Location: Leeds
Top Things to do in Leeds
What to do and see in Leeds, England: The Best Historic Sites
Leeds, a city in West Yorkshire, England, was one of the leading centers of industry in Victorian England. The Leeds City Museum is a great place to brush up on local history, and many TripAdvisor travelers say no visit to town is complete without exploring the Royal Armouries. You’ll also find lovely parks and a lively restaurant scene, with many eateries specializing in international cuisine.
Restaurants in Leeds
1. All Saints Church
2. Guiseley Well
3. Kirkstall Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,177 reviews
Uncover the history of one of the best preserved medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain. With its beautiful and iconic ruins, award-winning Park and interactive visitor centre Kirkstall Abbey is a place that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The ruins are a unique example of early Christian architecture. From the majesty of the church to the peace of the cloisters enjoy exploring this iconic Leeds landmark. The story of the abbey and its community is explored in the Visitor Centre. Founded over 800 years ago in 1152 discover more about what life was like for the Cistercian monks who lived here for nearly 400 years. Enjoy the abbey's parkland setting next to the River Aire. Take a walk along the river or enjoy a picnic in our spacious grounds. There is also a small playground near to the car park for the little ones to enjoy. The ruins of the abbey provide a breath-taking background to your wedding photography, blessings, vow renewals and baby naming ceremonies.
Reviewed By davidbJ9604PD - Leeds, United Kingdom
This is a definite must-see place but chose a fine day. We picked a sunny day with blue skies and the abbey looked magnificent. The site is extensive and there are large parts of the abbey walls quite intact. Great place to take the children and an added plus is free entry (thanks to Leeds City Council). Some of the paths were slightly muddy so wear sensible shoes.
4. Thackray Museum of Medicine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 823 reviews
After completing our exciting four-million-pound redevelopment, we can’t wait for visitors to explore our new galleries. Follow the story of medicine as you wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic, chart how well the world responds to crisis, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world. We’ll be operating a timed entry system so booking is essential.
Reviewed By JTJD
This is a really fascinating museum adjacent to St James’s Hospital, Leeds. The car park isn’t huge & is used by people attending the hospital but didn’t have a problem finding a space. The museum is fascinating for all ages from school children & students up to adults adults & especially anyone employed in health care. There is also a small cafe & gift shop.
5. The Turk's Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By TheRedMarauder - Leeds, United Kingdom
Visited late afternoon on Sunday more in hope than expectation of getting in for their Sunday dinner. The place was busy and we were advised that that it would be around 25 minute wait for a table to be available. That will do nicely as it gives an opportunity to sample some of the excellent beers available. Northern Monk Eternal is a light & citrusy session IPA that was a good thirst quencher and perfectly suited to Sunday drinking. Our table became available after only 5 minutes so were seated in one of the booths at the end of the room. This suited us since we had a fair haul of Xmas shopping so needed some extra space. The Turk’s Head does offer table service, but we had to request the waiter to place our food order. From this point onwards service was excellent without being intrusive. Food now ordered; rump of Nidderdale lamb with all the trimmings (Yorkie pud/roast spuds/parsnip/red cabbage etc.). This was delicious! See accompanying photo. You have to pay for quality, £15 in the instance but this reflected in the quality of the ingredients particularly the lamb. Is this the best Sunday roast in Leeds? It could be... try it yourself to decide! Very good beer selection, a couple of red wines by the glass and mulled wine. This all makes for a very relaxing Sunday. Looking forward to future visits.
6. Bramham Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
"Bramham Park is a grand and unusual house, but its gardens are grander and even more unusual" wrote Prof. Nikolaus Pevsner. The Gardens and grounds are open all year-round on weekdays only. Please ensure that you call prior to visiting to ensure that we are open. During some large events we are unable to accommodate visitors. House tours are available for groups of 10 people or more. For more information please telephone the Estate Office. Garden entry prices: HHA members - free of charge General admission - £4 Concessions £2
Reviewed By tammies721
Excellent walk. No difficult obstacles. Magnificent views & scenery. Would definitely do this walk again. Bramham Park Estates – THANK YOU
7. Temple Newsam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
One of the great country houses of England set within a Capability Brown landscape surrounded by beautiful parkland which includes a working rare breeds farm, Temple Newsam has so much to offer visitors.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 the Hampton Court of the North with over 40 lovingly restored rooms to view, it is now home to one of the most important collections of decorative arts. Explore the treasures of silver, ceramics, fine art, Chippendale furniture, and wallpaper all housed within the Tudor Jacobean Mansion. Discover the stories of the people who lived at Temple Newsam by joining one of our regular weekly tours or picking up the FREE audio guide. Look out for holiday activities and craft fun for all ages and the changing programme of talks, concerts and theatre. Visit our special, changing programme of exhibitions. Take time to visit the gift shop offering a range of products inspired by the collections within the House followed by lunch or tea in the Stables Tea room. Explore the lakeside walks and gardens of delphiniums, rhododendrons, flocks and asters. See a variety of rare breed animals in Home Farm. Enjoy some leisure time and book our football pitches, enjoy a round of golf, walk in the woods and discover the folly or explore the bridle paths.
Reviewed By tonypr33c3 - Leeds, United Kingdom
My favourite of Leeds' parks, Temple Newsam has it all: extensive grassed areas for playing or relaxing, woodland walks, a large children's play area, a rare breed farm, a stately home to look around, Capability Brown designed formal gardens and a golf course. Coming soon is a Go Ape treetop adventure area too. It's about a 15 minute drive east from the city centre but well worth a visit for the whole family. Look out for activity days in school holidays when lots of additional activities are put on to keep the little people entertained.
8. Abbey House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Step back in time and wander through the enchanting streets, shops and houses and experience life as a Victorian. As a fun, family-friendly and interactive museum, Abbey House Museum is a great day out for all the family. Come to one of our many family sessions as advertised on our website or pop in with friends for a trip down memory lane.On the ground floor visit Stephen Harding Gate, the 19th century equivalent of a modern high street, for some old fashioned retail therapy. In the back streets, see the home of the window washer woman or pop into the Sunday-School. On the first floor, see our Childhood and Community Galleries along with the changing programme of exhibitions. Abbey House Museum is situated directly across the road from the historical site of Kirkstall Abbey, set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire.
Reviewed By Getaway700009
We loved our first visit to Abbey Hall museum. Free parking, great value family ticket, great facilities and the Victorian streets were so interesting. Lots of fun playing with the penny slot machines. Take advantage of the free parking to go for a stroll round Kirkstall Abbey too. It's very impressive.
9. Harewood Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By hairlossstudios - Leeds, United Kingdom
This Castle is older than Harewood House in Leeds. Park on the housi8ng estate and walk down the path under the bridge and follow the path through the woods and there it is. You cannot miss it.
10. The Navvies Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By parkin660735 - Otley, United Kingdom
The Navvies Memorial is the only one of its kind in the country, and is situated on the north side of Otley Parish Churchyard. This Grade 11 listed building is a memorial to those who died during the construction of the Bramhope Tunnel. It is reported to be the only monument like it in the country. If you Google either Bramhope Tunnel or Navvies Monument you can learn more of its story. It has recently been taken into the care of the local council and is being renovated with funding from the National Lottery, the Railway Trust and other donations. Look for the sign post on Kirkgate, he main street in Otley and pop up to have a look.
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