Leeds
Properties and events in Leeds
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
Leeds Bradford - the UKs highest commercial airport
This talk tells the history of Yorkshire's premier airport from its founding in 1931 to the 21st century; the highest in the UK. It includes the interesting war years when it became a major producer of Avro bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.
Time Travel through the Place Names of Leeds
The names of our city, its streets and its suburbs connect us to our past. This illustrated online talk explains the origins of some of these names and shows how they reveal the city’s deep history.
East Keswick Village Walk
A guided walk through this historic village, once a township in the Manor of Harewood. The village prospered and grew from the Victorian era but retains many earlier stone buildings amongst the more recent residential developments.
The long and winding road to Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the country's finest and best preserved Cistercian monastic ruins. This illustrated talk will explore the historical events leading up to its foundation.
Sunny Bank Mills - Cloth Connections from Farsley to Guatemala! A journey around the world through our fascinating heritage site.
Explore these atmospheric mills, which produced some of the finest cloth in the world, on a free heritage tour. Visit the new Gallery exhibition, our artists' Open Studios, Sculpture Trail & Family Trail before enjoying refreshments in the tearoom.
The Leeds Goth QR Code Challenge
You are invited to explore Leeds’ heritage as the birthplace of Goth culture. QR codes have been hidden across the city centre, each marking sites of significance. Scan the codes to discover Goth facts about each location and complete the challenge.
Creating Connections at Swarthmore
Our exhibition celebrates the long and fascinating history of Swarthmore as a Centre for Lifelong Leaning, you can also book a place on our cyanotype workshop to create your very own blue plaque.
All Souls Church Blackman Lane Leeds
Gilbert Scott's final church , in the Gothic Revival Style. Built as a Memorial Church To Walter Hook , The great 19th century church builder and Vicar of Leeds.
Activism: The routes we’re rooted in
Sign up to this event to explore how activism has served the people of Leeds in our city, in both our past and present.
Castle Grove Masonic Hall - a connection to life in Victorian Headingley Moor
Join a guided tour of Castle Grove Masonic Hall, a magnificent villa in Far Headingley.
Leeds Industrial Museum - Free entry and HODs special events
Visit Leeds Industrial Museum for free on Friday 6, Saturday 7, and Sunday 8 September. Tours of new exhibitions 'Entangled' and 'Engineery' will be available on the Friday 6 September. Family friendly activities available throughout the festival.
St Aidan's Church Leeds
The home off the largest mosaic in Northern Europe.
Connecting the past to the present: the story of Mabgate.
Historian Robert Dyson of the Civic Trust will lead you on a walking tour of Mabgate where you will discover its rich cultural heritage, from its agrarian roots through the industrial revolution and into the modern era.
Church of the Epiphany Gipton Leeds
Visit the only 20th century Grade I listed parish church in England.
Hyde Park Picture House - 'Hyde and Seek' Family Friendly Screening: The Kid (U, 1921)
An amazing opportunity to see Charlie Chaplin's most ambitious film to date, a masterpiece of the silent era in our grade II listed cinema.
Try Your Hand at Stone Carving
Have a go at stone carving in the Leeds Corn Exchange with our sculptors from The Sculpture Gallery. Get to grips with this ancient art-form.
All Saints' Church, Barwick-in-Elmet
Visit our historic Norman church with its Anglo-Saxon stones and we will tell you about its history. The late 15/early 16th century porch where penitents received absolution before entering the church. An opportunity to see the bells being rung.
A 2023 textile tour and a photographers connection to a murder in 1891
Enjoy three large vibrant wall hangings displayed in our quilt room, including a textile map of Horsforth created by residents. In the piano room immerse yourself in an event of 1891 and a travelling photographers connection with a murder.
St Hilda's Church
Built in 1882, by Yorkshire architect JT Micklethwaite, designed for Anglo-Catholic worship. Amazing collection of carved and decorated woodwork. A landmark building at a major gateway into the city, close to the A63, en route from Junction 45.
Short films on Roundhay Park, its Friends' Garden, and the Man at Oakwood Clock
Short films made by Oakwood Film Academy about The Man at the Oakwood Clock, making the film, and how The Friends of Rounday Park created an award winning garden (followed by a tour of the garden), followed by an illustrated history of the park.
