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Museums in Leeds

Leeds Museums

Leeds museums and galleries were established to gather, interpret, and preserve historical, scientific, and cultural sites and collections while also using them to enlighten, educate, and amuse visitors and residents of "Leeds." Most of the museums in this city's collection are devoted to the natural sciences and run programs to help people discover and comprehend the natural world.


You can explore a wide range of world-famous museums in Leeds. The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds City Museum, Thackray Museum of Medicine, Leeds Industrial Museums, Thwaite Mills, Abbey House Museum, Middleton Railway Museum, The Tetley - Art museums in Leeds, Leeds Art Gallery, and M&S Company Archive are some of the most known and insightful museums that you can visit in this city. The Leeds museums showcase past decades' evolution and entertain and educate people. While exploring these museums, you can admire and learn about exciting things like armour and arms, the medical history of Leeds, and the Armley mills.

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Leeds Museums FAQs

Which are the best museums in Leeds?

1. Royal Armouries Museum: “Royal Armouries,” the best Leeds museum, is home to the national collection of UK armour and arms. It lets visitors go through the themed galleries and witness rarest of the rare arms. It has extremely interesting exhibitions and also organises various insightful events. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to explore the museum and cover its six galleries in detail.

Location: Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT, England.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm every day
Entry Fees: Free

2. Leeds City MuseumThis museum was established in 1821 and had a history spanning more than 200 years. Leeds City Museum is one of the many museums in Leeds that hold an interesting history which was kept secret for a really long time.Leeds City Museum offers an exciting, interactive & fun day outing for visitors. The interior of this museum has some famous showcases like the renowned Leeds Tiger and Mummy that have existed for three thousand years. This Leeds Museum also has a historical collection of "Life on Earth," and a beautiful cafe.

Location: Millennium Square Cookridge Street, Leeds, England.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm every day; except Monday
Entry Fees: Free

3. Thackray Museum of MedicineThe Thackray Museum of Medicine is a legendary medical museum that provides an optimistic and insightful perspective on the history of medicine. Out of many Leeds museums, what makes this one unique is that it houses a collection of over 47,000 objects from medical history that dates back to Roman era to present day. Get ready to walk by the streets of the museum to follow the stories & medical challenges the whole human race has been through.

Location: 141 Beckett Street, Leeds, England
Time: 10 am to 5 pm every day
Entry Fees: $10.82 - $14.45 (based on age)

4. Leeds Industrial Museums - Leeds galleries and museums: The Leeds Industrial Museum consists of the city’s Industrial Revolution and is one of the best Leeds galleries and museums. It has the magnificent Armley Mills, which is the highest working woollen mill in the whole world. The tourists can dive deep into the 18th & 19th Century industrial legacy by going through the printing presses, working looms, and steam engines.

Location: Armley Mills Canal Road Armley, Leeds, England
Time: Monday - Closed
          Tuesday - Friday - 10 am to 5 pm
          Saturday - Sunday - 12 pm - 5 pm
Entry Fees: £2 - £5 (based on age), also has Family tickets.:

5. Thwaite Mills: Built-in 1825, this museum was once a water-powered mill that has now been carefully renovated and kept operational. This transports you to a bygone period when technology was not as advanced as today. The performance of the mill and the products it produces, such as putty and chalk, will be shown to the tourists. Also, from 1946 the site of the museum involved “Stream Cane” and a wildlife area, and there are various kinds of special events held in this museum.

Location: Thwaite Lane West Yorkshire, Leeds LS10 1RP
Time:   Monday - Closed
           Tuesday - Friday - 10 am to 4 pm
           Saturday - Sunday - 12 pm - 4 pm
Entry Fees: Adults - £5, Children - £2.75, Below 5s - Free


6. Abbey House Museum - Leeds museums and galleries: Unlike other Leeds Museums, this Museum is located inside a beautiful scenic park which is located right in front of the Kirkstall abbey. The place consists of Victorian Streets and Stephen Harding Gate, with shops & pubs which makes it a perfect place to enjoy your day at. The Abbey Fold, a realistic slum of the 19th Century, and the Children's Gallery with vintage dolls, toys & penny slot machines are other things that you can explore here.

Location: Abey Walk, Abbey Road Kirkstall, Leeds
Time: Monday - Closed
          Tuesday - Friday - 10 am to 5 pm
          Saturday - 12 pm - 5 pm
          Sunday - 10 am - 5 pm
Entry Fees: Adults - £6, Children - £3

7. Middleton Railway Museum: Out of many Leeds Museums Middleton Railway Museum is the oldest Leeds Museum, consisting of the world's oldest railway, which is still in operation. You get a free entry to this Museum, and can delve deeply into the history of railways which gives you a glimpse into the industrial heritage and various types of rail engines.

