Kirkstall Abbey image

Kirkstall Abbey

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in Leeds


Address

Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH, United Kingdom

Website

kirkstallabbey.leeds.gov.uk

Contact

+44 113 378 4079

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (4.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Abbey (29) visit (17) free (16) ruins (15) museum (10) time (9) park (9) walk (9) great (9) good (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ryan W. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry. The historical site closes relatively a bit early during summer time, but the park around it is also nice which allows seeing the site from a bit distance away. For parking, the Kirkstall Abbey Car Park nearby is free also. A very nice place for a weekend walk.
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marek L. 7 months ago on Google • 704 reviews
    We took our 10 year old grandson to the Abbey and spent a few hours here, and tbh we had a great time exploring the ruin and appreciating the architecture and the effort it must have taken to build such a magnificent bu8lding. Many pictures were taken. What makes the visit even better is that there are many information boards around the site. There's also a good cafe and parking nearby. Great afternoon out & highly recommended.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew W. 8 months ago on Google • 175 reviews
    Well worth a visit. The grounds are well kept and great for a walk round and for picnics. The Abbey is very interesting, it has a lot of well documented history which is presented on notice boards all round the ruins. There is a guide who walks round telling people about the Abbey, he is very knowledgeable and passionate and is well worth listening to. Entry to the Abbey is via the visitor centre and there is a fee, adult price is £5.50, and the ticket is valid for 1 year. There is a gift shop and a small cafe. Getting there by bus is easy, there's a bus stop by the entrance.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Virginia V. 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed visiting this site. At first I didn't realize I could go inside. You enter via the gift shop. There is a play kitchen area in the remnants of the abbey's kitchen that any little one would enjoy. This was a very quiet place with just two other parties wandering about on a cold Tuesday afternoon. Very peaceful place in a park setting. You could see it all in 30 minutes or you could wander longer.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Caroline C. 10 months ago on Google • 292 reviews
    These ancient ruins are in West of Leeds and on a main bus route. The park area is a great place for a picnic. There is a small visitor centre, toilets and shop. It's free for Leeds residents but a ticket is needed if you want to wander inside the ruins.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle B. 3 months ago on Google • 370 reviews New
    A lovely step back in time. A beautifully maintained abbey with lots of information so you know what you're seeing. A great place to spend a few hours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark 1 year ago on Google • 112 reviews
    A very pleasant day out for the family. The Abbey itself is splendid and quite spectacular, all be it a well preserved ruin. Its large and maintained to a large degree, hence the entrance fee, but a shame that it isn't free as the atmosphere inside is great for all to experience. The surrounding area is lovely for walks by the river and good for kids to run around. There is a busy main road that runs adjacent to the Abbey so be aware if with small children. The Abbey is opposite the Abbey museum which is also worth a visit, for a small fee. Car parking is available free opposite the Abbey museum next to kids playground, can get busy in the summer. Both the Abbey and the Abbey museum have gift shops and there's a cafe at the museum. Take a look well worth a visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy 2 months ago on Google • 48 reviews New
    Abbey is a must-visit in Leeds! The 1152 architecture gives a peek into how people lived, with cool rooms and a courtyard. The garden and river around it are mesmerizing and natural. Loved the experience!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jane M. 2 years ago on Google
    Really well preseved Abbey with a nice path to walk round the outside. Inside it was a bit muddy (visited in December). Visitor centre and toilets presentable. Car park is the opposite side of the road near the museum (which also has a cafe). Abbey and car park are badly signposted but at least they are both free. Museum has an entry fee.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ryan g. 8 months ago on Google
    Place is absolutely stunning. Massive old ruins and great to walk round and take photos
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sara R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very reasonable entry fee with free parking across the road near the museum. Excellent free audio guide on your phone and a volunteer guide who showed us around (Trevor) was amazing. Well worth a 1- 2 hour visit for families with children, good playground near the car park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nana Yaa A. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful and deeply historical site. There are information boards at sections of the Abbey and it is highlights the events that have taken place here. I do suggest that you start at the Abbey House museum across the street before visiting the Abbey. This is only because you receive the ability to appreciate what has happened. The Abbey a great place to relax overall.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K V Meher H. 3 months ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    This is a beautiful reminiscence. Stunningly well-kept abbey with plenty of descriptive signage. An excellent spot to kill some time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elly F. 2 months ago on Google • 32 reviews New
    Beautiful place. Absolutely worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 DP C. 1 year ago on Google
    Kirkstall Abbey Carnival open now free entry! lots of stuff for the kids do to, rides face painting fairground etc. Beer tents lots of food stalls, live music Sun tan for free what’s not to like on a Beautiful English Summers day. Get ya lovely selfs down there!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Missy M. 2 years ago on Google
    Always enjoyed this place but the river walk seems a lot shorter these days. They appear to have fenced it off. I remember being able to walk further many moons ago. Quite a bit of flooding today following last nights storm.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Niki 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning, took my breathe away. The guide who gave a tour with fascinating stories of the ruins’ history has definitely made my visit more interesting, fun and memorable. The ticket allows a purchaser to visit unlimited times within year, will definitely be coming back again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lim c. 9 months ago on Google
    There are very beautiful historical structure , easy to go. Taking the bus no. 33 and 34 from Leeds city centre, it is free and a open space (like a park).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rachael M. 2 years ago on Google
    My 3 year old and I visited the Abbey together and spent a couple of hours exploring. We parked for free, used the playground, entered the Abbey for free which also had a free trial with tick sheet and art supplies to use while we were there. My daughter enjoyed the trail and exploring the different areas, such as following the stepping stones, going through tunnels and doorways and climbing some of the ruins. There were plenty of picnic benches dotted around. The shop had a good children's section and sold ice-cream and also had access to toilets. It is a free site so there were some unloved ideas I.e rubbish left behind/ dead animals but overall good so would visit again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wan-chien H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to have a leisure walk and the Abbey ruins are kept quite well. Come visit on the last weekend of every month from March to November to enjoy the markets inside too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ILINCUTA S. 9 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    Lovely Sunday afternoon stroll around the abbey's ruins...loved the atmosphere and the majesty of the gothic arches and architecture. Will definitely return soon as the rain chased us away too quickly.

