Because no one really wants to pay £10 to go up to the top, it was nice and empty. If I was a local…read moreI'd be a member to just go up there and read a book. If you're into history, the history is very interesting but GRIM. I accidentally agreed to buying the book guide and read the massacres that took place in there. They weren't mentioned in any placard I saw. From the top, there's info detailing different locations around the city and their importance. Like places where people were hanged and former sites like the female prison.

My wife and I stopped by and used our London Pass to enter (if you haven't read my other posts,…read moremost of the things we did in London were included so get one and save yourself a few bones). My wife loved the views from the top of the tower as it overlooks the surrounding city and the signs inside that were very informative. You will have to walk up a few flights of stairs to get up to the tower then more stairs to get to the top but the views are worth the trek.

How cool is it that this 14th century medieval street is still in existence and in such great…read morecondition? Dating back to 1086, it was a meat market area. In fact, a lot of the buildings still have original hanging hooks. The area has evolved quite a bit since its inception. Now a quaint cobblestone street lined with shops and restaurants in buildings boasting original architecture and architectural elements. Tudor structures once part of the meat packing district are quaint and welcoming. As you can imagine, it's bustling, most especially during the height of tourist season.

This was the shopping cobblestone street in York. I just love local artisans selling their wares…read more All the merchants were so friendly and kind. We actually were here on the first day and made sure we would come back the next day too! York was a really cool place to visit. I had wished we had one more day. We did alot of walking around town and just admired the beautiful architecture here. I got so many cute things here at the Shambles

Rowntree Park is one of York's real assets…read more Given to the city by the Rowntree Company in remembrance for the loss and sufferance of their Cocoa Works staff during the First World War, this park is a joy to visit and relax in. From formal gardens to tennis courts; a skatepark to open playing fields; an amphitheatre to a tearoom; and a play area to two bowling greens, there really is something for everyone. Situated along the south bank of the River Ouse it boasts a car park of its own though it is only a short walk or bus journey from the city centre. Its facilities are of a consistent high quality, and have been celebrated in its award of the Green Flag for Parks every year since 2004. Why not stroll up New Walk from the city centre on the other side, cross the river at the Millennium Bridge and then spend a leisurely time working your way back through the park to central York?

We allways end up here if visiting York. The Children love the play area, plenty to due, probably…read moreno good on a wet day, but we've never had one yet.

I'm doing it again; I must get to the water. I am a Gremlin. I need to multiply and water is my…read moresavour. In that case I could do a lot worse than Hemsworth Water Park and Play World. Now this badger has two lakes; the largest lake is available for pedalo rides and has sandy beaches; the smallest lake is in a more secluded area to attract wildlife. It's perfect if you want to do a Freddie Flintoff and fool around for a while. It's also ideal to see some great things of interest in this beautiful world we have around us. I'm going all John Lennon on you now. You've also got loads of grassed areas and picnics are no problem either (except the fact it's always freezing and wet in England). Then throw in the Play World bit. This is where I need to fall back and remind myself that I'm not a child any more. For "real" kids though it's got with a tower slide, climbing frames, a toddler's sandpit area and a miniature railway. Toot toot. Once again I've found you a corking day out with a difference but do check what is open if you go before the Easter holidays. You have been warned.

I find myself in something of a quandary. I value the provision of these islands of nature greatly…read moreand will always defend them from the encroaching urban sprawl but I find that I cannot get very excited about Hemsworth Water Park, Nice enough lakes and the ducks were very duck-like, the grass was probably just as green as any other park and the children's play area as clean and well maintained as the best of them but the other play area which is rather grandly called Playworld was locked up thereby saving us a few quid for an experience we could get for free in any half decent public park. I left with the feeling that I had wasted fuel driving to Hemsworth as there are better parks much nearer to where I live.

The Hospitium was built as part of St Mary's Abbey and people like merchants who were not allowed…read moreto stay in the main abbey with the monks would stay here. The Hospitium is now an award-winning venue for weddings, parties and other events.

I went to a wedding at the Hospitium last weekend and it was a really lovely venue. Ably assisted…read moreby the beautiful weather on the day, the venue looks really impressive on approach. Guests can walk in from either of the park entrances. During the day the park is open to the public but it was actually rather nice to look out of the windows during the ceremony and see people relaxing with picnics on the lawns. The ceremony was in the large downstairs room - lots of exposed stone and columns mean it's really easy on the eye however I was worried that some people's views were obscured by the pillars. The meal was upstairs and was handled by their own catering staff and was really fantastic - they did a great job of serving so many people and the food was tasty and hot. The bride and groom had provided their own wine and and champagne which worked well. On the whole the building was fantastic, I'd certainly recommend it as a venue. After the park closed at 8pm we had the whole park to ourselves - there are however security on the gates to let everyone out - well thought out. Bar prices seemed particularly reasonable too.

Absolutely stunning venue. Lovely walks, views, and - of course - the memorable abbey. Was lucky to…read morevisit on an unusually nice New Year's Day. Loved the whole experience!!

