Must See Sights and Landmarks in Minskip Area

"If you’re after a unique place to soak up some sunshine, you must explore this atmospheric example of medieval architecture with the kids on your trip to Leeds. That is to say, a fantastic place for the little ones to run around, these much photographed ruins are surrounded by acres of parkland along the banks of the River Aire. The Visitor Centre delves into the lives of the 12th century monks who lived here and in addition there are seasonal family activities and walking trails to discover too."

"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."

"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."

"Perched atop a grassy motte is Clifford’s Tower, which is one of the last remaining parts of York Castle. Originally built out of wood by the Normans, it was reinforced and rebuilt out of stone in the thirteenth century and the sturdy keep is now a popular tourist attraction in York. Wrecked by a massive explosion in 1684, its hollow, gutted interior was later used as both a prison and treasury."

"Clifford’s Tower, a semi-ruined 13th-century remnant of York Castle, is also one of the few Norman relics in a city dominated by Viking influence. Nowadays, Clifford’s Tower is one of the most popular and emblematic sights in York, and the panoramic views from the tower’s ramparts make it an excellent starting point for first-time visitors to historic York."

"Art lovers should visit Coldstone’s Cut while they’re in the Yorkshire Dales. This is Yorkshire’s biggest and highest public artwork with spectacular views of a working mine and surrounding Nidderdale, another of the most stunning places in the Yorkshire Dales. It was created by the artist Andrew Sabin and visitors are always impressed by its architecture."

"No trip to the Yorkshire Dales would be complete without a visit to Middleham Castle. Once the childhood home of Richard III, you can relive the Castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of its great owners. There you'll be able to witness incredible views of Wensleydale from their viewing platform, and experience many indoor exhibitions, and a 15th Century replica of the Middleham Jewel."

"No day out in the Yorkshire Dales would be complete without a visit to Middleham Castle. Once the childhood home of Richard III, you can relive the Castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of"

"The Victoria Quarter of Leeds is a series of Victorian shopping arcades whose opulent style and extravagance have led them to house some of the most expensive retail stores in Leeds. The County Arcade is perfect for an Instagram shot with its wonderful mosaic floor, gilt designs and marble columns…"

"Hidden behind the medieval Skipton Castle, the Woodland Trust’s Skipton Castle Woods is a rare ancient woodland habitat. There’s lots for nature-lovers and families to see and do and with a fascinating history that dates back a thousand years, it’s one the Woodland Trust’s most unique sites – and it’s straight off the high street!. It’s a fantastic place for a family walk, with the 36-acres of woodland providing a variety of walks to choose from!"

"Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Families use a self guided trail to explore the historic castle allowing you to visit at your own pace. The information provided about each part of the castle helps to bring the unfurnished castle to life."

"Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year."

"Completed in 1840, the Grade I-listed building was designed by Joseph Bonomi the Younger and takes its architectural inspiration from Ancient Egypt. The smaller building, with its imposing facade, was based on the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the larger factory, once the biggest single room in the world, was inspired by the Typhonium at Dendera. It played a major role in the industrial revolution in Leeds, and now it’s set to be given a new lease of life as the home of British Library North."

"Temple Works is a former flax mill in Holbeck built in the Egyptian Revival style by industrialist, John Marshall, between 1836 and 1840. It is the only Grade I listed building in Holbeck. View this post on Instagram"

"It may be on the grounds of Leeds Beckett University, but Beckett Park is open to everyone. It’s a huge park that stretches from Queenswood Drive to Batcliffe Mount, with vast swathes of grassy parkland and a beautiful patch of woodland. There are two tennis courts here and if you head into the woods, you can hunt out Queen Victoria Arch, which was built 250 years ago and altered in 1858 to commemorate the monarch’s historic visit to Leeds."

"Due to its location right next to Leeds Beckett University's Headingley campus, this park is dominated by students during term time. The big, open grass spaces mean it's the perfect place to throw a frisbee or kick a football around. And when it starts to get dark, Headingley's pubs and bars are just a short walk away!"

"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."

"The tunnels where the leisure and shopping facility is now were a mine in the thirteenth century. The location was also used as prison and during the Second World War was used as an air raid shelter. In the 1960s it was used as a location for dancing."

"Built in 1897, Grand Arcade is a stunning building with a one-off William Potts and Sons clock, but that’s not the only reason to visit the Leeds Landmark. It’s an independent haven, full of shops, bars and restaurants worth checking out. Nip over to Our Handmade Collective for jewellery and crafts or try The Traditional Shaving Company for everything you need to stay well groomed."

"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."

"The Grand Arcade is one of the oldest shopping Arcades in Leeds City Centre, and it is well worth a visit…"