Leeds Tourist attractions, Civic buildings & places to visits

Guided Walks

Guided walks are organised by the City with a Leeds City guide leading the walk. The walks take place in the evenings and during the day at weekends. A charge is made.

Telephone: (0113) 252 6807

The walks include:

• Pubs and Yards
• Churches of Leeds
• Historic Markets and Arcades
• Criminals and Colourful Characters
• Riverside Walkabouts. You may like to view pictures of my own riverside walk
• The Town Hall ( photos and events) and Civic buildings.
• TV themes

Museums

Abbey House Museum

Admission: Charged

Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH (On the opposite side of Kirkstall Road from Kirkstall Abbey)

Tel (0113) 230 5492

Directions:

By car: Follow the A65 (Kirkstall Road > Abbey Road) for apprx 2 ½ miles.from Leeds City Centre

Public Transport: Abbey House is located on a well serviced bus route.

The sights and sounds of Victorian Leeds. Three reconstructed Victorian street scenes.
Monthly events and activities

Admission: Charged

Armley Mills Industrial Museum

Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Canal Road, Leeds LS12 2QF

Tel (0113) 263 7861

Armley Mills Fire Engine

Armley Mills Beam Engine

Working machinery that turned Leeds into a great industrial City. Try to visit when the 100 year old steam engine is fired up. See also the waterwheels.  The mill shows how the indusrial revolution which started in Brtitain changed the World and made Britain a wealthy country.

The mill also contains a selection of cinema projectors. There are occasional shows at the 1920s cinema.

Admission Charged (Concessions available)

More Information & 14 photographs of Armley Mills

Website : www.leeds.gov.uk/armleymills

Leeds City Museum

The Museum has reopened in New Premices, Leeds Institute building on Millennium Square, formerly the Civic Theatre

Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH

Horsforth Village Museum

Situated on the village green. Tel: (0113) 281 9877

The history of Horsforth

Fulneck Moravian Settlment and Museum

55 57 Fulneck, Pudsey, Leeds

Tel: (0113) 257 5474 / 256 4147

Open: Easter to October Wednesday and Saturday 2 4 PM Charge made.

Royal Armouries Museum

Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT Tel (0113) 220 1999 Admission Free This is a must visit when in Leeds   See our seperate page of information and photographs of The Royal Armouries

Leeds Royal Armouries

Tetley's Brewery Wharf

This attraction has now closed and is now a bar, nightclub and restaurants

A major £100m redevelopment, includes refurbishment of Brewery Wharf and the sites adjacent to Brewery Wharf  includes 300 flats, offices, restaurants and bars, a health and fitness club and a 150 bed hotel.

Thackray Medical Museum

Thackray Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7LN
(Part of St James Hospital)

Tel (0113) 244 4343

2 miles from the city centre

Allow up to 3 hours for a visit.

"From the horrors of the Victorian operating theatrs to the wonders of modern surgery, the Thackray Museums galleries, collectiona and interactive displays bring to life the history of health and disease, treatment and cures, medical discoveries, equipment and technology."

Admission Charged (Concessions available)

More information Thackray Museum

Thaite Mill Weir

Thwaite Mills Watermill

Thaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds LS10 1RD

Tel (0113) 249 6453

2 mile from the City Centre along Hunslet Road. This grinding mill is operated by 2 large waterwheels

Admission: Charged

More information Thwaite Mill and also videos & photos on

Art Galleries

Henry Moore Institute

74 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH

Tel (0113) 234 3158

Admission: FREE

The Institute contains three beautiful galleries showing a changing and diverse programme of exhibitions supported by books, and other events. The Institute also oversees the curation and development of the Leeds City Art Gallery sculpture collection and is joined to the Art Gallery by a bridge. It also has an active research programme, archive and library.

The Henry Moore Institute is open 10am until 5.30pm everyday and until 9pm on Wednesdays. The Institute is closed on Bank Holidays. Admission is free.

For further information about what’s on please visit
www.henry moore fdn.co.uk or call 0113 246 7467

Award winning Institute. Sculpture exhibitions showing all periods and nationalities.. The institute is named after the greatest British sculptor Henry Moore (1898 1986), a Yorkshireman.

The three main galleries and Gallery 4 are situated within the Henry Moore Institute. The Institute is open daily 10.00 17.30, Wednesdays to 21.00, closed bank holidays. Information line 0113 234 3158 or visit www.henry moore fdn.co.uk. Admission is free.

The mezzanine gallery is situated within Leeds City Art Gallery, the building next door. Opening hours may be subject to change; ring 0113 247 8248 for confirmation, or visit www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery.

Modelling Charlotte Perriand: a Project by Sadie Murdoch

3 March to 27 May 2007 in Gallery 4
The 1928 Chaise Longue, a design classic, has often been attributed simply to Le Corbusier, but was in fact designed in collaboration with the less celebrated Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret, and its advertised image was not only conceived but also modelled by Perriand herself. In her project to put Perriand back into the picture, Sadie Murdoch (b.1965) meticulously reshapes the historical image, acting as both model and as artist in her own photographs.

