Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall, north-west of Leeds city centre in West Yorkshire, England. It is set in a public park on the north bank of the River Aire. It was founded c. 1152. It was disestablished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII.
The picturesque ruins have been drawn and painted by artists such as J. M. W. Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Sell Cotman.
Kirkstall Abbey is well worth a visit if you're nearby. Great place to take kids, and if it's a good day a picnic would be lovely. If you go here, I would also recommend heading to the Abbey Museum on the other side of the road. They've got a load of very old arcade machines which you can still play until your hearts content. I was there hours! They've also got loads of little shop areas set up how they would have been back then, with little houses and all. Great experience and educational for the little ones.
KezCakeFeb 9, 2018
Beautiful Abbey to wander around rain or shine. Great parkland around for kids to play. By the river a great back drop its lovely to see parts restored. Lovely farmers markets there too. Also cafe and across the road another great cafe and Abbey house museum. Definately worth a visit
Karen CordenFeb 14, 2018
Really enjoyed visiting. It's nice that the Abbey itself is not fenced off so you can have a proper explore. There's a visitor center, gift shop and nice little cafe too. Car park is free right next to kids playground
Matt BatemanFeb 5, 2018
If you like history this is well worth a visit, large Abbey with nice gift shop, toilets, plenty of visitor information as you walk around and free entry. Surrounding park is lovely with paths and views of the river and Abbey. Car park is across the road and through Museum grounds but is also free and set at side of another large open park. Great afternoon visit.
Colin BrassJan 6, 2018
Wonderful place to visit and explore. The ruins of the Abbey are free to enter and you can walk around them at your own lessure discovering them. Some of the Abbey has been badly restored and the main road to Leeds did run straight through the middle of the abbey long ago. Gardens outside are large and well maintained. Nice to sit by the river and relax. Food is also on offer but never tried it. Very much worth a visit when the weather is nice.
Karl TilburyDec 11, 2017
This place is a great park! The abbey (or what’s left of it) is a good place to be. There is a decent sized car park (free) which the standard expensive ice cream van. Park for kids, close to the river. Bit of a walk to shops etc. Would recommend though.
Daniel WoodsMar 26, 2018
It's easy to get to Kirkstall Abbey via bus. This location is free to visit. There is a Shop which is also a Visitor Center where you can get a map and necessary information. The castle is really worth to visit, enjoy fresh air, natural sightseeing...
Sumiko akitaMar 16, 2018
Fewer stones than some Abbeys, more than others. The ones that are left are very impressive and the visitors centre is good for all ages. The surrounding park is good for dogs and you can them into the enclosed parts of the Abbey
Stephen CarlileApr 2, 2018
Just found this place a couple of weeks back and it is great. It is used for several events throughout the year. For instant a market every weekend. The museum building has a souvenir shop plus a heated resting area including toys for the little ones. Great little walks all around and there is a playground just over the road. Even at bad weather this is a nice experience, if you are prepared for it.
Hannes WengelApr 10, 2018
Beautiful place specially in summer, People can go for a walk. A good place for kids to play. It’s a old historic monument. Good place for gathering. Their is a farmer market on last weekend of every month where they you get fresh vegetables and food from local farmers.
VivekMay 14, 2018
Good place to visit, especially if is on a sunny day. The Abbey stands tall or what's left of her former self since 1150s. The city council might have plans with it along with the proper authority in terms of maintenance. Plenty of activity around, a place to have a drink, cool off, grab a snack and coffee.
Dimos LarosMay 27, 2018
Love kirkstall Abbey. The museum across the road is kitted out for kids so it's worth a visit. Only gave 4 stars because I feel it needs new play equipment in the park for the kids. A sand pit much needed.
Catherine Page-MartinMay 28, 2018
Really nice place so close to the city. Big area when you can have a picnic or walk your dogs. The remaining of abbey are very impressive and you can see them for free
Wiktoria LaszikMay 23, 2018
A great place to visit if you enjoy history or just want a walk, picnic or lounge in the grounds on a nice day... Kids could possibly get bored but there is a small park over the road next to the car park as well as a cafe that serves hot and cold drinks as well as food. On the grounds there is a visitor centre that sells gifts, ice cream and cold drinks. The surrounding area has some nice places to visit so you are not isolated just to the Abbey if you want to make a day of it.
DOWN TUNEDJul 22, 2018
Even if it weren't free, this is an impressive building. The council have done a great job with putting up info and keeping this place used. The little shop, which you have to go through to get in to the abbey, is quite nice. There's a little quiet place where kids can play out of the sun (or rain). Cafe and park over the road are fab too.
Paul EllinghamJul 8, 2018
I'm ashamed to say it's the first time I've visited but I'll definitely go again. We went to the Pirates and Mermaids event which was well worth the money. What a beautiful setting for the outdoor cinema and there were loads of other fun interactive things for the kids. Parking across the street was ample and it has a lovely play area also.
Chantel JohnsonJun 21, 2018
Been coming here for years, for events, walks, casual days out.. and never been disappointed. This weekend we visited for the market in the sunshine and it was beautiful. Parking across the road well managed and the grounds are beautifully kept. Even if there’s nothing specific happening, it’s a great spot to take a stroll and hang out.
