Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Blackshaw Head

"Grade I listed Kirkstall Abbey sits in leafy grounds and offers a snapshot into the lives of the monks who resided there. Entry to the dramatic ruins is free through the visitor centre, which illustrates the history of the abbey, which was surrendered to Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. The abbey grounds also host regular farmers markets, open cinema events and Christmas fairs."

"If you want to experience the type of history that can capture your imagination with just how far back it dates, then Kirkstall Abbey is the perfect place for you. It’s one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain today. It also offers a picnic area, and play area for children, but don’t panic if you forget to bring something to eat."

"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"

"Although there has been a parish church building on this site since the late Anglo Saxon or Early Norman period, the cathedral we see today looks nothing like the building that would have stood there all those years ago. The cathedral has been modified over the years after structural damage caused by the Civil War, damage caused by a German bomb during the Manchester Blitz in the second World War and further damage caused by the IRA bomb of 1996. In the thirteenth century a stone parish church was constructed in the parish that was to become Manchester, serving people in a 60 mile radius."

"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."

"As industrial as the city may be, even Manchester needs a few beautiful churches. Possibly the most impressive of them all is Manchester Cathedral. Over five hundred years old, the building is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside."

"You’ll find one of the biggest parks in Europe three miles north of Leeds city centre. Roundhay Park is a beautiful outdoor space that covers a massive 700 acres, with landscaped gardens, rolling parkland and two scenic lakes. It’s a great place to get back to nature, but you’ll also find a few man-made attractions here that are just as worthy of your time – think adventure playgrounds, sports pitches, tennis courts and a skate park."

"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."

"It's autumn and your are itching to start planning your Bonfire Night celebrations - Roundhay Park has you covered with a massive bonfire in this beautiful park!"

"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."

"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, Abbey Walk, Leeds, LS5 3EH - Visit now. If your children struggle to imagine life without tablets, iPhone games or a PlayStation to keep them entertained, then a trip to Abbey House Museum should prove an eye-opening experience."

"A working farm and teaching facility, Wigfield farm is also a wonderful day out if you have children who are animal lovers. In addition to all the usual animals you would expect to find on a farm, you can also see meerkats, rats, alpacas, rabbits, and tortoises here. Children can feed lambs and watch the keepers take care of the larger animals."

"Starting with number 5, Victoria Park is a Green Flag award winning park that was opened in 1897, making it one of the oldest parks in the city. It is located in Swinton, right next to Swinton Football Club. There is a wide range of facilities in the park including an events area, tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment and a children’s play area."

"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,…"

"On selected dates throughout the year, the amazing and fun Brunch with Birch runs in Manchester, so if you’re looking for a cracking bottomless brunch in Manchester, then check to see if this one is running this week!. It’s hosted by alien drag icon Juno Birch and has appearances from other UK drag stars, so you’re in for a great time with this one. For £43.95pp you get over four hours of partying, sharing chips and dip, a brunch dish of choice, performances and games, and ninety minutes of bottomless bubbles!"

"A laid-back bar and restaurant, the Banyan Tree creates a menu of international dishes using local produce. With comfy sofas, booth areas and vibrantly decorated walls, it is a bright and contemporary venue serving an exciting array of food and drink."

"By now we all know that an Instagram guide is never complete without the mention of at least one ridiculously aesthetic cup of coffee. Arguably one of the most trendy cafes in the entire country, Foundation Coffee is an Instagrammer’s dream come true. Its slick black, white and wooden interior, monochrome floor tiles, booths and coffee that’s served on wooden trays combine to create an ultra-modern spot built for social media users – even the bathrooms are Instagrammable!"

"Surely one of the most stylish coffee shops in the entire country, Foundation is an Instagrammer’s dream. Even the bathrooms are worthy of a photograph in this impeccably designed café that focuses on a slick black, white and wooden interior. You’ll want to snap everything from the sleek booths to the perfectly designed menu, monochrome floor tiles and steaming cups of coffee that arrive on wooden trays."

"CFCCA is the UK leader in Chinese visual culture, with a reputation for debut solo exhibitions and a roster of internationally-renowned artists; impressive considering that, three decades ago, it was just a series of events in Manchester’s Chinatown. As Manchester’s Chinese population is second only to London’s, the centre’s heritage is particularly important; now represented in a new archive and library. Best feature: A vibrant events schedule, spanning film screenings to workshops and even Mandarin lessons"

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"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,…"