Historic Sites in Kirk Smeaton

"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."

"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."

"You can send the day with friends lying on the grass in the beautiful park that surrounds the abbey,.or join of the numerous events organised there, like “Feast & Fiesta“, on May 11th.Abbey Rd, Leeds LS5 3"

"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."

"Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage"

"With breathtaking views of York, Clifford’s tower is an important stop off for anyone new to the city. Originally part of York Castle, the tower was built by William the Conqueror and has been used as both a prison and a royal mint."

"Grandeur is the order of the day at Temple Newsam, with a huge stately home dominating the impressive grounds to the east of the city, which were initially designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The gorgeous gardens are impressive enough by themselves, but you can also entertain the little ones with a trip to Home Farm or the brand new Go Ape course for the adventurous ones among you!"

"Abbey House promises to take you back in time to the Victorian Era with its recreated Victorian streets and residents wandering around in Victorian dress. Visit Stephen Harding Gate for the 19th century equivalent to a modern high streetoffering you a unique shopping experience and, after some retail therapy, stop off at the Hark to Rover Inn to grab a pint at a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house. Explore the social division of the poor and rich as you experience life both in poverty and as a rich pawnbroker in the residential districts."

"Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. If your children struggle to imagine life without tablets, iPhone games or a PlayStation to keep them entertained, then a trip to Abbey House Museum should prove an eye-opening experience."

"The Abbey House Museum, once the Great Gate House to Kirkstall Abbey, contains meticulously reconstructed shops and houses that evoke Victorian Leeds, plus rotating exhibitions mostly aimed at kids."

"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."

"Explore one of the original National Trust properties at York’s Treasurer’s House, an opulent and eclectic 2-story mansion set amid landscaped gardens that has a fascinating history spanning 2,000 years. Highlights include the period rooms replete with historical artifacts, including a Queen Anne bedspread and a blown-glass chandelier, as well as the allegedly haunted cellars."

"You can find this National Trust Property behind York Minster, this fine 17th Century house was once home to the treasurer's of York Minster. Join a guided tour of Treasurer's House and see over four Centuries of the elegant interior. If you go on the ghost walks in York this is one of the key stops on route!"

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"This much-beloved watering hole is the sister bar to one of Leeds’ oldest pub, Whitelocks. Whilst the former is the place to head for the more classic ales, Turks Head is the more modern choice, with a plethora of interesting craft ales, gins, and cocktails. The beer garden which sits in the alleyway just off Briggate is lively and atmospheric all year round, with plenty of seating, and canopies with heaters for those unpredictable British summer days."

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"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."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."

"Leeds’ famed shopping arcades are not just a place to stroll around and shop. They do represent the city’s cultural institution and have stood to represent the city’s growth as well. Thornton’s Arcade was opened in 1878, and is named after Charles Thornton, the proprietor of The Old White Swan Inn and the City Varieties."

"This one-stop shop sells everything skaters need for their set-up plus big-name and local brand apparel. Where:10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, LS1. Shop online at:welcomeleeds.com"

"Crown Point Shopping Park is a fun place to visit if you are looking to unwind and have a leisurely trip to shop or dine. This is also a go-to place to complete your errands and buy some essentials that you need at home or your office. Housing a wealth of shops from drugstore, gadgets and appliance store, furniture, pet store, toy store, clothing shop, optician and travel and tour agency, they certainly offer comprehensive solutions to the different needs that you may have."

"Just on the south side of Leeds, Crown Point is the closest retail park to the city centre. It’s a great place to visit, with a variety of well-known names lined up for you to explore. Book a holiday at Tui, browse the Wren Kitchens showroom and see how you stand up to the pester power of your kids when you take them along to Smyths Toy Superstore."

"A Leeds fixture for decades, St Johns has three entrances, two levels and is home to the Post Office and Poundland. Step inside and you’ll find over thirty eateries and shops, the location making it an ideal spot to pick up some essentials or something to eat during your lunch break if you work nearby. Get your nails refreshed at Magic Nails, your eyebrows threaded at Browline and grab a culture fix at the branch of HMV on the lower floor."

"Though it is not creating as much loud as other shopping centres in Leeds, St Johns Centre has been serving its regular segment of customers for many generations. It established in the year 1985 and now possesses more than 30 stores spread across two floors. St Johns Centre features few of the famous brands like Poundland, Card Factory, Stampede and Taco Bell."

"Four miles west of the city centre, on the banks of the River Aire is this wetland nature reserve. With a lagoon, scrubland, wet grassland and reed beds it's a great place to stroll and spot waterfowl, birds of prey and other nature. Access it via Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP."

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"Catch is a modern fish restaurant with a menu of tasty classics and creative twists. Of course, you can get all your battered favourites to takeaway – their whopping king-sized haddock fillet is a must-try for all fish & chip fiends – but they also do a medley of more refined seafood dishes in the restaurant. Expect plates of crisp tempura tiger prawns, aromatic monkfish curries and smoky seafood grills."