Leeds Museums

(Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK)

The innumerable museums of Leeds cover many different topics and subject matters, ranging from history and medicine, to past residents, the media and education. Whilst many museums are located within Leeds itself, further cultural attractions are based close by, in nearby towns such as Batley, Bradford, Halifax, Ilkley and Keighley, all of which are just a relatively short drive or bus journey away.

Families visiting the city of Leeds are strongly advised to take a stroll along the authentic Georgian and Victorian streets at the Abbey House Museum. Next door, the Kirstall Abbey may also be of interest, while close by in Halifax, the fun hands-on activities at the Eureka Museum for Children often beckon, particularly on a rainy day.

Bronte Parsonage Museum

Address: Haworth, Keighley, BD22 8DR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1535 642 323
The 18th-century Bronte Parsonage Museum is located in the nearby town of Keighley, which is located just over 32 km / 20 miles to the west and was actually the home to the renowned Bronte sisters, best known for their many famous novels. Attractions include family portraits, original letters, important documents, collections of relevant artefacts, period costumes and antique furniture. The Old White Lion pub stands almost next door should you require a bite to eat or a bed for the night.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 10:00 to 17:30, October to March - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

National Museum of Photography, Film and Television

Address: Pictureville, Bradford, BD1 1NQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1274 202 030
The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television is situated in Bradford, around 16 km / 10 miles to the west of Leeds and just past Pudsey. Full of vast collections of memorabilia from television programmes and films, visitors will gain a real insight into cinematic special effects. Specific highlights include large exhibitions with many exciting, interactive displays, as well as a state-of-the-art five-storey IMAX cinema. The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television is well signposted and easy to locate.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free, charge for cinema

Ilkley Manor House and Museum

Address: Castle Yard, Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9DT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1943 600 066
The Ilkley Manor House and Museum is based in nearby Ilkley, some 27 km / 17 miles to the west of the city, close to the Ilkley Railway Station. Housed in a grand Elizabethan building, attractions at the Ilkley Manor House include ruined remains of an important Roman fortress, collections of Roman artefacts, arts and crafts exhibitions, an activity centre, workshops and an authentic 19th-century kitchen.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 11:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Thackray Medical Museum

Address: Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 244 4343
The award-winning Thackray Medical Museum, in the Burmantofts district, celebrates the wonders of surgery through the ages, from Victorian times to modern-day surgery. Visitors will enjoy seeing the fascinating exhibits relating to surgery through the ages, and learning about the bizarre Victorian medicines, treatments and surgical tools, interactive displays and a number of gory exhibits.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, children and families

Colour Museum

Address: Perkin House, 1 Providence Street, Bradford, BD1 2PW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1274 390 955
The Colour Museum is situated in nearby Bradford, roughly 16 km / 10 miles to the west of central Leeds. The interesting displays explain everything that you could ever want to know about colours, with numerous interactive exhibits to show visitors how animals see the world. There is also a section dedicated to dyeing techniques through the years, as well as a gallery space.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, children and families

Eureka Museum for Children

Address: Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE, England
Tel: +44 (0)1422 983 191
The impressive Eureka Museum for Children is situated in nearby Halifax. With an enormous number of interactive exhibits specifically designed for young children, other attractions include a café, picnic areas and a gift shop. The themed galleries cover many different topics and are named Desert Discovery, Living and Working Together, Me and My Body, Our Global Garden, Sound Garden, Sound Space and Outside at Eureka.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children three years old and under are free

Abbey House Museum

Address: 12 Abbey Gorse / Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS4 5BY, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 230 5492
The Abbey House Museum is located within the Kirkstall area of the city. Once the gatehouse of Kirstall Abbey, the Abbey House now serves as a popular cultural attraction, allowing you to explore the historic sights, sounds and lives of people who once lived here many years ago. With recreated Georgian and Victorian streets, shops and an authentic public house, the Abbey House is a particularly entertaining place to visit. Other highlights include galleries, displays of Victorian costumes, a café area and a gift shop.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 12:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

Bagshaw Museum

Address: Wilton Park, Batley, WF17 0AS, England
Tel: +44 (0)1924 326 155
The Bagshaw Museum is situated in the neighbouring town of Batley, just 11 km / 7 miles to the south of the city and within the Wakefield area, where it is housed within an impressive mansion built in 1875 for a local businessman. Attractions include a Amazonian rain forest area, an enchanted forest with mythical creatures, an Egyptian tomb, natural history exhibits, attractive gardens and a gift shop. Wilton Park stands next door and comes with a large lake, landscaped gardens, playground and sports facilities.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Museum of the History of Education

Address: Parkinson Court, Leeds, LS2 9JT, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 233 4665
The Leeds Museum of the History of Education is situated on the outskirts of the university campus and was founded more than 50 years ago. With extensive exhibits about the history of education in this area, expect to find a vast collection of classroom artefacts, Victorian school equipment, scientific displays and historic documents.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Horsforth Village Museum

Address: The Green, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5JB, England
Tel: +44 (0)113 281 9877
The Horsforth Village Museum is situated in the Horsforth area of Leeds, close to the city centre, and is a dedicated local heritage attraction. Filled with historic exhibits and fascinating artefacts from Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian times in the city, the Horsforth Village is highly suitable for all the family.
Open hours: March to December, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children