Be transported back to the 19th century and stroll the Victorian streets of Leeds at the Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall.
Have you ever wanted to live the life of a Victorian for a day? To explore the social history of 19th century Leeds?
Well you don't have to jump in a time machine to do so as The Abbey House Museum provides all this and more.
Established in 1927, you will find this fascinating museum opposite the famous Kirkstall Abbey.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Boasting an incredible history itself, it was originally a dwelling house for the abbey before it was operated as a farm house, and then was the home of the Butler family, the owners of Kirkstall Forge, before being purchased by Leeds City Council in 1926.
Today it offers visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of 19th century Leeds by exploring life-like cobbled streets complete with shops, pubs and houses.
You'll be handed a booklet on arrival which provides bundles of fascinating information to guide you through the streets. From the live expectancy rates of nearby towns to pay rates of millworkers through the years - one things for sure you'll definitely learn a whole lot on your trip to the Abbey House Museum.
Pop into Popplewell the grocers before stopping for a pint at the Hark to Rover pub, each recreated building is filled with original objects dating back over 100 years from the museum's extensive collection.
Upstairs you will find the museum's Childhood Galleries which exhibit their incredible growing collection of toys, 19th century dolls, memorabilia and nostalgia.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's plenty of comfortable spots for you to play and relax with their huge selection of toys and books, making it the perfect place to while away the afternoon.
The first floor of the museum is home to an annually-changing special exhibition, each one as interesting as the next. In 2022 the museum showcased a menagerie of Victorian animals in an exhibit named Curious Creatures:Victorian attitudes to animals.
Entry for an adult costs just £6, and a child aged 5-18 only £3. Family admission of up to 2 adults and 3 children is just £13.50, making it the perfect family trip out over the school holidays or on the weekend.
To find out more about this wonderful museum, take a look at their website.
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Behind the doors of this ‘charming’ old doctor’s surgery in Harewood on the market for £1.6 million
Clementine Hall
Fancy a look inside this beautiful former doctors house in the heart of Harewood?
Silly question, of course you do.
The only thing is, you'll need a spare £1.6 million before you can call it your own...but it doesn't hurt to have a look, does it?
Take a look behind this charming front door of what is, by far, one of the finest properties the Leeds housing market has to offer at the moment.
Images: Right Move/ North Residential
This Georgian family home features an impressive 6000 sq ft of accommodation as well as one of the most beautiful gardens we've ever seen.
I mean, how often do you have your own weeping willow tree in your front porch?
The house dates back to the late 1700’s and was once a former doctor’s surgery, but now it stands as one of the fanciest and most prestigious homes in Harewood.
Images: Rightmove / North Residential
We're already obsessed with the gorgeous stone and perfectly manicured landscape, but it's just as exciting when you take a look through the adorable sage green door.
The interior is giving cottage core but in the best way possible, we're talking plenty of wooden beams, solid oak flooring, original windows and of course a big fat AGA.
There's a whopping six bedrooms and three bathrooms (all featuring a sexy big bath), but the grounds are what really give this place the hefty price tag.
Images: Right Move/ North Residential
The listing itself states: "With its unique and private plot and rural walks on your doorstep, The Old Surgery provides a rare opportunity to enjoy tranquil village living, yet within striking distance to the hustle and bustle, in a home that is steeped in superb history."
Yep, we couldn't have put it better ourselves.
To have a proper nosey, take a look at the listing here.
Clementine Hall -
8th February 2023 
