Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Rastrick

"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."

"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."

"Few locations can top the spectacular backdrop offered by the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, and with 24 hectares of parkland surrounding it, you can enjoy a romantic stroll before asking that all important question."

"Dating back to the 15th century, the Manchester Cathedral has experienced quite a bit of history! After Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, the Cathedral's riches were confiscated. During the English Civil war in the mid 17th century, pitched battles were fought inside and around the Cathedral between the Royalists (those supporting Charles I, the Stewarts, and the Anglican Church) and the Roundheads (Oliver Cromwell loyalists). Also Ann Lee, the founder of the religious movement called the Shakers interrupted services here when she lived in Manchester. The church was targeted by the Nazi Luftwaffe and received a direct head during the bombings of 1940. Yet through all this the Church maintains it's quiet dignity and beauty. It is a must see while in Manchester!"

"Manchester Cathedral is located on Victoria Street, in between the National Museum of Football and Victoria Station. Although the origins of the cathedral are not clear, the construction is believed to have started around 700 AD. At the time though, it was just a church."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"This summer holidays Abbey House Museum will welcome some of your favourite fairy tale characters and creatures as the Victorian Streets are taken over by them!. Captain Hook has managed to stop the clocks ticking in the pub, a marvellous pumpkin patch has sprung up in the middle of the street and there are a mischief of magical mice helping Cinderella make a ball gown before the clock strikes twelve!. You can even pick up a bumper craft bag to take home filled with activities to keep the kids entertained."

"As this attraction was once short-listed for the Museum Family Friendly Award you can expect just that from it. It contains crafted sets, made to look like the enchanting streets, shops and houses that you would have seen during the Victorian era. You can interact with all of the actors in traditional Victorian costumes, or even sneak into a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house if you’re in need of a little rest."

"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."

"Golden Acre Park is popularly known for its circular lakeside walk. This 136 acres of park also offers amazing gardens and tea rooms that you can certainly enjoy. It is also near other famous parks and attractions like the Breary Marsh and Adel Dam in case you would want to go on an ultimate nature adventure."

"At 55 hectares, Golden Acre Park has plenty of space for you to stretch your legs. You’ll find heather gardens, wildfowl lakes, woodland gardens and even a cherry orchard on the grounds, so there’s lots of exploring to be done here. Follow the paths or off-road and see where your adventure takes you."

"Another large park within the boundaries of Leeds, Golden Acre Park is perfect for a day out with the kids. Take a circular walk around the lake, explore the two nature reserves nearby and allow your children time to enjoy the playground before stopping for refreshments at the tearooms."

"With tree-lined walkways, vast swathes of grassland and a traditional bandstand where live entertained play during the summer, Horsforth Hall Park is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Japanese gardens are its crowning glory – created in 1987, they reflect the diverse landscapes of the Japanese isles and create a place of contemplation for visitors. The park also has a skate park and a cricket pitch."

"For those who live in Horsforth, it's no secret that this place becomes swamped in the summer months and it's got a bit of everything. If you fancy burning off a few calories then the Trim Trail is one of the best around and it's also plenty big enough for a quick game of cricket or football, but the highlight is undoubtedly the stunning Japanese Garden."

"You may recognise The Salford Lads’ Club from the famous cover of The Smiths’ hugely popular 1986 album The Queen is Dead, with a bouffant-haired Morrissey and co stood outside its doors. Now you’re in Manchester, you’d be silly not to venture out to this same spot for a Smiths selfie with your fellow travellers. A popular venue for Manc-music fans; head inside to learn more about the band and to buy exclusive merchandise."

"This one is a bit of a trek from the Manchester city center (we went here as part of a private black cab taxi tour of the city), but it is a must-visit spot for music fans. Devotees of The Smiths come from all over the world to recreate their famous photo take in front of the Salford Lads Club for the inside sleeve of their 1986 album, The Queen is Dead. Go have your own Morrissey moment!"