Mary BaldwinJul 2, 2018
Kirkstall Abbey is well worth a visit if you're nearby. Great place to take kids, and if it's a good day a picnic would be lovely. If you go here, I would also recommend heading to the Abbey Museum on the other side of the road. They've got a load of very old arcade machines which you can still play until your hearts content. I was there hours! They've also got loads of little shop areas set up how they would have been back then, with little houses and all. Great experience and educational for the little ones.
KezCakeFeb 9, 2018
Beautiful Abbey to wander around rain or shine. Great parkland around for kids to play. By the river a great back drop its lovely to see parts restored. Lovely farmers markets there too. Also cafe and across the road another great cafe and Abbey house museum. Definately worth a visit
Karen CordenFeb 14, 2018
Really enjoyed visiting. It's nice that the Abbey itself is not fenced off so you can have a proper explore. There's a visitor center, gift shop and nice little cafe too. Car park is free right next to kids playground
Matt BatemanFeb 5, 2018
If you like history this is well worth a visit, large Abbey with nice gift shop, toilets, plenty of visitor information as you walk around and free entry. Surrounding park is lovely with paths and views of the river and Abbey. Car park is across the road and through Museum grounds but is also free and set at side of another large open park. Great afternoon visit.
Colin BrassJan 6, 2018
Wonderful place to visit and explore. The ruins of the Abbey are free to enter and you can walk around them at your own lessure discovering them. Some of the Abbey has been badly restored and the main road to Leeds did run straight through the middle of the abbey long ago. Gardens outside are large and well maintained. Nice to sit by the river and relax. Food is also on offer but never tried it. Very much worth a visit when the weather is nice.
Karl TilburyDec 11, 2017
This place is a great park! The abbey (or what’s left of it) is a good place to be. There is a decent sized car park (free) which the standard expensive ice cream van. Park for kids, close to the river. Bit of a walk to shops etc. Would recommend though.
Daniel WoodsMar 26, 2018
It's easy to get to Kirkstall Abbey via bus. This location is free to visit. There is a Shop which is also a Visitor Center where you can get a map and necessary information. The castle is really worth to visit, enjoy fresh air, natural sightseeing...
Sumiko akitaMar 16, 2018
Fewer stones than some Abbeys, more than others. The ones that are left are very impressive and the visitors centre is good for all ages. The surrounding park is good for dogs and you can them into the enclosed parts of the Abbey
Stephen CarlileApr 2, 2018
Just found this place a couple of weeks back and it is great. It is used for several events throughout the year. For instant a market every weekend. The museum building has a souvenir shop plus a heated resting area including toys for the little ones. Great little walks all around and there is a playground just over the road. Even at bad weather this is a nice experience, if you are prepared for it.
Hannes WengelApr 10, 2018
Beautiful place specially in summer, People can go for a walk. A good place for kids to play. It’s a old historic monument. Good place for gathering. Their is a farmer market on last weekend of every month where they you get fresh vegetables and food from local farmers.
VivekMay 14, 2018
Good place to visit, especially if is on a sunny day. The Abbey stands tall or what's left of her former self since 1150s. The city council might have plans with it along with the proper authority in terms of maintenance. Plenty of activity around, a place to have a drink, cool off, grab a snack and coffee.
Dimos LarosMay 27, 2018
Love kirkstall Abbey. The museum across the road is kitted out for kids so it's worth a visit. Only gave 4 stars because I feel it needs new play equipment in the park for the kids. A sand pit much needed.
Catherine Page-MartinMay 28, 2018
Really nice place so close to the city. Big area when you can have a picnic or walk your dogs. The remaining of abbey are very impressive and you can see them for free
Wiktoria LaszikMay 23, 2018
A great place to visit if you enjoy history or just want a walk, picnic or lounge in the grounds on a nice day... Kids could possibly get bored but there is a small park over the road next to the car park as well as a cafe that serves hot and cold drinks as well as food. On the grounds there is a visitor centre that sells gifts, ice cream and cold drinks. The surrounding area has some nice places to visit so you are not isolated just to the Abbey if you want to make a day of it.
DOWN TUNEDJul 22, 2018
Even if it weren't free, this is an impressive building. The council have done a great job with putting up info and keeping this place used. The little shop, which you have to go through to get in to the abbey, is quite nice. There's a little quiet place where kids can play out of the sun (or rain). Cafe and park over the road are fab too.
Paul EllinghamJul 8, 2018
I'm ashamed to say it's the first time I've visited but I'll definitely go again. We went to the Pirates and Mermaids event which was well worth the money. What a beautiful setting for the outdoor cinema and there were loads of other fun interactive things for the kids. Parking across the street was ample and it has a lovely play area also.
Chantel JohnsonJun 21, 2018
Been coming here for years, for events, walks, casual days out.. and never been disappointed. This weekend we visited for the market in the sunshine and it was beautiful. Parking across the road well managed and the grounds are beautifully kept. Even if there’s nothing specific happening, it’s a great spot to take a stroll and hang out.