  • 5/5 Donna P. 2 years ago on Google
    What a lovely place to visit . Beautiful surroundings for walks around the Abbey . Fabulous food and drinks at the cafe after popping in the museum . Park for the children and a fabulous Easter Surprise of Alice in wonderlands Egg Hunt . The acting was spot on and really funny ( along with some hidden adult humor ) bravo :)

  • 5/5 David H. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been visiting since I was in junior school. They still haven't finished building it yet! But seriously though. It's steeped in history and the park is a wonderful place to while away the hours. Entrance to the Abbey ruin is via the gift shop. It can get busy in summer.

  • 5/5 Priyam A. 1 year ago on Google
    A really beautiful place to go for a picnic and spend the day with your friends and family. Lots of greenery and open space.

  • 5/5 Ionela B. 1 year ago on Google
    The ruins are a powerful statement of the Abbey' history. The park is one of the few green places not far from Leeds city centre where you can have a nice picnic and read a book.

  • 5/5 James S. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a great time exploring the ruins; really well preserved and good information boards, guidebooks can also be purchased from the shop. Free if you live in Leeds, £5 for everyone else, budget an hour to do it justice. If you need a pitstop, there is a good cafe over the road.

  • 5/5 AnnaB 1 year ago on Google
    I had such a good time visiting Kirkstall Abbey. The place is kept in a good condition and it’s a perfect place to go visit especially with you are a ruins enthusiast like myself.

  • 5/5 Im P. 6 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    Kirkstall Abbey is a historic and picturesque site located in Leeds, West Yorkshire. As I entered the grounds of this magnificent abbey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The abbey, with its towering ruins and peaceful surroundings, offered a glimpse into the past, transporting me to a time long gone. As I explored the abbey, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like for the monks who once called this place home. The abbey was founded in the 12th century and was a thriving community until its dissolution under Henry VIII in the 16th century. Walking through the remnants of the cloisters and chapter house, I could almost hear the soft echoes of prayers and chants that once filled these hallowed halls. One of the highlights of my visit was the abbey's museum, which provided a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the monks who lived here. The lush greenery, the gentle sound of the nearby River Aire, and the sense of solitude all contributed to a feeling of peace and calm. It was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, allowing me to reflect and appreciate the beauty of nature and history.

  • 4/5 LiziiBear 9 months ago on Google
    Breathtaking bit of history, pay once and get entrance for a whole year!! Guides on hand to give you lots of interesting bits of information. I enjoyed a nice moment of quiet solace before a coach load of kiddos arrived !

  • 5/5 Harry P. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunning place. Really enjoyed searching for there lost sheep

  • 5/5 logan O. 10 months ago on Google
    Lovely place full of history (if you're a Leeds resident take proof to get in for free and a years entry) beautiful to loom around and plenty of grass for a picnic and to look at the birds next to the river

  • 5/5 David L. 11 months ago on Google
    An amazing part of history in this region. The staff in the museum were very friendly and customer focused. However, the 2 staff manning the Abbey itself were more interested in going home than admitting paying customers. We still had a fantastic time walking through the ruins admiring the structure. Well worth the time to visit.

  • 5/5 Dawn C. 11 months ago on Google
    What a Wonderful place to visit. The tour guide Trevor is brilliant. The way he tells you the history of the Abbey brings it to life. I would definitely be going back it beautiful.

  • 5/5 Laura B. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant place to visit. Already planning another trip back. Visited the week before Easter and unfortunately lots of unruly children climbing all over the ruins while parents allowed it. Unfortunate not to have more staff to stop them or get parents to stop them. Museum over the road is brilliant too. Staff super friendly and knowledgeable.

  • 3/5 Lazarus R. 1 year ago on Google
    March 2022. Historical place. A few ruins. Couldn't access inside as it was closed to public. Had a walk around. People milling around and seated on field engaged in conversation. Mixed races integrating peacefully with each other minding their own business. Nice harmony about the place.

  • 5/5 Calvin La C. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome day.. very well kept gardens and free for locals !!! Nice little shop and fullied with friendly staff... you get to pretty much wonder around the abbey runes just watch for the guy selling tickets if you not local .. his a bit of a tool ....otherwise definitely worth a visit 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • 5/5 Kasia M. 1 year ago on Google
    I had to wait for my friend's late flight. The place is 15 minutes from the airport. A great walk in an atmospheric place. For people outside of Leeds, adult entry is £ 5, but well worth it!


Call +44 113 378 4079 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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