Leeds
Leeds is a big city not that far north of Rotherham up the M1. The road system is pretty good but at certain times of the day the traffic is utterly horrendous. Daily parking charges are pretty horrendous too. About 30/35 years ago I used to visit Leeds regularly for the shopping and the markets: the train service from Rotherham was quick, convenient and not too expensive. Then I stopped going, basically because there were long years when I had no money to spend. Since them I've only been three times and two of those were visits to the Royal Armouries.
Trains are every hour from Rotherham Station and it takes about an hour to get to Leeds via a dozen stops en route. There used to be an infrequent bus service but you'd better check details of this with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport.
Unless things have changed a very great deal Leeds is a combination of the very brash, very new and in some cases very awful, with the preservation and restoration of some very nice historical parts of the city. There is very great deal to do and see in Leeds City Centre and it could keep you busy for quite a while.
Places to visit in the Leeds Area
Art Galleries - Leeds Art Gallery - University Gallery including Henry Moore Institute.
Kirkstall Abbey & Abbey House Museum
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most historical important buildings in Leeds. It was built between 1152 and 1182 on the northern bank of the River Aire for a community of Cistercian monks and lay brothers. In 1539 after the Dissolution of the monasteries the abbey's windows, roofs and much of the stonework were steadily removed for use in local building projectshence the present day ruined appearance. Following a £5.5million makeover, there is something of interest for all visitors to enjoy including restored Abbey ruins, beautifully landscaped grounds, walks, tennis courts, children's play area, rugby union and football pitches and it is very popular. Car parking and visitor centre.
Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds. More details Kirkstall Abbey. Harewood House
The house was built in the mid-eighteenth century for the Lascelles family. The present Earl who is cousin to the Queen and his countess live here. There is a renowned collection of art amongst many other things.
Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9GL. Tel. 44 (0)113 218 1010. Website www.harewood.org.Lotherton Hall
The hall is an Edwardian country house which is home to a treasure trove of arts, crafts and music. There are extensive grounds, including a red deer park, bird garden, nature trails, cafe and extensive family play area.
Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB. Tel. 44 (0)113 281 3259 (Hall), Tel. 44 (0) 113 264 5535 (Estate). More details Lotherton Hall.Middleton Railway
Museums - Armley Mills Industrial Museum - Horsforth Village Museum - Leeds Industrial Museum - Thackray Medical Museum - Thwaite Mills Industrial Museum
Temple Newsam House and Country Park
The Temple Newsam estate consists of the mansion, formal gardens and one of the largest parks in Europe. The 1,500 acre estate of gardens and woodland is stocked with rhododendrons, roses and azaleas, the grounds also offer numerous trails, walks and a bridlepath. Home Farm in Temple Newsam Estate is the largest approved Rare Breeds Centre in the country. The farm is a large working farm yard in which traditional animal rearing techniques are employed and where a fine collection of harvesting machines can be found. There is an estate shop, cafe and conference facilities in the Stable Courtyard. Also a public golf course. Car parking, scooters to hire.
Leeds. More details Temple Newsam.Yorkgate Garden
