Historic Sites in Halifax

"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."

"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."

"The Tudor-Jacobean mansion needs little introduction but its 1,500 acres of surrounding parkland with lakes, formal gardens and woods are worth more than a mention. It's accessed off Selby Road, LS15 0AE."

"In the galleries at Abbey House Museum, you’ll be transported back to life in Victorian Leeds, strolling recreated 19th century streets. There are shops, a pub and houses, where you can peer inside and see how people lived a century or so ago, as well as regular new exhibitions. You can also discover a whole area on classic toys, including traditional games and Victorian dolls – you can even play some of the original penny slot machines (and buy an old-fashioned penny from the vending machine to do it)."

"Harewood House is a grandiose 18th-century country home, set in stunning gardens – and it’s full of art. The watercolours are at the heart of their extensive collection – they have paintings by the likes of JMW Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Varley. You can also see temporary exhibitions by modern artists, works by masters of the Italian Renaissance and family portraits by the likes of Reynolds, Hopper and Lawrence."

"Harewood House was built in the 18th century and is one of the Treasure Houses of England. Located just outside Leeds in the heart of Yorkshire, visitors of Harewood House can enjoy art exhibitions, the Rare Bird Garden, Farm Experience and over 100 acres of well-manicured gardens. It is a must on the places to visit in Leeds."

"This place is genuinely spectacular, with lots of history to discover. It was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy plantation owner Edwin Lascelles. Since then, it’s not lost any of its splendour, with members of the Royal Family even living here in years gone by."

"Before he founded the Scout Movement, Robert Baden-Powell set up the Salford Lads’ Club in Ordsall in 1903. The idea behind clubs like these was to keep young boys in deprived areas out of trouble, and channel their energy into constructive pursuits and sport. The list of former members here is illustrious and includes the actor Albert Finney, the Busby Babe Eddie Colman and guitarist Graham Nash of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash."

"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."

"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'."

"There’s an incredible history behind Pendle Hill, a Bronze Age burial site. This breathtaking landmark maintains a strong association with witchcraft thanks to the witch trials of 1612. For walkers, access to the hill is most commonly from nearby village of Barley."

"Stood high on Castle Hill dominating Clitheroe’s skyline for over 800 years, Clitheroe Castle Museum is now open after a complete makeover and offers a day of exploration for all the family. Explore the hands-on galleries, collections and displays which reveal amazing stories and take you on a journey through 350 million years of history."

"It’s half-deli, half-bakery, with a wide selection of pies, sausage rolls, cakes, pastries and freshly baked loaves. Alongside its famous hot roast carvery rolls, it’s worth having a go at the full English Vienna. For just £6, they’ll fill a bap bigger than your head with hand made pork sausages, rindless back bacon, hash brown, egg, black pudding, spam, mushrooms, tomatoes and/or beans."

"They’re the light, fluffy American variety and you can get three or five, depending on your appetite. There are two toppings to choose from – go fruity with banana, strawberries and blueberries or try the American-style smoked streaky bacon with syrup. If you visit between 21st February 2020 and 1st March 2020, you’ll have even more options, with unusual eats like sweetcorn pancakes, poached eggs, feta and avocado."

"If you’re having a bit of dull, bad day, you should absolutely consider stopping by Bill’s for lunch. Not only do they have a great deal, but you’ll feel yourself relax as soon as you sit down, and the food isn’t half bad either. Order two courses for £11.95, three for £13.95 between noon and 7 PM, Monday-Friday."

"When it comes to eating out with the kids, Bill’s is a no brainer. In the morning, they do everything from pancakes drizzled in syrup to a bitesize full English, but it’s dinner time when they really come into their own. Feast on hearty classics like fish fingers, sausage and mash or a good old mac ’n’ cheese."

"If you want a filling meal that’s also healthy, head on down to Humpit in the Corn Exchange or at Leeds University Union. Here you can choose between salad bowls topped with healthy delights such as hummus and falafel, filled pittas, Turkish pizzas, loaded fries and more. Everything on the menu is plant-based, so take your pick and dig in!"

"If something's worth doing, it's worth doing right – and Humpit do hummus right. Go for a classic bowl of their creamy hummus, served with your choice of toppings (I recommend the spicy salsa) and hunks of fresh pitta bread to mop it all up. Their stuffed pittas are also a great takeaway lunch option if you're passing by the Corn Exchange."

"Fig and Sparrow, 20 Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1JN - Visit now. This design-store-cum-coffee-bar ticks two boxes at once; shopping for beautiful gifts, and sipping a well-crafted coffee. The interior is warm and welcoming with a stripped-back, Scandinavian vibe."

"Half coffee shop, half homewares, all stunning - Fig and Sparrow is a dainty café with design as beautiful as the latte art. From their tiny bar they serve an impressive range of coffees and teas. Flat whites are always meticulous, and it’s worth dipping your beak into their pour-over range."

"Fig and Sparrow, 20 Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1JN - Visit now. Serving up a stylish selection of locally-produced gifts, cards and homeware, as well as great coffee and cake."

"Choose from fresh-baked scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, savouries, immaculate sandwiches and pastries. All served with exquisite teas or coffees."

"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."

"Just north of Rodley Nature Reserve is this park with a Japanese garden, trails and plenty more. The main entrance is off Hall Lane, Horsforth"

"Nestled between Manchester Cathedral, the National Football Museum, the Corn Exchange, and Chetham’s School of Music are Cathedral Gardens Manchester. It is a new park but provides a great escape if you are in the Manchester city centre and want to take a breath. It is a regenerated area with a water feature that changes with seasons and concrete sitting areas and is now one of Manchester’s best parks."