Location: Railway Trust Ltd, Moor road, Hunslet Leeds
Entry Fees: Free
For the Train ride: Adults - £7, Children - £3

8. The Tetley - Art museums in Leeds: This is a famous art gallery which is known for being the contemporary learning & art centre. It is located in the headquarters of fantastic art deco at Tetley brewery in central Leeds and holds various exhibitions and art workshops. You can visit this with your friends and family to enjoy the food and can cover the tour at this Museum in less than an hour. In addition, the venue holds a part of the culture of Leeds throughout each corner campaign, celebrating the vibrant and diverse Leeds culture.

Location: The Tetley Hunslet Road, Leeds, England.
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Monday - Tuesday - Closed
                Wednesday - Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm


9. Leeds Art Gallery: The famous Leeds museums and galleries have a collection of British artwork from the early 20th century and this is one of them because the British government selected Leeds Art Gallery as "the national importance" exhibition in 1997.Leeds Art Gallery consists of art collections of the 19th Century and consists of paintings and sculptures displayed inside the Art Gallery of Leeds.

Location: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA, UK
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Monday - Closed
               Tuesday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm
               Sunday - 11 am - 3 pm


10. M&S Company Archive: Although the museums are rich in diving and engaging experiences, the history of the famous Retail store “Marks and Spencer.” pulls the interest of the maximum visitors. Initially, the "Penny bazaar" at Kirkgate Market grew into a successful retail store, and the story of its rise is represented at this Museum. The "M&S Company Archive museum" consists of adverts, documents, films & photos along with the original packaging & merchandise that forms the social history of fashions and styles.

Location: Michael Marks Building, University of Leeds, Leeds
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Monday - Friday - 10 am to 4 pm
                Saturday - Sunday - Closed.

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Which are the best museums in Leeds to go to with Kids?

1. Abbey House Museum - Leeds museums and galleries: Abbey House Museum has recreated the streets of the 19th Century and has houses, pubs & shops where tourists can discover how people survived a century ago. The tourists will return to Victorian Leeds Life through this museum's galleries. This Museum has an area consisting of classic toys that include Victorian dolls & traditional games, which are highly suitable for children.

Location: Abey Walk, Abbey Road Kirkstall, Leeds
Time: Monday - Closed
          Tuesday - Friday - 10 am - 5 pm
          Saturday - 12 pm - 5 pm
          Sunday - 10 am - 5 pm
Entry Fees: Adults - £6, Children - £3

2. Leeds City Museum: These small museums in Leeds consist of various displays ranging from ancient Egyptians and Romans to the history of selected real-time events. For example, it showcases the “Mummy” that has survived through everything over the past three thousand years, along with the famous “Leeds Tiger ''. A historical collection of "Life on Earth'' is another feature of this Leeds museum. Additionally, there’s a lovely cafe where you can sit and eat. The place also organises various exhibitions and events.

Location: Millennium Square Cookridge Street, Leeds, England.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm every day; except Monday
Entry Fees: Free

3. Kirkstall Abbey: Kirkstall Abbey was established more than 800 years ago as a Cistercian Abbey. It hosts activities and regular family events. Tourists can enjoy beautiful parklands on river banks and roam through the abbey ruins at no cost. At this amazing place, you also get a chance to learn about the history of monks residing at the vision centre.

Location: Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH, England
Time: Monday - Closed
          Tuesday - Sunday - 10 am - 4:30 pm
Entry Fees: Free of Cost

4. Leeds Art Gallery: The “ Leeds art gallery” focuses on modern and entertaining art and other fun stuff, making it a kids-friendly place. It has a collection of 20th Century British art that the British government nominated as "the national importance" in 1997. The fantastic and modern art gallery is free to visit, making it the ideal day trip.

Location: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA, UK
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Monday - Closed
                Tuesday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm
                Sunday - 11 am - 3 pm

5. East Street Arts: The idea of street art was first established in this city, "Leeds," years before it was officially recognized globally. This Leeds "street art trail" is ideal for families if the kids enjoy finding innovative works of art and murals. It supports the artists and the comprehensive communities present in Leeds and has daily exhibitions or events operating at the "East Street Arts."

