Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills

A really lovely day out at Armley Mill. We came on Tuesday afternoon and had the whole place to ourselves. This building was an old textile mill and you can see many machinery that were used when it was operational! Lots of infographics to make the mill come alive! They have demo says, so that would be interesting to see the machines in action. As you work your way round, there are other exhibitions of cinema equipment alongside a cinema showing animations with original seats. There’s free parking available!

Brilliant! Visited at the beginning of October 2025 when the outside area was closed for restoration. Having said that, there are still many great things to see inside. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff can explain the history and workings of the exhibits. A great museum.

Very nice museum, even our kids (6 and 4) really enjoyed, because there is a lot of activities for kids to keep them busy. The big surprise was a little old cinema with a short movies and beautiful "engineer office" for kids to play. There is a lot to see in museum for adults as well, it was very interesting and we learned a lot about industrial history of Leeds and West Yorkshire. Very nice and friendly staff and it definitely worth the money. There is a family ticket available for family.

Great place to visit at a reasonable price. Lots of history and engineering in one place. I think I've enjoyed it more than my teenage daughter.

Informative and slightly depressing museum showing how great the industrial and engineering prowess of Leeds was. Friendly and helpful staff. Can get there by walking along the canal or there is a free carpark a short walk from the mill.

Excellent collection of textile machinery, welcoming staff & guide (if needed) three floors of the old mill to explore. But the outside areas, large engines, boilers, industrial machinery, all closed off. Looks to be lack of funding for these areas, with stalled on going works. Shame because it was nice weather & the items looked very interesting.

Industrial heritage with collections of textile machinery, railway equipment and heavy engineering. This time don't get chance to visit inside but next time must. This needs to be visited to understand who the industries has been evolved over the period. Lovely surround and park besides it. Side nature virw along with Water Cannel rout will never disappoint you. Recommended for visit.

An excellent museum, which tells the story of Leeds industry through the ages - cloth making, made-to-measure clothing, steam engines, printing, film making, and many more. The displays are well laid out, with helpful information panels (or just ask the friendly staff or volunteers). The museum is housed in an old mill, an impressive building in a picturesque setting alongside the Leeds- Liverpool Canal. Well worth a visit!

We had so much fun here! The staff was hilarious and just seeing this place made me think of the pictures in the textbooks I read as a child about the industrial times in England. The view outside is gorgeous and my children and I had so much fun seeing all the exhibits and different textiles. A really good part of the exhibit were the ages of the workers and the stories of all the health-related problems they were through. So fascinating.

Located in the dreary Leeds suburb of Armley, this large museum occupies a former industrial site alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Aire. At the time of my visit the whole of the outdoor area was closed because of flood-defence work so I wasn't able to see everything it offers. There is a lot of interesting stuff in this museum, particularly about the textile industry, and some of the other industries that helped to make Leeds one of England's great cities. However some of the interpretation is limited and some old machinery isn't restored. Being located beside the canal it is surprising that nothing at all was said in the exhibitions about the canal, which was an artery of industry in its heyday. Unfortunately access by public transport is poor, the nearest bus stop doesn't offer a very frequent service and doesn't connect very well to the main Leeds station. If you have time it is easier to walk from the City along the canal towpath.

The Leeds Industrial Museum does exactly what it says on the tin, showcasing the development of industry and its role in people's lives all in the apt setting of what was once the world's largest woollen mill. If you're a history buff or just interested in how things work there's plenty to keep you occupied here, with displays, exhibits and interactive activities detailing manufacturing through the ages. If history's not your thing it's still worth going once to learn a bit more about what made our city the way it is today, and the outdoor picnic area is a treat on a summer's day. It's not really a full day out, but if you combine a visit with a trip to the nearby Kirkstall Abbey you have an itinerary that will keep most families or visiting parents entertained.

Enjoyed myself here. Only $3.40 and half that for kids. Showing the development of textiles in Leeds. Plus the industrial revolution. Friendly staff. They are still recovering from the boxing day flood so some places were not showing. Looking for a afternoon or morning it's well worth your time.

Pretty much anything goes for me. When my friend comes round with small child in tow the pub is obviously out of the question and it's time to delve into many of the other mass of attractions on my door. So that led me to Leeds Industrial Museum. I must admit, I was never the world's biggest fan of museums as a child but that made me feel more willing to share my pain to yet more generations. However, my pain is no more. Museums are soooooo much better these days and Leeds Industrial Museum isn't half bad. It's one of the largest textile museums in the world and boasts a working mule (my personal favourite), a 1920s working cinema and what all small boys love, steam engine Jack. There is quite a bit to do and it's a very pleasant wander through the various buildings and area. You've got it full equipped out too, to deal with the inevitable school groups as well as people off the streets like me. So the learning zone keeps the small ones occupied and you can also refuel at one of the many picnic areas (when the Baltic weather front finally passes). There are also various workshops and adult learning programmes too, which you'd expect from any well thought out and planned set up like this. It's still a museum but there is definitely enough here to while away an afternoon and at a fiver for a family pass it's good value for money.

The River Aire splits to encompass either side of the mill. Canalisation of the river is deep and the river fast flowing, a well kept lawn with weeping willow standing proud makes a dramatic setting and you can imagine many picnickers feasting her in summer. The large old mill stark and rectangular dominates the picture with large chunks of machinery dotted around slowly being engulfed by plants. This gives the site an empty, abandoned feel, almost eerie. To complete the picture are warning signs for your safety. Inside there are many interpretation boards to fill you with information from the industrial past of Leeds; this was one of the first mills in Leeds and the start of it turning into a city. As the name suggests this is an industrial museum therefore if this doesn't appeal to you you may not wish to look around but the site is worth a look see. It is a shame that such a large space hasn't been given more use such as a café-restaurant and/or events space as it would be a lovely setting but there we go.