Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Marton-cum-Grafton

"This historic Leeds landmark is one of the most intact examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK. Aside from the ruins themselves, which you’re free to explore, there are 24 hectares of parkland here, so pack a picnic and find a spot next to the scenic River Aire. Visit on the last weekend of the month and you can also make the most of Kirkstall Abbey Deli Market, which offers a delectable mix of street food and fresh local produce."

"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."

"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..."

"Students can find it right between the Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. Clifford’s Tower offers visitors stunning panoramic views over Old York, thus making it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There’s plenty to discover here, including the remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, a prison and a royal mint."

"Within the cities of England, it’s often hard to find beautiful green locations, although they are plentiful outside of the cities. At just three miles north of Leeds City Centre you can find a whole 700 acres of rolling parkland, two clear lakes and woodland as far as the eye can see. Alongside the natural beauty of nature there are several formal gardens, and two playgrounds to keep your travelling children entertained."

"A survivor of Yorkshire’s ancient fenlands, dating back 15,000 years, Askham Bog is considered one of the most ecologically diverse sites in the UK. The bog itself is made of boulder clay and fen peat, while the land around it is home to roe deer, foxes, newts and frogs. Plants include royal ferns, rare gingerbread sedge and whole rivers of water violets."

"While it’s generally perceived to be more of a child’s haven rather than a suitable Instagram location, Rowntree’s Park does in fact have many cute places to grab the perfect shot. During the summer, the park is positively heaving with families and children indulging in picnics and ice creams, and in the winter you’ll often find couples snuggled together, taking a romantic stroll around the park. The little bridges that go over the river and lake in the park make great backdrops for Instagram opportunities, regardless of the time of year."

"Located by the river to the south of the city centre, Rowntree Park is York’s first municipal park, and boasts a combination of historical features and a multi-functional recreational space. With a performance space and a sculpture play trail as well as children’s play areas and sporting facilities, Rowntree Park has much to offer, and serves as a commemoration to all those members of the company’s staff who lost their lives during World War I. Price: admission is free"

"For a scenic afternoon in the park, head over to Rowntree Park. The park is located on the banks of the River Ouse and was built as a scenic memorial to the soldiers who fought in the two World Wars. The 30-acre area holds children’s play areas, a lake, flower beds, woodlands, and facilities for bowling, tennis, and basketball."

"We are big supporters of picnics, football in the park with friends and just enjoying the great outdoors!. Get ye' to Golden Acre Park!"

"Take in the refreshing air of the forest while you follow the paths that. will lead you to cliffs from where you’ll have the best view of the Wharf Valley."

"One of the most popular family attractions in Leeds, Tropical World makes for a fantastic day out. It’s home to one of the biggest collections of tropical plants outside of Kew Gardens, but that’s not what’s going to have the kids excited, because you’ll also find a medley of animals here. You’ll peer into tanks of piranhas, catch a glimpse of their crocodile and walk through rooms filled with butterflies, birds and even bats (don’t worry, there’s a wall of glass to protect you in that one)."

"Boasting the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens, Tropical World is also popular for its adorable meerkats, terrapins, turtles, tropical birds and butterflies (which are free to flutter around the attraction). As the name suggests, the tropical origins of its inhabitants mean the attraction is kept warm and humid - but you soon adapt to the balmy setting. Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay LS8 1DF (within Roundhay Park)."

"Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most popular family attractions which offers a unique opportunity to explore the habitats of the Tropics and other hot places from around the world. It includes jungle, desert, nocturnal and aquatic habitats with plants and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats complete with babies!"

"With easy access to the M62/M1, this stylish 4-star hotel is just 6 miles from Leeds centre and the new First Direct Arena. Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa, part of Thwaites Hotels and the AA hotel group of the year, features a modern spa and leisure centre, boutique-style bedrooms and a creative restaurant. All rooms have free WiFi, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary fresh milk and mineral water in your fridge, and each has a modern bathroom with a bath and walk-in shower; plus a hairdryer and fluffy bathrobes."

"Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa is a modern take on a luxury spa, just outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Its location is ideal for those looking for a quiet break, and with packages such as the Escape available, including a night in the hotel, full access to the spa, complimentary meals and a taster treatment, you’ll experience a little piece of heaven in the heart of Leeds. All visitors receive access to the fitness centre too."

"Rounding out the top ten, Thorpe Park is popular among visitors for its spa facilities, with the professionalism of the staff also getting praise from reviewers. Ratings correct as of April 2019. LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date with the latest news!"

"Founded by Senior Podiatrist, Oliver Highland-Edmonds, Heal Spa in Harrogate combines medical treatments with beauty therapies. Based in Harrogate’s beautiful Montpellier Quarter, Heal offers a wide range of treatments from qualified and dedicated practitioners. Their mission is to provide people with the highest quality health treatments but with a personal touch and luxurious elements to highlight the postive impact pampering can have on our general well-being."

"Victoria Gate has to be one of the most striking shopping centres in Leeds. There’s a sense of luxury which extends from the architecture to the brands you’ll find here – and the restaurants above. It’s anchored by the flagship four-floor John Lewis store, but you’ll also be able to dip into Anthropologie, The White Company, & Other Stories and more for designer clothes and quirky stuff for the home."

"Victoria Gate isn’t just a shopping centre, it’s a landmark building with a unique design. The John Lewis store has an intricate crisscrossed pattern that gives a nod to the city’s textile heritage, while the arcade itself is adorned with an intricate pattern of 360,000 individual drawn and located bricks. Even the car park stands out with 228 twisted metal panels hiding the cars within."

"Victoria Gate is a modern take on a traditional shopping arcade and a go-to destination for designer shopping in Leeds. You’ll find a range of well-known brands on here. Visit Tommy Hilfiger for preppy mens and womenswear, pop into Peloton for premium sportswear or shop at Calvin Klein for designer underwear."

"Designed by Frank Matcham in 1904 and redeveloped in 1990, the Victoria Quarter is a traditional shopping arcade with the most beautiful architecture. Under its famous stained glass roof, two parallel rows of shops house some of the best designer stores in Leeds. Here, you’ll find England’s only stand-alone Louis Vuitton shop outside the capital, along with two floors of luxury goods at Mulberry and gorgeous leather accessories straight-from New York at Coach."

"Choose from our extensive range on our drinks menu, locally sourced juices, luxury hot chocolates, fresh herbal teas and wacky kids milkshakes. Don’t see anything you fancy?. Our friendly team will be happy to get creative and help you find something you desire!"

"Upper dining terrace, Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AYEverybody’s favourite Japanese food, Wagamama have a separate vegan menu, so it’s easy to order your ramen exactly the way you need it."

"They have a special menu for vegans: yasai gyoza, kare borosu(curry broth ramen) and yasai samla curry. They also have vegan ice creams!. If you are gluten-free, don’t worry!"

"Pairings is an independent wine bar in York run by sisters, located on historic Castlegate. Serving fine wines by the glass, local ales, signature cocktails and great coffee alongside cheese, charcuterie, deli foods and desserts, this cosy bar caters for everyone. If you’re not a wine connoisseur, don’t worry, the friendly staff are very knowledgeable and will pair your wine to the dish you choose."