Location: St. Mary's lane, Leeds LS9 7EH, UK
Timings: Monday - Friday - 9 am to 5 pm
                Saturday - Sunday - Closed

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Which are the museums in Leeds to visit for free?

1. Royal Armouries Museum: This is one of the finest Leeds museums consisting of 75000+ objects from various centuries and continents, from the Middle Ages to the Present. The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is home to the UK's national armour and arms collection. You can wander around the themed galleries with the best artwork in the world and food to eat and enjoy the events that include gallery presentations and armoured combat demonstrations.

Location: Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT, England.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm every day
Entry Fees: Free

2. Leeds Art Gallery: This art gallery is a renowned Leeds museum and gallery. From Lothar Götz's Xanadu in the initial hall to Henry Moore's Reclining woman sculpture outside, this place has one of the most prominent 20th-century British art collections in the UK. It has the Upper Galleries to view pieces from their modern artworks and rotate exhibitions while the Lower Galleries present some significant works by famous artists.

Location: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA, UK
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Monday - Closed
                Tuesday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm
                Sunday - 11 am - 3 pm

3. Leeds City Museum: This museum in Leeds is located in a giant building named Former Mechanics Institute & was opened in 2008 in its current state. It's the perfect place for a family day out as it offers free access to its cultural and historical exhibits and gives you a chance to learn a lot about Leeds. For example, "Leeds mummy" & "Leeds tiger" are the two famous residents in this Leeds Museum, along with a historical collection of "Life on Earth," a beautiful cafe, and exhibitions along with events.

Location: Millennium Square Cookridge Street, Leeds, England.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm every day; except Monday
Entry Fees: Free

4. Kirkstall Abbey: The place was established more than 800 years ago as the Cistercian Abbey, which is another fantastic free day-trip museum for families. During the holidays, Kirkstall Abbey offers activities in addition to everyday family events that include art packs & trails. You can enjoy beautiful parklands on river banks and roam through the ruined building of the abbey, along with the history of monks residing there at the vision centre.

Location: Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH, England
Time: Monday - Closed, Tuesday - Sunday - 10 am - 4:30 pm
Entry Fees: Free

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In London

Which is the best Museum to visit in Leeds?

Even so, there are plenty of arts museums in Leeds depicting the culture and history, the Royal Armouries Museum is the best museum in Leeds. It is home to the nation's collection of weapons and armour, which numbers over 75,000 items. Explore the armour and weaponry used by soldiers throughout history, from the early mediaeval era to the present army. In our recently renovated Tournament Gallery, marvel at the magnificent armour and weapons of the Japanese shoguns, European royal houses, and England kings, including Henry VIII, who rules supremely.

How many museums are there in Leeds?

In total, there are 95 art galleries & museums located in Leeds. The Leeds galleries and museums consist of different Museums & attractions that are meant to entertain, thrill & educate about history equally to kids and adults.

How long should one spend in Leeds City Museum?

It takes around 1.5 hours to get an overall tour of this Museum consisting of 6 galleries and family-friendly exhibitions depicting the history of Leeds. Most museums in Leeds require the same amount of time to be explored.

What is unique about the Abbey House Museum?

Abbey house is one of the local Leeds museums and galleries, depicting the social history of Leeds with nostalgic galleries & Victorian Streets. Being a family-friendly Museum, it features traditional Victorian toys to explore childhood in this Museum and historical information from the Victorian Era. Additionally, there are homes, bars, and businesses where you can see how people survived a century ago.

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Is admission to Leeds City Museum free?

Yes, the admission to the iconic Leeds City Museum free of cost. Like many other Leeds museums and galleries, this museum also has a history spread over 200 years when it was opened for the first time in 1821, consisting of a “Mummy” that endured all that transpired over 3000 years and the renowned “Leeds Tiger”.

What is the best time to visit Leeds?

Leeds has the most excellent weather in the summer season. From May through September, the temperature in Leeds is comfortable to explore the Leeds galleries and museums—that is, it's neither too hot nor too cold. However, due to the chilly evenings and nights, it is advised to bring an umbrella, a sweater, or a sweatshirt when visiting Leeds.

How to reach Leeds?

Reaching Leeds is very convenient as it is located in the heart of the United Kingdom and has direct links to railways all over the country. It is served by the Airport "Leeds Bradford" which is the highest in England, i.e.681 feet over the level of the sea. The airport welcomes tourists from over 70 places, and the hull port is just one hour from the airport. Moreover, tourists can visit "Leeds" by train, air or car as the city is easily accessible everywhere.

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