Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Elland

"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"

"Kirkstall Abbey has a wooly great summer of sheep themed activities in the abbey!. Cistercians loved their sheep and they Kirkstall Abbey will celebrate that fact with a baa-tastic trail. Pick up or download a trail to find the whole flock and discover the different types of sheep that the UK call home."

"Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery"

"Standing proud since 1421 when Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built, the iconic Manchester Cathedral has survived world wars, bombings and the industrial revolution first hand. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and carved ceilings as you wander around the building and listen to the sound of choristers and jazz that is often playing. If you want to learn more about the building there are guided tours every day at 11 am and 2 pm Monday to Saturday."

"This church built in the Gothic style is a very pretty sight to see in Manchester. One of the oldest buildings in the city, it is also a historic site. The stunning design of the rustic building is reason enough to visit it but the interiors are equally beautiful and are sure to transport you back in time."

"Roundhay Park is ideal for the family to have fun enjoying the great outdoors. Located a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Leeds, the park is one of Europe’s biggest inner-city green spaces spanning over 700 acres of parkland, woodland, lakes and landscaped gardens. Spot the various species of fish and birds across the water features in the park or enjoy some fishing on Waterloo lake."

"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."

"This historic Tudor Jacobean mansion has been beautifully restored with over forty rooms for you to explore. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of Chippendale furniture, paintings, pottery and textiles, while outside there’s even more – it boasts gardens landscaped by Capability Brown, alongside acres of parkland and a working rare breed farm that’s home to over 400 sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and cattle. Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Off Selby Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE."

"You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but inside Abbey House Museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street. Explore the high street, with its traditional shops full of old artefacts, nip into the Rover Inn to see what a pub was like back in the day and even call by the undertakers for a slightly more grisly glimpse of the past. Don’t miss the Childhood Galleries where you can marvel at 19th century toys, with everything from dolls’ houses to penny slot machines."

"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."

"The Abbey House Museum, once the Great Gate House to Kirkstall Abbey, contains meticulously reconstructed shops and houses that evoke Victorian Leeds, plus rotating exhibitions mostly aimed at kids."

"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"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Clark used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Bingley Five-Rise Locks is a staircase lock, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal of Bingley. As the name infers, a vessel going through the lock is lifted or brought down in five phases."

"You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but inside Abbey House Museum you’ll find a recreated Victorian street. Explore the high street, with its traditional shops full of old artefacts, nip into the Rover Inn to see what a pub was like back in the day and even call by the undertakers for a slightly more grisly glimpse of the past. Don’t miss the Childhood Galleries where you can marvel at 19th century toys, with everything from dolls’ houses to penny slot machines."

"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."

"The Abbey House Museum, once the Great Gate House to Kirkstall Abbey, contains meticulously reconstructed shops and houses that evoke Victorian Leeds, plus rotating exhibitions mostly aimed at kids."

"St Mary’s RC Church (The Hidden Gem) has been enriching the faith of all catholic believers in Manchester since its establishment in 1794. Serving the community with its regular mas and services, you will feel comfortable and safe practising your beliefs and religion in this church. Apart from the holy mass, they also hold regular confessions 6 times a week from 11 AM to 12 Noon from Mondays to Wednesday and Thursdays to Fridays and from 10:30 AM to 11:15 on Saturdays."

"Another religious site worth visiting - and something of a hidden gem in Manchester - is St. Mary's Catholic Church. Built in 1794 and located next to the historic Market Hall, it's also known locally as "The Hidden Gem." But don't let the structure's rather plain exterior stop you from popping in for a look inside. Here, you'll find numerous fine Victorian carvings."

"If you’re looking for a more intimate environment for a night of comedy in Leeds, look no further than the Carriageworks Theatre. The venue puts on a vast and diverse array of entertainment all year round – and they get more than their fair share of comedy too. They’ve had visits from the likes of Mitch Benn, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Tape Face, Patrick Monahan and The Clean As Possible Comedy Show over the past few years."

"A 45 – 60 minute show packed with interactive fun and games for the whole family. This show is all about children’s ideas and stories…"

"Did you know that Leeds is one of just three cities in the UK with its own ballet and opera companies?. The former is Northern Ballet, a critically acclaimed company that’s widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Led by David Nixon OBE, they offer up unique reinterpretations of classics like Swan Lake alongside new ballets like Casanova, The Little Mermaid and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas."

"The Northern Ballet is a touring dance company which performs locally, nationally and internationally, with its home in Leeds. They are well-known for transforming popular stories into Dance, such as The Little Mermaid and The Great Gatsby. You should definitely take up the opportunity to watch one of their mesmerising ballets if you have the chance."

"One of the most opulent venues in town, Grand Pacific offers a contemporary take on global food – with influences taken from all over Asia when forming their menu. We’re talking everything from Korean hot plates to an Asian fusion burger, as well as kimchi topped steak and lamb massaman curry. If that wasn’t all, the restaurant serves up an extra special High Tea, with delectable treats such as Arancini, lobster buttered crumpets, tuna tartare, Eccles cake and more, and a sweeter option which is complete with lemon tarts, chocolate truffles, scones and macarons."

"Grand Pacific is a quirky restaurant in Manchester purely for its opulent dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Taking inspiration from the age of exploration, their bold menu showcases global flavours, while interiors feature wooden panelling, dimmed lighting and luxurious touches."

"Another sexy restaurant from Living Ventures, Grand Pacific is the King Street powerhouse that boasts high-ceilings, decadent dishes and quirky cocktails. Hang out at the bar, dine in the 100-strong restaurant or go all out with your own private room."