Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Helperby

"Located just a short distance out of the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is beautifully preserved, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through the ruins. The abbey is located beside the River Aire, making it the perfect starting point for a relaxing stroll by the water. Kirkstall Abbey | © Minda / Wikimedia"

"Few locations can top the spectacular backdrop offered by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and with 24 hectares of parkland surrounding it, you can enjoy a romantic stroll before asking that all important question."

"Leeds' most impressive medieval structure is beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. These days the city makes good use of it as an atmospheric..."

"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 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."

"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"

"You’ll find one of the biggest parks in Europe three miles north of Leeds city centre. Roundhay Park is a beautiful outdoor space that covers a massive 700 acres, with landscaped gardens, rolling parkland and two scenic lakes. It’s a great place to get back to nature, but you’ll also find a few man-made attractions here that are just as worthy of your time – think adventure playgrounds, sports pitches, tennis courts and a skate park."

"Firmly ensconced as the most popular park in Leeds, Roundhay Park is a favourite not just for people in the city but for visitors from across Yorkshire too. Fact fans will no doubt be aware that it's one of the biggest city parks anywhere in Europe, covering 700 acres. It offers something for everyone, too."

"Ripley Castle near Harrogate is a child friendly estate which offers regular castle tours especially for children. The children’s tours are a child friendly length of 45 minutes but there are also adult tours available. The extensive grounds of the estate include a deer park, a small children’s play area and a pretty walled kitchen garden so are ideal for a good run around."

"Very close to our Yorkshire Dales distillery in Kettlesing, Ripley Castle is among the best things to see in the Yorkshire Dales. Over 700 years old; the castle has lakes, a deer park, walled gardens, hothouses and more to explore. The grounds are particularly attractive in Spring, when they’re in full bloom."

"Ripley Castle and Gardens, near Harrogate, is an historic attraction open to the public all year round and makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location."

"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."

"Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, England, east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its heritage as a fashionable spa resort continues in the Montpellier Quarter with the Royal Pump Room Museum, documenting the importance of local mineral springs. Nearby is the restored, Moorish-style Turkish Baths & Health Spa. To the west, leafy Valley Gardens features the art deco Sun Pavilion."

"The spa town of Harrogate is the getaway to the moors. We love the little known Ilkley Moors but there are a number of hikes and walks in the area."

"Dominating Millennium Square is Leeds Civic Hall, which took over from the Town Hall as the city’s main municipal building. Construction began in the height of the great depression in 1931 and utilised many who would otherwise have been unemployed. If you look closely, you can see two 2.3 metres high gold-leafed owls on top of its twin towers which are joined by four more owls on columns in Millennium Square."

"Built in the 1930s, the Civic Hall replaced Leeds Town Hall as the administrative centre in 1933. It is a Grade II listed building which includes the council chamber, council offices, and a large hall."

"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."

"A train station may seem like an unusual location to describe as ‘Instagrammable’ but York train station is far from ordinary. The beautiful building is home to some stunning pieces of architectural work, as well as modern film interest!. The bridge that connects the platforms at York train station is actually the one that Harry and Hagrid walk over in the first Harry Potter film!"

"Wens is a new addition to Leeds’ dining scene, and they have already made the mark with tourists, locals, even a famous critic. Taking over Hansa’s North street space, Wens specialise in authentic family Chinese cooking. The Dan Dan noodles, dumplings, and Kung Po Chicken are all musts."

"The authenticity of the dishes from Wen’s Restaurant is what keeps the customers coming back. This takeaway has also received praise for its levels of spicing, as there is enough to make the food tasty without one spice overpowering another."

"This is your chance to try authentic Chinese dishes that rarely make it to these shores. Have you ever tried shredded potatoes covered in glugs of fiery chilli oil?. Or tucked into a whole sea bass stuffed with minced pork and chilli sauce?"

"is the ideal place to stop off for brunch during a walk around the idyllic Crimple Valley. The high-ceilinged, spacious cafe is full of streaming sunlight and situated in one of Yorkshire’s greenest buildings, complete with a sedum roof and solar panels, and is insulated with sheep’s wool. Serving up local produce sourced from hundreds of farmers and small producers, Fodder offers all the country cafe favourites, including the splendid ‘Great Yorkshire Breakfast’ (dry-cured bacon, pork sausage, black pudding, fried egg, flat mushroom, grilled tomato, baked beans and a slice of granary or white toast)."

"Located on the Great Yorkshire Showground, Fodder is an enterprising, state-of-the-art showcase for regional food and drink, and makes a splendid spot ..." Read our full review"

"Unfortunately, Thor’s Tipi is very much a seasonal event in York, so you can only really find it during the summer and winter months. However, if you do head to the summer event at The Principal Hotel, you can find a vast array of delicious dishes served by local catering companies such as Hog and Apple and The Shambles Kitchen. In the winter, Thor’s Tipi is usually held in Parliament Street and here you’ll find winter classics such as mulled wine and cider, plus cosy fire pits and sumptuous hot chocolates."