Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Alwoodley

"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."

"The perfect park for picnics, relaxing by the River Aire and leisurely strolls around one of the best surviving medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain, Kirkstall Abbey has 24 hectares of parkland for you to explore. The park stretches from Abbey Mills Wildflower Meadows, which is carpeted in bluebells in the spring, past the tennis courts on the far side and over the road to the playground and fields on either side of Abbey House Museum. Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH."

"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."

"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."

"Clifford’s Tower offers stunning views of the city from it’s vantage point on top of a mound. The tower is what’s left of the York Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Tower St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA, United Kingdom"

"The tower stands high next to York Castle Museum with views over York. Clifford's Tower was built at the Eye of York, a defensive position between the River Ouse and River Foss. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England."

"With over 700 acres of paw-pounding space, Roundhay Park is one of the UK’s largest urban green spaces–making it a top hit among dog owners in Leeds. Its asset is the variety of terrain: there’s open space for ball-chucking, woodland trails rich in sniffing opportunities (because sometimes a good boy needs more than bottoms), Waterloo Lake for hot-day dips, a steep climb up to the castle if a proper calf-stretch is required, plus the ‘secret gorge walk’–a 2.7km route to find a beautiful hidden waterfall. Look out for dog-themed events, too, such as the Yorkshire Dachshund Group’s annual Christmas sausage walk."

"Roundhay Park is an emerald jewel in Leeds crown and spreading across 700 acres of land it rivals some of the biggest parks in Europe. In fact, it’s bigger than London’s Hyde Park, actually much bigger at DOUBLE the size – take that London 😜 It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend morning or afternoon with a variety of walks and corners to uncover. The main feature is the expansive Waterloo Lake which has a 2.5km walk around its perimeter."

"Art lovers should visit Coldstone’s Cut while they’re in the Yorkshire Dales. This is Yorkshire’s biggest and highest public artwork with spectacular views of a working mine and surrounding Nidderdale, another of the most stunning places in the Yorkshire Dales. It was created by the artist Andrew Sabin and visitors are always impressed by its architecture."

"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."

"This historic Tudor Jacobean mansion has been beautifully restored with over forty rooms for you to explore. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of Chippendale furniture, paintings, pottery and textiles, while outside there’s even more – it boasts gardens landscaped by Capability Brown, alongside acres of parkland and a working rare breed farm that’s home to over 400 sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and cattle. Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE."

"You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but inside Abbey House Museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street. Explore the high street, with its traditional shops full of old artefacts, nip into the Rover Inn to see what a pub was like back in the day and even call by the undertakers for a slightly more grisly glimpse of the past. Don’t miss the Childhood Galleries where you can marvel at 19th century toys, with everything from dolls’ houses to penny slot machines."

"Experience life as a Victorian at Leeds’ Abbey House Museum. Neighbouring the stunning Kirkstall Abbey, this museum has recreated Victorian-era streets, filled with old shops, pubs and a Sunday school building. Each street is a wonderful experience, with costumed actors helping to transport you back to northern life in 19 century England."

"The clue’s in the name: this sturdy Regency country house is an Eden for green fingers. It’s set among 300 acres (121ha) of woodland and glorious landscaped gardens. In spring, you’ll encounter blazes of azaleas and ruby rhododendrons – no wonder honey from Rudding Park’s bees is on the menu at the funky Horto Cafe."

"This three AA rosette restaurant uses fresh seasonal ingredients (Horto stands for ‘Kitchen Garden’) and offers guests a choice of à la carte and a tasting menu. Also at Rudding Park is The Clock Tower which offers a range of menus including Afternoon Tea and the popular Yorkshire Tapas."

"The Castle is a premium pub, bar, and restaurant with its very own garden, centrally located in the heart of the picturesque town of Wakefield."

"343 Barnsley Rd, Wakefield WF2 6AS. Cosy pub with log fires and a smart restaurant, serving sophisticated modern British classics."

"The glamorous boutique hotel Mamaison Hotel in Leeds is anything but simple. Occupying a Victorian-style property, this hotel isn’t shy when it comes to mixing and matching colours, velvet furniture and decorations to create a dramatic and vibrant ambience. Nothing feels monotonous at this hotel wherein guest rooms, facilities, and other accommodations have unique and artistic designs that combine classical and modern aesthetics."

"Just a short walk from the thriving Leeds hub of bustling restaurants, bars, and shopping stores, Malmaison Leeds is an intimate overnight stay like no other. Upon arrival the boutique feel like overtake anything else, with dimly lit corridors and 100 modern rooms waiting to be used. Each room has huge beds with comfy bedding, not forgetting the wonderful bathroom facilities and products."

"Malmaison Hotel is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style located in Leeds. Beautifully refurbished cool and sexy rooms with power…"

"A cool cavern for all things South Pacific, Tiki Hideaway is leading the charge when it comes to fruity cocktails and themed fun. Spend an evening sipping on strawberry daiquiris, Long Island ice teas and mai tais."