Skelton Grange Environment Centre Open Day
Join us for Skelton Grange Environment Centre’s Open Day on Saturday 7th September! Come and enjoy nature walks, activities and refreshments at our award-winning eco-building and nature area.
Once Upon a Time at Bramley Baths
If this pool could talk.....what stories would it tell? Olympic medallists, Hollywood swimming costumes, legendary dances, Finding Nemo, and being saved by people power. Hear the stories of Bramley Baths brought to life by professional storytellers.
St Saviours Church Leeds
Walk round the Grade I listed beautiful church and grounds to take in the architecture and stained glass windows. Refreshments available
Bramley - the village that disappeared
An archive display of over 400 photographs and 50 maps of old Bramley organised by Bramley History Society
Leeds Central Library - Heritage Tour
Take a guided tour of this Grade II* listed Victorian masterpiece in the historic heart of Leeds. From antique Potts clocks to grinning stone guard dogs, explore the secrets behind the scenes of one of the city's most amazing public buildings.
Leeds Cathedral Guided Tours
Leeds Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of St Anne) is a Grade II* Listed Building, completed in 1904. It is one of 22 Catholic cathedrals in England & Wales, and widely recognised as an outstanding example, of Art & Crafts architecture and design.
Headingley Methodist Church Open Day - As Time Goes By on the Otley Road
You are welcome to visit one of the oldest church buildings in Headingley. See the church and its garden, view our exhibition about Otley Road over the past 200 years and reminisce about bygone shops and buildings. Enjoy home-made refreshments.
St Michael and All Angels’ Church Headingley - Open Day
Come and discover the beautiful parish church of St Michael and All Angels’, Headingley. Our large Victorian church has a wealth of stained glass windows, the remains of the ancient Original Oak of Headingley, and Thompson mice to be found!
Pudsey Masonic Hall
Discover Pudsey Masonic Hall - a hidden gem in the town.
Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell
Explore the historic medieval parish church of Rothwell. A continuous place of worship in the heart of Rothwell since 1130 AD.
Roundhay's Hidden Gem
St John's Church was originally built for the Nicholson family who lived at the Mansion in Roundhay Park. Although rather off the beaten track it offers unusual insights into the history of North Leeds.
Middleton Railway - site of the first steam trains
Middleton Railway was where the world's very first proper steam engines ran. To learn more, come on down and hear an illustrated talk.
Hyde Park Picture House - Self-Guided Cinema Tours plus Guided Projection Room Tours
A great opportunity to explore our grade II listed cinema. Get to see our heritage features without interruption alongside the new aspects of our building as well as the chance go behind the scenes of our Projection Room.
Leeds Festival Chorus: Come and Sing
Connect with local history through music in this special 'Come and Sing' event with Leeds Festival Chorus.
How do you know you're in Harehills?
A 2 hour workshop that focuses on the three key shopping parades through Harehills (Roundhay Road, Harehills Road and Harehills Lane) as part of the Routes - Connections - Networks theme. We'll explore the past, present and future of these streets.
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk
Welcome to our beautiful Grade 1 listed Mediaeval church which has been a place of continuous worship for nearly one thousand years.
St. James' Church, Woodside, Horsforth
Come and discover some of the history of this Grade II listed building which has served the local community since Victorian times and continues to do so today.
Waddingtons Blue Plaque Unveiling!
Join Leeds Civic Trust to unveil their 197th blue plaque unveiling to mark the heritage of Waddingtons and MONOPOLY’s connection to the city of Leeds!
Methley routes by river, rail and road
The Methley Archive will once again share some of their extensive local collection at Rivers Meet Cafe for Heritage Open Days.
Leeds Local History Open Day
Let us take you on a journey through the history of Leeds and highlight treasures from our library collections.
St. Bartholomew's Church, Armley
Visit our huge church, its tower and spire visible for miles, see our beautiful font, lectern, pulpit, Reredos, and our world-famous Schulze Organ. You will not be disappointed! We also boast a comprehensive exhibition area.
St Luke's and St Matthew's Lutheran Church
Visit one of the few Lutheran Churches in the country! With a house designed by Cuthbert Brodrick that still has many of its original features.
