Must See Sights and Landmarks in Blackshaw Head Area

"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."

"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."

"This magnificent, Grade 1 listed building first opened its doors in 1864 to corn traders. Marvel at the independent eateries and retailers and if you are lucky they will have one of their exciting events happening. For example, the Rum Festival or if you visit in October experience art in the dark at Light Night Leeds."

"This is one place where history and pleasure of shopping come together. Leeds Corn Exchange is a Victorian building that was designed by Cuthbert Brodrick in 1864. It is now just one of three Corn Exchanges in the country and works in its traditional capacity as a centre for trade."

"A grade I listed building, the Corn Exchange was built in 1863 and was designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, the architect behind Leeds Town Hall. The building is now a boutique shopping centre home to independent retailers and food outlets."

"Harewood House, seat of the Earl of Harewood, is a magnificent Georgian country house that took 30 years to build and was completed in 1771. Just eight miles north of Leeds, this spectacular home has interiors designed by Robert Adam and includes fine wall and ceiling paintings by Angelika Kauffmann and furniture by renowned English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. As well as an outstanding collection of porcelain, it has a large number of valuable works by the likes of Reynolds, Gainsborough, and El Greco."

"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."

"A romantic 32-acre (13-hectares) lake sets the tone for a romantic stroll on the grounds of Harewood House, exploring which is one of the best things for couples to do in Leeds. The swooping riverbanks serve as the perfect spot to chill and sit beside each other. Walk around the lush garden filled with colorful rhododendrons and daffodils."

"The seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford is among the largest Catholic places of worship in the North of England. The diocese, one of the first to be founded in England since the Reformation 300 years earlier, was set up in 1850 while the building was completed in 1848. The architect was Matthew Ellison Hadfield, who designed several Roman Catholic churches in the mid-19th century, all in the Gothic Revival style."

"Hidden behind the medieval Skipton Castle, the Woodland Trust’s Skipton Castle Woods is a rare ancient woodland habitat. There’s lots for nature-lovers and families to see and do and with a fascinating history that dates back a thousand years, it’s one the Woodland Trust’s most unique sites – and it’s straight off the high street!. It’s a fantastic place for a family walk, with the 36-acres of woodland providing a variety of walks to choose from!"

"Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Families use a self guided trail to explore the historic castle allowing you to visit at your own pace. The information provided about each part of the castle helps to bring the unfurnished castle to life."

"Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year."

"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."

"The Pendle Heritage Centre sits right at the heart of Lancashire’s hill country beside an ancient crossing of Pendle water. The gallery and craft shop offer displays of work and exhibitions by professional crafts people and artists, while the museum contains a wealth of information about the history and development of the farmhouse."

"Clayton Hotel, formerly known as Bewleys Hotel, is a great choice for travellers looking for hotels that provide easy accessibility and movement around the city; the property is a short walk to the train station, a 20-minute drive to the airport, and is near Junction 3 of M621 motorway. At this hotel, guests are pampered with luxurious amenities in their suites such as modern furniture, power showers, soundproof walls, cosy duvets, and hypo-allergenic pillows that guarantee a good night’s sleep. Furthermore, guests should not miss out on having a taste of the hotel’s aromatic coffee blend prepared at their in-house brand Red Bean Roastery."

"Situated beside Leeds' city centre, The Clayton Hotel Leeds is just off the M1, at Junction 3 of the M621 motorway. Leeds Bradford International Airport is just 20 minutes' drive away. Offering links to the airport, Leeds Railway Station is within walking distance."

"Rebellion, 2B Whitworth Street West, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5WZ. Live music and 4am nightclub venue Rebellion provides a rock-heavy alternative with smatterings of bass, across from the Manchester’s Deansgate Locks."

"New kids on the block and another reliably run family business. Wen’s are known for their handmade, pan-fried dumplings and bustling evening service. If you are looking for a personal Chinese dining experience be sure to check out our client Little Yellow Rice Co, for their Peranakan, Chinese-Malay supper club events at Littleyellowriceco.uk"

"Wens is a new addition to Leeds’ dining scene, and they have already made the mark with tourists, locals, even a famous critic. Taking over Hansa’s North street space, Wens specialise in authentic family Chinese cooking. The Dan Dan noodles, dumplings, and Kung Po Chicken are all musts."

"The authenticity of the dishes from Wen’s Restaurant is what keeps the customers coming back. This takeaway has also received praise for its levels of spicing, as there is enough to make the food tasty without one spice overpowering another."

"Ignore those unhealthy supermarket meal deals, give your lunch money to Maxi. Choose between four roast meats with rice and cabbage, add a soy sauce egg on the side, then cover in chilli oil and spring onion oil."

"Guzelian Cafe Bar and Gallery in Little Germany is just two minutes’ walk from the Broadway shopping centre and across the way from Bradford Cathedral. Up a side street but under the shadow of the cathedral, the Guzelian is a small cafe type establishment which serves breakfast, lunch or tapas. The perfect place to relax with a fresh-ground coffee, glass of wine or tasty real ale… while appreciating the stunning photography on the walls"

"Established in 2000 as a ‘creative space for young people’, Z-arts has learning at its core. The family-friendly Hulme venue offers a welcoming, vibrant and safe environment to get creative in."

"Live participation classes are already up and running at Z-Arts, but it'll be a little wait for the theatre and gallery spaces. See the latest updates at z-arts.org/see-whats-on."