I did the park run and I enjoyed it because I was with my dog and I love my dog so I rate it 4 starread more

After last years epidemic of baby births, sorry that sounded shallow. After the delight that was…read moremany of my friends and colleagues creating or expanding their families (better) the seasons are changing and as we move out of Winter into Spring and hopefully balmier climates, talk has turned on where's a nice and safe place to take the kids that isn't pure saccharine wacky zany child fun, and is parent and friends of parent friendly, eg, friends of parents won't balk at the idea of spending time with the kidlets because it's "just too much fun(!)" Anyhoo, an excellent compromise or combination, of green, flowers, pretty, play areas, etc is Pudsey Park. My idea to take friends kidlets here stemmed from the glowing reports this park has. Prior job projects included something on open spaces in West Yorkshire, and Pudsey Park comes in top of the list with regards to awards and such. It's been a Green Flag award winner every year since 2003, a worthy acheivement. The park is always clean, and I've never had any trouble, plus in half term and Summer holidays, there's plenty of families about, which is nice for the kids to play about, without being too loud and annoying for anyone enjoying the park sans child. So what's to do here? If you enter the park at the Car Park side, you'll immediately notice the playground, and there's a basketball court, and a skate park. Wandering through there's a bowling green, flower gardens, a glass house filled with exotic plants and a pets corner and aquarium and aviary. For replenishments there's also a little cafe too. At the moment the park is undergoing some regeneration, so there are some major developments going on, and the structure and layout of the park is changing. But when it's all done and dusted it should be even better than ever.

I'm feeling the love for all things slightly off centre. No I'm not having another Mel meltdown, I…read moremean I'm quite liking exploring the deeper depths of our beloved Leeds and it's Pudsey. Since I'm on a park ting (getting all street again, word up), I thought it'd be rude not to look this bad boy up. Now most of the parks have been reasonable to good it has to be said but this one is a perfectly formed package. It should shout about itself, it's a Greenflag winner and has been on many occasions. That's probably because it's very well maintained and has loads of stuff for the kids. Pet's corner is a nice touch and they keep on reconstructing areas left, right and centre so it's only going to get better. You've got exotic fish and birds and a tropical greenhouse. So get your best silly hat and cargo shorts out and go jungle trekking in your own back yard. There are plenty of flowers and tree lined walks. Plus, skate park, green bowls and a bandstand. Altogether with some air trumpet now.

this is a fab, place for wind surfing and other beach sports. the farmer takes about £3.00 (could…read morebe more) for you to park your car, so you can get onto the beach. some years back it was a nudist beach, but not anymore! the beach is a long strip, and the tide will go right out, but take care as when the tide is high, you really need to be off the beach! normally around 4pm depends on season. it can get very busy when the weather is good and lots of people walk there dogs here great cheap place to take the kids for a good old fashioned beach trip, as there are no shops nearby! there is a snack van, but take a picnic or a BBQ! wind breakers are a must! as it is a very windy beach! BUT TAKE HOME YOUR RUBBISH! as some people don't and is spoils it for others! make a day of making sand castles, exploring rock pools and the old world war 2 concrete pill box, coastal defense bunker. there is enough things to do to fill a day. beach volley ball, beach football, kite flying, burying dad in the sand etc. if your shy about getting changed on a beach, do it in an old duvet cover! get your knotted hankies out, sit on a deck chair and relax! places like this one are getting harder to find. we use to be able to launch our jet ski's here, but thanks to people not following simple beach rules, give way to people in the water and wind surfers! you can no longer launch jet ski's/bikes! lots of wind surfers come here and i've seen kite surfers as well. think you can still launch boats. there are very basic toilet facilities (converted barn) take your own tissue, these are provided for the caravan site nearby, but beach users can also use toilets

dont let ya kids play in the stream outlet near the carpark it can be pollutedread more

A great adventure playground that will keep all but the most fussy of kids entertained, be warned…read morethough it can get a bit muddy. The grounds of the estate have miles of paths to explore/walk the dog and alarge lake give ample oppurtunity to feed the ducks/fish.

Although not exactly in the middle of the countryside, St Ives lets you get away from the…read morerelatively busy hustle and bustle of nearby Bingley and offers beautiful woodland walks, tasty food and a bit of something for everyone. St Ives boasts it's own golf course so if you are that way inclined you can while away a few hours hitting balls into holes (can you tell I'm not a fan!) It also has a beautiful lake with a lovely walk around it which is ideal if you have youngsters who will enjoy feeding the various ducks and other wildlife. They recently introduced a wildlife viewing area where you can sit and watch squirrels and various birds eating from conveniently placed feeding tables. There are lots of paths and walks you can enjoy around the estate, including one which takes you through a large woodland area with many large carved statues for you to discover - the dragon is our favourite! Extra points if you can find the massive carved wooden chain (hint: it's in a tree somewhere near the lake!) There are several large car parks and a children's playground and also tearooms to enjoy, so there really is something for everyone. Definitely a place where you can go have fun with your family, or even relax and get away from it all.

Lovely place this especially on a sunny day. Great to walk around the lake, perhaps even take a…read morepicnic. The parking is now 70p. There is also a caravan park attached if you fancy staying here.

A lovely lake with plenty of ducks, and I couldn't believe how many swans were there. The cafe is…read morelovely, being disabled, Ive never walked around the lake, but I have heard it is a nice walk.