Leeds has a rich library history which is visible in its current libraries. This walking tour, led by travel and culture writer Debbie Rolls, will visit five diverse library spaces in Leeds City Centre ranging from the historic to modern, including academic libraries, public libraries and a subscription library.
A Winter’s Trail at Skelton Grange Environment Centre
Our annual winter fundraising event is a magical celebration of light in our darkest month. Wander along a candlelit trail in the woods and gardens at Skelton Grange and get a sneak peek at the illuminated miniature village around the grounds. At the end of the trail, there will be campfires and activities in the woods. The event is often described as magical and awe inspiring, with many people returning year after year. We hope you will be one of them!
Together we celebrate life.
Join us with your family and friends for the 7 Locks Walk where we invite you to celebrate life, whether it is lives lost, people who have supported you within your own life or the NHS who take care of lives.
This a beautiful 4.4 mile (7km) walk, starting at Kirkstall Forge and ending at Granary Wharf, where we can come together as a community to honour, remember and celebrate.
This event is open to all, including wheelchair users, families and pets.
On the Day:
9:30am Meet at Kirkstall Forge – registration
Did you know that only 4% of our collections are on display at any given time? Our stores, library and archive are teeming with objects, books and papers with their own fascinating stories, many of which are rarely if ever visible to the public.
With our new programme of store tours, we’re offering the chance to see how different collections are stored, get up close with some of our favourite objects, and learn more about the joys and challenges of maintaining such a vast and unique collection.
Guided Tours of Leeds Cathedral lasting about one hour.
Come and experience the beauty and peace of this fine Arts and Crafts design Cathedral Church in the heart of the City of Leeds.
Starting in the shadow of the Black Prince, in City Square, this three-hour tour is run by It's The Beer Talking, and led by author and beer writer Simon Jenkins and former Tetley PR officer Nicky Massen.
You’ll learn how our city is still shaped by its 13th century geography, how it was the scene of audacious industrial espionage, the key role it played in the birth of a global entertainment industry – and about an extraordinary human auction, where people were sold to the highest bidder, a little over a century ago.
As we take this tour of the magnificent Leeds Minster, the different areas will illustrate its connections with previous churches on the site, with aspects of the history of Leeds and its people, with the wider world and the worldwide Christian faith.
The tour, which is part of Heritage Open Days 2024, will last for an hour, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions as we go round. Please arrive in advance of the start time.
Join us on a walk around the University of Leeds campus to explore our collection of Public Art.
Take some time out of your day to enjoy a breath of fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the sights of the University of Leeds. Learn some interesting facts about the artworks around campus – revisit familiar favourites and discover hidden gems.
Works to see may include Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Dual Form’ and Hubert Dalwood’s ‘Untitled Bas-Relief’, along with works by Mitzi Cunliffe, Quentin Bell, Lorna Green and many more.
Leeds was a small town until the late eighteenth century. Musical life expanded and became more ambitious as new venues opened, opportunities for musical studies expanded, and high-calibre performers were attracted to perform here. As one of the top UK cities, Leeds has hosted many of the world’s greatest violinists and local players have made careers at national and international level.
See some of the places in Leeds city centre, apart from venues featuring in the Red Violin Festival, that have been associated with violinists, performances and makers.
Learn the story of Sunny Bank Mills and its people. During a one hour tour you'll visit hidden spaces, hear about the history of the Mills and have the opportunity to ask William or John those burning questions you've always wanted answering.
Tours at
6th Sept 12 and 2pm
7th Sept 10am, 12 and 2pm
8th Sept 10am, 12 and 2pm
Please wear appropriate footwear if you plan to join the tour.
Starting from the Main Yard (by the old loom).