A wonderful bit of history in the heart of Headingley. A place where British 🐻 were once torn to pieces by 🐕 an otherwise generally tortured. Leading to their extinction in the UK and making travel all that much safer; I mean just imagine waiting for a bus in a bear infested area! The building is set back from the road, quite small and easy to miss. It looks like a tiny castle, you can climb on and in it and pretend to be a bear, but best done with friends with one pretending to be a dog or you may look and feel daft

"The ‘Bear Pit’ was in fact a home to bear, although only for a very limited period of time. The pit was built as part of the Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens which occupied this site in the mid 1800’s for visitors to stroll and take the air in exotic gardens." It doesn't appear to be maintained in any way, but it's a curious building that will make you ponder how until relatively recently this was considered a reasonable thing to do to a bear in this country.

If you are thinking about going out of your way to see this... don't. Its not been given any TLC and is a bit rubbish. That being said... best bear pit I have ever seen, 5 stars.

Squeeze a few bears in there so it's like the olden days. It's more bare pit than bear pit now.

I used to play in this as a child growing up in Headingley in the 70s. Never realised its historical significance. Its heritage should be recognised by the Council - with some TLC and maybe some informative signs. Despite its cruel purpose it's a fascinating relic of the history of Leeds.

Needs some work. The bears have gone, can’t really gain access but a part of the areas history

Give this place some tlc will you leeds city council 👌

Very interesting local history, but also very sad to think of those poor bears and how they must have suffered...sadly still do in other parts of the world 😔

Used to play there as a child fond memories when ever I pass it.

There are no bears. Disappointed.

REAL BEAR PIT, CLEANED UP IN THE EIGHTIES....COOL AND ATTRACTIVE.JUST ADDS TO THE AMBIENCE.

Could be more maintained and opened for the public

Could be so much more of an attraction for the area, if only the council looked after it better.

Perfect to stroll around, brilliant cafe. It could have a few more animals but a great experience overall.

Great little place, poorly managed.

Awsome bit of local history

It's a historic land mark just opposite to court people can sit and enjoy the nature.

great day out with the family, very dog friendly my golden retriever loved it

The Bear Pit is owned by Leeds Civic Trust and is now in process of renovation. New fencing and building restoration will preserve the structure going forward. It is hoped to make limited escorted access available but details of any policy on this have to be determined.