Otley Courthouse
'Otley connected and disconnected'. How a rural Yorkshire town with an ancient crossing point over the River Wharfe made connections with the wider world over the centuries.
Otley Bridge Church, a listed building dating from the late 19th Century.
Otley Bridge Church, a listed building dating from the late 19th Century, is open for self-guided tours, viewing of the East Window commemorating those who served in WWI, treasure hunts, and displays. Light refreshments will be available.
Beckett Street Cemetery, Leeds
Join Alun Pugh, the chairman of the Cemetery Friends on a 90 minute tour. You will hear stories that link the Victorian history of Leeds to the people who are buried there and see the hundreds of Guinea Graves
Victory Garden Allotments
Allotment site open 8th September 1400 until 1700 for conducted tours and display material. Facilities available - seating, refreshments and toilet.
High Royds: connecting to the lost world of a Victorian Asylum.
This walk led by local historian Clive Woods will trace how a rural landscape was transformed into a Victorian asylum and subsequently a residential development.
Connecting the past to the present: A walk around the Headingley Hill and Hyde Park Conservation Areas
Discover the fascinating character and history of the buildings, places and people who lived in Headingley Hill and Hyde Park in the company of Tony Ray, a retired Town Planner.
Links to transport in Lawnswood Cemetery: a guided walk
Ann Lightman will lead a themed walk around some of the 53 acre Lawnswood Cemetery, with its wonderful memorials to the "great and the good" of Leeds and elsewhere. She will concentrate on memorials with some links to transport.
Adel Quaker Meeting House and burial ground
Quaker Meeting House, garden and burial ground which date from the 19th century. The house will feature an exhibition about its history.
Gledhow Valley Bath House
Come and find out about the well preserved and unique Bath house, set in the amazing urban woodland area of the Gledhow Valley Woods.
Leeds West Railway Walk
A circular walk to look at the remaining historic railway infrastructure on the west side of Leeds.
Hyde Park Picture House - Guided Cinema Tour
Join us for a guided tour around our glorious Grade II listed Picture House on the run up to our 110th birthday to learn about our original heritage features and recent renovation in 2023.
A Great Day Out in Clifford, Visit St Luke’s as part of a Trio of Churches
As part of visit A Trio of Churches (Clifford Methodist, St Edward’s RC and St Luke’s C of E) St Luke’s will be welcoming visitors to explore and uncover the history of this Church and its connections with the other churches in the trio.
A Great Day Out In Clifford, a Walk through Time. Part of Connecting Clifford Celebrations
Clifford's History, a Walk through Time. Part of Connecting Clifford Celebrations. Mon 9th September, 1000-1230 or 1400-1630. Booking essential, 12 people each walk. Limited Toilet facilities. Car parking available or come by bus.
Clogs, bobbins, tea, cake and a warm Methodist welcome
Come along to a relaxed evening of music, dance and a bit of history. Briggate Morris will dance Northwest clog to live music on traditional instruments. Learn about the history of Northwest Morris and the Central Methodist Church.
A great day out in Clifford: visit Clifford Methodist Church as part of a trio of churches
Our Connecting Clifford celebrations offer a unique opportunity to visit a trio of churches. You can also enjoy a walk around the village which must be booked (see separate entry).
The Actor, the Singer, the Medics and the Solicitor - Victorian connections at Beckett Street Cemetery
Lesley Newnham's illustrated talk examines the lives of some notable people who lived in Leeds in Victorian times and who are all buried in Beckett Street Cemetery.
Connecting the past to the present: Adel St John's Conservation Area Walk
Join local historians Wendy Grisedale and Val Crompton for a guided walk around the Adel Conservation Area.
Spenfield: 'the finest surviving suite of Victorian domestic rooms in Leeds'
A rare opportunity to visit the communal areas of this magnificent grade 2* listed house in Far Headingley, including the exquisite Peacock Room.
Connecting the past to the present at Ledston Hall and gardens
A rare opportunity to visit this magnificent Grade I listed Hall and surrounding gardens.
A Great Day Out in Clifford: Visit St Edward’s Catholic Church as Part of a Trio of Churches
Clifford, listed in the Doomsday Book, is outstanding for its spiritual heritage. Visit the three churches of different Christian traditions found in Clifford each offering an exciting program and join an historic walking tour of the village.
