Historic Sites in Upper Dunsforth

"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."

"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."

"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."

"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..."

"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."

"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 entertaining Abbey House Museum is contained in the gatehouse of the picturesque, ruined Kirkstall Abbey, dating from 1152. Abbey House allows visitors to walk around the streets of 1880s Leeds, while the upstairs section features galleries detailing the history of Kirkstall Abbey and the social history of the area. The museum has won awards for being family-friendly and fun for children."

"Experience life in a cold war bunker and discover the history of the volunteers who would have played a vital role in ensuring Britain could withstand a nuclear attack. Through a one hour guided tour, you’ll learn about this recent period in British history and how the people of York prepared for the threat of nuclear war."

"In the secluded valley of the River Rye about 3 miles west of Helmsley, amid fields and woods loud with birdsong, stand the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey (ree-voh). The extensive remains give a wonderful sense of the size and complexity of the community that once lived here, and their story is fleshed out in a series of fascinating exhibits in a new museum. There's also a cafe with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace from which to gawp at the ruins."

"Located between Leeds and Wetherby, Bramham Park is the site of the iconic Leeds Festival which occurs every August bank holiday weekend. If you don’t hold tickets to the festival, visit during the rest of the year to explore the 18th Century manor house and its sprawling grounds."

"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 ."

"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 Corn Exchange is a beautiful Victorian building that sits on Call Lane (one of Leeds bustling nightlife areas) in the heart of the city centre. The building was used for trading corn into the 1950s and beyond but popularity began to decline. In 2008 the Corn Exchange was reopened as a place for independent retailers (there’s come lovely boutique shops to look around as well as cafes) that we know today!"

"One of the most notable landmarks in Leeds is also one of the most impressive buildings. The Corn Exchange, designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, has been at the centre of the city for more than 150 years. A key trading post in its heyday, the façade of this dominating circular building is certainly impressive with its many windows, sandstone base and iron-crested dome."

"This magnificent, Grade 1 listed building first opened its doors in 1864 to corn traders. Marvel at the independent eateries and retailers and if you are lucky they will have one of their exciting events happening. For example, the Rum Festival or if you visit in October experience art in the dark at Light Night Leeds."

"If it’s big designer names you’re after, head to the Victoria Quarter. Not only is it packed full of fabulous designer boutiques like Vivienne Westwood, Reiss and Ted Baker, but it’s also one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. Look up and you’ll see the biggest stained glass roof in Britain – made by renowned artist Brian Clarke, it’s just one of the many standout features that make this a unique shopping destination."

"The city is blessed with a number of gorgeous shopping arcades, the sorts of places that encourages as much photography as they do commerce, and Victoria Leeds …"

"Proving the best baked goods don’t always have to be sweet, this independent sandwich bakery serves the most delicious selection of Italian breads, which are all handcrafted on site. Rotating more than 200 fillings, you’ll be sure to find a lunch time snack here that you won’t forget in a hurry. Visit: 164 Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9HB"

"Every year Leeds Valentine's Fair brings some thrills and spills to the Valentine's Day and the Februiary half-term holidays, with more than 70 attractions on offer. In 2020 the fair moved from it's previous base at Elland Road, next to Leeds United's ground, to Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park, Leeds. This year's fair is running now until Sunday, February 23."

"Covering 27 hectares, with seven tree-lined paths taking you into the centre, Woodhouse Moor is one of the finest parks in Leeds. John Atkinson created it for the residents of Woodhouse Square in 1840 and it became a public green space in 1905. It’s a popular spot with walkers, picnickers and skaters, but that’s not the only reason to go."

"If it’s big designer names you’re after, head to the Victoria Quarter. Not only is it packed full of fabulous designer boutiques like Vivienne Westwood, Reiss and Ted Baker, but it’s also one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. Look up and you’ll see the biggest stained glass roof in Britain – made by renowned artist Brian Clarke, it’s just one of the many standout features that make this a unique shopping destination."

"The city is blessed with a number of gorgeous shopping arcades, the sorts of places that encourages as much photography as they do commerce, and Victoria Leeds …"

"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…"