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 Step back in time |
Kirkstall Road Kirkstall Leeds LS5 3EH United Kingdom +44 113 230 5492 |
Combine a visit to the historic and atmospheric Kirkstall Abbey with a trip back in time to Victorian Leeds. Abbey House Museum allows you to experience the sights and sounds of the 19th-century city in its recreated street complete with shops and a pub. The Victorian-clad staff and interactive displays make this a fun and interesting way of learning about the city—far better than looking at photos and information boards. Although it's the street that most people come to see the other galleries, exploring the themes of Victorian childhood and clothing, are also well worth a look. The licensed restaurant and cafe is a relaxing spot to have a bite to eat and reflect on all that you have learnt. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vipin C Nambiar |
 Photo: John Grogan |
 An award-winning look at Leeds' industrial heritage |
Canal Road Armley Leeds LS12 1QF United Kingdom +44 113 263 7861 |
A fascinating trip into Leeds' grimy, industrial past, this museum was once the world's largest woollen mill. It not only charts the processes of clothing production, but also houses a fully restored 1920s cinema. If possible, go at the weekend when you can see the waterwheels and steam engines in full working order. Fun and educational, it's a wonderful place where both children and adults can learn about how life used to be. Forthcoming highlights include Industrial Front, which takes a look at Leeds' role in providing military supplies and Suits You Sir! - an exhibition of clothing from yesteryear. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Back |
 Photo: taco belle |
 Photo: stuart.childs |
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Eclectic collection of exhibits |
Wilton Park Leeds WF17 0AS United Kingdom +44 1924 32 6155 |
If you're expecting another local history museum, think again. Bagshaw will transport you to a world far removed from Yorkshire. Mythical beasts and the rain forest await you in this stunning 19th-century Gothic mansion. The Egyptology Gallery is fun and informative and a definite must-see, although the exhibitions of Oriental arts and natural history are equally fascinating. Temporary events and exhibitions also run throughout the year. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christine Bagshaw |
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The Brontë family home |
Church Street Leeds BD22 8DR United Kingdom +44 1535 642 323 http://www.bronte.org.uk |
Anyone interested in English history or literature must pay a visit to this superb museum, the former home of the Reverend Patrick Brontë, his wife Maria and their six children. The 18th century building is set out with the furniture and possessions of this famous literary family and displays many of the Brontës' letters and notebooks. Portraits of the family hang alongside displays of costumes, bonnets and trinkets - each item lovingly cared for and its relevance diligently explained. A fascinating insight into the lives of a unique family. Telephone in advance to arrange for disabled access. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fun and educational |
1 Providence Street 1 Providence Street Leeds BD1 2PW United Kingdom +44 1274 39 0955 http://www.sdc.org.uk/museum/m... |
Innovative and interesting, the Colour Museum is a fun way to wile away a couple of hours. The World of Colour is a real eye-opener, enabling visitors to see the world as an animal would see it. Visitors also have the opportunity to see how people have exploited naturally occurring colours from Ancient Egyptian times for use in contemporary computerised dyeing in the Colour and Textiles gallery. A truly colourful experience! Admission: adults £1.75, concs £1.25, family ticket £4 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Movies and More |
Pictureville Leeds BD1 1NQ United Kingdom +1 44 1274 202 030 http://www.nmpft.org.uk/ |
This theater, located inside the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, was named in memory of Cubby Broccoli, the producer of the James Bond films. The theater adds to the Pictureville Cinema giving it added depth during their film season. For film times, ticket prices and further information please call or see their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Excellent fun and learning for kids |
Discovery Road Leeds, West Yorkshire HX1 2NE United Kingdom +44 142 233 0069 http://www.eureka.org.uk |
The UK's first ever interactive museum, Eureka! is designed for children between the ages of three and 12. Offering over 400 hands-on exhibits, there is certainly plenty to keep the young ones amused. It's all good fun but educational too, with displays that explore themes such as the human body and technology. With a cafe, gift shop and picnic area, Eureka! is perfect if you want to distract the young ones for a few hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Quirky museum of local life |
5 The Green Horsforth Leeds LS18 5JB United Kingdom +44 113 281 9877 |
