Historic Sites in Barwick in Elmet

"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."

"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."

"Ruined but prideful, forgotten but known, beautifully neglected — Kirkstall Abbey is a lot of things to a lot of people. This gorgeous piece of historic …"

"Family friendly York Castle Museum is centrally situated near Coppergate Shopping Centre – green signs direct you to the ‘Castle Area’. Collections of Costume and Textiles, Military and Social History and a collection on York Castle’s most famous prisoner Dick Turpin, eventually hanged in 1739, all feature in exhibitions. A favourite with children, the recreated Victorian and Georgian rooms here display historic every day items from the collection of North Yorkshire country doctor John Kirk."

"Clifford’s Tower (also known as York Castle) has been at the heart of York for many centuries now. It’s endured a fair few battles and what remains of the fortified complex that once consisted of prisons, castles and law courts, is now a ruinous castle. You can climb to the top of the tower for a small fee, where you’ll see panoramic views of the Vale of 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..."

"Head three miles out the centre to the historic Temple Newsam, it is easily accessible from the city by car, bus and Uber. Take in your surroundings in the country estate by enjoying the picturesque grounds, operational farm and extraordinary house. Uncover the many walking trails, sport facilities and there is even a GoApe here for the adrenaline junkies at an extra cost."

"Located about four miles west of Leeds in Aire Valley, Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall is in a magnificent Cistercian house built in 1152. The picturesque remains include a roofless church with a narrow choir and a ruined tower, an almost completely preserved chapterhouse, as well as a refectory, kitchen, and various other buildings. The gatehouse is now part of the Abbey House Museum with its reproduction houses, shops, and workshops illustrating life in Yorkshire through the centuries."

"You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but inside Abbey House Museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street. Explore the high street, with its traditional shops full of old artefacts, nip into the Rover Inn to see what a pub was like back in the day and even call by the undertakers for a slightly more grisly glimpse of the past. Don’t miss the Childhood Galleries where you can marvel at 19th century toys, with everything from dolls’ houses to penny slot machines."

"You can have the perfect Leeds day out at Abbey House Museum. It sits opposite Kirkstall Abbey, so you can explore the famous ruins and make the most of the handsome park it sits in, then dive into the museum. When the Abbey still stood proud, from 1152 until Henry VIII had it dissolved in the 16th century, this building was the gate house."

"In the care of the National Trust since 1930 (it was one of its first major properties), and tucked away behind the Minster, the Treasurer's House has both a lovely garden and fascinating collection of art and antiques. The name derives from it being on the site of the medieval house of the Minster's Treasurer, a post abolished at the Reformation. The present building dates from the 17th century, but had been added to with various accretions and was actually three separate houses when in 1897 it was bought by Frank Green (1861-1954)."

"Treasurer’s House is located a few metres from the York Minster and has a history spanning 2,000 years. The house features a collection of antiques including furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings. 445 metres from the Minster.Minster Yard, York, York YO1 7JL, United Kingdom"

"The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is a museum, wedding and hospitality venue, regularly hosting vintage and wedding fairs. The museum hosts collections including silver, furniture and paintings and is open during the summer months. 721 metres from the Minster.Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9XD, United Kingdom"

"The Merchant Adventurers' Hall is a restored medieval guildhall dating from the 14th century. The Great Hall is Britain's largest timber-framed building still used for its original purpose. The hall is still used by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York, now a charitable organization."

"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."

"Join us in a mouth-watering journey through York’s newest visitor attraction. Celebrate the city’s special chocolate and confectionery story; from chocolate’s roots in the Central American rainforests to our present love affair with all things sweet. Meet chocolate’s founding families; discover the stories of the people of York who made, packed, labelled and shipped chocolate to every corner of the globe."

"If you’re a chocolate addict, York’s Chocolate Story is the place for you. Discover the history of the city’s rich, chocolatey past and even learn how to make chocolate yourself. There’s also plenty of chocolate to choose from in the museum’s shop."

"Chocolate making has been a major industry in York for over 300 years. At its peak over 14,000 people worked in the town's chocolate factories. Opened in 212, York's Chocolate Story relates the history of chocolate in the city and UK as a whole."

