Rhubarb Routes

Join us at Hollybush to discover why it was once the centre of the rhubarb world! In 2024 we’re celebrating Joseph Whitwell, gentleman rhubarb farmer, with a blue plaque commemorating the site of his former home and farm at Hollybush. Whitwell pioneered the process of forcing rhubarb at scale, and The Royal Agricultural Society reported in 1871 that he was the ‘largest grower of forced rhubarb in any single location in the UK’. But why was Hollybush such a perfect place for a rhubarb grower to live?

Tying in with the Heritage Open Day theme of ‘Routes, networks and connections’, join us for a self-guided tour around Hollybush and learn more about the paths and waterways that helped Whitwell grow Hollybush Farm into such a success.

As part of our Heritage Open Day we will be collecting stories and memories of rhubarb growing in the Bramley and Kirkstall area, which continued, on a reduced scale, into the 1970s. Do come and share your rhubarb recollections! Visitors will be able to admire the new blue plaque in honour of Joseph Whitwell, explore Hollybush, which has been a thriving Conservation Centre since 1979, and enjoy rhubarb-themed treats in our community café.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 15 September:

1030-1530

Location & directions

Hollybush Conservation Centre, Broad Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BP

Directions:

Hollybush is a former farmhouse located on Broad Lane in Kirkstall, at the junction with Bridge Road (B6157). Please consider the environmental impact of your visit to Hollybush and walk, cycle or use public transport if possible. Bike storage is available, but please bring your own lock! We are a two-minute walk from bus stops at the Bridge Shopping Centre (numbers 91 and 49) and Kirkstall Morrisons/Kirkstall Road (numbers 33,34,35 and 508). We are a ten-minute walk from Headingley Train Station. We have limited parking on site reserved for blue badge holders and those with limited mobility. Other visitors travelling by car have the kind permission of Morrison’s to park at the far end of their carpark, a short walk from Hollybush. There is also a very small public carpark off Whyther Lane, by the canal.

Contact on day:

Hazel Smoczynska

Telephone number:

+441132742335

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

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