Hyde Park Our Story
Hyde Park has a rich cultural heritage, a unique suburb of the city with many stories to tell. This event will launch an exhibition of works and memorabilia about Hyde Park, featuring speakers sharing the history and stories of life then and now.
Aire and Calder Navigation Heritage Walk
A walk along the river and Navigation from the City Centre to the Thwaite Mills area, discovering the rich history and heritage of the area, returning by bus or independently.
Harvest Festival Day on The Rosebank
To celebrate the end of the (hopefully) bountiful growing season, we're having a community Harvest Festival Day on The Rosebank to share the goodies we've been working hard to grow all year.
Fearnville Stories - A People's History of Fearnville Leisure Centre
Join us to celebrate a people's history of Fearnville Leisure Centre before it makes way for a new Wellbeing facility. Listen to recorded stories from Centre users and staff, and print your own memento to take home!
Kadampa Buddhist Meditation Centre in the former Assembly Rooms (central Leeds)
Recently renovated Waterloo House has become a beautiful Kadampa Meditation Centre. On 14 September we are offering free meditation sessions and historic building tours. Also enjoy the World Peace Cafe and bookshop - everyone welcome!
Hyde Park Picture House - 'Do you remember the old cinemas of Leeds?' Talk with Jane Ellis
A free talk from speaker Jane Ellis looking at the heyday of "going to the pictures" through the collected memories and pictures of local people
The Story of Waddingtons
Visit WYAS Leeds to see a pop up exhibition on the history of Waddingtons, the Leeds company behind Monopoly, Cluedo, playing cards and much more. Don't miss this unique opportunity to journey through decades of entertainment and nostalgia!
From Mining village to Millenium village: the industrial heritage of Allerton Bywater
Join local historian Clive Cowell for a walk around Allerton Bywater, tracing old routes and re-connecting with the rich heritage of the area.
From the Queenshills to the Queenshills
Leeds Jewish Housing Association has been providing social housing for the Jewish community for 70 years. Come and learn about how we have shaped the social history and geography of North Leeds, and continue to do so.
Railway History Walk, Wellington Place
Join us for a guided railway history walking tour around the local area of Wellington Place.
Behind the Scenes at the M&S Archive
Join us for a behind the scenes tour of the M&S Archive
Crown Green Bowling - The Heritage Cup - Harehills Park Bowling Club
This annual competition for The Heritage Cup - played in a round robin format bringing people from across Yorkshire to celebrate the heritage of our wonderful sport of Crown Green Bowling. FREE entry into the competition and FREE for spectators.
Treasures of the Thoresby Society's Archive
Visitors to the Thoresby Society at the Leeds Library will be able to watch and enjoy a continuous slide show of a selection of our large collection of lantern slides of views of Leeds, and some of our collection of old maps, books and documents.
Secret Passages and Hidden Tunnels with Dr James Wright
An evening with award winning archaeologist Dr James Wright who will explore the real history behind tales of mysterious secret passages and hidden tunnels.
St George's Crypt
St George's Crypt, positioned in the centre of Leeds has offered award-winning, 24/7 emergency accommodation for the homeless since 1930. 65,700 hot meals, 12,382 showers and 10,920 beds were provided alone last year.
Making and breaking: the place of clay in Leeds
Rebecca Catterall is the founder of Sunken Studio, a co-working pottery in south Leeds. Rachael Unsworth is an urban geographer and Leeds tour guide. Join them in conversation as they explore the place of clay in Leeds.
Beeston Hill Community Cinema
Located in a historically significant building, Leeds Beeston Hill Community Cinema cordially invites you to explore the rich history of this former cinema. The event will feature an exhibition, a video installation and more.
Leeds and the railway age
Michael Meadowcroft returns to the historic Lancasterian School Room with another talk for Heritage Open Days.
Heritage Pub Walk
Join heritage pub enthusiast Jim Brettell for a guided walk round some of the city centre's most popular examples.
The Oakfield Terrace Building Club: a journey into micro history
Join Janet Douglas for a short walk celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Oakfield Terrace Building Club.
Transporting the people of Leeds
Join Leeds guide Ken Goor for a city centre walk and discover how the people of Leeds got from A to B in times gone by.
