Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Low Moor

"If you're looking for somewhere with a bit of history, then look no further than Kirkstall Abbey. The giant Gothic building is a former Cistercian monastery which was built in the 12th Century and the sheer scale of the structure is still breathtaking (and award-winning) in this day and age. Nowadays though, it embraces modern life with a monthly market and other events inside the walls of the Abbey, while the open spaces on the banks of the River Aire are the perfect spot to unwind."

"Set in beautiful parkland situated along the banks of the River Aire, the Kirkstall Abbey is an example of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Restoring its historic architecture, the abbey also displays nature through its wildlife and greenery. The abbey was founded by Henry de Lacy, baron of Pontefract, who was one of the leading landholders in the North."

"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"

"Perched on the banks of the River Irwell, Manchester Cathedral - officially the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Mary, St. Denys, and St. George - dates mostly from 1422 to 1506 and was raised to cathedral status in 1847. Particularly attractive are its chapels on both sides of the nave and choir. It was built between 1486 and 1508 with further additions and alterations in almost every subsequent century."

"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."

"Next, there’s no better way to escape the busy city than going for a stroll in Roundhay Park. The grand park covers over 700 acres and is just 3 miles north of Leeds City centre. Undeniably, it is one of the most popular parks in Leeds."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"You can have the perfect Leeds day out at Abbey House Museum. It sits opposite Kirkstall Abbey, so you can explore the famous ruins and make the most of the handsome park it sits in, then dive into the museum. When the Abbey still stood proud, from 1152 until Henry VIII had it dissolved in the 16th century, this building was the gate house."

"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."

"Dominating Millennium Square is Leeds Civic Hall, which took over from the Town Hall as the city’s main municipal building. Construction began in the height of the great depression in 1931 and utilised many who would otherwise have been unemployed. If you look closely, you can see two 2.3 metres high gold-leafed owls on top of its twin towers which are joined by four more owls on columns in Millennium Square."

"Officially opened in 1933 by King George V, Leeds Civic Hall is a truly stunning building made from pristine white Portland stone. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Leeds, not only for being beautiful, but for what it stands for. It’s one of a number of buildings which was commissioned to meet the needs of Leeds as it was developing from a poor town to a blossoming city."

"Leeds Civic Hall is one of the main attractions on Millennium Square. Vincent Harris won the competition for the design of the building in 1926 and work began five years later in 1931. It took just two years to complete and was opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1933."

"Interesting features include some memorable stained glass windows - one depicting the Parable of the Widow’s Mite and one window commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. A 17th century organ case - the present one was rebuilt in 1885; carved choir stalls - one with a carved pelican representing the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and a finely painted column in the centre of the South Chapel in memory of those from the parish who lost their lives in the First World War. Reverend Patrick Duckworth will be pleased to talk to school parties – with the enclosed garden area providing a perfect spot for children to eat their packed lunch."

"In the near centre of Wakefield sits the magnificent Wakefield Cathedral, or the even grander title of the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Wakefield. Although we owe the Victorians for Wakefield Cathedral’s current appearance, restored and reopened in 1888, it has been a place of worship since the 9th-century, and has even been mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Today, anyone can come and have an informal, 45 minute tour of this historic cathedral, with no booking required and completely free!"

"Another incredibly old building, Wakefield Cathedral is the tallest church in Yorkshire and has a long and fascinating history. Although it has been developed and rebuilt at various points over the past 900 years, the building which exists today dates back to the 14th century. Its 247-foot tall spire is visible from many of the suburbs of Wakefield and even beyond on a clear day."

"Just below Tropical World are the beautiful Canal Gardens which again, despite being in the area many times exploring Roundhay Park I had never noticed before I ran past them during a lockdown run. I came back again a couple of weeks later with my new tripod (best purchase!!!) to photograph them. In Spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom in this peaceful place."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"If you’re ever in Manchester, DO NOT leave this city without going to see the John Rylands Library. For any one who felt the pain of not receiving a letter to Hogwarts on their 11th birthday (admit it, we’ve all been there), this might just make up for it (maybe). The exterior of the library is a mix of old and new, with red brick complemented by modern glass architecture."

"On Deansgate in Manchester is the John Rylands Library, a late-19th century Victorian building in a Gothic style. What’s so different about this library is that it looks a lot more like a cathedral than a place for housing books. It is considered by many as Manchester’s most beautiful building and houses some of the earliest books ever printed."

"The John Rylands Library is breathtaking in a kind of ‘Hogwarts sort of way’. Named for John Rylands but actually founded by his wife, it is the kind of place where you never stop looking up, even when you manage to score an alcove in the soaring Reading Room for yourself."