Top 10 Free Things To Do 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."

"The Victoria Quarter of Leeds is a series of Victorian shopping arcades whose opulent style and extravagance have led them to house some of the most expensive retail stores in Leeds. The County Arcade is perfect for an Instagram shot with its wonderful mosaic floor, gilt designs and marble columns…"

"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."

"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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Clark used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Bingley Five-Rise Locks is a staircase lock, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal of Bingley. As the name infers, a vessel going through the lock is lifted or brought down in five phases."

"La Cour Brasserie is a Parisian-style bistro, known for its classy decor, attentive service and scrumptious food. They serve up a menu of French inspired dishes using the best local produce – think boeuf bourguignon, duck in caramelised port sauce and moules marinières, with a host of tempting desserts to boot. La Cour Brasserie, 194 New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4DP."

"This pop-up French restaurant that takes over Le Chalet’s tearoom every Friday and Saturday night. It specialises in two very specific French delicacies. You can melt raclette over potatoes, charcuterie and cornichons or dip French bread into a molten pot of Emmental, Brie and Gruyère fondue."

"The Tetley is a gallery like no other as a former brewery that’s now become three floors of art and workshops. They showcase emerging artists and show their work to a wider audience, from cool prints to boundary-pushing, immersive installations. Over the years, they’ve presented work by the likes of Jonathan Trayte, Joseph Buckley and Dora García, as well as big shows that sees local artists come together to collaborate."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chemical Engineer used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Just south of the city center in Leeds is where you’ll find The Tetley. This modern art gallery opened in late 2013 and stands on the former Tetley’s Brewery."

"Tetley Brewery's defunct 1930s offices have been converted into a contemporary-arts venue with a restaurant and pub on the ground floor, spilling out onto an outdoor terrace. Upstairs the old meeting rooms have..."

"The Georgian-style Mansion House in York is the home of the city's Lord Mayors during their term in office. This is the earliest purpose-built house of this sort still in use – it predates the Mansion House in London by at least 20 years. The foundation stone for the building was laid in 1725, and it was completed seven years later, in 1732."

"Silver Vase is the stand out Chinese takeaway in Chapel Allerton. They don’t reinvent the rulebook, it’s just classic dishes done well. Start with Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings, Prawn Toast or Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup, before you choose from a heaving menu of mains."

"Considered by many to be the best curry house in the area, Shimla Spice has an excellent reputation. Opened by three brothers in 1998, each with vast amounts of experience, the restaurant was an instant success and remains one of Keighley’s favourite places to eat. They have since gone on to open two other branches – one in Burnley and one in Shipley."