Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Scarcroft

"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."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"You’ll find one of the biggest parks in Europe three miles north of Leeds city centre. Roundhay Park is a beautiful outdoor space that covers a massive 700 acres, with landscaped gardens, rolling parkland and two scenic lakes. It’s a great place to get back to nature, but you’ll also find a few man-made attractions here that are just as worthy of your time – think adventure playgrounds, sports pitches, tennis courts and a skate park."

"Landscaped by Capability Brown, Temple Newsam has 1,500 acres of grounds for you to explore, with stunning vistas and scenic walks. The Menagerie Ponds are one of the highlights. Each has a different personality – the first is surrounded by parkland, the second by perennials and the third by the bamboo garden."

"Another impressive country house close to the city centre, Temple Newsam may not have penguins, but its grounds are particularly lovely to walk around. Time your visit for spring to coincide with meeting the new born lambs and piglets at Home Farm. Temple Newsam | © Tim Green / Wikimedia"

"You’ll find Bear’s Den hidden away in Bradford’s historic Underground Quarter, Sunbridge Wells. This unique space is home to vibrant street food, and if you’re looking for where to eat in Bradford as a student, Bear’s Den is a must-visit. Whether you’re visiting after a night out or in between lectures, Bear’s Den is the place to be for melting grilled cheese and tasty fillings, served between slices of crusty bread – the perfect comfort food!"

"A maze of bars, shops, and cafés that looks straight out of a Harry Potter film, Sunbridge Wells is unlike anything I have ever seen!. It opened a few weeks before we arrived in Bradford, so not many people knew where it was yet. Luckily, we spotted a group of guys who were heading there and were kind enough to lead the way."

"Try their delicious ice cream and soda fountain set in a 50's diner. With an outdoor play area and play barns come rain or shine this is a fantastic day out for the whole family."

"If you love eating while shopping then Grand Arcade is a destination for you. It is a place where you will find more cafes than shops to serve your mouth-watering cuisine. This shopping destination features much local collection including handmade items, creative paintings and handicrafts that you can consider taking with you as a souvenir."

"Grand Arcade is another beautiful Grade II listed building, with a beautiful Victorian architecture consisting of arched windows and wooden floors. It is again home to lots of independent shops, such as a wedding dress shop, as well as some well-loved eateries like Zaap Thai Street Food."

"Considering its relatively small stature, the Grand Arcade definitely packs plenty in. It’s full of places to eat and drink – this is where you’ll find the hidden entrance to The Domino Club tucked away inside Lords’ Barbering, and the quaint Just Grand!"

"The city’s newest shopping centre opened in October 2016, bringing with it a medley of designer boutiques and luxurious restaurants. The landmark design mimics the city’s historic arcades, but it has its own unique style with sweeping curved shopfronts, extravagant light fixtures and a glass roof made out of 1,030 diamond shaped panels of glass set within an intricate steel structure. You’ll find the likes of Anthropologie, Hackett and Nespresso inside, along with the John Lewis’ flagship Northern store which stands at five storeys and 24,200 square foot."

"Victoria Gate isn’t just a shopping centre, it’s a landmark building with a unique design. The John Lewis store has an intricate crisscrossed pattern that gives a nod to the city’s textile heritage, while the arcade itself is adorned with an intricate pattern of 360,000 individual drawn and located bricks. Even the car park stands out with 228 twisted metal panels hiding the cars within."

"Victoria Gate shopping centre, one of Leeds’ newest additions, is a fascinating building inspired by Leeds' Victorian heritage and its historic shopping arcades. From the outside, the latticed concrete design is noticeable from miles around. Inside, there’s zigzag patterned stonework, shiny glass and plenty of beautiful natural light."