"Part of the Jorvik group, this attraction is an introduction to archaeology for kids. It’s suitable for all ages. My toddler enjoyed the under 5’s play area on the second floor whilst my 5 year old did some stained glass painting."

"You can get meaty burgers, kebabs and curries, just like most takeaways, but it’s their meat-free menu that’s made them one of the best in Leeds. The Soya Delight pizza comes topped with roasted tofu, mushrooms, peppers and vegan cheese, or you can go for one of their curries like the Daal Tarka, a mix of lentils, onions, garlic and ginger. Grove Cafe, 133 -135 Cardigan Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1LJ."

"Grove Café is a premier cafe in Leeds that serves a wide variety of menu that contains vegetarian, vegan and halal options. Celebrating good food, they are dedicated to bringing joy through the different fine meals that they prepare from scratch. Serving the community since 1994, they guarantee that all their vegan and vegetarian meals have no traces of meat in any form and are 100% meat-free and dairy-free."

"133-135 Cardigan Road, Leeds LS6 1LJWhile not totally vegan, Grove Cafe on Cardigan Road has become a mainstay of the student vegan scene in Leeds. Serving up vegan curries, pizzas (with vegan cheese) and burgers, Gove Cafe is the place to get your favourite takeaway food, veganised."

"The Lime Tree is an independent restaurant that Specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and pride themselves on extraordinary food with unbeatable prices!. With a great takeaway menu offering vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes, there is something for everyone!. They are offering a collection or delivery service Wednesday to Sunday 5pm - 9pm and have an option of a 2-course meal deal, so don’t miss out!"

"Another small spot (it might be worth booking ahead) with mouth-watering vegetarian food, Roots & Fruits has been a favourite of vegetarians in Leeds for 25 years, tucked inside the beautiful Grand Arcade. Choose from a variety of classic dishes such as veggie lasagne, falafel or a variety of vegetarian burgers, alongside a rotating array of specials and the taste medley of the jerk jackfruit. If you’re not feeling particularly peckish, this is also a great spot to pop in for a light bite or a delicious cake and a cup of coffee."

"Roots and Fruits is a plant-based café, located in the stunning Grand Arcade in Leeds city centre. Their menu is mainly vegan but does have some vegetarian options, with fairtrade coffee accompanying their tasty food, the vast majority of which is made completely from scratch. Order a vegan or vegetarian breakfast and get a complimentary coffee or pot of tea with it."

"Since opening in March 2013, Trinity Leeds has helped the city to become one of the best retail destinations in the UK. This shopper’s paradise houses more than 120 stores like Topshop, Urban Outfitters and Apple. After all that shopping, head to Trinity Kitchen for delicious street food from all over the world, catch the latest flick at Everyman Cinema or grab a drink with a view at The Alchemist and Angelica."

"Trinity Leeds continues to wow, with its imaginative use of space and wide range of shops. There’s Lego and The Entertainer to keep the kids happy, a large Apple Store, the sweet temptations of Lindt and that’s before you’ve even got round to the fashion offering. With Urban Outfitters, Next, Hollister and Victoria’s Secret here, there’s something for everyone."

"It wouldn’t be an English city without a shopping centre that you should definitely visit while you’re on your trip. For many people who live in Leeds, and many tourists who visit, the Trinity Shopping Centre leaves an impression on them. It houses retail, dining and leisure options, as well as providing entertainment."

"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."

"One of the most exciting contemporary structures in the city is Victoria Gate, part of the Victoria Leeds shopping centre that includes a car park and a flagship John Lewis store. The £164 million development immediately captures your eye with huge diamond-shaped glass panels that cover the John Lewis building. The arcade is made up of 360,000 bricks placed in a complicated pleated pattern, and the carpark features distinctive twisted metal panels."

"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."

"Sparks is a relatively new addition to York and it has quickly become known as a local hotspot. Popular with everyone, Sparks has loads of different food spots but if you’re vegan or veggie, head straight to Donner Summer’s for kebabs, hot dogs and more."

"Spark:York is proud to always offer an eclectic mix of food and drink from around the world. Showcasing a fantastic range of local and independent businesses. Enjoy a deliciously fruity peach bellini served by the piano at Bohemian Bar."