Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Guiseley

"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."

"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."

"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"

"With over 700 acres of paw-pounding space, Roundhay Park is one of the UK’s largest urban green spaces–making it a top hit among dog owners in Leeds. Its asset is the variety of terrain: there’s open space for ball-chucking, woodland trails rich in sniffing opportunities (because sometimes a good boy needs more than bottoms), Waterloo Lake for hot-day dips, a steep climb up to the castle if a proper calf-stretch is required, plus the ‘secret gorge walk’–a 2.7km route to find a beautiful hidden waterfall. Look out for dog-themed events, too, such as the Yorkshire Dachshund Group’s annual Christmas sausage walk."

"This park, which is four miles northeast of Leeds city centre, offers 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woodland and gardens. If it's really cold you can warm up in the indoor Tropical World, which has butterflies, birds, reptiles and even meerkats, or the early 19th century Mansion House which has a cafe. The car park is accessible via Wetherby Road, LS8 2JZ."

"This 700-acre park is a firm favourite with local families, who flock to its open green space and two huge lakes on a sunny day. It’s the biggest park in Leeds and one of the biggest in Europe, so there’s plenty of space for outdoor activities with the kids. They can play tennis, let run wild at the playground, or enjoy a picnic in the landscaped gardens."

"Just below Tropical World are the beautiful Canal Gardens which again, despite being in the area many times exploring Roundhay Park I had never noticed before I ran past them during a lockdown run. I came back again a couple of weeks later with my new tripod (best purchase!!!) to photograph them. In Spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom in this peaceful place."

"Just a 20 minute drive from Leeds city centre is St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. A huge country park with abundant wildlife and over 12 kilometres of trails to walk or cycle along. Admire lakes, woodland and plenty of fresh air, as you spot roe deer, skylarks and owls."

"This wetland on the fringes of Leeds is a birdwatcher's paradise and also a top place for a gentle walk. It's off Astley Lane, Swillington."

"Pop over to RSPB St. Aidan's and see what you can spot through your binocs ( also known as binoculars!)"

"The Greenhouse offers a completely vegan all-day brunch menu. Take a seat in this leafy cafe and pore over a menu of tasty treats, made using the best local produce. You can go healthy with Hummus, Avocado and Cherry Tomato on artisan bread, or indulge in their Fluffy Pancake Stack, which comes smothered in maple syrup and seasonal fruit or chocolate sauce and chopped nuts."

"Head a little out of Leeds City Centre to Horsforth’s Town Street to visit The Greenhouse. Its a 100% vegan cafe, serving vegan bowls, breakfasts, and hot drinks in a locally sourced & seasonally changing menu."

"145 Briggate, Leeds LS1 6BRBella Italia has offered family-friendly Italian-style dining in the UK since the early ’90s. With the option to filter their online menu for vegan dishes, Bella Italia make it easy to eat out with a crowd."

"Located in prime position on Briggate, Bella Italia should already be on your radar. And if it isn’t, why on earth not?. The food is surprisingly good and the service merits a gold star."

"Shambles Market is a long-established outdoor city centre market open 7 days a week selling local produce, crafts & clothing, as well as serving up some impressive lunchtime street food. Enjoy a slice of authentic Italian homemade pizza from Pizzoli’s or pick out a tasty pastry from Café M and watch the world go by. If you’re on a health kick and need some fast healthy food, look no further, KERP serves up some of the freshest produce around."

"Next to The Shambles street, there is also The Shambles market. It’s full of local goods to take home and delicious treats to taste as well. The buildings that surround this market are pretty amazing and my favourite has to be Gert and Henry’s Pub (I know, another black and white timbered building, but they’re just so photogenic!)."

"Spark:York is a place that looks and feels like no other venue in York. It’s a vibrant, relaxed place to eat and drink, with kids or without, and a good option if you’d like a range of food and drink to choose from and take away (or eat there). There’s a changing rota of pop-up bars and restaurants, but if you imagine craft ales, edgy cocktails and some of the best street food in town, you’re not too far from the mark."

"Spark is a relatively new addition to the city of York but it’s certainly one that’s been welcomed with open arms (at least by me). Offering a vast selection of different cuisines, as well as gorgeous seating areas and unique shipping containers disguised as shops and food stalls, Spark is a great place to grab some pictures."

"Perhaps one of the most unique establishments in York – Spark is a vibrant hub of some of the best food and drink in the city. With large benches on the lower and upper floors, this venue is the perfect place to grab and go, or to spend an evening with a few friends and drinks."

"If anyone is in need of a curry fix, the first place in mind to visit Fo’Sho would be Bradford!. It has been named the curry capital of the UK. Who would think of going for an afternoon tea with jam n’ cream scones in the heart of Bradford!"