Historic Sites in RSPCA Leeds Wakefield & District

"Grade I listed Kirkstall Abbey sits in leafy grounds and offers a snapshot into the lives of the monks who resided there. Entry to the dramatic ruins is free through the visitor centre, which illustrates the history of the abbey, which was surrendered to Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. The abbey grounds also host regular farmers markets, open cinema events and Christmas fairs."

"Located just a short distance out of the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is beautifully preserved, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through the ruins. The abbey is located beside the River Aire, making it the perfect starting point for a relaxing stroll by the water. Kirkstall Abbey | © Minda / Wikimedia"

"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."

"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."

"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..."

"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."

"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!"

"Landscaped by Capability Brown, Temple Newsam has 1,500 acres of grounds for you to explore, with stunning vistas and scenic walks. The Menagerie Ponds are one of the highlights. Each has a different personality – the first is surrounded by parkland, the second by perennials and the third by the bamboo garden."

"You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but inside Abbey House Museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street. Explore the high street, with its traditional shops full of old artefacts, nip into the Rover Inn to see what a pub was like back in the day and even call by the undertakers for a slightly more grisly glimpse of the past. Don’t miss the Childhood Galleries where you can marvel at 19th century toys, with everything from dolls’ houses to penny slot machines."

"Harewood House, seat of the Earl of Harewood, is a magnificent Georgian country house that took 30 years to build and was completed in 1771. Just eight miles north of Leeds, this spectacular home has interiors designed by Robert Adam and includes fine wall and ceiling paintings by Angelika Kauffmann and furniture by renowned English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. As well as an outstanding collection of porcelain, it has a large number of valuable works by the likes of Reynolds, Gainsborough, and El Greco."

"Situated within “capability” Brown designed landscape, this historic Georgian property offers breathtaking views from its terraces. Inside the house, you can see rare Chippendale furniture and exquisite interior designs in the State Rooms. Also, do take out time to explore the corridors Below Stairs."

"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."

"Many of Britain’s most well recognised historical figures were born in Yorkshire, and the Brontë sisters are no exception. Kept inside their old house in Haworth, the Passage Museum contains the largest collection of their manuscripts, letters and other writings anywhere in the world. A true beacon of literary history."

"This guildhall in the city of York was one of the most important buildings in the medieval city. The majority of the Hall was built in 1357 by a group of influential men and women who came together to form a religious fraternity called the Guild of Our Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The main part of the building consists of the Great Hall, the Undercroft and the Chapel."

"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."

"St George’s Hall, Bradford, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1JT - Visit now. Bradfords flagship music venue, St Georges Hall has been bring the best touring talent to Bradford since the 19th Century."

"When the queues for Betty’s are just too long (and when aren’t they?) head over to Mama Doreen’s for a (we say better) alternative. Vintage chic is everywhere, and in amongst all that are rows upon rows of sweetshop-style jars and what Doreen’s dubs “proper Yorkshire cupcakes”. The Emporium’s an afternoon tea spot, but that doesn’t mean they’ve neglected their coffee."

"Popular Harrogate tearoom, Mama Doreens Emporium, announced on Tuesday it will be closing its eating area in line with Government guidelines. The James Street business will still be open for takeaway options and will now be offering an alternative afternoon tea service, delivered direct to customers doors."