Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Sutton on the Forest

"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."

"Kirkstall Abbey has a wooly great summer of sheep themed activities in the abbey!. Cistercians loved their sheep and they Kirkstall Abbey will celebrate that fact with a baa-tastic trail. Pick up or download a trail to find the whole flock and discover the different types of sheep that the UK call home."

"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"

"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."

"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."

"One of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park sprawls over more than 700 acres and welcomes more than a million visitors each year. Four miles (or an 18-minute car journey) from the city centre, the park offerd lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes, two playgrounds and Tropical World. There is also the grand Mansion, now an event space for weddings and corporate events."

"If you’re craving green space, head to one of the largest city parks in Europe to spend an afternoon walking the dog or simply sunbathing on one of the many lawns. Roundhay Park is a popular spot all year round with a variety of lakes, meadows and forests to walk around and explore. Roundhay Park | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia | © Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia"

"No matter where you’re staying in York, you won’t go far without tripping over a historical landmark or three, from Roman ruins to a whole street full of well-preserved medieval buildings.York Minster is a spectacle to behold. So big it even has its own police force, it’s spectacular from the outside, but inside its sheer size and scale are jaw-dropping - in fact the Leaning Tower of Pisa would fit inside the central tower. Go on one of the guided tours to get an insight into this iconic building or simply take stock of the stained glass."

"Completed in 1840, the Grade I-listed building was designed by Joseph Bonomi the Younger and takes its architectural inspiration from Ancient Egypt. The smaller building, with its imposing facade, was based on the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the larger factory, once the biggest single room in the world, was inspired by the Typhonium at Dendera. It played a major role in the industrial revolution in Leeds, and now it’s set to be given a new lease of life as the home of British Library North."

"A ‘one-of-a-kind’ indeed, Temple Works was completed way back in 1840 after designer Joseph Bonomi relied a lot on Ancient Egyptian for the architecture. The smaller building was based on Temple of Horus at Edfu, while Typhonium inspired the larger factory at Dendera. The industrial revolution saw a prominent role that the building played since then and is currently, vacant."

"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"A train station may seem like an unusual location to describe as ‘Instagrammable’ but York train station is far from ordinary. The beautiful building is home to some stunning pieces of architectural work, as well as modern film interest!. The bridge that connects the platforms at York train station is actually the one that Harry and Hagrid walk over in the first Harry Potter film!"

"Kerala Restaurant is highly reputed for the tasty and authentic South Indian cuisine that they serve to all their customers and guests. Welcoming all individuals and groups even people with special dietary requirements, they serve a wide variety of dishes that would certainly whet your appetite and fit the needs and preferences that you have. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes so better check their menu and order the one that is tempting your palate."

"the service was super friendly, it made sure you had a great time and got everything you need, not so expensive and a fair price especially since the food was AMAZING!. the food was great, seriously it was like a dream come true, it was heaven and the food was just the best part. the interior was gorgeous and it had a nice calming aesthetic, the menu had a lot of food and drinks and the day we went they had “no pizza” but it didn’t bug us and we ordered some other delicious food!"

"Zizzi restaurants are passionate about simple Italian cookery. Whether it's pizza or pasta, salads or risotto, or carne and pesce (meat and fish), each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients - from the popular classics to Zizzi's own…"

"Once one of the richest abbeys in the North of England, St. Mary’s used to rival York Minster in terms of its size and splendor. Nowadays, its extensive and impressive ruins are protected as part of the York Museum Gardens that lie just on the edge of the city center. Founded in 1088, the abbey prospered for centuries until Henry VIII’s edict in 1536 that dissolved and disbanded monasteries, priories and convents."

"Once the richest abbey in the north of England, St Mary's lies in what are now the York Museum Gardens, on a steeply-sloping site to the west of York Minster. The abbey dates back to 1086 and over time became the wealthiest monastery in northern England before it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Over the next 200 years, it fell into disrepair and was largely dismantled for its stone."

"The park also serves as a romantic backdrop to St. Mary’s Abbey… or what’s left of it. The monastery was first built in 1088 and was among the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. In the 1530s King Henry VIII banned all monasteries in England in 1530s and St. Mary’s gradually fell into the medieval ruins you can see today."

"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…"