Built in 1152 by Cistercian monks on land that was originally bequeathed to Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Kirkstall Abbey has had many famous owners and inhabitants over the years including Henry VIII, who took it over in 1539. Today, the house and abbey form part of a living, breathing museum complex with plenty of interactive displays and exhibits offering a glimpse into life in Victorian England. The abbey itself is one of the most complete examples of a Cistercian abbey in Britain and is set in wonderful parklands by the River Aire. A market is also held in the grounds once a month between March and October.
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Things to see in Leeds
Tourist offices
Leeds Visitor Centre
Address: Leeds City Train Station, Leeds, LS1 1PL, United Kingdom
Tel: (0113) 242 5242.
Opening Hours:
Mon 1000-1900, Tue-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1730, Sun 1000-1600.
www.visitleeds.co.ukAvailable from Leeds City Council (tel: (0113) 222 4444; www.leeds.gov.uk), the LeedsCard entitles the bearer to discounts and special offers at some of the council's sport and leisure facilities, visitor attractions, museums and concert halls.
Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey
Opening Times: Tue-Fri 1000-1700, Sat1200-1700, Sun 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Abbey Walk, Abbey Road, Kirkstall, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 230 5492.
Website:
http://www.leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse
Royal Armouries Museum
Home to over 8,000 artefacts that span more than 3,000 years of military history, this free attraction houses the national collection of arms and armour. From Henry VIII's tournament armour to an armoured battle elephant, this fascinating collection aims to educate visitors about the causes and consequences of conflict. There are plenty of interactive displays and live battle re-enactments ensuring that is a great hit with younger visitors too. There's also an outdoor falconry display and jousting and horse shows from April to October.
Opening Times: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Armouries Drive, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 220 1999.
Website:
http://www.royalarmouries.org
Thackray Museum
This award-winning museum tells the story of the history of medicine through the use of interactive exhibits and displays. Learn about 19th-century amputation procedures, bedbugs and other common illnesses and ailments, about the developments in assisting childbirth since the Victorian era, about modern operating techniques, and much more. One of the highlights is the children's interactive Life Zone, with a dedicated room for the under-fives.
Opening Times: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Beckett Street, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 244 4343.
Website:
http://www.thackraymuseum.org
Tropical World
Located by sprawling Roundhay Park, this is a must for animal-lovers. Check out the cute family of meerkats, the stars of the attraction, as well as crocodiles, lemurs, exotic fish, reptiles, butterflies, bats and snakes amid a steamy, sticky jungle environment. It's a fantastic place for families.
Opening Times: Daily 1000-1800 (summer); daily 1000-1600 (winter).
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
Canal Gardens, Roundhay Park, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 395 7400.
Henry Moore Institute
Entered through a doorway in an imposing black granite wall, the Henry Moore Institute is dedicated to sculpture. Exhibits range from classical sculpture through to contemporary works and include pieces by Henry Moore, who was born in the nearby town of Castleford. The building contains a research area, library and sculpture archive and hosts a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year.
Opening Times: Galleries: Tues-Sun 1100-1730.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
74 The Headrow, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 246 7467.
Website:
http://www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk
Leeds Art Gallery
Home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British Art outside London, the Leeds Art Gallery offers art lovers a great mix of works ranging from traditional prints and watercolours to paintings and sculptures.
Opening Times: Mon-Tues and Thurs-Sat 1000-1700, Wed 1200 – 1700, Sun 1300-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address:
The Headrow, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 247 8256.
Website:
http://www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery
Leeds City Museum
Explore four floors of galleries in this diverse museum. Highlights include a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, fossils, Roman statues and Greek pottery. There's also a special exhibition on Africa until the end of the year and a chance to learn about Leeds's history from prehistoric times to the present day.
Opening Times: Tues, Wed, Fri 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-1900, Sat-Sun 1100-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Address:
Millennium Square, Leeds, United Kingdom
Telephone: (0113) 224 3732.
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