Historic Sites in Lower Dunsforth

"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."

"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"

"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."

"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."

"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."

"Clifford’s Tower is another one of the cities most famous attractions. Whilst taking photos from outside of the tower is completely free of charge, ticket fees do apply if you wish to go inside. Once inside, you can check out some great views of York from the top."

"As this attraction was once short-listed for the Museum Family Friendly Award you can expect just that from it. It contains crafted sets, made to look like the enchanting streets, shops and houses that you would have seen during the Victorian era. You can interact with all of the actors in traditional Victorian costumes, or even sneak into a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house if you’re in need of a little rest."

"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."

"Just a short drive from the city center you can find the York Cold War Bunker which is unlike any of the other historic attractions in the area. Wonderfully well-preserved, it dates to 1961 and is the only Royal Observer Corps bunker of its kind that you can take tours around. Once one of around thirty such sites in the UK, it was in this semi-subterranean two-storey bunker that members of the Corps and a scientific warning team would have sheltered in the event of a nuclear war."

"The York Cold War Bunker has to be one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Tucked down a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’ll find the inconspicuous entrance through an industrial-looking bomb-proof door. Go past the decontamination room, and down to the control centre, dormitory, and staff room where, for more than 30 years, this place hummed with activity, staffed by volunteers ready to map and manage the fallout from a nuclear blast."

"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."

"Stately homes may be two a penny in England, but you'll have to try pretty damn hard to find one as breathtakingly stately as Castle Howard, a work of theatrical grandeur and audacity set in the rolling Howardian Hills. This is one of the world's most beautiful buildings, instantly recognisable from its starring role in the 1980s TV series Brideshead Revisited and in the 2008 film of the same name (both based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel of nostalgia for the English aristocracy)."

"Standing in the Howardian Hills to the west of Malton, Castle Howard is an outstanding example of English baroque, with a distinctive…"

"The south-facing roof terrace at Issho is the perfect setting to enjoy dinner and drinks. They’ve created a cosy hideaway, complete with heaters, an awning that covers the entire terrace when needed and sensational views, where you can enjoy the very best in Japanese cuisine, outdoors. Their a la carte menu is designed for sharing, so you can try a bit of everything – start with katsu chicken baos, before you move onto spicy tuna rolls, seabass nigiri and miso lamb cutlets."

"Swapping the top of Trinity for the top of the pristine Victoria Gate, we have Japanese rooftop restaurant Issho. The décor is simple but stylish, making for a beautiful spot to grab some sushi rolls or sip on an ice-cold Asahi. If you’re not a fan of beer, they also offer spirits, or a healthier alternative in green tea!"

"Step away from the soggy meal deal sandwich, and head to MEATLiquor for a real feed, with a lunch deal available during the week that gives you any burger, fries and a soda for a tenner. Mon-Fri, 12-5pm, £10"

"Yes, I’m aware it’s a chain but Byron burgers are too elite not to mention. Consistency is key from chains and I can confirm that ordering Byron to your uni house does just that. There is the odd occasion where the chips aren’t awfully crispy upon arrival, but just pop them back in the oven and complain to Deliveroo and you’ve got yourself a fiver."

"‘The best burger on the high street’ & other superlatives are regularly tossed in the direction of Byron Hamburgers, the chain that eve ..." Read our full review"

"9A Lands Lane, Leeds LS1 6AWOn the corner of Land’s Lane & Albion Place, Byron Burger offera tasty vegan burger option."

"Passionate about Yorkshire, its farmers and local producers; Fodder, a Yorkshire farm shop and cafe, supports and sells the very best. If you’re looking for the perfect place to take the family for breakfast or lunch, Fodder offers fabulous locally sourced food that the whole family can enjoy. Specialists in organic, fresh and Yorkshire produce, the menu at Fodder serves up a little bit of everything."

"Located on the Great Yorkshire Showground, Fodder is an enterprising, state-of-the-art showcase for regional food and drink, and makes a splendid spot ..." Read our full review"