Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Rufforth

"Kirkstall Abbey is a beautiful historic ruin in West Leeds that has some spectacular angles to photograph. The Abbey was founded over 800 years ago and is one of the most well preserved monasteries in the country. It’s free to step back in time into the Abbey to see the marvelous detail and architecture that it has."

"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"

"Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery"

"Small but perfectly formed, Clifford’s Tower offers, among other things, splendid views across the city and York Minster from its circular platform up high. It also tells an interesting tale, often referred to as York Castle, the site dates back to 1068 when William the Conqueror was busy trying to rid the north of Vikings and built a number of castles on his way. While many battles raged over the centuries (the murky Jewish massacre of 1190 cast a long shadow), York Castle’s role evolved, including stints as a prison and a royal mint."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"Within the cities of England, it’s often hard to find beautiful green locations, although they are plentiful outside of the cities. At just three miles north of Leeds City Centre you can find a whole 700 acres of rolling parkland, two clear lakes and woodland as far as the eye can see. Alongside the natural beauty of nature there are several formal gardens, and two playgrounds to keep your travelling children entertained."

"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."

"If your dog is at the spinning-in-circles level of needing to run like Usain Bolt, then Farnley Hall Park is a perfect dog-friendly spot. It’s also a particularly calm space–which is an ideal mood change when your dog is at the washing machine spin cycle stage of existence (looking at you, every waggler under the age of one!). The space used to be a deer park, though today it’s more accustomed to gatherings of dog owners; here, you’re almost guaranteed to make nice new doggy pals to charge over the grass and into the woodland with."

"This 40-acre former deer park, which is located four miles west of Leeds city centre, has a large open grassland, woodlands, formal gardens and a pond. It's accessed via Hall Lane, Farnley, LS12 5HA."

"Every year Leeds Valentine's Fair brings some thrills and spills to the Valentine's Day and the Februiary half-term holidays, with more than 70 attractions on offer. In 2020 the fair moved from it's previous base at Elland Road, next to Leeds United's ground, to Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park, Leeds. This year's fair is running now until Sunday, February 23."

"Also known simply as Hyde Park, this is the place to be for students as soon as there's an inkling of sunshine in the city. It may not be the prettiest of parks on first glance, but hundreds of people plonk themselves on the grass, crack open a beer and blast out the tunes during the summer."

"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."

"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…"

"Pitcher & Piano is a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion, and their restaurant in York is absolutely gorgeous. They’ve got some of the yummiest brunch dishes around, too – how does a brunch burger or a baked Moroccan breakfast sound to you?. For £28 per person, you get one of their amazing dishes as well as two whole hours of bottomless prosecco, bellinis, mimosas, Aperol spritzes and pints of Amstel, which is a great selection!"

"El Piano, tucked away in the historic Grape Lane, is wholly gluten-free and plant-based. That doesn’t mean it’s restricted menu by any stretch, as a 5-year winner of Visit York’s Tourism Award will attest to. With over two decades behind them, the El Piano team also run a regular cooking school and a B&B just in case you were keen to really immerse yourself in the world of veggie and vegan cookery."

"Pitcher and Piano offer a bottomless brunch, “Welcoming you from day to night with a sophisticated escape suited for every occasion. Whether it’s bubbles over brunch or a relaxed Sunday roast, after work drinks or a night to remember – each of our bars has been carefully crafted to bring you something wonderfully unique.” Pre-bookings only. Available Saturday & Sunday until 2pm."

"It serves Sardinian cuisine made from fresh ingredients, typical of the island. The chef creates extraordinary dishes with brilliant presentations. Address : Acomb Wood Dr, Woodthorpe, York YO24 3XN, UK"

"Whether you’re going for the energy of the open kitchen, or simply to have some great food and drinks, there’s fun for all the family at Gino’s. Spot the historic landmarks from the outside rooftop terrace as the sun sets over Harrogate, while you ponder over the generous menu options. Be quick, this place fills up fast when the sun makes an appearance."

"03/05/2021: We waited over an hour for our meals to arrive.Our steaks were hopelessly overcooked, dried up and looked like leather. Our granddaughter aged 7 asked me where her meatballs were - there were none at all. One star to acknowledge that they replaced the food and only charged for drinks I wish them luck for the future"

"Some say the Italian aperitivo is a way of life in Italy, the type of dining that the world envies. What’s better than a daily ritual of cocktails and wines with spuntini platters?"

"A family-owned restaurant on Wellington Place boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food. Reviewers praised staff for their service. A perfect date night treat"

"Explore Leeds for longer and Be Our Guest as some of the city’s top hotels offer three nights for the price of two this summer."

"The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ - Visit now. Housed in the 1931 art deco headquarters of the Joshua Tetley & Son brewery, The Tetley opened in 2013 and has sat at the very epicentre of the Leeds art scene ever since."

"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."

"It is housed in 18th century prison buildings, built over the original Norman castle. The diverse collection of exhibits includes cells from the original prison, a recreated Victorian street (Kirkgate) and a children's toy collection. There's also a homage to the Sixties with exhibits covering counterculture, fashion, music, sport, and women's liberation."

"This excellent museum has displays of everyday life through the centuries, with reconstructed domestic interiors, a Victorian street and a prison cell where you can try out a condemned man's bed – and it could be..."