Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Bishop Thornton

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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..."

"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."

"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."

"Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden near Richmond (or Fountains Abbey for short) is an ideal stop when visiting the Yorkshire Dales with kids. There is so much to see and do here and it has one of the best adventure playgrounds in the Yorkshire Dales. The National Trust owned estate is divided into two sections with a pleasant grass ‘corridor’ linking the two sections of the park."

"World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey is a truly special place for us. We reckon this is the most beautiful place to visit in the Yorkshire Dales!. As well as abbey ruins that are the oldest in England, there’s also the Studley Royal Water Garden, which inspired our Sing Gin branding."

"This National Trust property is a World Heritage Site and includes the evocative ruins of a medieval monastery and the delightful water gardens of Studley Royal."

"Many areas of the Yorkshire countryside look like something out of a fantasy film, and this is especially true of Brimham Rocks. The huge natural rock formations were carved into strange shapes by an ancient river and now sit prominently in the midst of the rolling hills of the Dales."

"Depending on the adventurous nature of your kids – or the nerves of mum and dad!. – make a family trip to Brimham Rocks. The National Trust managed Brimham Rocks is an elevated plateau full of rocky towers and enormous rock formations with alcoves and tiny caves for exploring."

"Brimham Rocks is one the finest natural wonders in Yorkshire. These balancing rock formations are set amidst the awe-inspiring landscape of God’s Own Country. They’ve slowly formed over thousands of years as the millstone grit has been eroded by water, glaciation and wind."

"At DIG, you get to discover only the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Our four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN"

"Under the same management as Jorvik and housed in an atmospheric old church, Dig gives you the chance to be an 'archaeological detective', unearthing the secrets of York's distant past as well as learning..."

"Situated in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, York Castle Museum is home to a wealth of exhibits surrounding the rich history of York and wider Great Britain, where historical sights from Georgian gowns to Dick Turpin’s prison cell may be found. Its standout exhibit however is a fully-recreated Victorian street, dubbed Kirkgate after the museum’s founder, complete with horse and cart, costumed guides and cobblestones. Though opening as a museum in 1938, the site on which it stands holds an important place in York’s history."

"I didn’t feel this one captured the interest of my two young children as much as some of the other attractions mentioned but I think older children would get more out of it. Neither the less there were bits that my two enjoyed. One area was the play area but I felt this area could be improved compared to the quality of play areas in the other museums."

"Pairings is a relaxed wine bar with impressive sharing boards, charcuterie platters and small plates to match the accessible wine flights and list. The tapas include whole basil burrata, Iberico Bellota ham and a cheeseboard. Save room for the chocolate and wine pairing for dessert."

"What’s on the menu – Choose from an amazing array of wine from across the world, Yorkshire and Spanish deli platters, olives, pork pies, Spanish pork scratchings and a whole range of cheese."

"Located in a historic, listed building on Vicar Lane, The luxurious Ivy Victoria Quarter is situated within the Victoria Quarter arcade. Open seven days a week, the restaurant offers breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, light snacks and dinner, as well as astonishingly good cocktails (we had a few – for research purposes, of course). Every part of The Ivy is thoroughly Instagrammable, from the two terraces and beautiful bar, to the restaurant and possibly the prettiest loos I’ve ever seen!"

"What: For a brunch that never fails to feel a little bit special, you can never go wrong with the Ivy. Leeds' outpost is found in the city's Victoria quarter and features all the traditional Ivy touches including brightly coloured décor and modern art a plenty. The weekend brunch menu doesn't just cover the standards such as eggs royale served with chips, but also drifts into more lunchy territory too.Where: Vicar Lane, LS1 6BB"

"Combining bold and beautiful decor with a fine dining experience, The Ivy is delivering the goods from its Victoria Quarter abode. Whether you're after an exquisite cocktail, a leisurely weekend brunch or a bottle of delicious wine, this is the place to do it."

"The Ivy is a place for celebration, champagne and cherished ones. What to have: You can’t go wrong with much here, but look out for the tuna carpaccio with citrus ponzu dressing, and the apple tart fine, flambeed tableside. Sumptuous, bright, and tasteful décor ensure The Ivy is easily recognisable wherever you are."

"The Ivy York do a Saturday and Sunday Brunch (and bank holidays). The restaurant itself is a beautiful art deco inspired space. With options like Truffle Arancini, Zucchini fritti, Eggs Benedict and Avocado Benedict, as well as Hot Buttermilk Pancakes for those (like me) with a sweet tooth!"

"Based a matter of minutes away from the River Ouse in the charming North Yorkshire city of York, this outpost of the Ivy offers everything you’ve come ..."