Culture of Leeds. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Located near the city center Leeds Town Hall is the symbol and pride of Leeds. Eye-catching building, which is a monument to Victorian era, has finely preserved over time. Next to Town Hall there is Leeds Art Gallery with wide collection of 20th century arts. Near the city center famous Kirkstall Abbey is also located. It mostly lies in ruins, yet tourists like to visit an old castle and walk around beautiful park.

Abbey was built on the bank of the River Aire. Abbey's park was recently set to public, so everyone can walk through scenic landscape or hold a picnic under ancient trees. Tourists who want to learn more about Leeds history may visit Abbey's museum. It is very different from usual historic sites.

On the first floor various city models are located. They recreate the look and feel of old city streets, shops, taverns and landmarks including Abbey itself; visit to the spectacular exhibition would be a fun and exciting event. In spacious rooms on the second floor the collection of historical items is exhibited. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Leeds is the world-known industrial city. Back in the 19th century it was the biggest supplier of gearwheels in the world. Leeds became famous after Armley Mills factory that has opened in 1805. Factory buildings have been closed in 1969; they were re-opened in 1982 as museum. Today Armley Mills Museum represents the large collection of exhibits illustrating the history of city industry.

Among exhibits there are textile pieces, old engines and even locomotives collection. Temple Newsam mansion is one of the most celebrated architectural landmarks of the city. The construction of Temple Newsam had begun in 1521, but it has been finished only in the late 18th century. It keeps collection of antique furniture and decorations, fine paintings and sculptures. Garden of Temple Newsam is one of the most popular places to rest amongst citizens and tourists. Yorkshire Dales National Park is the most famous natural landmark of Leeds. It offers variety of interesting excursions for its guests.

As for concert halls and theaters where you can have a great time watching wonderful performances, there are several ones in Leeds: City Varieties Music Hall mainly hosts music concerts and its atmosphere is strikingly chic. Leeds Grand Theatre's interior is decorated more like a palace. Here you can enjoy theater performances, opera, and listen to chamber music concerts. Carriageworks Theater is also interesting from an architectural point of view, and as for the cultural program, it's worth noting that it is especially good for visitors with kids.

Just like some museums - for example, the Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine or Leeds Discovery Centre, where tourists can learn a lot of interesting information about the world around them through interactive exhibits. For those wishing to explore the military history of the whole world, it is worth highlighting the Royal Armouries Museum. Particularly impressive is its building's interior, thanks to which no exhibit can be missed. The collection includes weapons and armor - everything that, in one way or another, is associated with the war. The Thackray Medical Museum introduces visitors to the history of medicine. Its most valuable collection is an exposition dedicated to diseases that have claimed the lives of hundreds of people.

The Leeds City Museum is dedicated to the history of the city and the region. However, among its exhibits, one can also find a collection dedicated to world history. The museum is completely free of charge, and its special feature is a special playground for kids. Besides the beautiful collection, the museum building is attractive with its outstanding architecture. It was built back in 1813 in the Neo-Baroque style and restored only once - after 1941, because many exhibits and the building itself were damaged during the bombing. Leeds Art Gallery will appeal to those wishing to admire some beautiful works of fine and sculptural art, and the M&S Company Archive would be a real find for retro enthusiasts: here they can find everything related to the 1950s and 1960s. Connoisseurs of contemporary art should head to The Tetley Art Gallery.

When it comes to wonderful architectural creations, it must be said that Leeds boasts many interesting buildings striking with their exteriors. For example, Harewood House built in 1771 in Palladian style. The architects were John Carr and Robert Adam. The estate is still owned by the Earls of Harewood who once made big money in slave-trading. The building's exterior is as magnificent as its interior decoration, not to mention a beautiful garden, along which you should definitely take a walk. It should be borne in mind that only two floors are open to the public, while the upper floor is private. Before going on a tour, take care of booking tickets in advance.

Leeds Corn Exchange, a beautiful historic monument, is another place for tourists looking for a pleasant sightseeing experience in the city. Today, the Victorian building erected in 1864 according to Cuthbert Brodrick's design is nothing but the Royal Albert Hall (the exchange was converted into it in the 1980s). It's also worth exploring Leeds Minster, a building that can be seen from anywhere in the city. Originally, the church was erected here in the 7th century AD, but later survived two fires: one took place in the 14th century, the other in the 19th. The building was rebuilt after both, and the last time was recreated in the neo-Gothic style. The architect was Robert Chantrell.

Connoisseurs of modern architecture will love the First Direct Arena, which opened in 2013 with the help of Sir Elton John. Many celebrities performed in the arena in the same year. However, today you can see many familiar names on the posters of upcoming events - both athletes and musicians. The exterior and interior's design was developed by Populous Company. It built a unique creation that now delights the eyes of locals and foreigners visiting Leeds. Many tourists will recognize the Tardis - a fictional time machine from the British TV series “Doctor Who” - in the “Police Box” monument. It is worth noting that this sculpture is an object of pilgrimage for many fans of the British show so it should never be missed.

A kind of “hidden gem” of Leeds is Braythorne Bees - The Honey House with its pastoral atmosphere and spectacular views. Many people come here not only for lunch (the house itself is a cafe) but also for exploring the local culture and cuisine. Here you'll find a souvenir shop that should be checked out so that only the most pleasant memories remain of a wonderful time in Leeds. Lawnswood Cemetery is another place to admire works of art, that is, tombstones. It is worth noting the extraordinary serenity, for which many people go to the cemetery, not to one of the parks. Nevertheless, all parks are worthy of a visit in Leeds.