Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery.
Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre tells you more about the lives of the 12th century monks and contains the touch table, a unique catalogue of images of the abbey from the 18th century to the present day.
Family activities and trails are run throughout the year from the Visitor Centre check out the website for more details. Visit the shop and have the opportunity to buy unique and bespoke products.
Kirkstall Abbey is directly across the road from Abbey House Museum, this is a great opportunity to make a day out for all the family.
Markets are held at the end of each month March – October, showcasing local producers, makers and creatives in the beautiful setting of the abbey cloister.
A fun, family-friendly and interactive museum, Abbey House Museum is a great day out for all the family. Come along to one of the many family sessions in the school holidays or pop in with friends for a trip down memory lane.
Step back in time and wander through the enchanting streets, shops and houses and experience life as a Victorian. 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 the Childhood and Community Galleries along with the changing programme of exhibitions.
The adjoining Gatehouse Café is Kirkstall Abbey’s original gatehouse and still features dramatic Cistercian archways and intricately detailed gothic windows. Serving coffee, cake and lunch options, the café is a great spot to take in the views of the abbey and relax after exploring the Museum.
Visit in the school holidays for themed activities, trails and creative sessions. Keep an eye on the website to find out what’s coming up and plan your next visit.
Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH Tel: 0113 3784079
Eureka! is a unique place for families to visit, where children aged 0 to 11 are inspired to learn all about themselves and the world around them by playing, imagining, experimenting and – above all – having fun. Accessible site. Cafe, toilet facilities & shop. Open daily – admission charges apply.
Eureka, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE. 01422 330069
Leeds Art Gallery reopened its doors (Autumn 2017) following the extensive refurbishment of the original Victorian roof and renovation of the Central Court. For the first time in a generation, visitors can see the stunning glass ceiling that has been transformed into a new gallery.
FREE ENTRY AND NO BOOKING NEEDED.
Find out more information about your visits here.
Family friendly workshops run throughout the year.
Located in the heart of the city, Leeds City Museum is a treasure trove of six galleries and home to the Leeds Tiger and Nesaymun, the Ancient Egyptian Mummy.
Discover the natural world in the Life on Earth gallery with centuries-old fossils, extinct animal bones and stunning specifies from around the world. The Collector’s Cabinet holds some of our more curious objects and how they came to Leeds from the 1700s to the present day. You can also explore different cultures from across the globe inside the World View gallery.
On the first floor of the Museum you will find the Leeds Story galleries, telling the history of our city from the very first archaeological finds to incredible inventions and how Leeds has been shaped throughout the years. In here you will also find our regularly changing community displays which are co-curated with different groups of people.
The Ancient Worlds gallery tells the story of ancient civilisations including Rome, Greece and Egypt. Find out the amazing ways in which people lived and worked, the stories they told through art and objects, and how their discoveries informed our view of the world today.
The Museum also has a relaxing café serving a great range of good value food and drinks to enjoy.
Read more on the website here.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH. Tel: 0113 378 5001
Once the largest woollen mill in the world, today Armley Mills tells the story of Leeds’ rich industrial heritage.
READ OUR MUMBLER REVIEW FROM A PREVIOUS VISIT HERE
Closed Mondays. Admission applies. Visit the website for opening times and prices.
From Bradford, UNESCO City of Film, we explore the science and culture of light and sound technologies and their impact on our lives. Gallery & exhibitions free. Visit the region’s biggest IMAX cinema – charges apply. Open daily. Cafe & toilet facilities.
Little Horton Ln, Bradford BD1 1NQ. 0844 856 3797.
The Royal Armouries is home to the United Kingdom’s national collection of arms, armour and artillery. Look out for our special seasonal & school holiday events. Free entry. Family friendly. Accessible site. Cafe & toilet facilities.
Royal Armouries, Leeds, LS10 1LT. 0113 220 1999.
We are excited to announce that we will be opening our doors to visitors again from Monday 17th May 2021! 9am-6pm (last entry 5pm)
We can’t wait to welcome all our visitors back to Hull’s amazing aquarium and enjoy a fin-tastic day With over 5000 animals, including spectacular sharks and rays, the UK’s only Green sawfish, hundreds of tropical fish, Loggerhead sea turtles and a colony of Gentoo penguins, there’s something for everyone.
Please note, to avoid crowds gathering, the dive show, touchpool sessions and scheduled feed presentations will be suspended for now.
Pre-booking required.
Situated just a 5 minute walk from Hull Marina on Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4DP. Tel: 01482 381000
The gallery brings together work from Wakefield’s art collection, exhibitions by contemporary artists and rarely seen works by Barbara Hepworth. Regular special events & kids art sessions. Cafe, shop, outdoor play area. Free. Closed Mondays.
Contemporary art centre with galleries, learning studio, workspaces for creative industries, restaurant and bar, in the heart of Leeds’ South Bank. Special events and school holiday activities. Find out more online.
The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ. 0113 320 2323
Thwaite Mills
Discover the charm of Thwaite Watermill, set on an island of its very own, hidden away in the south of Leeds. Sandwiched in between the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Aire, this beautiful heritage site has much to explore.
The House: Step back in time and discover what life was like at Thwaite House, a Georgian Grade II listed building packed full of vintage treasures. Find out how workers from the cottages lived self-sufficiently on our eco-friendly island.
The Mills: Experience water power in action and find out how solid rock was turned into paint and putty. Explore the nooks and crannies of the huge mill space and look out for live demonstrations in the engineer’s workshop.
Grounds and Nature Trail: We are situated in stunning riverside surroundings which are home to many local species from plant life to mini mammals. See how many you can spot by following the nature trail, taking a stroll along the canal and stopping off to enjoy a picturesque picnic. Please note that at this present time there is restricted access to certain areas of the grounds. We’re working hard to have everything open soon following our temporary closure.
Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP. 0113 3782983
