Historic Sites in Otley

"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."

"Kirkstall Abbey is a beautiful historic ruin in West Leeds that has some spectacular angles to photograph. The Abbey was founded over 800 years ago and is one of the most well preserved monasteries in the country. It’s free to step back in time into the Abbey to see the marvelous detail and architecture that it has."

"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."

"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, 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."

"With a working farm, grand mansion, tea room, gardens and woodlands to explore, Temple Newsam is worth the journey out of the city centre (around 20 minutes by car) for a scenic day out. Home Farm gives you the chance to meet the estates pigs, sheep, cattle, goats and ducks, while the Tudor-Jacobean mansion was the birthplace of notorious Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. The stately home has been restored, with rooms filled with decorative art and the secrets of past residents."

"This summer holidays Abbey House Museum will welcome some of your favourite fairy tale characters and creatures as the Victorian Streets are taken over by them!. Captain Hook has managed to stop the clocks ticking in the pub, a marvellous pumpkin patch has sprung up in the middle of the street and there are a mischief of magical mice helping Cinderella make a ball gown before the clock strikes twelve!. You can even pick up a bumper craft bag to take home filled with activities to keep the kids entertained."

"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."

"Abbey House Museum is one of those museums in Leeds which holds a number of activities for the children ranging from descriptive to interactive. This museum was short-listed for the Guardian ‘Kids in Museum family Friendly Award’ in 2011. The museum allows you to go back in time and wander in the Victorian Streets so as to see the life in 19th century Leeds."

"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."

"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."

"Located on Stonegate, this independent family-run business offers a delicious brunch and lunch menu (with great vegan and gluten-free options!), as well as coffee, tea, cakes, ice-cream, freakshakes and more for both sit in and takeaway. They have 3 themed dining rooms – the gorgeous Garden Room with flowers all over the walls and swings for seats, the luxurious Bohemian Room full of floor cushions and low tables, and the eccentric Neon Room, which is also dog friendly. Plush has some amazing and unusual ice-cream flavours to choose from."

"The most instagrammable café in York” serves up crazy and colourful desserts – and that includes ice cream!. Choose from flavours such as Black Coconut, Birthday Cake, Blue Bubblegum or why not try one of their ice cream sundaes…. 6 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS"

"Grön is all about Scandi-inspired brunch from pancakes to crab scrambled eggs on toast and banana bread – “At Grön, we’re all about #KeepingItClean. From fresh, locally sourced ingredients to organic wines from local distributors – we’re committed to delivering a great brunch or dinner, with minimum impact on the environment. With milk alternatives always free of charge and an extensive range of plant-based options, we’re vegan and vegetarian friendly."

"Headed up by Masterchef finalist Matt Healy, Grön uses fresh, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to whip up an impressive brunch offering. After their successful openings in Leeds and York, Harrogate will be their next home. Their Scandinavian inspired menu boasts dishes such as French toast with sherbert dipped strawberries, crab scrambled eggs on toast, or a sweet potato and halloumi hash with avocado, spiralized cucumber and tomatoes."

"This independent coffee shop and tearoom on Goodramgate serves up homebakes, delicious brunch dishes, great coffee and more. With many delicious treats on the window display, it will be difficult to walk past this place…"

"Independent coffee shop and tea room selling home bakes and much more. Open for takeaway and dine-in. 5C Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LJ"

"When dining with children, a lunch that feels more like a party treat might be enough to tempt even the most reticent of young foodies. Cue Crepe Affaire, where everything on offer is, you guessed it, crepe-based. There are the sweet treats, like salted caramel, Oreo, peanut butter and Nutella, but don’t miss out on the savouries."