gardens and usually boat trips running too. You’ll also find a string of farmyard animals, from guinea pigs to actual pigs, and a host of rare birds, including macaws and cockatoos, lovebirds and a flamboyance of flamingos."

"Harewood House is a grandiose 18th-century country home, set in stunning gardens – and it’s full of art. The watercolours are at the heart of their extensive collection – they have paintings by the likes of JMW Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Varley. You can also see temporary exhibitions by modern artists, works by masters of the Italian Renaissance and family portraits by the likes of Reynolds, Hopper and Lawrence."

"Harewood House was built in the 18th century and is one of the Treasure Houses of England. Located just outside Leeds in the heart of Yorkshire, visitors of Harewood House can enjoy art exhibitions, the Rare Bird Garden, Farm Experience and over 100 acres of well-manicured gardens. It is a must on the places to visit in Leeds."

"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."

"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."

"Another set of magnificent gardens in Harrogate are these towards the western edge of town, which reflect the Yorkshire landscape with a selection of trails, a log maze and tea rooms. There's also a range of boutique shops and tours on offer at the 17 acre site which, as is the case with many parts of Harrogate, was formerly the location for a bath house and a spa. Harlow Carr Gardens are at Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB. The gardens are open from 9.30am throughout the year and close at 6pm from March to October and 4pm for the rest of the year."

"At Skyreholme near the village of Appletreewick in Wharfedale, Parcevall Hall is a Grade II* listed manor house with 24 acres of stunning landscaped gardens that are perfect for picnics. The gardens are one of the most peaceful places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales."

"Within the tranquil grounds, visitors will find many facets of the garden: woodland walks, formal areas, south facing terraces, a limestone rock garden and a beautiful rose garden."

"Right in the heart of Nidderdale, Stump Cross Caverns provides the perfect subterranean day out in Yorkshire. You can explore the complex web of walkways and chambers as you descend 65 steps below the earth. These ancient natural caves are home to prehistoric animal remains and a series of unique limestone formations that have been created out of the rock by underground stream erosion over the course of millions of years."

"The limestone landscape of the Yorkshire Dales is riddled with caves. The Dales are home to England’s largest cavern (in Gaping Gill) and England’s deepest cave (part of The Three Counties system). Kids will love donning a hard hat and descending into the dark depths to explore the one mile long Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge."

"Located on the border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Stump Cross Caverns show cave is home to some amazing natural formations and offers a range of facilities for a great family day out."

"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."

"This lake is next to Leeds Bradford Airport but don't let that put you off. It's an easy, level walk where you can spot waterfowl as you stroll. Reach it via Cemetery Road, LS19 7UR."

"Okay, so it’s debatable whether a huge, novelty donut is an essential element of a picnic but when they’re this good (and this fun), why not?. Rainbow, cream-filled, seasonal, chocolatey, fruity, vegan and veggie, Doe has an array of homemade donuts to choose from right in the heart of the city. Prepare to queue at peak times, but it’s worth the wait."

"You don’t have to miss out on all the delicious donuts in Leeds thanks to Wildcraft Bakery. They make proper, yeast-risen fried donuts, so you can enjoy all of the naughtiness with none of the gluten. Their delightfully fluffy dough brings together a blend of rice flour and tapioca with water, eggs and sourdough yeast."

"Unit 13, Penraevon Industrial Estate, Leeds LS7 2AWLeeds’ gluten-free bakery also serves up vegan doughnuts, whoopie pies and other treats from their shop just outside the city centre."

"Having enjoyed such success in neighbouring Leeds, hummus bar Humpit has brought their falafel and pitta packs to the streets of York. Opened in February 2018, Humpit has already established itself as a firm favourite with the city’s student scene. One of their filled pittas will set you back £4.50 and comes loaded with falafels, hummus, salad and pickles."

"Head to Church Street to Humpit, the Hummus and Pita Bear where the menu is totally vegan!. Their menu has three items; salad bowls, hummus bowls and loaded pitas. You can choose your ingredients for the salad bowl, and the hummus bowls and loaded pitas come with chickpeas, pickles, olives, falafel and more."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. The Humpit began in 2014 with a dream to create real authentic hummus and to be able to enjoy it with a warm pita. Five years later, the Humpit has established itself in the York community."