Yorkshire is a fantastic place to visit if you have never been before. There are so many different spots to see and do. Leeds and York are the highlights of Yorkshire, with Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay both being popular tourist destinations when visiting the coastline. However, one spot that is great for a history lesson is Leeds.
Leeds is a popular destination when it comes to visiting Yorkshire. Plus, it is very easy to get to, as many train stations link up with Leeds.
Leeds is a great place to visit and you could easily spend a weekend there. Learning about the history of this marvellous city and seeing what it has to offer to the sports world of football and rugby league. Not to mention the historical castles, which are also great to visit.
There is no doubt that Leeds is the best city in Yorkshire but is it the most historical? Let’s take a look at the best historical spots in Leeds.
Leeds Town Hall
The town hall is first on the list and has been here since 1858 but construction began in 1853. It took five years to complete this phenomenal building and since then, it has been the heart of Leeds.
This fantastic building once hosted concerts and civic functions to this day. In the past, it has been used as a courtroom and provided accommodation for the local government. It also hosts the International Film Festival as well as the International Beer Festival.
If you have never been to Leeds, we certainly recommend looking at this fantastic architecture that has been there for over 150 years.
Hyde Park Picture House
Up next is the iconic Hyde Park picture house, which is well-known to those who live in Yorkshire. Students will know about this building if they live in Hyde Park itself.
This picture house is a throwback to the past, which is why many people visit it. It shows small, independent films at very affordable prices. There is no doubt that it is one of the best cinemas in Leeds.
The interior of this building has remained the same since its opening in 1914. Nevertheless, the Hyde Park Picture House is still in great condition, which is why you have to visit it. It won’t break the bank and you’ll enjoy everything about this cinema. For a better place to sit, you can pay an extra 50p to sit on the balcony and have a better view of the screen.
Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Up next is the 127-mile-long canal that flows across England to Liverpool. If you visit on a hot summer day, this canal is perfect for a lovely summer stroll. Along the walk, you can enjoy even more history of Leeds before perching on one of the glass verges to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine.
This amazing picnic has been open since 1774 and took around 50 years to build. Construction initially began in 1770 before being completed in 1816; however, at a later date, in 1822, the canal was extended even further. For even more history, enjoy a short drive to the steepest flight of locks in the UK, Bingley Five Rise Locks.
Thornton’s Arcade
Now heading into the heart of Leeds, Thornton’s arcade is another iconic part of Leeds. It is the oldest arcade and was constructed in 1878. It is an iconic part of Leeds city centre and a significant part of the cultural history of this fantastic city.
Thornton’s arcade is part of one of the shopping centres in Leeds. Here, you can spend a full day in this shopping centre, exploring the many luxury shops that include some of the best restaurants in Leeds. It is also connected to a car park in Leeds so leave your vehicle here for the day as you explore this great city.
Thorton’s Arcade alone is home to numerous independent stores. Here, you can find several iconic shops in Leeds that have likely been around since your parents were young. It highlights how amazing Thorton’s arcade is, which is why it is a must-visit for your trip to Leeds.
Kirkstall Abbey
Last but not least, one of the most ancient parts of Leeds. Kirkstall Abbey is a must-visit place. These middle-aged ruins have been here since 1152. This part of Leeds cannot be missed and it holds a lot of history.
Kirkstall Abbey is a Cistercian monastery that isn’t too far from the city centre. It was part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, which was when Henry VIII disbanded many monasteries across England, Wales and Ireland. Nevertheless, it is an iconic part of Leeds and had a £5.5 million restoration programme.
Summary
There are many historical spots in Leeds, which is why it is such a great city to visit. Many people don’t actually know about the history of Leeds, including those who live in the city centre. Whether you are looking for a quick visit to the cinema to watch a film in a historical picture house or a stroll along the canal, there are so many things to see in this iconic Yorkshire city.
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