Must See Sights and Landmarks in North Rigton 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."

"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"

"Henry VIII had a great impact on Britain’s history, but did you know he was partially responsible for Kirkstall Abbey?. The 12th century monastery was disestablished by Henry in the 16th century, but is still standing today and is easily one of the most picturesque landmarks in Leeds. View this post on Instagram"

"You’ll have to pay an entrance price for York Castle, but the reward is the best view you’ll see of the city below. The tower itself is also pretty on the outside for a second bonus photo. View this post on Instagram"

"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."

"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."

"As this attraction was once short-listed for the Museum Family Friendly Award you can expect just that from it. It contains crafted sets, made to look like the enchanting streets, shops and houses that you would have seen during the Victorian era. You can interact with all of the actors in traditional Victorian costumes, or even sneak into a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house if you’re in need of a little rest."

"As a Grade I listed building under the English Heritage Registry, the Chantry Chapel of St.Mary is an ancient and beautiful monument to Wakefield’s history. Although it is only open at specific times, making the extra effort to see this place is definitely worth it. Although small, many have praised it for its beautiful stained windows, its enriching history, and the complimentary tea and biscuits along with it!"

"The Chantry Chapel dates back almost 700 years to a time where the landscape of Wakefield would have been dramatically different. It's one of only four of its kind still standing in the UK today. It forms an integral part of the structure of the Medieval bridge of the River Calder."

"In the near centre of Wakefield sits the magnificent Wakefield Cathedral, or the even grander title of the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Wakefield. Although we owe the Victorians for Wakefield Cathedral’s current appearance, restored and reopened in 1888, it has been a place of worship since the 9th-century, and has even been mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Today, anyone can come and have an informal, 45 minute tour of this historic cathedral, with no booking required and completely free!"

"Another incredibly old building, Wakefield Cathedral is the tallest church in Yorkshire and has a long and fascinating history. Although it has been developed and rebuilt at various points over the past 900 years, the building which exists today dates back to the 14th century. Its 247-foot tall spire is visible from many of the suburbs of Wakefield and even beyond on a clear day."

"Based in Horsforth, the kids will have a great time meeting the animals in the fields, including rheas, donkeys, geese, alpacas, prairie dogs, hens, goats and even a peacock. The grown ups, on the other hand, will enjoy browsing their shop where you can pick up fresh cuts of beef, chicken, pork, lamb and even their own handmade burgers. If you’re into fishing, make the most of their well stocked ponds which are open 7 days a week for you to grab a catch."

"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."

"The Core Shopping Centre offers a wide variety of facilities that are created for the delight and pleasure of all its visitors. Combining different retail shops, dining facilities and health and wellness centre, they offer all necessary and essential items that you may need as well as luxurious pieces that are a perfect reward to treat yourself of serves as a wonderful gift for your loved ones. Some of the restaurants that they have are Subway, Burger Kind, Kaspa’s Desserts, Graveley’s Fish and Chops, Mooboo Bubble Tea and many other delicious deli and shops."

"You can’t miss The Core – it’s got a prime position on The Headrow right in the heart of Leeds. Sneaker freaks will love the Footasylum here, one of the best places in the city to grab some new footwear. The same goes for those who love the great outdoors, with branches of Blacks and Cotswold Outdoor."

"A Leeds fixture for decades, St Johns has three entrances, two levels and is home to the Post Office and Poundland. Step inside and you’ll find over thirty eateries and shops, the location making it an ideal spot to pick up some essentials or something to eat during your lunch break if you work nearby. Get your nails refreshed at Magic Nails, your eyebrows threaded at Browline and grab a culture fix at the branch of HMV on the lower floor."

"Though it is not creating as much loud as other shopping centres in Leeds, St Johns Centre has been serving its regular segment of customers for many generations. It established in the year 1985 and now possesses more than 30 stores spread across two floors. St Johns Centre features few of the famous brands like Poundland, Card Factory, Stampede and Taco Bell."

"There’s good reason why Bradfordians are so welcoming of the building site currently taking up the eastern side of the city centre. After much of the area was razed to the ground several years ago to make way for a new development, the proposed shopping centre was abandoned amid the recession. With the loss of the city’s nerve centre and the subsequent proliferation of pound shops, the derelict site poignantly become known as “the hole in the heart”."

"A few minutes’ walk away from the museum is Bradford’s newest shopping centre, with 70 shops and eateries under one roof. Visit the Broadway Bradford website"

"Fuse Art Space, 7 Rawson Place, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 3JP - Visit now. Fuse is a new and exciting venue where multidisciplinary art forms meet a full spectrum of live performance; this dynamic space is broadening the artistic minds of Bradford and beyond."

"Blossom Street Gallery, which makes its home in the historic Micklegate quarter of the city, was conceived to bring local artists and creatives together in a central space and provide an opportunity for Yorks’ residents and visitors to enjoy local artwork. Blossom Street hosts regular exhibitions with notable artists, predominantly from Yorkshire but sometimes from a little further afield. They aim to offer art which everybody can enjoy – from original pieces, to prints, to handcrafted and design-led gifts and cards, and innovative framing options and supplies."