Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds is one of Britain's best preserved abbeys. Built between 1152 and 1182 on the northern bank of the River Aire, the Abbey was originally home to a community of Cistercian monks and lay brothers.
Among its many attractions are the peaceful cloisters, which offer a tranquil haven away from the bustle of the city. Visitors can sit under covered walkways where the monks once sat in quiet contemplation.