Historic Sites in Wainstalls

"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."

"Kirkstall abbey is a well-preserved medieval abbey which has stunning architecture and some great ruins. It is set in parkland and it is the perfect place for a walk. There is also an outdoor deli market where you can try some delicious food, such as a hot spiced wine or a fresh stonebaked pizza, or buy an artisan gift for your friends."

"With a working farm, grand mansion, tea room, gardens and woodlands to explore, Temple Newsam is worth the journey out of the city centre (around 20 minutes by car) for a scenic day out. Home Farm gives you the chance to meet the estates pigs, sheep, cattle, goats and ducks, while the Tudor-Jacobean mansion was the birthplace of notorious Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. The stately home has been restored, with rooms filled with decorative art and the secrets of past residents."

"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!"

"Located about four miles west of Leeds in Aire Valley, Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall is in a magnificent Cistercian house built in 1152. The picturesque remains include a roofless church with a narrow choir and a ruined tower, an almost completely preserved chapterhouse, as well as a refectory, kitchen, and various other buildings. The gatehouse is now part of the Abbey House Museum with its reproduction houses, shops, and workshops illustrating life in Yorkshire through the centuries."

"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."

"Experience life as a Victorian at Leeds’ Abbey House Museum. Neighbouring the stunning Kirkstall Abbey, this museum has recreated Victorian-era streets, filled with old shops, pubs and a Sunday school building. Each street is a wonderful experience, with costumed actors helping to transport you back to northern life in 19 century England."

"There’s far more than just the stately home to discover at Harewood House – this is somewhere to spend all day exploring. The grounds have three walking trails to help you explore, along with a great adventure playground, and a natural play area in the woods, a ‘secret’ tunnel to the Norman church, formal gardens, a pretty lake with a ferry heading across to more gardens and usually boat trips running too. You’ll also find a string of farmyard animals, from guinea pigs to actual pigs, and a host of rare birds, including macaws and cockatoos, lovebirds and a flamboyance of flamingos."

"There is so much to do and see at Harewood House, that you may struggle to fit it all in!. This is the perfect family day out with both fun indoor and outdoor activities on site. A 25-minute drive from the hotel, this 18th century house is a popular attraction in Leeds, featuring over 100 acres of beautiful gardens containing a wide range of plants from all over the world."

"Visitors to Harewood House will be pleasantly surprised by the array of attractions on offer. Not only can the house and gardens be admired, but there is also a farm experience and a series of interesting events including theatrical performances and costume exhibitions. Visitors can even visit the resident Humboldt penguins at feeding time!"

"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."

"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."

"Located in Salford (Greater Manchester), Salford Lads Club became famous in 1986 when it was featured on the cover of the Smith’s album The Queen is Dead. Manchester is known for its music scene. It boasted some of the most famous rock bands in England and the Smiths are one of them!"

"This much-beloved watering hole is the sister bar to one of Leeds’ oldest pub, Whitelocks. Whilst the former is the place to head for the more classic ales, Turks Head is the more modern choice, with a plethora of interesting craft ales, gins, and cocktails. The beer garden which sits in the alleyway just off Briggate is lively and atmospheric all year round, with plenty of seating, and canopies with heaters for those unpredictable British summer days."

"Good atmosphere with a friendly happy face behind the counter to greet you as you enter. These guys have all the breakfast/lunch items you could ask for. Very flexible with fussy eaters and adjusting their orders accordingly."

"If city centre restaurants have traditionally been the least enthusiastic about anything paw-based entering their establishments, The New Conservatory is the exception. For one, situated just off Albion Street, it’s as central as it gets. Secondly, staff here love dogs so much that they even have a house doggo–a handsome black Lab called Max, who’s been known to dress up for visits by sporting shades and a sports kit."

"This stylish outfit is a great brunch location, in a cosy underground location. It also has some outside seating if you fancy watching the world go by in the city centre. Avocado and poached eggs is one of their most popular options, served on sourdough bread."

"If you’d prefer a more relaxed environment away from luxurious hotels, Spa Satori is located in the heart of Manchester’s hipster neighbourhood. Offering a variety of treatments for both men and women, the spa focuses on beauty treatments such as facials, waxing and brows alongside a variety of massages, holistic treatments, acupuncture and detoxing procedures. Opt for their Ultimate Stress Relief massage if your day-to-day life has left you feeling tense and exhausted."

"Satori Northern Quarter is an ultimate sanctuary to rest your tired and weary body. Managed by Jennie Lawrenson, a highly qualified therapist, she is dedicated to providing the ultimate wellness for all her clients. Passionate in helping all customers to reach their optimum health and wellness, she provides different services and treatments that are sure to aid you and take away all the pain that you are feeling in your body."

"Spa aficionados who have “been there, done that” might want to try Spa Satori. These guys cater to both men and women with seriously necessary signature treatments like Moody Cow, Men Are From Mars, and Hangover Recovery. There’s also a selection of Ethical Body Wraps, specialist treatments like Reiki healing, reflexology, and colonic hydrotherapy."