Mary BaldwinJul 2, 2018
Kirkstall Abbey is well worth a visit if you're nearby. Great place to take kids, and if it's a good day a picnic would be lovely. If you go here, I would also recommend heading to the Abbey Museum on the other side of the road. They've got a load of very old arcade machines which you can still play until your hearts content. I was there hours! They've also got loads of little shop areas set up how they would have been back then, with little houses and all. Great experience and educational for the little ones.
KezCakeFeb 9, 2018
Beautiful Abbey to wander around rain or shine. Great parkland around for kids to play. By the river a great back drop its lovely to see parts restored. Lovely farmers markets there too. Also cafe and across the road another great cafe and Abbey house museum. Definately worth a visit
Karen CordenFeb 14, 2018
Really enjoyed visiting. It's nice that the Abbey itself is not fenced off so you can have a proper explore. There's a visitor center, gift shop and nice little cafe too. Car park is free right next to kids playground
Matt BatemanFeb 5, 2018
If you like history this is well worth a visit, large Abbey with nice gift shop, toilets, plenty of visitor information as you walk around and free entry. Surrounding park is lovely with paths and views of the river and Abbey. Car park is across the road and through Museum grounds but is also free and set at side of another large open park. Great afternoon visit.
Colin BrassJan 6, 2018
Wonderful place to visit and explore. The ruins of the Abbey are free to enter and you can walk around them at your own lessure discovering them. Some of the Abbey has been badly restored and the main road to Leeds did run straight through the middle of the abbey long ago. Gardens outside are large and well maintained. Nice to sit by the river and relax. Food is also on offer but never tried it. Very much worth a visit when the weather is nice.
Karl TilburyDec 11, 2017
This place is a great park! The abbey (or what’s left of it) is a good place to be. There is a decent sized car park (free) which the standard expensive ice cream van. Park for kids, close to the river. Bit of a walk to shops etc. Would recommend though.
Daniel WoodsMar 26, 2018
It's easy to get to Kirkstall Abbey via bus. This location is free to visit. There is a Shop which is also a Visitor Center where you can get a map and necessary information. The castle is really worth to visit, enjoy fresh air, natural sightseeing...
Sumiko akitaMar 16, 2018
Fewer stones than some Abbeys, more than others. The ones that are left are very impressive and the visitors centre is good for all ages. The surrounding park is good for dogs and you can them into the enclosed parts of the Abbey
Stephen CarlileApr 2, 2018
Just found this place a couple of weeks back and it is great. It is used for several events throughout the year. For instant a market every weekend. The museum building has a souvenir shop plus a heated resting area including toys for the little ones. Great little walks all around and there is a playground just over the road. Even at bad weather this is a nice experience, if you are prepared for it.
Hannes WengelApr 10, 2018
Beautiful place specially in summer, People can go for a walk. A good place for kids to play. It’s a old historic monument. Good place for gathering. Their is a farmer market on last weekend of every month where they you get fresh vegetables and food from local farmers.
VivekMay 14, 2018
Good place to visit, especially if is on a sunny day. The Abbey stands tall or what's left of her former self since 1150s. The city council might have plans with it along with the proper authority in terms of maintenance. Plenty of activity around, a place to have a drink, cool off, grab a snack and coffee.
Dimos LarosMay 27, 2018
Love kirkstall Abbey. The museum across the road is kitted out for kids so it's worth a visit. Only gave 4 stars because I feel it needs new play equipment in the park for the kids. A sand pit much needed.
Catherine Page-MartinMay 28, 2018
Really nice place so close to the city. Big area when you can have a picnic or walk your dogs. The remaining of abbey are very impressive and you can see them for free
Wiktoria LaszikMay 23, 2018
A great place to visit if you enjoy history or just want a walk, picnic or lounge in the grounds on a nice day... Kids could possibly get bored but there is a small park over the road next to the car park as well as a cafe that serves hot and cold drinks as well as food. On the grounds there is a visitor centre that sells gifts, ice cream and cold drinks. The surrounding area has some nice places to visit so you are not isolated just to the Abbey if you want to make a day of it.
DOWN TUNEDJul 22, 2018
Even if it weren't free, this is an impressive building. The council have done a great job with putting up info and keeping this place used. The little shop, which you have to go through to get in to the abbey, is quite nice. There's a little quiet place where kids can play out of the sun (or rain). Cafe and park over the road are fab too.
Paul EllinghamJul 8, 2018
I'm ashamed to say it's the first time I've visited but I'll definitely go again. We went to the Pirates and Mermaids event which was well worth the money. What a beautiful setting for the outdoor cinema and there were loads of other fun interactive things for the kids. Parking across the street was ample and it has a lovely play area also.
Chantel JohnsonJun 21, 2018
Been coming here for years, for events, walks, casual days out.. and never been disappointed. This weekend we visited for the market in the sunshine and it was beautiful. Parking across the road well managed and the grounds are beautifully kept. Even if there’s nothing specific happening, it’s a great spot to take a stroll and hang out.
Mary BaldwinJul 2, 2018
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |