Must See Sights and Landmarks in East Hardwick Area

"Set in beautiful parkland situated along the banks of the River Aire, the Kirkstall Abbey is an example of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Restoring its historic architecture, the abbey also displays nature through its wildlife and greenery. The abbey was founded by Henry de Lacy, baron of Pontefract, who was one of the leading landholders in the North."

"If you want to experience the type of history that can capture your imagination with just how far back it dates, then Kirkstall Abbey is the perfect place for you. It’s one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today. It also offers a picnic area, and play area for children, but don’t panic if you forget to bring something to eat."

"Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most iconic landmarks, and is largely all that remains of the eminent York Castle. Over its thousand year history, Clifford’s Tower has operated in a number of different functions, housing everything from kings to criminals, cannons to cows. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1086, the first Clifford’s Tower was a wooden structure placed high on the motte that still stands today."

"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."

"Clifford's Tower is an excellent first stop when visiting York. The panoramic views from the top of the tower give visitors a spectacular overview of Old Minister, York, and the North York Views. The tower is situated on a tall hill, perfect for providing defense to York."

"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)."

"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."

"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."

"Commonly known as Saint Anne's Cathedral, Leeds cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Leeds, and is the seat of the Bishop of Leeds. This is one of the most significant heritages building which is surrounded by the modern city of Leeds. The original cathedral was located in St. Anne's Church in 1878, but that building was demolished around 1900."

"One of the most impressive Catholic Cathedrals in the whole of the UK, Leeds Cathedral is a vital attraction for anyone with an interest in religious structures. The dramatic Gothic Revival building may only be small in size but this is more than made up for with its impressive interior. Leeds Cathedral | © Michael Beckwith / Wikimedia"

"Copyright Michael D Beckwith, licensed for commercial use under Creative Commons. Believe it or not, Leeds is home to one of the finest Catholic cathedrals in England. Built in 1904, the present building replaced St Anne’s, the original church which was raised to Cathedral status in 1878."

"Monk Bretton Priory, circa 1154 (12th century) was built by Adam Fitz Swain. It was built as a daughter house of St Johns Priory for Cluniac Monks, founded by IIbert de Laci close to his base at Pontefract Castle. Cluniacs at Monk Bretton Priory controlled agriculture and natural resources on many sites between Wakefield and Rotherham."

"If they are, then a visit to this 12th-century Cluniac monastery is not to be missed. The outlines of the church, kitchens, and cloister are said to be the clearest example of a Cluniac monastery in Europe. You can also see a fantastically well-preserved drainage system here."

"The finest of Leeds' many lovely churches - and also the city's oldest - is St. John's in New Briggate. Built in 1634, its interior is notable for having two naves, as well as an original Renaissance rood screen, pulpit, and stalls. Other religious sites worth visiting in Leeds include St. Anne's Cathedral, the Roman Catholic cathedral in Cookridge Street (built 1904), and the Georgian Church of Holy Trinity on the riverbank in Boar Lane (1727)."

"If you love eating while shopping then Grand Arcade is a destination for you. It is a place where you will find more cafes than shops to serve your mouth-watering cuisine. This shopping destination features much local collection including handmade items, creative paintings and handicrafts that you can consider taking with you as a souvenir."

"Grand Arcade is another beautiful Grade II listed building, with a beautiful Victorian architecture consisting of arched windows and wooden floors. It is again home to lots of independent shops, such as a wedding dress shop, as well as some well-loved eateries like Zaap Thai Street Food."

"Considering its relatively small stature, the Grand Arcade definitely packs plenty in. It’s full of places to eat and drink – this is where you’ll find the hidden entrance to The Domino Club tucked away inside Lords’ Barbering, and the quaint Just Grand!"

"Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Table Service, Accepts Credit Cards"

"Kokoro Leeds is a Korean-Japanese takeaway store that is boasting of 25 different branches all across the UK that serves the best tasting meals that are authentically Japanese and Korean in taste and style. They have hot and cold food and sides, soup and salad with sushi dishes ranging from salmon, tuna, sushi katsu, nigiri, hosomaki and many others that are sold in sets. Adapting to your convenience, they offer a click and collect service through their mobile app."

"Kokoro is a Korean-Japanese takeaway store that is boasting of 25 different branches all across the UK that serves the best tasting meals that are authentically Japanese and Korean in taste and style. They have hot and cold food and sides, soup and salad with meals ranging from katsu curry, teriyaki, yakisoba, udon, sushi, sashimi, gyoza and many others. Adapting to your convenience, they offer a click and collect service through their mobile app."

"For quick, easy and delicious sushi in Leeds, Kokoro is the place to go. There’s a huge array for you to choose from made-to-go, with tuna, veggie and California rolls alongside more unusual options like inari pockets – fried tofu stuffed with sushi rice. Salmon lovers won’t be disappointed either, as they’ve got an all-salmon set."

"There are so many beers and ciders at The Beer House that I struggled to decide what to order. For the first round, I went for something that I was familiar with, a Strongbow. Later on, I tried another fruity cider called Rekorderlig, which I recommend if you like sugary drinks."

"This 100% vegan street food popup serves up ‘guilty eats with a conscience’. They have a breakfast menu as well as their main menu, and you are in for a treat if you decide to eat here. The gang at Knaves Kitchen are experts in vegan junk food, so every bite you take here will be packed full of flavour."