Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Askham Bryan

"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."

"Basically, this is the ruins of a Christian monastery that was set within a public park right on the banks of a great looking river. Built during the 12th century by monks who had forsaken their home in Barnoldswick, the ruins are still preserved, and visitors can get a slice of history by admiring them. The abbey and the grounds look very relaxing and a pleasant day out will help one unravel all this and more."

"Few locations can top the spectacular backdrop offered by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and with 24 hectares of parkland surrounding it, you can enjoy a romantic stroll before asking that all important question."

"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 striking contrast of Clifford’s Tower with the green bank of grass it sits on is a classic photo to snap of York!. Make the short (but steep) climb to the top and venture inside for a panorama of York."

"At 700 acres, Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. It’s twice the size of Hyde Park in London and offers a multitude of adventures. The vast network of paths stretches beyond the landscape gardens into the woodlands where you’ll find quaint riverside rambles, picturesque gorge walks and calf-burning hikes that promise incredible views."

"This park, which is four miles northeast of Leeds city centre, offers 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. If it's really cold you can warm up in the indoor Tropical World, which has butterflies, birds, reptiles and even meerkats, or the early 19th century Mansion House which has a cafe. The car park is accessible via Wetherby Road, LS8 2JZ."

"Though not the grandest, Thornton’s Arcade was the first Victorian shopping arcade to be built in Leeds and remains one of the most interesting. Its sky-coloured, neo-Gothic arches rise up to a glass ceiling and..."

"The landmark clock is located at the western end of Thornton’s Arcade. It has wooden sculptures of people and a huge bell. The sculptures are colorful, vibrant, and life-size."

"Step back in time at this beautifully restored, fully operational windmill. This Grade II listed icon has been lovingly brought back to life by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, a collection of local residents who rallied together to secure its future and rescue it from disrepair. Dating back to the late 18th century, the windmill supplied flour from Holgate to York, just over a mile from the city centre."

"Get behind-the-scenes access on matchdays with the Elland Road Stadium Tour, with sneaky peeks at the dressing rooms, the tunnel and the managers dugout!. Tours begin from Billy’s Bar at 10am (before a 3pm kick-off) and 2pm (prior to an evening game) and last around an hour and a half. Tours cost £15 for adults, £10 for juniors (aged under 16) and seniors (aged 60 and over)."

"Barley Hall is a timber framed medieval townhouse lying behind Stonegate, accessed by a narrow snicket. The 14th century house was concealed under the framework of a more modern building and was only discovered during renovation work in the 1980’s. Barley Hall, particularly its recreated banqueting hall, will provide visitors with an accurate experience of what life was like in medieval York."

"This historic site was discovered by accident, when it was scheduled to be destroyed. The oldest parts of Barley Hall date from about 1360, but until the 1980s the house was hidden under a more modern brick façade. The medieval house was once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York."

"If you want to take a photo wearing a traditional medieval cape in some beautiful surroundings (as well as learn more about the relationship of science, religion and chemistry in the Middle ages in York), head to the Barley Hall, where you can do all that."

"Though not the grandest, Thornton’s Arcade was the first Victorian shopping arcade to be built in Leeds and remains one of the most interesting. Its sky-coloured, neo-Gothic arches rise up to a glass ceiling and..."

"The landmark clock is located at the western end of Thornton’s Arcade. It has wooden sculptures of people and a huge bell. The sculptures are colorful, vibrant, and life-size."

"The Victoria Quarter is one of the most luxurious shopping destinations in Leeds, as well as being a food-lover's haven. It has over 80 shops with many of them high-end, such as Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood, to name a few. Maybe not somewhere you’ll be gracing too often on a student budget, but it's the perfect place to window-shop or even take Mum when she comes to visit!"

"The stunningVictoria Quarter boats intricate architecture and luxury stores. The breath-taking stained glass roof runs the full length of Queen Victoria Street and is the largest modern stained glass roof in Britain!"

"During the day, Afterz is the perfect place to get some refreshing ice cream with the kids. But, it’s also a late night cafe, which means you can go in and satisfy your midnight munchies with some incredible ice cream flavours – think Curly Wurly, Toffee Crisp and Skittles. That’s not all, as they do a pretty tempting menu of candy shakes, waffles and majoun, a Moroccan jelly-like sweet."

"This day to late-night cafe bar serves ice cream non-stop, making it just as perfect for midnight munchies as a trip in the day with the little ones. Order an epic knickerbocker glory-style sundae drenched in hundreds and thousands, or simply grab a few scoops in a tub. Flavours include the likes of Curly Wurly, Skittles and Toffee Crisp."