Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Sowerby Bridge

"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."

"We talk about Kirkstall Abbey a lot, but it’s only because it really is very special. Built sometime around 1152, this ancient abbey was inhabited by monks for almost four centuries, until Henry VIII closed all of the monasteries down. There’s so much history here, and while wandering around you can really begin to imagine what the abbey was like almost 1000 years ago, when it was first built."

"Located just a short distance out of the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is beautifully preserved, offering visitors an opportunity to walk through the ruins. The abbey is located beside the River Aire, making it the perfect starting point for a relaxing stroll by the water. Kirkstall Abbey | © Minda / Wikimedia"

"Dating back to 1215, Manchester Cathedral offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The official name is actually “The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George” and is one amazing sight that needs to be seen in the city. It’s well worth a wander around to see the gorgeous architecture, especially as it has been so well preserved."

"Manchester's fine 15th-century church of St.Mary was raised to cathedral status in 1848. It is a magnificent example of..... All attractions in SalfordAll attractions in Greater ManchesterComplete A to Z of attractions in England"

"Manchester’s magnificent Cathedral dates back to 1421 when a royal charter was granted by Henry V. Since then it has survived wars, bombings, the Reformation and more. Manchester Cathedral"

"This 700-acre park is a firm favourite with local families, who flock to its open green space and two huge lakes on a sunny day. It’s the biggest park in Leeds and one of the biggest in Europe, so there’s plenty of space for outdoor activities with the kids. They can play tennis, let run wild at the playground, or enjoy a picnic in the landscaped gardens."

"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."

"Temple Newsam, one of the romantic places to go in Leeds, is a historic site with vast grounds and gardens where you two can take a stroll. Take in its 500-year-deep history all recounted in its glorious 1,500-acres (607-hectares) mansion ground. The temple’s walls — where royalty once walked — are full of history."

"Landscaped by Capability Brown, Temple Newsam has 1,500 acres of grounds for you to explore, with stunning vistas and scenic walks. The Menagerie Ponds are one of the highlights. Each has a different personality – the first is surrounded by parkland, the second by perennials and the third by the bamboo garden."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"We are big supporters of picnics, football in the park with friends and just enjoying the great outdoors!. Get ye' to Golden Acre Park!"

"It may be on the grounds of Leeds Beckett University, but Beckett Park is open to everyone. It’s a huge park that stretches from Queenswood Drive to Batcliffe Mount, with vast swathes of grassy parkland and a beautiful patch of woodland. There are two tennis courts here and if you head into the woods, you can hunt out Queen Victoria Arch, which was built 250 years ago and altered in 1858 to commemorate the monarch’s historic visit to Leeds."

"Due to its location right next to Leeds Beckett University's Headingley campus, this park is dominated by students during term time. The big, open grass spaces mean it's the perfect place to throw a frisbee or kick a football around. And when it starts to get dark, Headingley's pubs and bars are just a short walk away!"

"Enjoy a little fresh air with an invigorating walk around Chevin Forest Park, a short drive from Leeds overlooking the town of Otley. The walk shows off the best of Yorkshire’s natural scenery, taking in dramatic views, rocky outcrops and moorlands scattered with beautiful purple heather."

"One of England's most impressive collections of sculpture is scattered across the formidable 18th-century estate of Bretton Park, 200-odd hectares of lawns, fields and trees. A bit like the art world's equivalent of a safari park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcases the work of dozens of sculptors both national and international. The park is partly a homage to local heroes Barbara Hepworth (1903−75), who was born in Wakefield, and Henry Moore (1898−1986), though more of their works are on display at the Hepworth Wakefield."

"This outdoor gallery near Wakefield is in a former 18th-century estate encompassing more than 500 acres of fields, lakes, exotic trees,…"

"Not only does Trof serve up a lovely menu full of hearty faves such as giant chicken burgers, fish and chips and even a stunning Sunday Roast, but they also do it at a reasonable price. Offering up 50% off food once every week (previously Mondays, currently Thursdays so make sure you check beforehand!), those eating out on a budget can enjoy some seriously cheap grub at one of Manchester’s best city centre hotspots. If you miss it, not to worry, because a huge majority of their menu comes in at less than a tenner per dish anyway."

"With fresh and locally sourced ingredients, Trof is an affordable Northern Quarter restaurant serving quality food at reasonable prices. Think, hearty roast dinners, wholesome brunches and plenty more pub classics, with no dish ever exceeding the £20 mark."

"One of the coolest restaurants in Manchester, Trof is a staple in the Northern Quarter for its easy-going vibes, delicious grub and purse-friendly prices. Swing by to mix with a buzzing crowd while grazing on daily specials served fresh from the kitchen."

"This neighbourhood bar and kitchen in Ancoats makes the most of local produce. From Manchester charcuterie, locally-smoked salmon, regional cheeses and the Manchester egg to pig head croquettes, homemade Earl Grey ice cream and Manchester Pale Ale braised ox cheek, the menu is always interesting."

"If you're looking to boast a beautiful dinner spread, Elenecot is your spot. The charming restaurant just off Cutting Room Square brings seasonal small plates to the forefront, with unique cocktails on the menu to complement, along with quintessentially Manchester industrial decor."

"Address: Cutting Room Square, 41 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AJ. Phone number: 07412 574324. Price: £25 per person + price of brunch dish"

"Located in the Northern Quarter, This and That is one of the area’s original curry cafes, serving rice and a choice of three curries for under a fiver. One TripAdvisor traveller said: “Great value for money and probably one of the best curries in Manchester."

"Manchester boasts a few places serving ‘rice and three’ – a hefty portion of rice teamed with no less than three curries on the side. But the original and best (£4.50) is found at This & That, a no-frills café tucked down an unassuming side street."

"The name, Sheffield, has its origins in Old English and derives from the name of a principal river in the city, the River Sheaf. This name, in turn, is a corruption of shed or sheth, which refers to a divide or separation.[8][9] The second half of the name Sheffield refers to a field, or forest clearing.[10] Combining the two words, it is believed that the name refers to an Anglo-Saxon settlement in a clearing by the confluence of the River Don and River Sheaf.[11]"

"This list ranks externally complete Leeds buildings and free-standing structures that stand at least 50 metres (164 ft), based on standard height measurement. This includes spires and architectural details but does not include antenna masts. An equals sign (=) following a rank indicates the same height between two or more buildings."

"Portland stone lion statue, showing erosion of the soft stone. Victoria Hall showing the pipe organ and stage. The Town Hall is classical in style but suggestive of power and drama."