Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Arkendale

"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."

"You can learn about its rich history at the visitors’ center. Here you will learn about its deep history and how monks lead their lives. Run by the Cistercian Order, the Abbey also has vast parklands where you and your beloved can take strolls for as long as you want."

"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."

"To see a fantastic panorama of York and take some great photos, head to the Clifford’s Tower. The entry price is a bit high for what the place has to order. However, it’s excellent for photos that you’re going to take there."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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."

"Roundhay Park is one of the most popular attractions in Leeds. With over 700 acres of land, the area is a fusion of woodlands, lakes, formal gardens, cafes and playgrounds. It also houses Tropical World, a place where you can experience different exotic animals like meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles, butterflies and many others."

"At just 29 hectares, Meanwood Park may be on the small side, but trust us, it’s well worth a visit. The grounds are wonderfully eclectic – you can hike through woodlands and amble through meadows, trek across landscaped lawns and wander beside bubbling streams. Follow the footpaths for a leisurely stroll or treat yourself to a game – they have tennis and basketball courts, as well as a bowling green."

"A short distance from LCA, this park is great for an afternoon walk!. It's also the perfect place to see freshly hatched moor hen and mallard duck chicks in the springtime!"

"While it’s generally perceived to be more of a child’s haven rather than a suitable Instagram location, Rowntree’s Park does in fact have many cute places to grab the perfect shot. During the summer, the park is positively heaving with families and children indulging in picnics and ice creams, and in the winter you’ll often find couples snuggled together, taking a romantic stroll around the park. The little bridges that go over the river and lake in the park make great backdrops for Instagram opportunities, regardless of the time of year."

"Rowntree Park, on the flood plains of the River Ouse, is a myriad of paths and walkways along the river. It was York’s first ever municipal park, presented to the public by sweets company Rowntree & Co to commemorate the 200 members of their staff who died in World War I. If you’re in search of a little exercise during your visit, the park boasts six tennis courts, a skate park, a basketball court, two tennis tables and two bowling greens. The duck pond also makes for an excellent picnicking spot."

"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."

"At Hesketh Farm Park you can feed and stroke the animals, have fun inside – maybe in the giant sandpit or playing hide and seek with your friends in the straw maze and on the 10 acres of greenery."

"Address & map:27 Vinery Rd, Burley, Leeds LS4 2LB, United Kingdom. Sometimes leg stretches don’t require a vast green space, particularly for the little-limbed pals among us. In those cases, Burley Park is a city centre salvation: a small dog-friendly park that provides enough good smells for even the most inquisitive of pups–particularly those still on the lead–as well as frisbee space for the older members of the clan."

"If you want your food to arrive quickly, then Wonder Food is one of Harrogate’s best Chinese takeaways. Due to the food being delivered so fast, the food always tastes hot and fresh. Wonder Food has also received praise for its generous portion sizes."

"Although customers can collect their takeaway, Monkey King Chinese also has a delivery service. Customers say that their food arrives in a timely manner and that it is always hot on delivery. Other positive points raised are the friendly customer service and the good quality of the tasty food."

"Zen Rendezvous has been one of the best Chinese takeaways in Leeds for over two decades – it was even championed by Gordon Ramsey on The F Word. The Guiseley staple makes restaurant quality food to eat at home. They’ve got an extensive menu full of tantalising dishes – think Roast Duck in Orange Sauce, Calamari in Black Bean Sauce and Sizzling Bean Curd with Chinese Mushrooms."

"In the Leeds suburb of Guiseley, a few miles from the city centre, but easily accessible by either train or car is the wonderful Zen Rendezvous. A relaxed family restaurant with a great menu – it’s been in Leeds for many years now and has established a wonderful reputation in that time. Here you’ll find all the Chinese classics that’ve become a staple of the UK dining scene."

"A 20th century Art Deco building is the quintessential location to house an art space; high ceilings and streaming light make for the perfect exhibiting set-up. Formerly the Tetley Ale headquarters and now a protected heritage building, The Tetley opened its newly-renovated doors in late 2013. The venue is curated by Project Space Leeds, a charity which facilitates the space to couple the appreciation of the contemporary arts with learning."

"The 1930’s art deco, former headquarters of Tetley Brewery is a pioneering centre for contemporary art. Also, a great place to kick back, enjoy a selection of cask ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks, together with a Yorkshire inspired menu showcasing the very best ingredients. Their sun trap of a beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Tetley’s, right on the spot it was born more than 200 years ago."

"The Tetley is a contemporary art gallery in what was the headquarters of the former Tetley Brewery. The art deco building is in central Leeds features a gallery space, function, rooms, a public bar, and carefully preserved rooms from the old Tetley offices. We hope you enjoyed seeing some of our most treasured buildings from our home city."

"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."