Must See Sights and Landmarks in Pannal Area

"The perfect park for picnics, relaxing by the River Aire and leisurely strolls around one of the best surviving medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain, Kirkstall Abbey has 24 hectares of parkland for you to explore. The park stretches from Abbey Mills Wildflower Meadows, which is carpeted in bluebells in the spring, past the tennis courts on the far side and over the road to the playground and fields on either side of Abbey House Museum. Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH."

"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."

"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."

"Family friendly York Castle Museum is centrally situated near Coppergate Shopping Centre – green signs direct you to the ‘Castle Area’. Collections of Costume and Textiles, Military and Social History and a collection on York Castle’s most famous prisoner Dick Turpin, eventually hanged in 1739, all feature in exhibitions. A favourite with children, the recreated Victorian and Georgian rooms here display historic every day items from the collection of North Yorkshire country doctor John Kirk."

"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."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"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)."

"You can have the perfect Leeds day out at Abbey House Museum. It sits opposite Kirkstall Abbey, so you can explore the famous ruins and make the most of the handsome park it sits in, then dive into the museum. When the Abbey still stood proud, from 1152 until Henry VIII had it dissolved in the 16th century, this building was the gate house."

"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."

"This much-beloved watering hole is the sister bar to one of Leeds’ oldest pub, Whitelocks. Whilst the former is the place to head for the more classic ales, Turks Head is the more modern choice, with a plethora of interesting craft ales, gins, and cocktails. The beer garden which sits in the alleyway just off Briggate is lively and atmospheric all year round, with plenty of seating, and canopies with heaters for those unpredictable British summer days."

"A maze of bars, shops, and cafés that looks straight out of a Harry Potter film, Sunbridge Wells is unlike anything I have ever seen!. It opened a few weeks before we arrived in Bradford, so not many people knew where it was yet. Luckily, we spotted a group of guys who were heading there and were kind enough to lead the way."

"This pink facade building on St. Helen’s Square (near Betty’s Tea Rooms) is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York and has only recently opened to the public. The grand, 800 year old house showcases collections of silverware and ceramics, ceremonial items used by the Lord Mayor as well as recreated 18th century bedrooms and dining rooms. The downstairs kitchen has interactive exhibits and equipment to learn about Georgian cooking ."

"Located in the center of the city, the Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York. But along with being a home, this historic house is popular with visitors. The Mansion House exhibits an impressive collection of paintings, silver and furniture."