Must See Sights and Landmarks in Swillington 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 is a well-preserved medieval abbey which has stunning architecture and some great ruins. It is set in parkland and it is the perfect place for a walk. There is also an outdoor deli market where you can try some delicious food, such as a hot spiced wine or a fresh stonebaked pizza, or buy an artisan gift for your friends."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"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..."

"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)."

"Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. If your children struggle to imagine life without tablets, iPhone games or a PlayStation to keep them entertained, then a trip to Abbey House Museum should prove an eye-opening experience."

"Commissioned by the owner of the Old White Swan Inn, Charles Thornton, in 1875, the building of Thornton’s Arcade was opened to the public in May 1878. One of eight arcades built on the city during the era, Thornton’s Arcade is three stories high with a cast-iron Gothic roof . Inside you will find a large clock with a mechanism created by William Potts and Sons of Leeds."

"Though not the grandest, Thornton’s Arcade was the first Victorian shopping arcade to be built in Leeds and remains one of the most interesting. Its sky-coloured, neo-Gothic arches rise up to a glass ceiling and..."

"If you enjoy architecture and medieval clocks, as we do, you should definitely take a stroll through one of Leeds' best arcades!"

"Leeds Town Hall has become the perfect venue for entertainment thanks to the stunning Victoria Hall. That counts for a night of comedy too, and the grandiose venue has become an attractive stop on big tours by big names – think Ross Noble, Sarah Millican, Jimmy Carr, Omid Djalili and Stewart Lee, all of whom have played to packed out audiences here over the years. Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AD."

"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."

"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."

"There’s something for all ages at Swithens Farm in Rothwell. They have an open farm the kids will love from Tuesday to Sunday, featuring the likes of cows, pigs, rabbits, ducks, geese and two irresistibly cute micro pigs called Molly and Millie. Alongside the animals, they also have a play barn or those up to the age of 11."

"Local produce gets a Mediterranean makeover at this bright and breezy bistro. Classic pizza and pasta dishes are complemented by more ambitious recipes such as crayfish and chorizo risotto, and Moroccan lamb..."

"Start with a gin cocktail on arrival, along with a few nibbles throughout your gin masterclass experience. The Chapter House Bar’s friendly team will explain the history of gin, its origins and types. Expect local Yorkshire gin favourites to feature such as York Gin, Slingsby and Slingsby Rhubarb, discussing their differences and story."

"This is one of the more traditional all you can eat buffets in Leeds, with an absolutely massive selection of food from every corner of the globe. It’s not fine dining by any stretch, but if you’re after a cheap and cheerful dinner with oodles of choice, you’re definitely onto something. Prowl around their buffet and you’ll find yourself moving from traditional British Sunday roasts to Indian curries, Italian pizza and Chinese chicken wings, all in one go."

"We are located in bustling retail centre 'The Light' at Leeds City Centre only few minutes walk from the Arena. Leeds Red Hot is 'all you can eat' buffet with exciting live stations starting from £9.99 per person. Our talented 5-star chefs make absolutely everything fresh every single day so whether you're in the mood for a bit of Tex Mex, Chinese, Indian, Grill, Carvery or Italian."

"The ideal place to enjoy anything from a cup of tea to a full meal. 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QLT: 0871 902 5747"

"27/06/2021: 3 different meals..3 delighted customers...doesn't get better than that..service top notch tooi!!. 24/06/2021: My husband and I went on Father's Day. It was very busy, but well organized for Covid restrictions and well staffed."