Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is an absolute gem in Leeds! The ruins are stunning and so well preserved, with so much history to take in as you wander through the grounds. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful walk, a family day out, or even just to sit and enjoy the scenery. The surrounding parkland is beautifully maintained and makes the whole experience even more special. There’s a lovely mix of history, nature, and open space. It’s free to explore, donations welcome. Definitely one of the highlights of Leeds and somewhere I’d recommend to anyone visiting the city.

We enjoyed our time here. There was a food market on when we visited. We could visit the Abbey ruins for free. It is very lovely by the water. I had a coffee and a snack in the cafe. There is also a gift shop. The front of the cafe is dog friendly while at the back there is a cafe allowing assisted dogs only. The coffee was very good as was the choice of food and snacks. There is an option to pay to visit the Kirkstall Abbey Museum. Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit this time. Free parking accross the road and well worth a visit 😀

Really good place to visit on the edge of Leeds . The Abbey is free to enter , they just ask that you make a donation for the upkeep. The parking across the road is free . We were unfortunate that the museum was closed due to lack of staff. Restaurant was clean and tidy and served good quality drinks and snacks. Will go back.

Lovely large medieval abbey which is well presented. Kids enjoyed the simple family trail we did and exploring the various ruins. Particularly like the 'Pay as You're Able' model for every as otherwise things can get prohibitively expensive for families during already busy and expensive summer holidays!

Beautiful place for a wander on a sunny day! Parking outside the Museum for free. Entry is free but you will have to make a cash donation via terminal or use a traditional box. Toilets, a shop and a little snack shop at the entrance. You can have a picnic outside near a lovely river.

Absolute must see. This abbey dates back at least 800 years…. Absolutely incredible, such a beautiful place to visit. There’s a museum as well although we ran out of time for that. There’s a cute coffee shop and souvenir shop as you enter. It’s by donation so pay what you feel fair. Carpark is a short walk over the road from the abbey, opposite the small museum. Free parking.

Lovely, interesting historical site with plenty of information about what used to be within the abbey and who lived there. You don’t have to pay for tickets anymore as it is donation based- very considerate for the local community ! I was fascinated to see the original floors and discover that there used to be a road going straight through the church !

Beautiful old ruin, impressive to see old roman indoor plumbing and construction. It's a great place for a wander and a picnic, especially on a sunny day. The Abbey itself has paid entry, but it's quite cheap, though you can see most of it just by wandering around the fence, which isn't too far from the crumbling walls of the Abbey. It's a beautiful place to visit.