A fascinating museum, almost a museum within a museum. This old building displays old exhibits in a very old-fashioned way. It may be small but it is wonderfully eccentric and educational. Horsforth is a large village and the museum reflects its personal history and focuses in particular on the Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian periods. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Elizabethan manor house and museum |
Castle Yard Church Street Leeds LS29 9DT United Kingdom +44 1943 60 0066 |
Lots of people who visit Leeds find themselves drawn to the historic and pretty town of Ilkley, just 20 minutes drive from the city centre. While you're there, it's essential that you seek out this hidden treasure. Located just off Church Street, this imposing Elizabethan manor house is full of exhibits and displays that tell of the town's Roman origins. The main attraction for most visitors is seeing the remains of the Roman fort upon which the present house was built, but make sure you don't miss the exciting displays of contemporary arts and crafts upstairs. Other highlights include Roman archaeological finds and 19th-century farmhouse and kitchen furniture. An activity centre runs a series of craft workshops for the artistically minded. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Museum of the Moravian faith |
Fulneck Pudsey Leeds LS28 8NT United Kingdom +44 113 257 5474 |
The Moravian Church settled in Leeds in the 18th century and established a school at Pudsey in 1753 - still a fully functioning, fee-paying boarding school. Now part of Czechoslovakia, the faith of Moravia is a Protestant sect and their history in Leeds tells a very individual story compared to the Eastern European grassroots growth of religion. The museum has an 1822 Fulneck fire engine; traditional costume with remarkable embroidery; Victorian parlour; and kitchen and loom. These curious exhibits allow the museum to reveal a history that is both local and international, and is all the more fascinating for it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Small but fascinating |
Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT United Kingdom +44 113 233 4665 |
Running discreetly for over 50 years, this museum charts the history of education from pre-school to college. It may be small but there is much to see, including exercise books from the 17th-century; 200-year-old text books; science equipment from the turn of the 20th-century; and Victorian classroom furniture. The collection is truly intriguing, bringing home the relative luxury of education enjoyed in modern schools compared to the education the privileged received before the 1870 Forster Education Act. Opening times are seasonal so it's advisable to telephone in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exciting, interactive displays galore |
Pictureville Leeds BD1 1NQ United Kingdom +44 1274 202 030 http://www.nmpft.org.uk |
If you've ever wondered what happened to Humpty from Play School, here's your chance to find out. Alongside Humpty you will find other fascinating displays from television, film and photography. The interactive exhibitions are great fun and allow you to do things like read a live news bulletin, ride on a magic carpet and work behind the scenes of a television programme. The museum's cinemas show a range of incredible movies in dramatic IMAX and other formats. Visitors can learn how these amazing cinematic effects are achieved and even watch the projectionists at work. No wonder it's one of the most popular museums in the country! Admission: free except for the IMAX films. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: flickr: jonxyz |
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Fine 18th-century house in majestic grounds |
Doncaster Road Doncaster Road Leeds WF4 1QE United Kingdom +44 1924 86 3892 |
As soon as you step into Nostell Priory, you'll understand why it has been called one of the region's finest jewels. With a collection of Chippendale furniture that is unrivalled in Yorkshire and a breathtaking display of paintings by Pieter Breughel the younger, Nostell Priory is a veritable Aladdin's cave that it sure to delight and enchant. The splendour of the 18th-century house is matched by its beautiful grounds which are the perfect setting for a picnic. Look out for the rallies, fairs and concerts which are held here throughout the year. It is open from 31st March to 4th November. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Philpott |
 Photo: Paul Davies |
 Photo: Fabienne HB |
 Photo: Ian Nelson |
 Photo: Scott |
 Photo: starship trouper |
 Photo: Kerniggit |
 Photo: Patrick Froggatt |
 Photo: Andrew Walsh |
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For Brontë lovers |
Oxford Road Gomersall Leeds BD19 4JP United Kingdom +44 1274 33 5100 |
