Historic Sites in Pontefract

"Kirkstall abbey is a well-preserved medieval abbey which has stunning architecture and some great ruins. It is set in parkland and it is the perfect place for a walk. There is also an outdoor deli market where you can try some delicious food, such as a hot spiced wine or a fresh stonebaked pizza, or buy an artisan gift for your friends."

"It’s not just about shops and bars, there’s plenty of beautiful outdoor places in Leeds to photograph. Make sure you take the time to head slightly out of the city centre and visit Kirkstall Abbey to wander around the old ruins and capture amazingly atmospheric photos. Time your visit for a misty day for the best photo opportunities."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"As one of the Treasure Houses of England, you know you’re in for a treat at Harewood House. The 18th century building is impressive to behold, set amongst 100 acres of beautiful landscaping, and it’s just as good inside, where you’ll find a huge collection of art, including the works of JMW Turner, Joshua Reynolds and El Greco. Wait, there’s more – they also have an adventure playground, bird garden and farm at Harewood, making this the perfect choice for family days out."

"Harewood House is a grandiose 18th-century country home, set in stunning gardens – and it’s full of art. The watercolours are at the heart of their extensive collection – they have paintings by the likes of JMW Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Varley. You can also see temporary exhibitions by modern artists, works by masters of the Italian Renaissance and family portraits by the likes of Reynolds, Hopper and Lawrence."

"This place is genuinely spectacular, with lots of history to discover. It was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy plantation owner Edwin Lascelles. Since then, it’s not lost any of its splendour, with members of the Royal Family even living here in years gone by."

"Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Fossgate is one of the finest medieval guild halls in existence. A fascinating museum also available for weddings and events (great vintage fairs take place here), the venue’s centrepiece is the Great Hall where medieval merchants once gathered. A collection on display inside includes a range of fine silver, paintings and furniture."

"York's most impressive semi-timbered building is still owned by the fraternity that built it almost 650 years ago and it is the oldest surviving guildhall of its kind in Britain. The owner was originally a..."

"Veggies don’t have to miss out on a good old fashioned chippy tea, thanks to JJ’s Vish and Chips. There’s no actual fish on the menu, instead, you can try deep-fried fillets of Tofish, made from tofu, or Vish, made from banana blossom. But that’s just the start, because they do meat-free versions of all the classics, including Sosage, Scam-pi and Fricken Nuggets."

"Chippy food can often be pretty boring when you’re veggie or vegan. You’re sort of limited to chips and a veggie burger if you’re lucky. Well, that’s about to change for you, as at JJ’s the entire menu is vegan friendly."

"Regrann from @theveganmcr – Texas jack hotdog @fat_annies @grubmcr #veganmanchester #vegan #vegans #plantpower #plantpowered #veganfood #veganfoodie #veganlunch #veganpower #veganlife #veganism #vegangirl #veganbreakfast #veganeats #veganlove #plantbased #plantbaseddiet. A post shared by Fat Annie's (@fat_annies) on Jul 31, 2018 at 11:34am PDT. Fat Annie’s lives in the Food Hall of the wholesome Kirkgate Market."

"When it comes to hot dogs, there’s only one place you need to visit – Fat Annie’s. They’ve been cooking up brilliant bangers since 2014 and they’re really ruddy good at it. The Classic is a locally made pork and beef dog, but if you fancy mixing it up a little you’ve got options, like The Cheese One, which is a Big Melt sausage, with pork, beef, bacon, garlic and cheese."

"Our Italian restaurant serves tasty, authentic dishes from pizza, pasta and risotto to salads and indulgent desserts – all in a uniquely designed restaurant. Our Italian menu also includes Vegan and Vegetarian options and we also offer takeaway on Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats. 2 Lendal, York, YO1 8AA"

"Nationwide Italian chain Zizzi is not exactly the last word in cutting-edge culinary cool, but it’s been quick off the mark to introduce some hot ..." Read our full review"

"Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa is a stylish getaway that is well insulated and keeps the noise of the bustling city of Leeds out. The hotel creates a homely and elegant atmosphere with lush landscaping, a charming atrium courtyard where you can find fresh-baked goods, and guest rooms with neutral colours and upscale furniture. As its name suggests, this hotel offers one of the best spa and wellness treatments in Leeds with fantastic facilities such as a massive indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and fitness club."

"Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa is a modern take on a luxury spa, just outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Its location is ideal for those looking for a quiet break, and with packages such as the Escape available, including a night in the hotel, full access to the spa, complimentary meals and a taster treatment, you’ll experience a little piece of heaven in the heart of Leeds. All visitors receive access to the fitness centre too."

"This upmarket modern hotel, close to the M1 and five miles east of central Leeds, stands out for its creative dining and its extensive health and wellbeing facilities. The latter include a large swimming pool, a well-equipped gym and high-quality treatments using ESPA and Natura Bisse products."