Towards a New Laocoon

13 May to 12 August 2007 in the main galleries
The antique group depicting the Trojan priest Laocoon and his two sons being attacked by snakes was excavated in Rome in 1506 and almost immediately put on show in the Vatican. Since that date the sculpture, its restoration, and the way it tells its story, have exerted a strong fascination for artists and writers. This exhibition reveals the Laocoon’s appeal for recent British sculptors Paolozzi, Cragg and Deacon – in terms of its intertwined forms, drama and suspense, and examines other moments of historical interaction.

Drawing on Sculpture: Graphic Interventions on the Photographic Surface

13 May to 12 August 2007 on the mezzanine
This study display, which uses works from the collections as well as on loan, investigates the ways in which sculptors since Rodin have used photographs as a way of understanding their own sculptures, or those of others. The graphic overlays, in pencil and in paint, range from the graffiti like marks which tend to accompany sculpture in the public space to more tentative and provisional adjustments of work in progress.

Kissing Cousins: A Fellowship Project by Jane Simpson and Sarah Staton

30 June to 30 September 2007 in Gallery 4
Jane Simpson (b.1965) and Sarah Staton (b.1961) held a joint Fellowship at the Institute in 2005 6. Using the Leeds’ collections as a litmus paper against which to test their own tastes and interests, individual and combined, Simpson and Staton present their own selection within an environment designed by them.

Thomas Schütte: Decorative Work

23 September 2007 to 6 January 2008 in the main galleries
Thomas Schütte (b.1954) had astonishing early success with a group of works which, hung on the wall and referencing forms such as tiles, wallpaper and garlands, were concerned literally to almost make light of the impasse in which Minimalism found itself in the late 1970s. This exhibition, timed to coincide with more recent sculpture on show at Tate St Ives, brings together for the first time the complete set of these early ‘decorative’ pieces from an artist better known for his later works.

Indoors and Out: The Sculpture and Design of Bernard Schottlander

23 September 2007 to 6 January 2008 on the mezzanine
Bernard Schottlander (1924 1999) started his career attending evening classes in sculpture at Leeds School of Art. He became known as a designer before he was known as a sculptor and showcased by the Council of Industrial Design in the post war years with his elegantly profiled furniture and fittings. He went on to transpose his designs for the interior space onto the plazas created by the high rise office blocks of the time. This exhibition looks at the overlaps between his sculpture and his design (drawn respectively from the Institute’s Archive and the University of Brighton Design Archives) and at their common sources.

Creation Myths: Epstein’s ‘Flenite Relief’ of 1913 in Context

3 November 2007 to 11 February 2008 in Gallery 4
Following the recent acquisition of Epstein’s ‘Flenite Relief’ for Leeds Museums and Galleries, this small study display examines the place of this remarkable carving within Epstein’s own adventurous re working of the themes of birth and death, and in relation to that of his contemporaries.

Leeds City Art Gallery

Leeds City Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA Tel (0113) 247 8248 Admission: FREE. The regions premier Art Gallery covering three floors, the Leeds City Art Gallery, houses England's best collection of 20th century art outside of London, including collections of contemporary British sculpture, prints, watercolors,drawings and French post impressionist paintings. Next door to the Henry Moore Institute

Leeds Art Gallery

Liston Studios

University of Leeds

Tel (0113) 343 5274

University Gallery

Parkinson Building, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds

Tel (0113) 343 2777

Admission Free

Misc

Canal Gardens

Princess Avenue, Rounday, Leeds LS8 2PR Admission: FREE More photographs and information Canal Gardens Rounday Park and Tropical World

Kirkstall Abbey

Admission: FREE

Built in 1100s next to the River Aire by Cistercian monks. Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best preserved monastic sites in the country and currently is being further restored.

Guided Tours in Summer

How to Get to Kirkstall Abbey

A65, 3 miles west of Leeds city centre Kirkstall Abbey can be found approximately 1·4 mile after the Kirkstall Retail Park on the right. Level access from the main road. Car park on the other side of the road.
Buses Kirkstall Abbey is located directly on a well serviced bus route. Buses 33, 732, 733, or 736 from Central Bus Station via Park Row and Wellington Street, go direct to the Abbey.
Trains Leeds City Station

Books

Kirkstall Abbey
A 16 pages paperback by Peter C D Brears
Price Guide: £0.50

Kirkstall Abbey,1147 1539: An Historical Study
A 106 page paperback by Guy D. Barnes
Price Guide: £4.50

Kirkstall Abbey: The Guest House A Guide to the Mediaeval Buildings and to the Discoveries Made During Recent Excavations
A 30 page paperback by Stuart Wrathmell
Price Guide: £1.25

Picture Story of Kirkstall Abbey
A 16 page paperback by David Thornton
Price Guide: £2.50

Map Kirkstall 1906

Price Guide: £2.10

Middleton Railway

Moor Road Hunslet Leeds LS10 2JQ

Tel (0113) 0320 www.middletonrailways.org.uk

Open: Weekends and bank holidays, April to December only.

