Must See Sights and Landmarks in Bishop Thornton Area

"Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey on the bank of the River Aire is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. Its dramatic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and provided the perfect setting for Yorkshire’s Gothic Film Festival in 2013."

"Few locations can top the spectacular backdrop offered by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and with 24 hectares of parkland surrounding it, you can enjoy a romantic stroll before asking that all important question."

"The tower stands high next to York Castle Museum with views over York. Clifford's Tower was built at the Eye of York, a defensive position between the River Ouse and River Foss. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror to control the North of England."

"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..."

"Abbey House promises to take you back in time to the Victorian Era with its recreated Victorian streets and residents wandering around in Victorian dress. Visit Stephen Harding Gate for the 19th century equivalent to a modern high streetoffering you a unique shopping experience and, after some retail therapy, stop off at the Hark to Rover Inn to grab a pint at a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house. Explore the social division of the poor and rich as you experience life both in poverty and as a rich pawnbroker in the residential districts."

"In the galleries at Abbey House Museum, you’ll be transported back to life in Victorian Leeds, strolling recreated 19th century streets. There are shops, a pub and houses, where you can peer inside and see how people lived a century or so ago, as well as regular new exhibitions. You can also discover a whole area on classic toys, including traditional games and Victorian dolls – you can even play some of the original penny slot machines (and buy an old-fashioned penny from the vending machine to do it)."

"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."

"Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick and opened by Queen Victoria in 1858, Leeds Town Hall is a strong symbol of civic pride and a magnificent example of Victorian architecture. It’s impressive to see, but you haven’t really ticked this Leeds landmark off your list until you’ve ventured inside. They offer regular tours that will take you down into the cells beneath and up to the clock tower – or why not put the acoustics to the test at one of their exceptional classical concerts?"

"Leeds Town Hall is a 19th century municipal building that was made a Grade I listed building in 1951. It’s the location for everything from marriages and ceremonies to concerts and festivals. See the 1960s chandeliers we restored as part of refurbishments at the Leeds Town Hall back in 2019."

"As the name implies, York’s Merchant Adventurers were merchants. They traded along the English coast, northern Europe and sometimes as far as the Baltic and Iceland, bringing back an assortment of desired goods to York. The city was an important river port and the wealthiest city in Northern England, second only to London for most of the Middle Ages, allowing the merchants to make enough money to build the Hall between 1357 and 1361."

"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."

"Fuji Hiro is one of Leeds worst-kept foodie secrets; tucked behind the Merrion Centre, they're renowned for serving up authentic Japanese food in giant portions. Naturally, it's all great, but the yakisoba is my stand out favourite from the menu."

"Fuji Hiro is a traditional Japanese noodle bar that is LEGENDARY with foodies who flock from across the city (and further afield!) to enjoy their ..."

"The website defaults to the menu in Japanese, which says to me that this restaurant is catering to the large number of Japanese visitors we receive. I’d say that it does not get more authentic than that!. If you want sushi like it’s served in Japan, then this looks ideal."

"Situated in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, York Castle Museum is home to a wealth of exhibits surrounding the rich history of York and wider Great Britain, where historical sights from Georgian gowns to Dick Turpin’s prison cell may be found. Its standout exhibit however is a fully-recreated Victorian street, dubbed Kirkgate after the museum’s founder, complete with horse and cart, costumed guides and cobblestones. Though opening as a museum in 1938, the site on which it stands holds an important place in York’s history."

"I didn’t feel this one captured the interest of my two young children as much as some of the other attractions mentioned but I think older children would get more out of it. Neither the less there were bits that my two enjoyed. One area was the play area but I felt this area could be improved compared to the quality of play areas in the other museums."

"This Grade I listed Georgian church was nearly lost in the 1950s, but was saved when church officials decided that it was a building of historical and architectural importance. While it’s still a place of worship, Holy Trinity Church is also a lively community space and they put on all manner of events for you to enjoy, including art exhibitions, vintage fairs and live music – the acoustics are fantastic. Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW."

"Taking kids on outdoor activities is a must when you visit a city like Bradford. One of the best places to take the kids for this purpose is Roberts Park. This very clean, well-maintained, and vast park offer so much space for the kids to walk around and experience closeness to nature."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Flickr user:Tim G... used under CC BY 2.0. Roberts Park is an urban park, located in Baildon, West Yorkshire."

"For one day every year, the attention of the city turns solely towards Potternewton Park, the starting point for the incredible Leeds West Indian Carnival. Last year's 50th anniversary edition drew a crowd of more than 100,000 people from all over the world, including dignitaries from Nevis, where founder Arthur France was born. Expect an explosion of colour, music and outrageous costumes at Europe's longest-running authentic Caribbean carnival parade."

"Home to the famous Leeds West Indian Carnival, Potternewton Park is a 32-acre green space sandwiched between Harehills and Chapeltown. The maze of crisscrossed paths offers a wealth of walking opportunities, but it also has a range of sports facilities. Basketball and tennis courts sit alongside a skate park and bowling green, giving you plenty of outdoor entertainment options in the summer months."