Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Rothwell

"If you're looking for somewhere with a bit of history, then look no further than Kirkstall Abbey. The giant Gothic building is a former Cistercian monastery which was built in the 12th Century and the sheer scale of the structure is still breathtaking (and award-winning) in this day and age. Nowadays though, it embraces modern life with a monthly market and other events inside the walls of the Abbey, while the open spaces on the banks of the River Aire are the perfect spot to unwind."

"Basically, this is the ruins of a Christian monastery that was set within a public park right on the banks of a great looking river. Built during the 12th century by monks who had forsaken their home in Barnoldswick, the ruins are still preserved, and visitors can get a slice of history by admiring them. The abbey and the grounds look very relaxing and a pleasant day out will help one unravel all this and more."

"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"

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"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."

"At 700 acres, Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. It’s twice the size of Hyde Park in London and offers a multitude of adventures. The vast network of paths stretches beyond the landscape gardens into the woodlands where you’ll find quaint riverside rambles, picturesque gorge walks and calf-burning hikes that promise incredible views."

"Overlooking the River Calder, sits the ruined medieval castle, Sandal Castle. With free entry, this place offers a great day out at little cost, providing fantastic views of the river and of Wakefield, it is one of the more breathtaking sites to visit on this list!. Many visitors have praised it for being gorgeous and also fascinating!"

"During the Victorian Period, the Industrial Revolution changed Britain, turning it from a rich but agricultural nation to the modern country it is today. Abbey House Museum captures these exciting times, recreating shops, pubs and houses from the 19th century. Wander through Victorian streets and see how the people of Leeds lived two hundred years ago, and see if you can spot what has changed and what’s stayed the same."

"Abbey House Museum is one of those museums in Leeds which holds a number of activities for the children ranging from descriptive to interactive. This museum was short-listed for the Guardian ‘Kids in Museum family Friendly Award’ in 2011. The museum allows you to go back in time and wander in the Victorian Streets so as to see the life in 19th century Leeds."

"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."

"Since arriving on the scene, the Rum Shack has been able to compliment and contribute to the growing sense of community and relaxed atmosphere that thrives so strongly in Bradford."

"Leeds Corn Exchange is a beautiful Victorian building that sits on Call Lane (one of Leeds bustling nightlife areas) in the heart of the city centre. The building was used for trading corn into the 1950s and beyond but popularity began to decline. In 2008 the Corn Exchange was reopened as a place for independent retailers (there’s come lovely boutique shops to look around as well as cafes) that we know today!"

"A grade I listed building, the Corn Exchange was built in 1863 and was designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect behind Leeds Town Hall. The building is now a boutique shopping centre home to independent retailers and food outlets."

"Leeds Corn Exchange is one of the city’s most recognisable and most impressive Victorian buildings. This Grade I building houses a wide range of independent retailers and tasty eateries with an iconic domed roof."

"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."

"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)."

"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"

"Rodley Nature Reserve is a nature reserve dedicated to bringing wetland wildlife back in the area of Leeds. With regular sightings of different birds like owls, kingfishers, kestrels, lapwings and many others, you would certainly enjoy traversing the different paths that they have and be closer to nature through the amazing sights that they offer. A hidden gem, this wetland reserve can be considered a haven that offers a relaxing tour and walks around the area."

"Perfect for a nice walk to escape the city’s frenzy for a few hours.Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP"

"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."