Explore a true sense of the past at
Kirkstall Abbey
, a much loved part of the Leeds skyline.
One of Britain's best preserved abbeys, Kirkstall Abbey was founded in 1152 by a party of Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey and was closed down in November 1539 in the Dissolution of religious houses ordered by Henry VIII. The monks were pensioned-off, the roofs stripped of lead and some buildings converted for agricultural use. Many famous artists such as JMW Turner, Thomas Girtin and Moses Griffith came to paint Kirkstall Abbey's picturesque ruins. Today large parts of the Abbey can still be seen and explored free of charge.
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most important buildings historically in Leeds. Built between 1152 and 1182 on the northern bank of the River Aire, the Abbey was home to a community of Cistercian monks and lay brothers. After its dissolution in 1539 the abbey’s windows, roofs and much of the stonework were steadily removed for use in local building projects and this helps explain its current partially-ruined appearance. Nevertheless, Kirkstall is still preferred by many historians to other Cistercian abbeys such as those found at Fountains and Rievaulx.
The grounds
Kirkstall Abbey is hugely popular with local families and visitors from afar, consisting of 23.5 hectares of historical grounds, landscaped walks and open grassland.
Following a £5.5million makeover, there is something of interest for all visitors to enjoy including restored Abbey ruins, visitor centre, beautifully landscaped grounds, tennis courts, children's play area, rugby union and football pitches.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds or along the river. Participate or just watch some of the formal organised games played on site. Take part in many events held throughout the year. Bring a picnic along or indulge in refreshments on a new terrace overlooking the river.
New visitor centre
Kirkstall Abbey now has a brand new visitor centre. The centre is built on the site of the Reredorter, the name given to the toilets used by the laybrothers who carried out agricultural and manual tasks at the abbey.
Exhibitions tell the story of the abbey from its construction in the 12th century through displays and audio-visual presentations to offer a first-hand experience of every aspect of the lives of the monks who lived there – including a reconstruction of the monks' toilet system!
How to get there
By car – from Leeds city centre follow the A65 (Kirkstall Road) for approximately 2 ½ miles. Kirkstall Abbey can be found on your right approximately ¼ mile after the Kirkstall Retail Park.
Kirkstall Abbey is on a well serviced bus route. Please contact Metroline for up to date travel information on 0113 245 7676 or see the Metro Journey Planner
Access
Most visitors arrive at the car park next to to the Inner Gatehouse of the monastery which now forms part of the Abbey House Museum. The Inner Gatehouse is situated almost at the centre of the walled precinct of the abbey, an area which extended for some forty acres between the brow of the hill and the banks of the River Aire. The narrow road leading north westwards from the car park runs across the former dam for the abbey mill pond before proceeding out of the precinct by the Vesper Gate.
Level access from the main road. Car park on the other side of the road. Steep slope from car park to main road. Blue badge holders may prefer to park on the main road. Level paths around the Abbey and into the Cloisters. Wheelchair users may require assistance.
Mailing list
If you would like more further information on Kirkstall Abbey and exhibitions and events across Leeds Museums and Galleries please email your name and address to: museumsmailinglist@leeds.gov.uk
Alternatively, write to: Leeds Museums and Galleries, Marketing, 8th Floor West, Merrion House, Leeds City Council, FREEPOST NAT19236, Leeds, LS2 8AL.