A must-see for all Brontëphiles visiting the area, the Red House was formerly the home of Mary Taylor, a friend of Charlotte Brontë. Built in the 17th century, this distinctive house and the Taylor family were featured in Shirley. If you are eager to learn more about the Brontës, look out for the The Secret's Out exhibition where you can see items belonging to Charlotte and her family. For those not interested in literature, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The early Victorian decor, furnishings and garden have been so realistically recreated that you may be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped back in time. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Something for Everyone |
Armouries Drive Leeds LS10 1LT United Kingdom +44 113 220 1916 http://www.armouries.org.uk |
Opened in 1996, the spectacular building which is the new home for the national collection of arms and armor is situated in the rejuvenated waterfront area, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. The Royal Armourie provides display case upon display case of guns and weaponry in five separately theme galleries covering War, Tournament, Self-Defence, Hunting and the arms and armour of the Orient. Dynamic live action displays, interactive demonstrations and thought-provoking historical interpretations guarantee an enjoyable and educational day out. If you can, visit in summer when you will see thrilling displays of jousting, falconry, and horsemanship, along with the opportunity to get up close to the animals in the Menagerie. Admission is free but there is a GBP3 car park charge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nate Walker |
 Photo: phpchap_doherty |
 Photo: rayfin |
 Photo: Miles G Tawell |
 Photo: Samantha Scriven |
 Photo: Village Idiot Productions |
 Photo: Cybershot Mole |
 Photo: danib2312 |
 Photo: Claudia  |
 Photo: Dan Hughes |
 Photo: krishna kishore maringanti |
 Photo: krishna kishore maringanti |
 Photo: rayfin |
 Photo: creativemixedmedia |
 Photo: dancecyril |
 Photo: Chris Hodgson |
 Photo: chunniemonster |
 Photo: Mel HOK Photography |
 Photo: lant_70 |
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Art, design, fashion, fine food, books and history! |
Victoria Road Saltaire, Shipley Leeds BD18 3LA United Kingdom +44 1274 53 1163 http://www.saltsmill.org.uk |
Whether you are interested in art, history or shopping, you are sure to enjoy a visit to this unique building. One of the highlights is the 1853 Gallery-a museum celebrating Sir Titus Salt and local-born artist David Hockney. There is also an innovative range of shops and cafes-don't miss the atmospheric art gallery-cum-bookshop and the lively diner above. When you've browsed around the mill, have a wander around the village (which boasts an interesting selection of Victorian buildings, cafes and antique shops) or along the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Harris |
 Photo: Nigel Homer |
 Photo: Jill Tindall |
 Photo: Foto43 |
 Photo: Kevin Burns |
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Life since the 15th century |
Listers Road Leeds HX3 6XG United Kingdom +44 1422 35 2246 |
Whether you're hooked on history, wild about walking or fanatical about furniture, Shibden Hall will be sure to appeal to you. Dating back to the turn of the 15th century, the house offers a revealing insight into its inhabitants' way of life over the last 500 years. Although the highlight is the exhibition relating to the diarist Anne Lister, the remarkable collection of 17th- and 18th-century furniture is also well worth a glance. If history and furniture are not for you however, take a peaceful stroll through the 90 acres of parkland. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A stomach-churning experience |
Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7LN United Kingdom +44 113 244 4343 http://www.thackraymuseum.org |
Located next to St James' Hospital, this award-winning museum offers an insight into the development of medicine and public health over the last 150 years. Sound boring? Far from it, the Thackray is one of the city's major attractions and it's easy to see why. Dramatic and often stomach-churning reconstructions and interactive displays guarantee a fun and educational day out for all the family. The re-enactment of an 11-year-old factory girl's leg amputation is particularly gruesome. Not a place for those of a nervous disposition! Open bank holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: medievalwench20 |
 Photo: Suzanne Forster |
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A fascinating day out |
Thwaite Lane Stourton Leeds LS10 1RP United Kingdom +44 113 249 6453 |
Leeds' industrial past is brought vividly to life at this heritage centre on the banks of the River Aire. The two fully operational waterwheels are amazing to behold but it's the history of the mill, its owners and workforce that really fascinates. The museum and restored workers' cottages offer an interesting - and often poignant - glimpse into what life was really like in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's an especially pleasant place to visit in summer when you can have a riverside picnic. Closed during Jan and Feb. Admission: adults £2, concs £1, children (accompanied by an adult) 50p. Free entry on 26 and 27 Nov. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Badkitti |
 Photo: Jan Dolan |