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Kirkstall Abbey

Creative Tourist

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Kirkstall Abbey

Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH
Website
  • Tuesday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Friday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 4:30pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 4:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Visit now
Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds
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Founded in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey near Leeds is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian monastery in Britain. The gothic ruins have inspired artists such as JMW Turner over the centuries, and are surrounded by a wide stretch of beautiful parkland on the bank of the River Aire (perfect for picnics). The visitor centre features a series of interactive exhibits that illustrate the history of the abbey and the lives of the monks that lived there.

Head over between 12pm and 3pm on the last weekend of the month (March to November) to catch the abbey’s local market, featuring over 40 unique stalls selling hand-made crafts and local produce from across Yorkshire.

Also check out Abbey House Museum whilst you’re there!

What's on near Kirkstall Abbey

Andrew McMillan and Maria Ferguson
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LiteratureLeeds
Leeds Lit Fest 2025

The award-winning Leeds Lit Fest is back, this year running from 14 to 22 June 2025, and bringing together local talent and big-name authors for a lively programme.

From £0.00
the band
MusicLeeds
DIIV at Project House

Emerging from a four-year crucible of creative tension and personal reckoning, Brooklyn shoegazers DIIV return to Leeds.

From £22.50
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Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners include Rosie Garland.

Free entry
See all events

Where to go near Kirkstall Abbey

Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds
Leeds
Museum
Abbey House Museum

If your children struggle to imagine life without tablets, iPhone games or a PlayStation, then a trip to Abbey House Museum should prove an eye-opening experience.

Sebby's Deli
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Restaurant
Sebby’s Deli

Sebby’s Deli is a small friendly cafe set on Otley Road, Leeds, and specialising in homemade cakes and tailored sandwiches.

Village Hotel Leeds North
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Hotel
Village Hotel Leeds North

Laid-back hotel based in a quiet village just outside Leeds. Ideal for a relaxing stay with the family, away from the hustle and bustle of Leeds city centre.

Headingley Lodge
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Headingley Lodge

Headingley Lodge is a neat, no-frills hotel in which every room boasts a view of Headingley cricket stadium.

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Gallery
Bowery

A welcoming space to create and be inspired, the Bowery provides a home for West Yorkshire’s artistic community.

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Cinema
Cottage Road Cinema

Located in Headingley, Cottage Road Cinema is the oldest remaining cinema in continuous use in Leeds.

Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre
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Event venue
Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre

Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre (commonly abbreviated as HEART) offers a varied programme of music, films, performance, literature and talks, as well as hosting Assembly Bar + Kitchen.

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Hotel
Weetwood Hall Estate

Weetwood Hall Estate is 17th century manor house that has been repurposed into a modern luxury hotel.

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HEART

HEART is aptly named as the central hub for community, arts and culture in Headingly. Check out their menu and events.

Threshold is an artist-led project space for sculpture, located in the front garden of a traditional back-to-back house in Burley, Leeds. Exhibitions are open for all to view. Encounter sculpture on your daily walk, or way to work or school.
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Event venue
Threshold Leeds

Threshold is an artist-led project space for sculpture, located in the front garden of a traditional back-to-back house in Burley, Leeds.

Leeds
Restaurant
Tada, Leeds

The authentic Japanese cuisine of Tada brings delicious sushi, ramen, yakitori and bespoke cocktails to the heart of Leeds, in the form of their ‘casual yet elegant’ establishment.

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Culture Guides

Music in the North

Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss if you're not careful.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

A young boy with a white sash around his left arm cries.
Cinema in the North

Outdoor cinema announcements, a major retrospective at HOME, and the best of indie cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Experimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our picks of Manchester International Festival - here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.

Experience a unique deep listening art installation inviting audiences to lay down and be bathed in sound and light.
Exhibitions in the North

From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.