"Located a 20 minute walk away from the Peel Park campus, Salford Lads' Club was established in 1903 as a purpose built club for boys. The club was famously featured on the cover for the The Smiths album 'The Queen is Dead'."

"63 Degrees is a small, family run restaurant, bringing a little taste of Paris to the Northern Quarter. This is proper, grown-up dining - with tablecloths (remember them?) - but without the stuffiness of a restaurant that takes itself too seriously. Perched in one of the trendiest districts of Manchester, the food staunchly opposes the hipster fad-fest that surrounds it."

"French cuisine is widely considered to be the best in the world. Chefs from every corner of the globe flood to Paris to learn all the famous tricks and techniques of Haute cuisine that only the French seem to have the natural finesse for. If fine French cuisine is your bag, then look no further than 63° Degrees in the Northern Quarter."

"20 Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1PN. Coffee lovers know that 63 degrees is the perfect temperature at which to serve it, but chef-proprietor Eric Moreau applies the rule to poultry and cake as well. Don’t miss the set weekday lunch either."

"Kendells Bistro is an exceptionally popular French bistro which is well known for its friendly front of house team, focus on reasonably priced beautifully crafted French cuisine and a great selection of French wines which complements their food. They’ve managed to create an inviting ambience which is akin to the heart of Paris, yet it is located in Leeds’ flourishing art district, next to BBC Leeds and the Northern Ballet. It’s laid out with wooden tables and offers an intimate candlelit atmosphere."

"Considered the most romantic restaurant in the city, based on TripAdvisor reviews, you can dine out in style at this snug French bistro, where the candlelit setting and exquisite food really help to set the mood."

"Want to enjoy a party night with your friends, compete your friends on a pool table match, looking for a perfect place to celebrate corporate parties or scream with excitement on taking a virtual reality fun ride?. Well, you could not find a better place than Namco Funscape. Yes, this place is located near the famous Tafford Centre which definitely deserves a visit."

"What: You'll have to venture a little bit out of the city centre to find Grön Kafe, which is located in the suburban area of Oakwood, but it's well-worth it if you're wanting a more unusual brunch. Owned by Leeds chef Matt Healy, Grön Kafe has a distinctly Scandi feel to it and that carries through to the food offering, with everything from crab scrambled eggs with radish, to banana bread with soya yoghurt and berry compote on the brunch menu.Where: 454 Roundhay Road, LS8 2HU"

"A sleek and simple Scandinvian-inspired cafe, Grön Kafé is a little Oakwood treasure that’s well worth seeking out. It’s all about healthy living here, so you can enjoy detoxing teas, vitamin-packed juices and organic coffees made with dairy-free milk. They have a dedicated menu of clean eats that changes daily or you can indulge in their classic menu, which has deliciously healthy dishes like warm banana bread, sweet potato toast and crab and chilli salad,"

"The latest opening from Matt Healy, Grön Kafe combines a Scandi decor and a relaxed atmosphere to create the perfect laidback brunch spot. The menu is particularly exciting – you can get Cinnamon Brioche French Toast with fruit and berries or Butternut Risotto with kale and herbs. They’ve got Fried Padron Peppers too, and pancakes with toppings like caramelised figs, maple syrup and berry sorbet."

"Nice café for breakfast and lunch with kids toys to keep them occupied. 482 Roundhay Road, Oakwood, LS8 2HU, Tel: 0113 3456319"

"Residence 74 is a cool and cosy cafe bar in Cookridge, decked out with exposed brickwork, leafy green plants and attention-grabbing neon signs. It’s the perfect place for a chilled out morning, so grab yourself a wood-fired coffee or a Jeeves & Jericho tea, then sink into their vintage Chesterfield sofa. If you’re staying for a bite to eat, they have all the breakfast classics, from American pancakes to an almighty full English, as well as a delicious selection of hot sandwiches."