Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Stearsby

"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."

"You can learn about its rich history at the visitors’ center. Here you will learn about its deep history and how monks lead their lives. Run by the Cistercian Order, the Abbey also has vast parklands where you and your beloved can take strolls for as long as you want."

"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."

"Seeing this amazing structure from the street is brilliant and free. It sits perfectly on top of its hill overlooking the city. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror and today is looked after by English Heritage"

"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"

"Roundhay Park is one of the most popular attractions in Leeds. With over 700 acres of land, the area is a fusion of woodlands, lakes, formal gardens, cafes and playgrounds. It also houses Tropical World, a place where you can experience different exotic animals like meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles, butterflies and many others."

"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!"

"Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, Leeds Corn Exchange is without a doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Completed in 1864, the beautiful building is still a centre for trade and has become known as an independent shopping haven. You’ll find a mix of vintage clothing shops, jewellers and gift stores inside, as well as cafés, hairdressers and even a tattoo parlour."

"Unlike most modern day shopping centres, this one is situated in one of the finest Victorian buildings standing in the north of England. Proving itself to be an architectural masterpiece and one of the cultural icons that makes Leeds the city that it is today. If you prefer independent retail enterprises to large chain shops, this is where you belong."

"St Mary’s Abbey is a picturesque ruined Benedictine abbey in York, located in York Museum Gardens. Once the richest abbey in the north of England, it now tells the story of York’s influential ecclesiastical past, and its degradation through Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. The first church on the site of St Mary’s was built in 1055 and dedicated to St Olaf of Norway, and following the Norman conquest was refounded by King William Rufus in 1088 during his visit to York."

"The park also serves as a romantic backdrop to St. Mary’s Abbey… or what’s left of it. The monastery was first built in 1088 and was among the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. In the 1530s King Henry VIII banned all monasteries in England in 1530s and St. Mary’s gradually fell into the medieval ruins you can see today."

"St Mary’s Abbey is a ruined Benedictine abbey in York, surrounded by the Museum Gardens and next to the Yorkshire Museum. It was once the richest abbey in the north of England. 575 metres from the Minster.Yorkshire Museum, Museum St, York YO1 7FR, United Kingdom"

"Commonly known as Saint Anne's Cathedral, Leeds cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Leeds, and is the seat of the Bishop of Leeds. This is one of the most significant heritages building which is surrounded by the modern city of Leeds. The original cathedral was located in St. Anne's Church in 1878, but that building was demolished around 1900."

"One of the most impressive Catholic Cathedrals in the whole of the UK, Leeds Cathedral is a vital attraction for anyone with an interest in religious structures. The dramatic Gothic Revival building may only be small in size but this is more than made up for with its impressive interior. Leeds Cathedral | © Michael Beckwith / Wikimedia"

"Copyright Michael D Beckwith, licensed for commercial use under Creative Commons. Believe it or not, Leeds is home to one of the finest Catholic cathedrals in England. Built in 1904, the present building replaced St Anne’s, the original church which was raised to Cathedral status in 1878."

"Visiting the Museum Gardens is yet another free activity to do in York. On a nice, summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or simply visit The Yorkshire Museum."

"St George’s Hall, Bradford, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1JT - Visit now. Bradfords flagship music venue, St Georges Hall has been bring the best touring talent to Bradford since the 19th Century."

"The Milton Rooms is an arts centre and hub for cultural and community lead activities located in Malton, North Yorkshire, a market town in England. Photo: Roger Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0."

"Lotte Inch Gallery first came to York in 2012 in the form of a pop-up art gallery space – but many glorious years later and after several small pop-up exhibitions, the gallery moved from its previous space near York Minster to its current location in bustling 14 Bootham. The eponymous Lotte comes from a background in Art History and Heritage, having worked for The National Trust; Scampston Hall and Gardens; and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at The University of Leeds, amongst others – making her a mastermind when it comes to art. The gallery is the ideal place to discover new artists, designers and makers, alongside established names and figures, hoping to be a “welcoming and inclusive place with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions."

"According to McGee is a contemporary art gallery found opposite Clifford’s Tower and close to the River Ouse, dedicated to exhibiting the most “exciting artists in the UK” – whether they are established, emerging or just starting out. For 14 years directors Greg and Ails McGee have been displaying a mix of works in their gallery, from sculpture to photography, with prints of the work available for purchase online – selling to collectors the world over. From Goldsmiths and Glasgow School of Art graduates, to rock star and Pop Artist Horace Panter and 1960s legend Doug Binder, According to McGee is “an increasingly well regarded gallery space of note” with knowledgeable and passionate minds behind the project – making it one of the best places to discover something new."

"Shopping, Independent"

"28/02/2021: I bought a triple chocolate brownie, which I can affirm as a local is the best brownie you'll get in any of Pickering's many teashops. And the roasted tomato soup (complete with basil oil and garlic crutons) was not only punching way above the averaage for takeaway soup - they'd also put real effort into not packaging it all up in a bunch of plastic, was all wood and cardboard.I'd have been happy to see them open whatever food they had come up with, but this was really, really good, high end and delicious, sold by jolly staff who were obviously taking considerable pride in their stuff."

"They’re famous for their traditional Italian gelato, which comes in a range of weird and wonderful flavours. You can try the likes of Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche, all served up in epic style – their Conos promise a chocolate cone with your choice of flavours presented in the shape of a gelato flower. If you’re not feeling the ice cream, they also do waffles, macarons and crepes."

"This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices."

"One of the city’s most impressive landmarks, Leeds Minster was built in 1841 on an ancient, holy Christian site. It’s a beautiful, Grade I listed building, designed by Robert Chantrell, with huge stained glass windows by a range of high profile artists, including Schwanfelder, David Evans, Thomas Wilmshirst and most recently Sally Scott. You’ll also find The Leeds Cross inside – it dates back to the 10th century, making it one of the earliest objects in the city’s history."

"Leeds Minster is one of the most striking structures in the city. It’s believed that the site has been used as a place of worship since the 7th century, but the current Gothic-style building, designed by Robert Dennis Chantrell, was consecrated in 1841. The building was christened Leeds Minster in 2012 and was known as St Peter’s and Leeds Parish Church prior to that."