For a slice of British history, the city has plenty to offer with a number of nearby historic houses. Temple Newsam is a great country house surrounded by beautiful parkland which includes a working rare breeds farm. Famous as the birth place of Lord Darnley, notorious husband of Mary Queen of Scots, Temple Newsam House is a truly impressive Tudor-Jacobean mansion. Described as one of the best in Britain and beautifully restored to its former glory, it is now home to one of the most important collections of decorative arts in Britain. Outside, visitors can make friends with a variety of rare breed animals at Herd Farm, wander around the beautiful gardens, enjoy some leisure time or even a round of golf.
Harewood, one of the Treasure Houses of England, is another heritage estate filled with art, culture and heritage. Enjoy the remarkable views from its award winning terraces or head inside and explore the well-trodden corridors of Below Stairs, a place where young kitchen hands can dress up and discover life as a servant. In the Capability Brown designed grounds, visitors will find an adventure playground, penguins, flamingos and parrots, so there is no shortage of adventure for any visitor.
Lotherton is a charming Edwardian country estate once home to the Gascoigne family. Animal lovers should also plan a visit to Lotherton’s incredible Wildlife World, home to hundreds of animals from across the globe. Make friends with flamingos, penguins and meerkats as well as dozens of other wildlife.
If you’re a lover of beautiful green spaces then be sure to visit to Kirkstall Abbey. Situated only three miles north-west of the city and set in a spacious green park along the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most complete medieval 12th century Cistercian Abbeys in Britain.
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