Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

Kirkstall Abbey

Creative Tourist

Visit now

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
Book now

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

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
LiteratureLeeds
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
In a large industrial space filled with dobby looms hangs a blood red textile piece infront of a sheer white backdrop.
Until
ExhibitionsLeeds
Loops at Sunny Bank Mills

‘Loops’ is a new collaborative exhibition of textiles at Sunny Bank Mills, connecting artists from across the Netherlands and Yorkshire.

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
Leeds
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
Leeds
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
Leeds
Headingley Lodge

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

Leeds
Gallery
Bowery

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

Leeds
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
Leeds
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.

Leeds
Hotel
Weetwood Hall Estate

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

Leeds
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.
Leeds
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.

See all places

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

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.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.