Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Golcar

"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."

"Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey on the bank of the River Aire is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. Its dramatic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and provided the perfect setting for Yorkshire’s Gothic Film Festival in 2013"

"Ruined but prideful, forgotten but known, beautifully neglected — Kirkstall Abbey is a lot of things to a lot of people. This gorgeous piece of historic …"

"Manchester Cathedral has undergone extensive restoration works, both in the Victorian era and in recent years, following damage from the 1996 IRA bombing of the city centre. The cathedral has existed in some form on the site since medieval times, and holds artifacts that date back to Manchester’s existence as a Saxon settlement. The main body of this Gothic cathedral was originally constructed in the late 15th century, overseen by church warden James Stanley."

"With a history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the grade I-listed Cathedral Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George is one of Manchester’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. It is notable for its spectacular wooden furnishings and stained glass displays, much of which was restored in 1952 after the Blitz. Free guided tours are available most days from Monday to Saturday."

"Right next to the Football Museum, you can find the beautiful Manchester Cathedral. While I have as much with churches as I have with football, I did have a quick look inside and the architecture was beautiful:"

"One of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park sprawls over more than 700 acres and welcomes more than a million visitors each year. Four miles (or an 18-minute car journey) from the city centre, the park offerd lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes, two playgrounds and Tropical World. There is also the grand Mansion, now an event space for weddings and corporate events."

"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."

"Another great historic house with plenty to do in the grounds for kids, Temple Newsam is only around 15 minutes’ drive from Leeds city centre. The rare breed Home farm is a big hit with younger kids – and older ones, for that matter – with everything from the small and fluffy, including guinea pigs, to rarer farm animals, all set within the outbuildings and around the cobbled yard. There are some lovely walks around the grounds too, with nature trails and an adventure playground too."

"Grandeur is the order of the day at Temple Newsam, with a huge stately home dominating the impressive grounds to the east of the city, which were initially designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The gorgeous gardens are impressive enough by themselves, but you can also entertain the little ones with a trip to Home Farm or the brand new Go Ape course for the adventurous ones among you!"

"Abbey House promises to take you back in time to the Victorian Era with its recreated Victorian streets and residents wandering around in Victorian dress. Visit Stephen Harding Gate for the 19th century equivalent to a modern high streetoffering you a unique shopping experience and, after some retail therapy, stop off at the Hark to Rover Inn to grab a pint at a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house. Explore the social division of the poor and rich as you experience life both in poverty and as a rich pawnbroker in the residential districts."

"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."

"It is on the eastern side of the centre of Glossop and fringes onto the Conservation Area of Old Glossop. There is a car park at Corn Mill and on-street parking is available nearby. Again, it's not technically a theme park, but with this much going on for free, it deserves a mention."

"Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick and opened by Queen Victoria in 1858, Leeds Town Hall is a strong symbol of civic pride and a magnificent example of Victorian architecture. It’s impressive to see, but you haven’t really ticked this Leeds landmark off your list until you’ve ventured inside. They offer regular tours that will take you down into the cells beneath and up to the clock tower – or why not put the acoustics to the test at one of their exceptional classical concerts?"

"Leeds Town Hall was built between 1853 and 1858, and it’s located on The Headrow in Leeds city centre. The Grade I listed building was opened by Queen Victoria, and built to be a public hall and law court. For 108 years it was the tallest building in Leeds, and it’s still noticeable on the skyline now."

"Another designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, it was the tallest building in the city when it opened in 1858. Since then, it’s been eclipsed by a host of skyscrapers, but its majesty remains. The 10-column colonnade, flanked by four Portland stone lions, immediately catches the eye, but be sure to look up."

"One of the newest kids on the block is the stunning Indigo Hotel near Victoria Station. The building retains many of its original features and has a laid back bohemian vibe with 187 bedrooms styled to reflect Manchester’s industrial past. The Mamucium Restaurant and Bar is overseen by former Lowry Hotel executive chef Andrew Green, so if it’s tempting tapas you’re looking for, or you just fancy some locally sourced beers, Hotel Indigo has it all."

"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."

"A longtime favourite of Leeds’ nightlife, Aire Bar has a nice little spot by the River Aire on The Calls. Delve into the iconic arched rooms, grab a drink at the bar and head out onto the overhanging terrace for a close up of the waterfront. They have a range of local breweries on tap, such as Ilkley, Ossett and Saltaire, that will go down a storm on their balcony, and if you get peckish, Yorkshire Burgaire Company will sort you out."

"For a restaurant by the river in Leeds, it's over to Aire Bar, the charming eatery housed in a Grade-II listed building with sights of the water. Its vibe is pretty cool and casual, which is great for a catch-up with mates - though we can find any excuse to work through their burger menu."