Leeds Churches and Cathedrals

(Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK)

Religion has clearly played an important part in the history of Leeds and the city of today comes with a number of old churches to admire. Many locals in the city identify themselves as having Christian beliefs, with the Leeds Parish Church being of particular importance here, although it should be said that St. George's is known for boasting the highest congregation numbers.

Dating back to the 1830s, St. George's Church is a Grade-I listed building with a relatively new spire added as recently as 2006, since its former spire collapsed in the sixties and was not replaced at the time. Also of local significance in the city is the very beautiful Grade-II listed St. Anne's Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is now best known as simply Leeds Cathedral and dates back to 1904, being thoroughly renovated and restored in 2006.

Leeds Cathedral / St. Anne's Roman Catholic Cathedral

Address: Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 3AW, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 244 8634
St. Anne's Roman Catholic Cathedral is located in the city centre and was built more than 100 years ago. Serving as the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Leeds, St. Anne's is one of the most celebrated churches of the Arts and Crafts movement in West Yorkshire. With simple Gothic-style architecture, spectacular external elevations, a sanctuary area with a free standing altar made of Italian marble, and tremendous attention to detail both inside and out, the cathedral is easy to find, being located next to the Millennium Square.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Leeds Parish Church

Address: Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 245 4012
Centrally located Leeds Parish Church was built in the mid-19th century on the site of a ruined medieval chapel. This historic building is widely considered to be the mother church of Leeds city and was at least the fourth to be built on this very spot. Highlights include choral and organ music, Victorian architecture, numerous monuments and religious artefacts, an impressive interior with many original features and regular services.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

St. George's Church

Address: Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3BR, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 243 8498
With a Church of England parish, St. George's stands on Great George Street, where it is close to the Town Hall, the General Infirmary and the university campus. Various activities are staged here all through the week, although it is the Sunday services that understandably attract the largest numbers, being held at 10:30, 17:00 and again at 19:30.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Kirkstall Abbey

Address: Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 275 5821
Kirkstall Abbey, in the suburb of Kirkstall, dates back to the middle of the 12th century, when it began its life as part of a large Cistercian monastery complex of buildings. Today, the abbey is sadly in a state of ruin, although much of the original structure is still standing and is in a surprisingly good state of repair, considering that there is no longer a roof. Kirkstall Abbey is located within a public park and close to the River Aire.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

St. John's Church

Address: New Briggate, Mark Lane, Leeds, LS2 8JA, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 244 1689
St. John's Church is situated in the city centre and was built in the early 17th century. Attractions include grand Gothic architecture, an impressive interior, numerous wooden carvings, stone statues and many historic elements. A number of popular shopping centres and precincts are to be found close by, such as The Core and the Victoria Quarter.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: free

Mill Hill Chapel

Address: Lower Basinghall Street, Leeds, LS1 5EB, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 243 3845
The Mill Hill Chapel, in the city centre, was built in the late 17th century and stands right next to the busy Leeds Shopping Plaza. Featuring stunning Gothic-style architecture and countless colourful stained-glass windows, the chapel has been renovated over the years and is filled with many interesting original features.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 11:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Rievaulx Abbey

Address: Rievaulx, Near York, Helmsley, Yorkshire, YO6 5LJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1439 798 228
The majestic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey are situated in the nearby market town of Helmsley. Built over 700 years ago, this historic religious building was actually the first Abbey to be constructed in the Yorkshire area. Attractions include scenic views of the surrounding countryside, well-preserved remains, numerous outbuildings, ancient artefacts and tremendous character.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free