Hunslet's Rugby History
From Union to 1895 Northern Union breakaway to Rugby League, explore 141yr history. See the 1883 Minutes Book. Meet the first rugby superstar, the first black professional player, the players who went to war, the present players training. Bar open
1940s day at the Museum and Old Kings Arms Horsforth
Come and celebrate Horsforth's links to the HMS Aubietia and Enigma machine with decoding sessions, talks and exhibitions at The Museum on Town Street. Topped off with a tea dance and performance by 'The Hummingbirds' a 1940s close harmony group.
Here, There and Everywhere
How a small community in Pudsey developed global connections.
Hyde Park Picture House - 'Hyde and Seek' Family Friendly Screening: Mary Poppins (PG, 1964)
Join us for special family friendly screenings of this gloriously magical and whimsical classic on its 60th anniversary in our grade II listed cinema.
Faith Connections in Beeston --- the GNNSJ Gurudwara
A warm welcome awaits at this imposing Gurudwara, chairman Tarlokh Singh Dhajal, beautifully converted from former Ringtons Tea premises. You can find out about the Sikh faith, its traditions, customs and culture, including a tour and refreshments
"Railway Signalling In and Around Leeds": An Illustrated Talk
"Railway Signalling In and Around Leeds": An Illustrated Talk
Mahogany to MDF - Aviary House, Armley - A survivor of 138 years of home improvement - Tour
Built in 1886, this Leeds red-brick end terrace house retains a surprising number of original features. Visitors will get a glimpse of how this wedge-shaped house was originally decorated, and how it has survived subsequent attempts at modernisation.
The Old Fire Station Gipton
Heritage Open Day provides an opportunity for the public to come and look at some old artifacts, meet ex fire fighters and take part in some fun activities for all the family.
Connecting the past to the present: Humphry Repton's commission for Benjamin Gott.
Humphry Repton was the leading landscape gardener of his generation; discover the legacy of his work at Armley for Benjamin Gott.
Aireborough Memories
From the archives of Aireborough Historical Society - Browse through thousands of Aireborough photographs from years ago. Artefacts that will take you down memory lane. A slide show of Aireborough images on a large screen.
A Tale of Two Jameses
Behind the well-known name of St. James's Hospital lies a story of two dedicated professionals, both called James. Join us in the former Leeds Union Workhouse (now the Thackray Museum of Medicine) to hear more about their lives and legacy.
Faith Connections in Beeston --- Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira (Mosque)
This splendid Mosque, newly built in 2018, with the largest chandelier in Leeds, welcomes you to discover more about the faith, customs and culture of Islam. Timed to allow link with GNNSJ Gurudwara; both sites can be explored in the same morning.
Exhibition of Local Heritage Photographs and Information
We will have displays from the archives of various local historians besides our own. Two viewings of our virtual video tour of Morley Town Hall will be shown. Members will be available to answer questions on Heritage, Family History.
The Advancement in Dental Technology - Leeds University School of Dentistry
View our exciting historical artefacts and explore our new modern facilities!
Cross Flatts Park Beeston - connecting the past with the present.
Following the success of the Heritage Open Day in 2023, it was decided to install a number of information boards in Cross Flatts Park. Visitors will be shown around the park and buy plants from a sale held by the local bloom group.
St Mary's Church, Swillington
Come and explore our very ancient but living church
The story of Garforth. Domesday to modern town
A guided walk round sites of historic interest, including some with links to the former coal mining.
Welcome to Gildersome Friends Meeting House
An opportunity to visit the oldest Friends Meeting House in Leeds; a beautiful and historic listed building where Quakers have worshipped continuously since 1756.
Beryl Burton: In Search of Britain's Greatest Athlete
Join author and journalist Jeremy Wilson in conversation with Beryl's daughter, Denise, to discuss the Yorkshire phenomenon that was Beryl Burton.
Rhubarb Routes
Learn more about the paths and waterways that helped Victorian Gentleman farmer Joseph Whitwell become the largest forced rhubarb producer in the world, at Hollybush Farm.
Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground Tours
You are invited to tour a 200 year old burial ground that for years was neglected and untended. It is now being reclaimed as a community asset sharing its history, war graves, nature and ecology, with connections and routes linking the past to the present