Bus No. 61 from Aire Street near Leeds Raiway Station, to Beza Street (next to Moor Road Station)

Middleton Railway is the worlds oldest working railway, check about rides and special events. Collection of steam engines, many over 100 years old and more modern diesel engines.
The line runs into Middleton Park with its picnic areas and nature trails.
Try to visit the shed to see restoration work in progress.

Admission: Charged (Concessions available)

Town Hall

The most extensive programme of Free Music in Britain is based in the Leeds Town Hall

www.leedsconcertseason.com

Tropical World

Canal Gardens, Princes Avenue, Leeds LS8 2PR Tel (0113) 266 1850 A spectacular tropical mix of Amazon rainforest and desert areas

Butterfly house, Pools of colourful fish Tropical birds Tropical insect house Aquarium Exotic plants Nocturnal house

More photographs and information Canal Gardens,  Rounday Park and Tropical World

Great Houses

Lotherton Hall

A charming Edwardian Hall, Woodlands, Formal Garden, Deer Park and Bird Garden

Lotherton Hall, Towton Road, Leeds LS25 3EB

Location 13 miles from city centre, 2.5 miles from M1 Junction 47

Buses to and from Leeds:

64, 64A to Aberford, then approximately 20 mins walk 2 buses per hour Monday to Saturday daytime, hourly service evenings and weekends. Direct buses: 56/7 summer holidays only.

Website

Temple Newsam House, Home Farm & Gardens

Tel: (0113) 264 5535

Location: 4 miles from Leeds City centre off the A63 Selby Road. 2 Miles from M1 Junction 46

House

Admission: Charged

The magnificent Jacobean / Tudor house is 500 years old and the birth place of Mary Queen of Scots husband, Lord Darnley. Stroll round the 3 floors of this wonderful country house, listen to the free audio guides

Full of renound furniture some by the master craftsman Chippendale.

Home Farm

Admission: Charged

The largest rare breeds farm in Europe, with 400 animals. Craft demonstrations on special event days. See the historic agricultural equipment.

Gardens and Park

There are 1500 acres of parkland, woodland, farmland and gardens. Admission: FREE

1,500 acres of parkland, woodland, gardens and 2 golf courses. Landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18^th century

Parks

Bramley Falls

A large open parkland with good views, also woodland and Leeds Liverpool canal side walk. Trim trail, orienteering course and sports pitches.

Chevin Forest Park Otley

Location: Along the ridge of the river Wharfe valley, South West of Otley. The nearest point is approx. 9 miles from Leeds.

Telephone: (01943) 465023

Usually called Otley Chevin, is 700 acres of moorland and woodland. Walking, rock climbing, horse riding and biking on the bridle ways. Spectacular views overlooking the town of Otley and the Wharfe valley, from its high vantage points.

Access: Easy access to sections near to the A660 Leeds Otley road. Even better access from Otley Old Road a country lane that runs parallelish and to the West of the main road.

Golden Acre Park

Tel: (0113) 261 0374
Location: 6 miles North West from the City Centre on the A65

130 acres of gardens, woodlands and lake

Middleton Park

Tel:(0113) 232 3069
Location: 3 miles from Leeds City Centre. A large park consisting of ancient woodlands, 18 hole golf course, bowling greens, play area, tennis court, basket ball court, inline scating, fishing lake, small pond and miles of foot and bridle paths.

Summer Events

Local band concerts and community events

Pudsey Park

Location: In the heart of pudsey

Aquarium, aviary, tropical glasshouse, pets corner, play area and bowling green.

Rothwell Country Park

Location: 8 miles from Leeds City centre, access from First Avenue off the A639.

Opened in 2000, formerly a colliery. Footpaths and trails through establishing coppices, ponds and woodlands.

The trans Pennine trail runs through the park.

Rounday Park

Tel: (0113) 266 1850

There are 2 large lakes attracting many wild birds within the 500 acre park. Festivals and events take place in the large natural arena. Includes sports area, playing fields, tennis courts, bowling green, playground, golf course and lakeside cafe.

Licenced drinks can be obtained in the Mansion

More photographs anf information Rounday Park Canal Gardens and Tropical World

Springhead Park Rothwell

Tel: (0113) 232 3069
Location: 7 miles from Leeds City centre, along side the A639.

Open grassland and formal gardens with Oulton beck running through the parkland. Facilities: tennis courts, bowling green, playgrounds, skate park, aviary, rose garden and cafe.

Temple Newsam Park

Temple Newsam, see also the house and farm